Experience Downtown Blog

Let the Gourd Times Roll - Ideas to Celebrate Hallow's Eve

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As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, Milwaukee transforms into a playground for all things eerie and enchanting. From haunted tours and creepy pop-ups to family-friendly trick-or-treating and historic haunts, the city is bursting with Halloween spirit. Whether you're into spine-tingling scares or cozy fall fun, there's something brewing for everyone this October. Read on—if you dare—for a roundup of the best Halloween happenings around town!

Spooky Family Fun: 

Halloween Village presented by Baird 
October 10 – 31
Baird Community Commons
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Grab the family and head to Halloween Village presented by Baird at Baird Community Commons. The family-friendly lighting display will feature a walkthrough giant pumpkin, interactive Halloween figures, and seasonal décor – perfect for photo ops. The delightfully unfrightful scene will be lit during daytime and nighttime hours, and is free and open to the public.
https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/jack-o-lantern-jubilee 

Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee presented by Baird
Saturday, October 25 | 11am to 2pm
Baird Community Commons 
400 W. Wisconsin Avenue
Let the gourd times roll at the fourth annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee presented by Baird at Baird Community Commons. Guests will have an opportunity to select a free pumpkin, while supplies last. Decorating stations will provide supplies for the creation of silly or spooky jack-o-lanterns. Families will enjoy face-painting, photo ops with beloved characters, live entertainment, fire engine exploration with the Milwaukee Fire Department, a children’s book sale with Friends of Milwaukee Public Library, and more. Fall-themed vendors will offer food and beverages for purchase. Children are encouraged to attend in costume as Trick-Or-Treat goodie bags will be distributed, while supplies last. The event is free and open to the public. 
https://www.milwaukeedowntown.com/bid-events/jack-o-lantern-jubilee 

“Haunted Harmonies” Halloween Pajama Jamboree
Wednesday, October 29 | 7pm to 8pm
Marcus Performing Arts Center 
Get ready for a magical night of music and fun at this free, family-friendly Halloween concert! Come in costume, bring your blankets and teddy bears, and enjoy spooky favorites from Harry Potter, Coco, Danse Macabre, and more. Held at the Marcus Performing Arts Center, this one-hour concert is perfect for kids (K4–5th grade) and music lovers of all ages. No tickets needed—just show up and enjoy!
https://festivalcitysymphony.org/orchestra-concert-schedule/

First Stage’s Goosebumps: Phantom of the Auditorium
October 11 - November 2
Marcus Performing Arts Center - Todd Wehr Theater
Step into the spotlight for a thrilling night of mystery and music! Join Brooke and Zeke as they take center stage in a school play that might just be cursed. With ghostly messages, a masked menace, and a race to uncover the truth, this musical based on R.L. Stine’s classic will keep you on the edge of your seat. Perfect for families and horror fans ages 8–18, this goosebump-inducing show runs about 1 hour and 45 minutes, including a brief intermission. Don’t miss your chance to experience the chills and thrills—the Phantom awaits!
https://www.firststage.org/Production-Details/Goosebumps 

Halloween Family Magic Show
November 1 & 2 | 2pm
Brumder Mansion
Enjoy a night of comedy and magic with Two Brothers One Mind in a spooky, historic setting full of Halloween charm.
https://www.hauntedwisconsin.com/detail/two-brothers-one-mind-family-halloween/ 

Events and Activities: 

MAM After Dark: Fright at the Museum
Friday, October 24 | 7pm to 11pm
Milwaukee Art Museum
Join MAM for Fright at the Museum—an after-hours Halloween party where art, music, and mystery collide. Step into the shadows of this haunted haven of live entertainment, eerie encounters, and plenty of spirited fun.
https://mam.org/events/event/mam-after-dark-fright-at-the-museum/

Halloween in the Streets
Now through November 22
Milwaukee Public Museum
Enjoy old time frights and festive fall sights in the Streets of Old Milwaukee, where replica turn-of-the-century Halloween decorations, vintage Museum collections items, and seasonal props have been added to several of the businesses and homes.
https://www.mpm.edu/events-programs#events

Illuminating the Dark Tours 
Fridays & Saturdays, October 3 - 31
Pabst Mansion
Explore the mansion’s shadowy halls and hidden corners in a rare nighttime experience. Discover its secrets, just watch out for the captain lurking in the dark!
https://www.pabstmansion.com/events/illuminating-the-dark/

Third Ward Ghost Walk
Fridays & Saturdays, October 3 - 31 | 7:30pm
Various Locations
Uncover the eerie past of Milwaukee’s Third Ward on this 90-minute walking tour with American Ghost Walks. Explore haunted hotspots like the Cabot Theatre, MIAD, and the Pfister Hotel, and hear chilling tales of gangsters, ghosts, and the legendary Clair Richardson. Guided ghost tour, ages 13+. 
https://www.americanghostwalks.com/tour/milwaukee-bloody-third-ward-ghost-walk 

Ofrenda Display for Día de Los Muertos
October 10 - November 28
Milwaukee Public Museum
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a Mexican celebration, is a day to celebrate and remember those who have departed. Visit our First Floor to view an authentic display of a traditional ofrenda (altar) and learn more about this pre-Hispanic tradition.
https://www.mpm.edu/events-programs#events

Halloween Pop-Ups, Pub Crawls & Parties: 

Spooky Camp
Deer Camp MKE - 1023 N. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Halloween pop-up bar
https://www.campbarmke.com/spookycampmenu

Central Standard Pumpkin Spiced Latte Cocktail Class & Tasting
Wednesday, October 29 | 7pm to 8:30pm
Central Standard Crafthouse & Kitchen
Celebrate the season with a cozy mixology experience! Learn to craft the ultimate Pumpkin Spiced Latte Cocktail using coffee vodka, pumpkin spice, and coffee liqueur. Enjoy a welcome drink, spirit tasting, and take home a recipe card, tasting glass, and 15% off coupon. Perfect for fall lovers and cocktail enthusiasts alike! 21+, Seasonal cocktails, mixology class, reservation required.
https://thecentralstandard.com/cocktail-classes-guided-tastings/#id=copy-of-pumpkin-spiced-latte-cocktail-class-tasting-milwaukee 

Halloween Bar Crawls
October 31 & November 1
Various Locations
Check in at one of the participating locations then use your voucher to enjoy special shots and potions.
https://www.crawlwith.us/milwaukee/halloween 

Haunted History Pub Crawl Tour - City Tours MKE
Ongoing, Fridays & Saturdays
Various Locations
Explore the city on a two-hour journey filled with bone-chilling tales, eerie urban legends, and ghost stories that’ll leave you wondering what’s really going bump in the night.
https://citytoursmke.com/tour/milwaukee-haunted-history-pub-bar-crawl-tour/ 

The Haunting of Frederick Pabst Halloween Party 
Saturday, November 1 | 7pm to 2am
On Tap - 1203 N. 10th Street
Step into a luxurious masquerade where Milwaukee’s brewing history meets moody lighting, live music, and a touch of the supernatural.
https://ontapmilwaukee.com/event-calendar/the-haunting-of-frederick-pabst-halloween-party