Halloween season has arrived, and the Bloomington area is gearing up for a week packed with small town charm and spooky fun. Whether you prefer ghost stories under the stars, pumpkin-flinging contests, or a classic night of trick-or-treating, there’s plenty to keep you busy until the witching hour.
Saturday, October 25
The next day, the Monroe County Fairgrounds transforms to the center of Halloween action all day long. The Bloomington Pumpkin Launch begins at noon, with gates opening at 11 a.m. Teams of inventive engineers compete to send pumpkins flying for both distance and accuracy. Spectator admission is $10 per vehicle, and visitors can enjoy live music, kids’ activities, the event will run until 3:00 p.m.
Later that evening, families can return to the Fairgrounds for Safe Night Trick or Treat from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. The event, hosted by the Monroe County Fair Board, local 4-H clubs, and area businesses, offers a free and secure evening of trick-or-treating.
The event takes places at 5700 w Airport Rd. Food trucks will be on site throughout the entire day for those who need something savory between sweets. When the candy buckets are full, stick around for Haunted Hayrides from 8:00 to 11:00 p.m. Donations are accepted, and the scares are supplied.
The Buskirk-Chumley Theater on Kirkwood Avenue hosts two interactive screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show as part of the film’s 50th anniversary celebration. The first show begins at 7:00 p.m. and the second at 11:00 p.m. Doors open an hour before each screening.
Audience participation is encouraged, guests can bring props, shout callbacks, and dance along to this cult classic. A pre-show costume contest take place 30 minutes before each screening (6:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.). Prop bags will be available for $5.
The film is rated R and recommended for mature audiences.
Tuesday, October 28
Tuesday offers Halloween fun for the LGBTQ+ community, though everyone is welcome to join the festivities. Maxwell Hall transforms into a LGBTQ+ Haunted House party: R.I.P. to the Dancefloor from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. This celebration mixes music, costumes, and spooky décor for a night of community and laughter. Expect eerie refreshments and music with a crowd energetic enough to keep the dance floor undead.
Wednesday, October 29
Gather handmade shoppe & co. hosts, Kids Paint the Town Dead from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. This hands-on event invites participants to decorate Halloween-themed pottery, from bats to black cats and witches to ghosts. Pieces range in price from $25 to $35, and reservations are encouraged. They will also run this event at the same place and time later this week on Halloween.
Thursday, October 30
On Halloween eve, the Haunted Hall of Hoops at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall offers fans of all ages a family-friendly twist on fright night. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with IU men’s and women’s basketball players greeting visitors, handing out candy, signing autographs, and hosting a costume parade on the court. The event runs until 8:00 p.m. and is free to attend, a great way to mix Halloween and Hoosier spirit.
Get the family in the Halloween spirit with a screening of Haunted Mansion (2023) at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater. The spooky adventure follows a doctor and her son as they move into a mysteriously cheap New Orleans mansion—only to discover it’s crawling with ghosts. Tickets are available online or at will-call.
Friday, October 31 _ Halloween
Bloomington’s Halloween festivities kick off with official trick-or-treating running from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM.
Friday night wraps up the Halloween season with the finale of IU Cinema’s Friday Night Frights. Audiences can catch Clown in a Cornfield and Red Rooms at 7:00 p.m. The night closes with an 11:00 p.m. double feature of The Fog and Tetsuo: The Iron Man. Tickets for the events can be purchased online for 11 dollars.
Bloomington’s Halloween week offers something for everyone, from pumpkin launches and haunted hayrides to ghost stories, community events, and spooky movies. There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the season before Halloween night arrives.
