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Some holidays pass quietly, but Halloween never does.

Every October, sidewalks, parking lots and even malls fill with tiny superheroes, witches, dinosaurs, and princesses. And families everywhere start juggling costumes, school parties, and weekend events over the course of just a few weeks.

What used to feel like a single night has become a full blown season of spooky fun. It’s a time to embrace the festivities and social happenings because before long when the cold sets in you’ll have the memories to cherish.

So take a deep breath, charge the flashlights, and start planning. Here are some Halloween events around the Farmington Valley that return each fall with costumes, fun, and more candy than you know what to do with it.

Give a Treat, Get a Treat — The Shops at Farmington Valley, Canton
📅 Monday, October 19 | 🕒 4:30 – 6:30 pm
Head to The Shops at Farmington Valley for a community wide Halloween tradition! Donate non-perishable food for Gifts of Love, then collect spooky treats from participating shops. Pups are welcome too, with a special stop at Woof Gang Bakery. Pre-register, bring your trick or treat bags, and plan to stick around for dinner after.

Hobgoblin Fair — Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 🕒 10 am – 12 pm or 1 – 3 pm
What “critters” will appear on the trails this Halloween? Roaring Brook’s annual Hobgoblin Fair invites children ages 3–8 to enjoy the festive woods with a Track & Treat walk, leaf hunt, crafts, and more. Costumes encouraged if suitable for walking the trails. Pre-registration required.

Mall-O-Ween — Westfarms Mall, West Hartford / Farmington
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 🕒 10 am – 12 pm
Head indoors for a spooktacular morning at Westfarms! Families can enjoy live entertainment and surprises from retailers and partners while collecting candy throughout the shopping center. Each child receives a Mall-O-Ween bag to fill with treats. Part of Westfarms’ Community First initiative, this free event is a festive way to celebrate Halloween with little ones.

Halloween Stroll — West Hartford Center & Blue Back Square
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 🕒 10:30 am – 12:30 pm
West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square come alive with costumed kids, live music, giveaways, and trick-or-treating at local shops. Start at the Town Hall lawn and make your way through Farmington Avenue, Main Street, LaSalle Road, Memorial Road, and Isham Road. Costumed dogs are included too — join at World of Beer on Isham Rd starting at 11 am. Free parking and festive fun included!

Trunk or Treat — Sycamore Hills, Avon
📅 Saturday, October 24 | 🕒 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Costumes on and candy bags ready! Avon’s annual Trunk or Treat brings families together for trunk-to-trunk candy collecting, plus extras like a giant inflatable obstacle course and hayrides. Free and open to all, rain or shine.

Halloween Hug-a-Horse — US Horse Welfare and Rescue, Avon
📅 Sunday, October 24 | 🕒 11 am – 2 pm
Dress up and trick-or-treat from horse to horse at this family favorite! Enjoy a best costume contest, and treats like warm cider and popcorn available for purchase. All proceeds help care for the farm’s beloved rescue horses. Children 2 and under are free.

Fall Festival — Staples House, Farmington
📅 Sunday, October 24 | 🕒 1 pm – 4 pm
Enjoy an afternoon of crafts, games, trick or treating, activities and more. Attendees are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to donate as the festival benefits the Farmington Food Pantry.

Cabbage Night — Antonio’s, Simsbury
📅 Friday, October 30 | 🕒 4 pm – 8 pm
Head to Antonio’s to keep a classic spooky tradition alive! Donate canned food items in exchange for toilet paper to toss into the trees, then head inside for a delicious bite to eat. It’s a fun, community-focused way to kick off Halloween weekend.

Collinsville Halloween Parade — Collinsville
📅 Saturday, October 31 | 🕒 6:00 pm
When dusk falls, the streets of Collinsville close for one of the Valley’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Now in its 31st year, this spirited community parade kicks off with candy and antics from the balcony of the Canton Historical Museum, followed by a costumed procession down Main Street. The night wraps with costume judging for scariest, funniest, and most original looks. Free to join — just come in costume and be ready for a frightfully good time.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

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