It feels like fall is flying by, and nothing proves it more than this week’s trick or treat guide. Our corner of Connecticut is bursting with things to do this time of year, whether it’s soaking in the valley views from the porch at Hill-Stead Museum or getting delightfully lost in the corn maze at Rosedale Vineyards.

If you’re looking for a little seasonal inspiration, don’t miss our fall bucket list.

Remember to tag us in your photos or drop me a quick hello at [email protected] to share what you’d like to see next.

But for now, on with the show…

I don’t know about you, but when I was a kid, Halloween was one night a year. I remember one year it was pouring rain, it wasn’t cancelled - that wasn’t a thing back then, we just pushed through. My mom drove us around the neighborhood in her red Mercury Villager minivan. We’d go house to house, bracing ourselves before sliding open the door and sprinting to the front porch, hoping the homeowner answered quickly. We’d grab our candy and run back, praying we didn’t step in a giant puddle hidden in the dark.

Because that’s the other thing, we didn’t trick or treat at 4 p.m. It was at least 6, maybe later.

Nowadays, Halloween stretches across most of the month, and trick-or-treating hits its peak the weekend before October 31st. So if you have kids, brace yourself for the coming week’s marathon.

Of course, I say all of this in jest. Halloween is a treasured tradition for kids, a chance to dress up as their favorite character (or, in one memorable case, like my friend did, a kitchen table...I still don’t understand that one). Then they fill their bags, or if they’re seasoned pros, pillowcases,  with more candy than anyone’s teeth can reasonably handle. (And let’s be honest, we all know there’s a secret parental tax on Reese’s and Twix.)

So take a deep breath, double-check that flashlight stash, here’s some community trick or treating events full of costumes, fun, and candy‑filled strolls.

Give a Treat, Get a Treat — The Shops, Canton
📅Monday, October 20 🕒 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 bag, and plan to stick around for dinner after.

Witch Paddle & Halloween on the River — Bridge St & River Rd, Canton
📅Saturday, October 25 🕒 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Kick off Halloween weekend on the water! Costumed paddlers will launch from Collinsville Canoe & Kayak for a spirited morning paddle down the Farmington River. Then at 11am, kids can join the fun at the riverside gazebo with games, face painting, music, and trick-or-treating, just bring a canned good for the Canton Food Bank. Just to note this is in addition to the Halloween parade, details below.

Hobgoblin Fair — Roaring Brook Nature Center, Canton
📅 Saturday, October 25 🕒 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 25 🕒 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 25 🕒 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 25 🕒 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Costumes on and candy bags ready! Avon’s annual Trunk or Treat brings families together for an evening of trunk-to-trunk candy collecting, plus extras like a giant inflatable obstacle course and hayrides. Free and open to all, rain or shine.

Collinsville Halloween Parade — Collinsville
📅 Saturday, October 25 🕒 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.

Halloween Hug-a-Horse — US Horse Welfare and Rescue, Avon
📅 Sunday, October 26 🕒 10 am – 2 pm
Dress up and trick-or-treat from horse to horse at this family favorite! Enjoy a costume parade at 12, a best costume contest at 12:30 (winner gets a free riding lesson), and treats like warm cider and popcorn. All proceeds help care for the farm’s beloved rescue horses. Children 2 and under are free.

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

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.