Get Ready for Ghoulish Delights at the Downtown Madison Family Halloween Bash on Oct. 25

Kids and parents alike will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon at the Downtown Madison Family Halloween on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 3 – 6 p.m. This is a FREE event that features trick-or-treating at 50 downtown businesses, hay rides around Capitol Square (cost $3 per person), arts and crafts projects, stories, songs, and more. 

Photo: Pexels

Get a picture taken with Bucky Badger at 4 p.m. at Lisa Link Peace Park on State Street. There will also be a giant pumpkin made out of balloons at the park that makes a great backdrop for your Halloween photos. 

Stick around after trick-or-treating for a FREE movie at 6 p.m. at the top of State Street. The movie will be Coco. 

According to the Madison Downtown Business Improvement District, activities for the afternoon include the following locations:

• Artists and Craftsman Supply – 203 W. Gorham St. – Facepainting station with DIY paint and stencil designs.
• Madison Children’s Museum – 100 N. Hamilton St. – Free outdoor activities from 3-6 p.m.
• Madison Museum of Contemporary Art – 227 State St. – Halloween-themed crafts and art-making activities inspired by works on view at the museum. 
• Madison Parks – Tractor hayrides around the Capitol Square. Rides leave approximately every 20 minutes; two hay wagons will be running at the event. ($3 /person, children 2 and under are FREE, no reservations required.) 
• Madison Police Department – Outside at “The Grove” at the Top of State – Join Neighborhood Officers at Trunk or Treat! Officers will decorate a squad car and have plenty of free swag to hand out. 
• Madison Public Library – 201 W. Mifflin St. – Stop by the children’s desk at the lower level of the library for a sweet treat and take a minute at the Wand Making Station to craft a glittery, sparkly, spooky, or even light-up wand to go with your costume.
• Madison Reading Project – Outside at “The Forum” at the Top of State – Come aboard the Big Red Reading Bus and select a free book.
• Madison Senior Center – 330 W. Mifflin St. – Visit the Madison Senior Center for candy and some fun games! While you’re there, take advantage of their Halloween photo booth.
• Wisconsin Historical Museum – Outside at “The Grove” at Top of State.

For more information and the businesses participating in trick-or-treating, visit the Downtown Madison website.