Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and Kenosha has events spread across Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, ranging from library parties for children to late-night costume contests for adults.
Families can start early at the Kenosha Public Library. The Northside Neighborhood Library hosts a Halloween Spooktacular on Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 6 to 7 p.m., with a pumpkin-themed storytime, games, crafts and a costume parade. The Southwest Neighborhood Library follows on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a Monster Mash Halloween Bash, also with games and a costume parade.
On Friday night, The White Lilac hosts Poe's Nightmares from 8 to 9:30 p.m., an evening of live storytelling built around three Edgar Allan Poe works: The Tell-Tale Heart, The Raven and The Black Cat. Maggie Speer performs with a guest artist, guests are encouraged to wear costumes, and admission listed at $24.45 includes a complimentary beverage.
The Rhode Center for the Arts brings back The Rocky Horror Picture Show with shadow casting and audience participation, with showings Friday at 7 p.m. and midnight and again Saturday at 7 p.m. and midnight. Also on Friday, Kenosha Creative Space holds a Halloween edition of its Vamos a Bailar social, starting with an 8 p.m. salsa lesson and dancing until midnight, plus a costume contest.
Saturday daytime options include BookoWeen at Studio Moonfall, a free book festival running 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. with guest authors, games and a costume contest for guests dressed as book characters, with goodie bags for the first 100 attendees. Jerry Smith Pumpkin Farm is also open for one of its final weekends of the season, Friday from 4 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
On Saturday night, The Brat Stop hosts its Halloween costume contest with $3,500 in cash prizes, including $2,000 for first place, $1,000 for second and $500 for third, plus category awards. Doors open at 7 p.m., admission is $20, and the event is for ages 21 and older. Costume parties are also planned at venues including Union Park Tavern, Station on 6th, The Apis and Fec's Place, where costumes are required.
