Jack O' Lantern World, Howlin' Halloween: North Suburban Fall Events

ILLINOIS — With fall in full swing and just about two weeks to go until Halloween, there's no time like the present to get out there and enjoy some fall-themed fun. From jack-o-lanterns to Halloween haunts to a 5K and more, there's plenty to do in the north suburbs.

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Here's a look at some of the fall events happening this weekend and beyond:

Thousands Of Jack-O'-Lanterns On Display At Chicago Area Event

Ready to be dazzled by some spooky seasonal art? Jack O’Lantern World, an immersive Halloween experience, runs now through Oct. 30 at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich. The event draws tens of thousands of people annually, according to its website, and the display is always different. This year, walk the trail of jack-o’lanterns — which is just under a mile — to experience 17 unique worlds and pumpkins carved by more than 50 artisans.

Howlin' Halloween Fun Coming To Northbrook

This event features a Halloween-themed 3K fun run, costumed pet parade, carnival games , costume contest and more. The fun starts at 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 21, at Techny Prairie Park and Fields, 1800 Techny Road.

Spooktacular Halloween Hustle 5K and Kids Dash In Palatine

Runners and walkers should don their best costume and head out for the fun, starting with the Kids Dash at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 29 in Palatine. Runners, walkers and those with babes in strollers are all welcome to participate. A portion of the race proceeds will benefit Fathers Helping Fathers (FHF), a national not-for-profit organization that encourages strong relationships between dads and their kids and raises awareness about the positive influence fathers have on the development of local youth.

Lake County Home Show

The Lake County Home Show, the largest home-improvement event in the area, returns to the Lake County Fairgrounds with free admission and free parking Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16. The event offers exhibits and displays, highlighting the latest home improvement products and services with thousands of the freshest ideas in remodeling, repairing and beautifying your homes.

Patch's Best 2022 Halloween Yard Haunts: Lake And McHenry Counties

Load up the car and head out to see some of the best spooky yards the 'burbs have to offer. From "Chainsaw Manor" to "Overlook Cemetery," local Halloween fans have been hard at work creating scary scenery for all ages to enjoy.

31st Annual Pumpkin Patch to Support ESCCA

The Evanston School Children’s Clothing Association’s (ESCCA) Annual Pumpkin Patch event started 31 years ago by Coldwell Banker Realty, which has generously donated the pumpkins throughout the years. All proceeds from the pumpkin sales go directly to the purchase of clothing for Evanston students. Pick up a pumpkin and enjoy coffee, cider, donuts, face painting and crafts between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15 at Independence Park on Central Street in Evanston.

The Most Haunted House in America: Storytime with Jarrett Dapier at the Book Stall

Winnetka's independent book store, the Book Stall, will host its good friend, kids author Jarrett Dapier, for a special storytime in celebration of all things spooky. According to organizers, "with rhyming, rhythmic text and wonderfully macabre illustrations, this musical tour of America’s most famous home is full of spooky surprises at every turn." Event starts at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Book Stall, 811 Elm St., Winnetka.