Mokena's Halloween Hollow Offers Food, Music, Carnival In October

MOKENA, IL — Carnival lovers anxious for Halloween to roll around have the opportunity to enjoy Mokena’s annual fall festival that organizers say has something for everyone in advance of the season’s anticipated holiday.

The 40th annual Halloween Hollow event will take place from Oct 7-9 at Yunker Park, which is located at 10824 W. La Porte Rd. in Mokena. The annual event features rides from the Windy City Carnival, plenty of food options, and other fun activities, organizers said.

The festival runs from 5-10 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, from noon until 10 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 8, and from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9. Nightly musical entertainment will be offered on the first two nights of the event.

Here’s a rundown of events being offered throughout the weekend:

Friday, Oct. 7

Carnival runs between 5:30-9:30 p.m. with musical entertainment being offered at the Yunker Park bandshell. The Stingrays will perform from 6-7:30 p.m. before Kovacs and Company takes the stage from 8-10 p.m.

An unlimited rides wristband is being sold for the 4-hour window for $35

Saturday, Oct. 8

Unlimited rides wristbands will be sold for two sessions: 12-4 p.m. ($30) and from 5-9 p.m. ($35)

Entertainment at the bandshell will be offered from 12-10 p.m. and features The Fortunate Sons (6-7:30 p.m. and Infinity (8-10 p.m.)

Saturday will also feature the Monster Market, which features vendors selling Halloween décor, plants, house goods, and other items. Saturday will also feature the costume contest which begins at 2 p.m. at the bandshell. The contest will include four categories (group, funniest costume, scariest costume, and most original).

Saturday’s festivities also features the scarecrow laboratory, kids' activities, and pumpkin painting. A wristband for the kids' activities is available for $20.

Sunday, Oct. 9

The day will only feature the carnival with unlimited rides wristbands being sold for the 1-5 p.m. window for $30.

Rides will be made available for special needs children from 11 a.m. through 12:30 p.m., organizers said. Completed forms will be required and are available through the Special Recreation Association or at local schools.