SPRINGFIELD – Halloween is Friday meaning this is the spookiest weekend of the year.
Whether you’re handing out candy or going along with the kids to collect candy, there’s plenty to do this weekend around the Springfield area.
Here are five things to consider doing this weekend.
Trish and Mary’s Halloween Party
What: Trish and Mary’s in the Vinegar Hill Mall will be serving up creepy cocktails, a costume contest and music to match the spooky vibes.
When: 6 to 11 p.m. Friday
Where: 107 W. Cook St., Suite A, Springfield
More: This venue is a bar, and patrons must be 21 and over to enter.
Off the Haunted Rails
What: Not looking to hand out candy for the holiday? At The Railyard, live and loud punk rock is being served with a side of meatballs, and all things ghoulish. Decorated for Halloween, Jacksonville-based band Scratching the Surface is in town for one night only to rock out and save humanity one guitar riff at a time.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Where: The Railyard, 2242 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: The Railyard is an outdoor seating venue serving drinks and food from reconstructed shipping containers. In case of rain, bring an umbrella.
The Bewitched Bazaar
What: Trick-or-treat at this family-friendly event meant to enchant and bewilder. Hosted by The Soul Shoppe, a showcase of local 217 crafters, the night will be bound to be full of local art and engagement. Enjoy food trucks from local businesses, art vendors and a giveaway throughout the night.
When: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday
Where: Downtown Springfield, near 1052 E. Stanford St.
More: Dress up in your favorite costume or wear your Halloween get up a second time to show off around downtown to add to the fun and flair.
New Soil Music Fest
What: The NPR Illinois University of Illinois-Springfield team is hosting its first New Soil Music Festival this weekend. This night of music spans two stages with 12 bands set to perform throughout the night. Choose from the acoustic stage to the main stage or get a little bit of both to hear all the up-and-coming artists in their genre.
When: 2 to 11 p.m. Saturday
Where: Boondocks Pub, 2909 N. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield
More: Tickets are $14.86 after tax and can be bought on the Boondocks Etix webpage.
Harvest art painting
What: Celebrate the cozy side of fall without the haunts and horrors with this simple painting class. Enjoy step-by-step acrylic instruction, upbeat music and a relaxed creative atmosphere. This class, hosted by All Paint, lets guests pick from a few seasonal canvas ideas to recreate and learn with hands-on help from a local artist. All materials will be provided, and painters can take their canvas home.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday
Where: 215 S. Sixth St., Springfield
More: Tickets to this event are limited and are $35 before taxes. Tickets can be purchased online at the All Paint Squarespace website.
Claire Grant writes about business, growth and development and other news topics for The State Journal-Register. She can be reached at CLGrant@gannett.com; and on X (Formerly known as Twitter): @Claire_Granted
This article originally appeared on State Journal-Register: Five things to do Halloween weekend in Springfield
Reporting by Claire Grant, Springfield State Journal-Register / State Journal-Register
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