Lombard, Glen Ellyn and Villa Park have several ways for neighbors to enjoy the final days of October, from decorating contests and pumpkin displays to a chance to see live birds of prey.

LOMBARD PARK DISTRICT

Halloween House Decorating Contest — Through Saturday, October 31

Lombard's seasonal house-decorating contest continues through Halloween, giving neighbors time to enjoy the participating displays.

The district expects to announce the winner on Monday, November 2, so keep an eye out for the results after the decorations come down.

Residents can find contest details through the Lombard Park District.

GLEN ELLYN PARK DISTRICT

Pumpkins on Main — Tuesday, October 27 | 8:30 AM–8 PM drop-off

Bring a carved jack-o'-lantern to Main Street Recreation Center on October 27 for inclusion in the free Pumpkins on Main display.

Pumpkins will be exhibited outside the center from October 27 through October 31, with prizes planned for participating carvers.

Bring your pumpkin already carved; the program is open to all ages.

Tween Hallow's Eve Silent Disco — Friday, October 30 | 7–8:30 PM

Tweens ages 9–12 can celebrate Halloween with wireless-headphone dancing, food, a festive costume contest and prizes for creative costumes at Lake Ellyn Boathouse.

DATE: Friday, October 30, 2026

TIME: 7–8:30 PM

LOCATION: Lake Ellyn Boathouse, 645 Lenox Road, Glen Ellyn

REGISTRATION: $25 residents / $30 nonresidents. Registration may be full; check the Glen Ellyn Park District's online registration system for the current status or a waiting list.

Wings and Talons Raptor Show — Sunday, November 1 | 2–3 PM

Meet live raptor ambassadors and learn how birds of prey contribute to our local ecosystem during this family-friendly presentation at Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue.

Admission is listed at $7 for residents and $10 for nonresidents, and children must be accompanied by a registered adult.

Advance registration is recommended through the Glen Ellyn Park District.

FEATURED EVENT: Glen Ellyn — Día de los Muertos Celebration | Monday, November 2, 5–7 PM

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with a free, family-friendly evening of crafts, music, sugar-skull face painting and a community ofrenda at Spring Avenue Recreation Center. The Glen Ellyn Park District invites guests to learn about the Mexican tradition of honoring and remembering loved ones.

Families wishing to contribute to the community ofrenda may bring a printed photo of a loved one who has passed away and their favorite food.

DATE: Monday, November 2, 2026

TIME: 5–7 PM

LOCATION: Spring Avenue Recreation Center, 185 Spring Avenue, Glen Ellyn

ADMISSION: Free with registration. Space may be full; check the registration page for availability or a waiting list: https://gepark.org/gepdevent/dia-de-los-muertos/

VILLA PARK PARKS & RECREATION

Scarecrow Decorating Contest — Judging October 26–30

Villa Park's creative scarecrows are in the spotlight as judging continues through Friday, October 30.

The district plans to announce a winner by October 30, and the winning display is expected to appear on the Fall 2027 recreation brochure cover.

The contest is based at the Villa Park Recreation Center, 320 East Wildwood Avenue; the submission deadline has already passed.

Natural Park Ribbon Cutting and Name Reveal — Thursday, October 29 | 4 PM

Villa Park residents are invited to a ribbon cutting and unveiling of the new sign for the designated natural park at the intersection of Villa Avenue and Julia Drive.

DATE: Thursday, October 29, 2026

TIME: 4 PM

LOCATION: Villa Avenue and Julia Drive, Villa Park

LOOKING AHEAD

Lombard's free Pumpkin Smash is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, from 9 AM to noon at Lombard Common, 433 East St. Charles Road.

Residents can bring pumpkins for composting at this community sustainability event.

Schedules and registration can change, so check each local park district before making plans.