Halloween in Milwaukee 2025 | Events, Ghost Tours & Spooky Fun
Milwaukee Halloween Events & Festivals
Haunted Houses & Haunted Attractions
Milwaukee is home to some of Wisconsin’s most chilling haunted experiences. From the Fear District in Deer District to the Abandoned Haunted House Complex in Mount Pleasant and the Hill Has Eyes in Franklin, thrill-seekers can find no shortage of scares. Each attraction brings its own atmosphere and storyline, perfect for those who crave a night of fright.
Family-Friendly Events & Pumpkin Patches
For families, Milwaukee offers plenty of daylight fun. The Milwaukee County Zoo transforms into a Halloween wonderland during Zoo Boo, while farms like Barthel Fruit Farm and Lindner Pumpkin Farm provide hayrides, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking. These festive activities make the city a wonderful destination for parents and kids to celebrate together.
Halloween Bar Crawls & Nightlife
For adults looking to enjoy the nightlife, Milwaukee’s bar crawls and themed parties are the place to be. The city’s East Side and Downtown neighborhoods light up with costume contests, live DJs, and spooky cocktails, all part of the city’s lively Halloween culture.
Trick-or-Treat Times in Milwaukee & Surrounding Areas
City of Milwaukee Trick-or-Treat Schedule
The City of Milwaukee typically celebrates community trick-or-treating the weekend before Halloween. Families across neighborhoods participate during the designated hours for a safe and enjoyable experience.
Suburb Trick-or-Treat Times (West Allis, Wauwatosa, etc.)
Nearby suburbs like West Allis, Wauwatosa, Brookfield, and Greenfield often host their own trick-or-treat events on the same weekend. Always check your local city website closer to the date for official updates.
Safety Tips for Families
- Add glow sticks or reflective tape to costumes.
- Stick to familiar, well-lit neighborhoods.
- Always inspect candy before eating.
- Remind kids to stay with their group and avoid strangers.
Where to Celebrate Halloween in Milwaukee
Downtown Milwaukee (Deer District, Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee)
Downtown Milwaukee becomes a Halloween hotspot, with hundreds of glowing pumpkins, food trucks, live music, and festive décor. The Fear District offers haunted attractions and entertainment, making downtown a one-stop destination for spooky fun.
Bay View & East Side Parties
Known for their energetic nightlife, Bay View and the East Side host a mix of costume parties, pop-up haunted houses, and community trick-or-treat events that bring neighbors together.
Family Venues (Milwaukee Public Museum, Milwaukee Zoo)
Cultural landmarks also join the Halloween festivities. The Milwaukee Public Museum offers interactive haunted exhibits, while the Milwaukee County Zoo’s Zoo Boo is a seasonal favorite among families.
Top Milwaukee Halloween Traditions
Rocky Horror at The Oriental Theater
The Oriental Theater’s annual screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a beloved local tradition. Fans show up in costume, ready to sing, dance, and participate in this unforgettable cult classic.
Día de los Muertos at Mitchell Park Domes
Milwaukee embraces its cultural diversity with Día de los Muertos celebrations featuring altars, traditional performances, and local food vendors. Families come together to honor loved ones in this vibrant, community-centered event.
Local Haunted History Tours
For a real glimpse into the city’s eerie past, join Ghost Tours in Milwaukee by American Ghost Walks. These guided walking tours blend storytelling, history, and the supernatural, taking you through haunted landmarks, mysterious legends, and ghostly tales that have shaped Milwaukee’s darker side.
Halloween Weekend Itinerary: Best Things to Do
Daytime Fun: Start your Halloween weekend with pumpkin picking or Zoo Boo before heading downtown for the Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee’s music and crafts.
Evening Adventures: Grab dinner at a local haunt before visiting a haunted house or bar crawl. Then, if you’re in the mood for something unique, uncover Milwaukee’s chilling stories on an American Ghost Walks tour.
Late-Night Thrills: For night owls, end your night with a haunted history tour or a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. It is the perfect blend of fright and fun.
Ready to Discover the Ghosts of Milwaukee?
Step into the city’s haunted history with American Ghost Walks. Experience the chilling legends and real-life mysteries that make Milwaukee one of Wisconsin’s most haunted destinations.
Check out our Milwaukee Ghost Tour Reviews to see what others are saying.
