Halloween week is officially here, and the calendar is packed with family fun from Friday through Sunday! Whether you're carving pumpkins at Pearce's Farm Stand, hopping aboard East Troy's Trick or Treat Train, exploring Monster Detective Adventures in Williams Bay, or filling your treat bags at one of the many trunk-or-treat events happening across the area, there's no shortage of festive fun to enjoy. You'll also find grand openings (with a little drive), STEAM activities, skating parties, Halloween costume contests, and community celebrations for every age. Plus if you are looking to the week ahead check out our free Halloween Guide.

This week's Local Spotlight shines on Matheson Memorial Library, one of Walworth County's greatest family resources. More than just a library, it's a place where families gather, children learn and play, parents connect, and community happens every single day. If you've never explored everything Matheson has to offer, this might be the perfect season to stop in and discover why it's become such a beloved hub for local families.

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Little Diggers Brookfield Grand Opening - A little bit of a drive, but may be worth it for the grand opening celebration for Little Diggers in Brookfield. Explore the space, meet the team, and enjoy family-friendly activities. More Info
• 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• 16750 W Bluemound Rd, Brookfield, WI 53005

Preschool Class: Shape Squad - Interactive class for children age 2 and older focused on learning shapes through books, songs, and games. Registration required. More Info
• 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
• 325 N Kane St, Burlington, WI 53105

STEAM Activities - Homeschoolers and families are invited to experiment, experience, and explore hands-on STEAM activities in the Storyroom. More Info
• 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• Matheson Memorial Library, 101 N Wisconsin St, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Pumpkin Carving at Pearce's Farm Stand - Annual Jack-O-Lantern Fest. Pumpkins and carving tools provided. Meet under the pavilion. More Info
• 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
• Pearce's Farm Stand, W5740 N Walworth Rd

Mukwonago Business Trick or Treat - Family-friendly trick-or-treating event at participating Mukwonago businesses. Costumes encouraged. More Info
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• Mukwonago, WI

Trick or Treat Train - Family train ride to Jim Byrnes Memorial Park featuring games, playground fun, and a pumpkin for each child upon return. More Info
• 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• East Troy Depot, 2002 Church St, East Troy, WI 53120

Cocoa & Candlelight Hike - Member-only family hike featuring hot cocoa and candlelit trails. More Info
• 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
• Helen Rohner Park to Kishwauketoe and back

Halloween Party - Family Halloween celebration with games, crafts, candy, and costume fun. More Info
• 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
• Fontana Public Library, 166 2nd Ave, Fontana, WI 53125

Halloween at TraXside - Halloween-themed skating event featuring a costume contest, candy dash, themed games, spooky music, and prizes. More Info
• 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• TraXside Skating, Burlington, WI

Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest - Bring your dog in costume for treats, prizes, and a chance to win a grand prize goodie basket. More Info
• 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
• 547 Kenosha St, Walworth, WI 53184

Trunk Or Treat! - Advanced Auto Clinic's 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat featuring decorated trunks, candy, costumes, free admission, and parking. More Info
• 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
• 4300 WI-50, Delavan, WI 53115

BEASTFEST 2026 - Family-friendly celebration of the Beast of Bray Road with activities, entertainment, and fall festival fun. More Info
• 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Sunset Park, 200 Devendorf St, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Trunk or Treat - Community trunk-or-treat event for families.
• 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• West Park, 335 W Madison St, Darien, WI 53114

Trunk or Treat - Community trunk-or-treat featuring local businesses and schools. More Info
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• BFHS Parking Lot, Walworth, WI

Knot Your Average Coffee Date 💜☕️🧶 - Coffee meetup for moms featuring a crochet rag-making lesson. Bring yarn and hooks if possible. More Info
• 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
• 230 E. Walworth Avenue, Delavan, WI

Monster Detective Adventure - Family-friendly monster-themed adventure along the Kishwauketoe trails. More Info
• 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM
• Kishwauketoe, Williams Bay

Town of Delavan Trick-or-Treat - Community-wide trick-or-treat event for families. More Info
• 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Recreation Center, Delavan

Honey Creek Trunk and Treat - Hosted by the Honey Creek Civic Club. Includes hot cider, popcorn, crafts, and playground access. More Info
• 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
• Honey Creek Community Center, 35512 Washington Ave, Burlington, WI 53105

Lake Geneva Jaycees: Trunk or Treat - Annual trunk-or-treat event featuring decorated trunks, candy, music, games, pumpkin decorating, and family fun. More Info
• 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
• Lake City Social, Lake Geneva

Community Kids Halloween Party - Halloween celebration with music, games, costume contest, and free hot dogs for kids under 12. More Info
• 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
• Waters Edge on Delavan Lake, 1220 S Shore Dr, Delavan, WI 53115

And DOWNLOAD the free Local Loop Halloween Guide

When most people think of a library, they think of books. But Matheson Memorial Library in Elkhorn has become so much more than that. It is a gathering place, a learning center, a play destination, and one of the strongest family resources in Walworth County. Through its own extensive programming and its partnership with EASD Parent Connections, the library regularly provides opportunities for children, parents, homeschool families, caregivers, and teens to connect, learn, and grow together. The library's community calendar includes events sponsored by the library, EASD Parent Connections, and the Elkhorn Recreation Department, making it a central hub for family activities in the community.

I've featured countless events from Matheson in Local Loop, and one thing has become very clear: they are constantly finding new ways to engage families. Storytimes, STEAM activities, homeschool programs, teen hangouts, parent meetups, reading programs, hands-on learning opportunities, and special events appear on their calendar week after week. Their collaboration with EASD Parent Connections expands those offerings even further with family literacy programs, movement activities, STEAM experiences, and educational events designed to make learning fun and accessible for families of all ages.

But beyond the programming, what truly makes Matheson special is the feeling you get when you walk through the doors.

Since moving to the area, I have personally found myself at the library nearly every week, if not more. What started as an occasional stop quickly became a regular part of our family's routine. The programming for children and families is absolutely stellar, but it's the atmosphere that keeps us coming back. Nearly every time I'm there, I run into a friend, another parent, or someone I've connected with through the community. In many ways, the library has become an unofficial social hub for local families. It's one of those rare places where conversations happen naturally, friendships grow, and community connections are formed.

Following the library's renovation, the children's area has become one of my favorite family spaces in Walworth County. The design strikes a perfect balance between learning and play. There are project rooms and quiet study areas for focused work, while the larger open spaces invite children to explore, create, and use their imagination. And for families with young kids, the play area is simply outstanding. Thoughtfully designed, welcoming, and full of opportunities for hands-on play, it's a destination in itself.

The amenities don't stop there. The library offers large meeting spaces that host community groups, educational programs, and local organizations throughout the year. Whether you're attending a workshop, participating in a parent group, or gathering with a local organization, the library provides spaces that truly bring people together.

Another hidden gem is the magazine swap area, where visitors can browse, share, and discover new reading material. And if you're a bargain hunter like me, don't miss the bookstore that's open during library hours. The shelves are packed with gently used books, and many are priced between just 50 cents and $1.00. Talk about a deal. It's nearly impossible to leave without finding a treasure or two. Whether you're building a child's home library, searching for your next great read, or simply love the thrill of a bargain, it's one of the best values you'll find anywhere in the county.

What impresses me most, however, is the staff.

They don't just check out books and run programs. They genuinely invest in the families who walk through their doors. They remember names, get to know your children, ask about your lives, and celebrate milestones right alongside you. They're always ready with a book recommendation, information about an upcoming event, or a suggestion for another great resource in the community.

As someone who spends a lot of time helping families discover things to do around Walworth County, I often find myself laughing and thinking, "Hey, I thought that was my job!" But the truth is, they make it so much easier. The staff has an incredible pulse on what's happening locally and a genuine passion for helping families connect with opportunities throughout the area.

For families looking for affordable activities during Wisconsin's long fall and winter months, educational opportunities, or simply a welcoming place to spend time together, Matheson Memorial Library is hard to beat. It has become much more than a library. It's a community gathering place, a support system for parents, a safe place for children to learn and play, and a cornerstone of Elkhorn.

Whether you're attending storytime, joining a STEAM activity, connecting with other parents, participating in an EASD Parent Connections program, browsing the bookstore for a $1 treasure, letting the kids burn off energy in the play area, or simply finding a quiet corner to read, Matheson Memorial Library offers something for everyone. In a world where meaningful community spaces can be hard to find, Matheson stands out as one of Elkhorn's very best places for families, learning, connection, and community.

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Parent's Night Out - Let the kids enjoy trampolines, games, obstacle courses, crafts, and dinner while parents enjoy a night out. Potty-trained children age 4 and up. More Info
• 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
• Walworth County Gymnastics Center, 213 Commerce Ct, Elkhorn, WI 53121

Wolf Night: Paint by Numbers - Paint-by-numbers wolf artwork and learn about Wisconsin wolf families. Free event; RSVP required. More Info
• 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
• The Bottle Shop, 617 Main St, Lake Geneva

Boxed and Burlap: Trivia Night - Come challenge your friends and family to a friendly competition while enjoying the cozy ambiance of our upstairs bar, located on the west side of the building, right next to the art studio. whether you're looking for a fun night out after work, a lively date night, or quality time with loved ones, this is the perfect place to be. More Info
• 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
• 230 E Walworth Ave, Delavan, WI 53115

Yerkes Annual Candlelight Walk (Night 1) - Explore the 50-acre Olmsted Arboretum illuminated with candlelight. Includes educational stations, observatory access, free shuttle, and complimentary magnet giveaway. More Info
• 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay

The 1985 - Totally 80's Mixtape LIVE! - High-energy tribute to the 1980s featuring rock, pop, new wave, metal, and dance classics from artists including Prince, Journey, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, Whitney Houston, The B-52's, and Def Leppard. More Info
• 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
• Geneva Stage, Lake Geneva

Boxed & Burlap Presents: Fright Night! - Boxed & Burlap's annual Halloween party featuring a "dead celebrities" theme, costume contest, specialty cocktails, two floors of entertainment, and live music from Chicago DJ Jesse De La Peña. Ages 21+. More Info
• 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
• 230 E Walworth Ave, Delavan, WI 53115

Yerkes Annual Candlelight Walk (Night 2) - Explore the 50-acre Olmsted Arboretum illuminated with candlelight. Includes educational stations, observatory access, free shuttle, and complimentary magnet giveaway. More Info
• 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM
• Yerkes Observatory, Williams Bay

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