Halloween Events in St. Louis 2026: Family Fun, Free Activities & Costume Parties

Halloween is almost here, St. Louis—and whether your ideal celebration involves a craft table, a family outing, or a costume and a dance floor, there is a little something for your kind of spooky.

I pulled together a few ways to make the most of the season, from free neighborhood fun to after-dark parties. Check ticket pages and venue updates before you head out; schedules, prices, and availability can change.

1. History-Lovin’ Halloween Party

A not-so-spooky, candy-free Halloween afternoon for families, with costumes, gallery trick-or-treating, and the Haunted History Clubhouse. Thursday, October 29, 4–7 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis. Free. Details: https://mohistory.org/events/halloween-party

2. Trick-or-Treat Bag Decorating at CAM

Make a treat bag your own at this drop-in art activity, then take it to nearby Counterpublic, Pulitzer Arts Foundation, and The Sheldon for treats. Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.–noon at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd. Free; materials provided. Details: https://camstl.org/event/trick-or-treat-bag-decorating/

3. Halloween Weekend at City Museum

City Museum brings Halloween fun to its wonderfully unusual playground, with pumpkin carving, a strolling magician, treats at staffed slides, balloon animals, and costume parades at noon, 1, and 2 p.m. Saturday, October 31 and Sunday, November 1; event activities run 11 a.m.–3 p.m. both days. City Museum, 750 N. 16th St., St. Louis. Activities are included with general admission; ticket prices vary by date. Details: https://citymuseum.org/event/halloween-weekend/

4. Owl-o-Ween at World Bird Sanctuary

Trade the usual Halloween soundtrack for owls, crafts, games, a costume contest, and free-flying bird shows at 11 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m. Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. World Bird Sanctuary, 125 Bald Eagle Ridge Road, Valley Park. $5 per person. Details: https://www.worldbirdsanctuary.org/events/

5. Halloween Nights at Grant’s Farm

For an evening with glowing pumpkins, festive décor, and family-friendly fall magic, check the remaining Halloween Nights dates. Thursday, October 29, 5–9 p.m.; Friday, October 30, 5–10 p.m. Grant’s Farm, 7385 Grant Road, St. Louis. Admission is $15 plus tax per person; children 3 and under are free. Last entry is one hour before closing. Some dates may sell out, so check the ticket calendar before making the drive. Details: https://grantsfarm.com/plan-your-visit/halloween-nights/

6. The Legendary Central West End Halloween Party

A whole neighborhood gets in on the fun: children’s parade at 11 a.m., trick-or-treating at noon, dog parade at 1 p.m., and live music from 2–5 p.m. The adult street party begins at 6 p.m., with the costume contest later in the evening. Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–midnight, around Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue in the Central West End. Free to attend; costume-contest entry may have a fee. Details: https://cwescene.com/halloween-in-the-central-west-end/

7. Freakshow Halloween Party at Ballpark Village

If you want a big-night-out Halloween, this 21+ party turns Ballpark Village into five themed party spaces, with costume-contest prizes and access to FanDuel Sports Network Live!, Clydesdale, AVA, Cardinals Nation, PBR, and Shark Bar. Saturday, October 31, beginning at 8 p.m. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., St. Louis. Ticket price varies by tier; check current availability. Details: https://stlballparkvillage.com/events-and-entertainment/events/freakshow-halloween-party

8. Halloween Costume Party at Capitol Bar & Grill

For a Halloween night in St. Charles, Capitol Bar & Grill’s adult costume party is listed as a no-cover event with a DJ, costume contest, and cash prizes. Saturday, October 31, at Capitol Bar & Grill, 2198 First Capitol Drive, St. Charles. 21+; no cover. The event start time was not included in the details available to me, so confirm with the venue before heading over. Venue updates: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61571570316126

Pick Your Halloween Mood

Whether you’re making art with the kids, watching an owl take flight, or committing fully to a costume, there’s no shortage of ways to make Halloween in St. Louis feel like an occasion. Save your favorite, invite your people, and double-check the details before you go.

~STL Tour Guide Lady

Illustrative images created for this guide; they depict the general experience, not specific event photography.