Kankakee, IL Halloween Downtown Returns Sunday, Oct. 18

Kankakee, IL – Families across Kankakee County and the south Chicago region can mark their calendars for Halloween Downtown Kankakee, an annual festival returning Sunday, Oct. 18, 2026, with trick-or-treating, games, pony rides, vendors and music.

According to Halloween Downtown Kankakee organizers, the festival will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 200 S. Schuyler Ave. in downtown Kankakee. Admission activities highlighted by organizers include several free family-friendly attractions.

The Rotary Club of Kankakee is hosting the event’s trunk-or-treat from noon to 3 p.m. Organizers announced Sunday that only eight spaces remained for groups or individuals interested in participating with a decorated vehicle.

Registration for trunk-or-treat participants will remain open through Thursday, Oct. 15, or until all available spaces are filled. Registration information is available at KankakeeHalloween.com.

In addition to collecting candy during trunk-or-treat, families can expect free-to-play games and activities throughout the festival. Free pony rides sponsored by St. Mary’s Hospital Kankakee are also planned.

Merchandise and craft vendors, local food vendors and live music are expected to be part of the downtown event, giving visitors activities beyond the Halloween attractions.

Organizers said questions about trunk-or-treat registration can be directed to Amy at K3Halloween@gmail.com or 815-630-7051.

The Oct. 18 festival is scheduled two weeks before Halloween, giving Kankakee-area families an early opportunity to dress in costume and take part in seasonal activities downtown.

Those hoping to secure one of the remaining trunk-or-treat spaces are encouraged to register before the Oct. 15 deadline or before capacity is reached.