From glowing jack-o-lanterns and spooky skeletons to creepy stories and sweet treats, Halloween brings many hair-raising events to the STL that are fun for the whole family. We’re taking a closer look at two activities that are sure to be a scary good time.
Fright at the Museum
Every October since 2021, the City Museum has transformed from top to bottom to celebrate the spooky season. The entire museum campus is decked out with decorations and exhibits, including jack’o’lanterns, skeletons and unique collections, such as an assortment of taxidermied mice dressed as horror movie icons. “We’re not a haunted house—you don’t have to worry about jump scares,” explains Katy Enrique, director of sales and marketing. “We wanted to put a unique City Museum spin on a Halloween event. Fright at the Museum is a celebration of oddities and curiosities.”
The event also includes live entertainment. The Theatre of the Oddities presents amazing acts, such as fire breathers, acrobats and more. Younger guests can enjoy Not-So-Spooky Storytelling with a friendly witch spinning tales. Circus Harmony also transforms its performances for the Halloween season, becoming the Happy Haunted Harmony Circus. New for 2025, small groups will get to experience live seances on Friday and Saturday evenings. “We try to keep everything interesting, interactive and a little creepy,” Enirique says. “It’s a really great event for kiddos with plenty for adults to enjoy as well.”
Fright at the Museum runs through Oct. 26. For more information visit, citymuseum.org.
Jack’s Lighted Trail
This fall, Eckert’s Farm in Belleville, Illinois, welcomed a new nighttime Halloween attraction. Jack’s Lighted Trail immerses visitors in glowing displays of pumpkin sculptures, thematic photo opportunities and festive surprises. President Chris Eckert explains that the experience was conceived of as an alternative to hayride attractions. “We had great success with our haunted hayride at our Millstadt location, and we wanted to bring a different evening Halloween experience to Belleville,” he says. “Jack’s Lighted Trail is immersive, it’s magical, and it brings a whole new energy to the farm after dark.”
Eckert explains that the experience is a fall twist on traditional Christmas light displays. Guests first take a wagon ride to the half-mile trail. After arriving, they can explore 13 unique scenes themed to different things, such as pirates, fairy tales, monsters, a haunted mine and more. The trail is a fitting addition to all of Eckert’s Farm’s other autumn festivities. “We have pick-your-own apples and pumpkins, and every weekend we host Ecktoberfest with all sorts of live entertainment and food for people to enjoy,” Eckert says. “Fall is a great time to spend time on the farm.”
Jack’s Lighted Trail runs through Nov. 1, and advanced tickets are recommended. For more information, visit jackslightedtrail.com.
