Things to Do in Naperville This Weekend: Oct 16–18
If you only pick one weekend to be out in Naperville this fall, make it this one: haunted history at Naper Settlement, candlelit Beatles and Queen downtown, a Saturday-morning market, two trick-or-treat events for kids, and the half marathon taking over downtown streets on Sunday.
By Naperville Guide · Published October 15, 2026
Here are the things to do in Naperville this weekend, Friday, October 16 through Sunday, October 18 — seven picks, every one checked against the organizer's own listing today. It is also the final weekend of the inaugural Taste of Naperville, which wraps up Sunday at participating downtown restaurants, so a dinner reservation downtown pairs well with almost everything below. For the full calendar, see our Naperville events page.
Friday night in Naperville: candles, strings, and scares
Candlelight: Tribute to The Beatles, then Tribute to Queen
North Central College's concert hall goes candlelit for two back-to-back string-quartet tributes. Do the early Beatles show and still make dinner downtown, or go all in on the late Queen set. Seating is first-come within each ticket zone, so arriving early genuinely helps.
All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement
The Settlement's 13-acre historic campus turns into its biggest Halloween production of the year for two nights only, with performances and spooky experiences staged around the historic buildings. It is the headline Halloween event in town this weekend — the adults-only sequel, Howlin' at the Moon, doesn't land until next weekend. Check the Settlement's site for this year's start time and ticket price before you go.
Saturday in Naperville: market morning, costumes by afternoon
Naperville Farmers Market at 5th Avenue Station
The Saturday market is in its final stretch — the 2026 season runs through October 31 — so this is one of your last chances for local produce, baked goods, and flowers this year. Go before 9 a.m. for the best selection, then walk into downtown for coffee.
NJWC Trick or Treat at Safety Town
The Naperville Junior Woman's Club turns the miniature streets of Safety Town into a trick-or-treat route for kids ages 3–12 (younger siblings welcome). Costumes are encouraged, local sponsors hand out candy, toys, and stickers at activity stations, and your food item goes to Loaves & Fishes. The donation supports Safety Town itself. Register ahead at napervillejuniors.org to get the advance price.
The Ville's Rockin' Pumpkin Patch
A front-lawn pumpkin patch in the middle of downtown: pick a pumpkin, enter the carving contest, and stay for live music and treats. It is an easy add-on after an afternoon downtown — and it ends early enough to still make All Hallows Eve at the Settlement that night.
Sunday in Naperville: race morning downtown
Endeavor Health Naperville Half Marathon, 10K & 5K
Thousands of runners loop through downtown and central Naperville on Sunday morning. Not running? The loop course is spectator-friendly — plant yourself near the start/finish on Eagle Street and you will see your runner more than once. Running? Packet pickup is Friday, Oct. 16 (10 a.m.–6 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 17 (10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.) at the Endeavor Health Fitness and Wellness Center at Seven Bridges in Woodridge; half-marathon race-day pickup has to be reserved online by 4:30 p.m. Saturday and costs extra. Everyone else: expect downtown street closures and detours Sunday morning, and build in extra time if you're heading to church or brunch.
ChristmasWeen: Indoor Trick-or-Treating & Christmas Card Photos
Yes, both holidays at once: Halloween costumes in front of Christmas photo backdrops, indoor trick-or-treating under a tent, and bounce houses if the weather cooperates. It is listed as free until the candy runs out — confirm the latest details on the event page before heading over, and go early if the candy matters to your crew.
Make the weekend work
- Stack Saturday: farmers market at 7 a.m., Safety Town trick-or-treat at 9:30 a.m., pumpkin patch at 4 p.m., All Hallows Eve after dark. All four fit in one day without rushing.
- Sunday drivers: the half marathon owns downtown streets from early morning. If you don't need to be downtown, route around it; if you do, park once and walk.
- Monday is coming: bulk leaf collection starts Monday, Oct. 19 — rake to the curb by 6 a.m. using our Naperville leaf collection 2026 guide. Will County early voting sites also expand on Monday; DuPage voters can already vote — see the early voting guide.
- Color check: mid-October is prime fall color — pair any of these with the Riverwalk or a preserve walk from our fall foliage guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is happening in Naperville this weekend, October 16–18?
The big seven: Candlelight Beatles and Queen tributes on Friday, All Hallows Eve at Naper Settlement on Friday and Saturday, the farmers market and two family Halloween events on Saturday, and the Naperville Half Marathon plus ChristmasWeen on Sunday.
What time does the Naperville Half Marathon start on Sunday?
All three races — half marathon, 10K, and 5K — start at 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, on Eagle Street just north of Aurora Avenue, per the organizer's race-week page.
Where is the cheapest family thing to do in Naperville this weekend?
ChristmasWeen on Route 59 on Sunday is free, the farmers market is free to browse, and spectating at the half marathon costs nothing. The Safety Town trick-or-treat is a $15 donation per family in advance.
Is the Naperville Farmers Market still open in October?
Yes — the 5th Avenue Station market runs Saturdays, 7 a.m. to noon, through October 31, 2026, so there are two more market Saturdays after this one.
Sources & verification. Details verified October 15, 2026 against organizer listings; hours and prices change — confirm before heading out.