List: Trunk-or-Treats and Fall Events Are Bringing Halloween Fun to Dubuque County

I like Halloween and all things fall weather. I love seeing kids dressed up, I love seeing adults get into the spirit of things, and I especially love watching everyone have fun together. That's why trunk-or-treats and fall festivals are some of my favorite events this time of year. And trust me, I usually get involved.

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This year, I'm getting an early start on the Halloween fun as a member of Cornerstone Church of Cascade, which is hosting its annual Community Fall Fest this Sunday, October 11th, from 4 to 6 PM at the church. We're located at 830 Nixon Street, across the road from Brothers Market. And I've already gotten my hands dirty; on Wednesday our youth group started helping get everything ready, along with Fall Fest hosts Andy and Lisa Snyder, Pastor Tony Foeller, and several other helpers.

Yup, we all moved loads of pumpkins and gourds, got some great games ready, and did an initial count of all the candy and goodies waiting for the kids. We also spent some serious time making a bunch of balloon pigs for one of the games. Yes, balloon pigs. Don't ask me why a fall festival needs balloon pigs. Just trust me; the kids love it and are going to have blast with them. Oh, and then there's the giant pumpkin drop, which is exactly what it sounds like and should be one of the highlights of the afternoon.

The Cascade Fall Fest is free and open to everyone, with free food, pumpkins, games, prizes, hay wagon and train-cart rides, a corn play box, a pie-eating contest, the pumpkin drop, more free goodies, and s'mores. So, if you're looking for a fun way to kick off the fall season, come on out. I'll be the guy surrounded by pumpkins, candy, and balloon-pigs.

Credit: Tom Drake | My kid and her friends undertake the pie eating challenge.

Now, if you're looking for more Halloween fun in and around Dubuque later this month, there are some good opportunities coming up.

Kennedy Mall Trick or Treat Bash — Oct. 17

Kennedy Mall will host its Mall-Wide Trick or Treat Bash on Saturday, October 17, from 1 to 3 PM. This isn't technically a trunk-or-treat, but it definitely belongs on the Halloween calendar. Kids can collect treats throughout the mall, with free face painting, a bounce house, scavenger hunt, games, and other activities. It's free and takes place at Kennedy Mall.

Texas Roadhouse Trunk or Treat — Oct. 19

Texas Roadhouse is getting into the Halloween spirit with a Trunk or Treat on Monday, October 19, from 4 to 6 PM at 845 Wacker Drive. Several local businesses and organizations will be participating. Enjoy a grab bag, ice cream bar, and a visit from Andy Armadillo.

Dubuque County Fairgrounds Trunk or Treat — Oct. 22

The Dubuque County Fairgrounds Trunk or Treat returns Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 7 PM, and admission is only $1 per person. The event is open to all ages, with prizes for the most creative trunk, best treats and coolest trunker costume. As someone who enjoys the events at the fairgrounds, this event is always HUGE, and if you're decorating a trunk, remember that Halloween is your official permission slip to go completely overboard. The fairgrounds is at 14569 Old Highway Road.

Longhorn Fall Round-Up — Oct. 25

Longhorn Saddlery & Western Wear will bring a little Western flavor to Halloween with its Fall Round-Up on Sunday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the Trunk-or-Treat running from 2 to 4 PM. The free event includes a petting zoo, pumpkin decorating for $5 per pumpkin, a costume contest at 1 PM, food trucks, treats, warm drinks, fall photo ops, a scavenger hunt with prizes, games, and more. You can find updates through Longhorn Saddlery & Western Wear on Facebook. And yes, cowboy boots absolutely count as a Halloween costume accessory.

Goose & Giggles Annual Trunk or Treat — Oct. 29

As Halloween gets closer, Goose & Giggles Play Cafe will host its Annual Trunk or Treat on Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 6:30 PM. The event is free, with decorated trunks outside while the play cafe remains open. It's another good chance to get those costumes out for a test run before Halloween night. Goose & Giggles is located at 3339 Hillcrest Road.

Honorable Mentions: More Halloween Fun Nearby

If you're willing to venture a little beyond Dubuque, there are a few more events worth putting on the calendar:

• Oct. 25 — SFX Trunk or Treat: 3 PM, Dyersville
• Oct. 26 — Cascade Elementary Trunk or Treat: 5:30 PM, Cascade
• Oct. 28 — Jackson Ridge Trunk or Treat: 5 PM, Maquoketa
• Oct. 28 — Jamestown Park Trunk or Treat: 4 PM, Kieler, Wisconsin

Halloween is one of those times of year when I think it's perfectly acceptable to embrace the silly side of life. Dress up. Eat too much candy. Decorate the trunk of your car like it's a Hollywood production. Make balloon pigs. Drop a giant pumpkin. You know, the really important things in life; like getting out to enjoy some of the great community events happening in the Tri-States. By the way, I hope to see you at Cornerstone's Fall Fest. I just hope those balloon-pigs behave themselves. In the meantime, check out these awesome trunk or treaters from years past!