Visit Beloit in October for Frights & Fall Fun

Discover What’s Happening in Beloit This October!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 1, 2026

BELOIT, Wis. – October is bringing cooler temperatures, fall traditions, Halloween festivities, and plenty of ways to get out and explore the Stateline Area. From vintage shopping to local art to the farmers’ market, food and beverage events, haunted attractions, and family-friendly Halloween activities, there’s something happening throughout Greater Beloit all month long.

“October is one of the most exciting times of year to experience Greater Beloit, with events that showcase so many different sides of our community,” says Savannah Schindler, Director of Communications with Visit Beloit. “From sipping and shopping downtown to exploring local art, enjoying fall flavors, or getting into the Halloween spirit, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the fall season.” For even more ways to celebrate Halloween, check out Visit Beloit’s 2026 Halloween Events blog for a full lineup of Halloween events happening throughout the month. In addition to these October highlights, visit our website for details on other exciting community happenings throughout the year.

Vintage Shop Hop – Fall Edition | Friday, October 2 – Saturday, October 3 | Various Stateline Area Shops & Boutiques

The fall edition of the Vintage Shop Hop will feature more than 400 vintage shops, boutiques, home décor stores, and more across Wisconsin and Illinois. In the Stateline Area alone, eight shops in Beloit, South Beloit, and Rockton will participate, and many locations will offer great promotions.

First Friday Gallery Reception | Friday, October 2, 5-7 p.m. | Beloit Art Center

Visit the Beloit Art Center on the first Friday of each month for the Opening Reception of new exhibits. Local and regional artists will have their artwork featured in both the Bell and Sveum Galleries. This event is free and open to the public, with refreshments available. Check out our website calendar for art classes and workshops hosted throughout the month at the Beloit Art Center.

Haunted Attractions | See haunts, dates & times below

Halloween comes alive across the Stateline Area with three haunted attractions. Sound of Terror Haunted House in South Beloit is open Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11 p.m., through Oct. 31. Northern Illinois Fear Fest runs Oct. 2 – Nov. 1, Fridays and Saturdays, 7-11 p.m., and Sundays, 7-10 p.m., while the new haunted attraction, Stadium of Screams, in partnership with Fear Fest at ABC Supply Stadium, runs the same Friday – Sunday schedule.

Beloit Farmers’ Market | Every Saturday, May – October, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Downtown Beloit

October is the final month to enjoy the Beloit Farmers’ Market outdoors before it moves indoors for the winter. The market features more than 130 vendors offering fresh produce, baked goods, flowers, crafts, and more, along with live music and food trucks. The outdoor season wraps up Oct. 31 with the Halloween Parade & Party, featuring a 10 a.m. parade, trick-or-treating, live music, family activities, and free pumpkins.

E(ART)TH: A Land Art Exhibit | Saturday, October 3, 3-7 p.m. | Nature At The Confluence

This event invites visitors to explore the connection between art and nature through an immersive outdoor experience. The exhibit features unique land art installations inspired by the natural environment and offers a creative way to experience the outdoors. Admission is free.

Downtown Beloit Fall Wine & Beer Walk | Saturday, October 10, 2-6 p.m. | Downtown Beloit Venues

Sip, stroll, and explore downtown as guests 21 and older visit up to 10 participating locations and enjoy pours in a commemorative glass. For the first time this year, beer sampling will join the lineup. General admission and VIP tickets are available.

Pumpkin Walk | Wednesday, October 14, 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Riverside Park

The City of Beloit’s annual Pumpkin Walk returns with a new location at Riverside Park, offering families a festive Halloween stroll along the lagoon. The free event features LED-lit jack-o’-lanterns and lights lining the path, with costumes, glow sticks, and flashlights encouraged for extra Halloween fun.

Taste of the Chamber | Wednesday, October 21, 5-7:30 p.m. | Kerry Ingredients

The Greater Beloit Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 10^th annual Taste of the Chamber event. The event is a great opportunity to sample food and beverages from local restaurants in Beloit while enjoying live music and social networking. Attendees will also have the chance to vote for the “best” offerings in various categories.

Beloit Bundle Up Winter Wear Distribution | Saturday, October 24, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Community Action, Inc.

Visit Beloit helps organize the Beloit Bundle Up winter drive each year, collecting warm winter gear through donation sites throughout the Beloit community. Donations will be accepted through Oct. 16, with Community Action hosting the Winter Wear Distribution Event, providing free coats, hats, mittens, boots, and other cold-weather items to community members in need. Find more details on how and where to donate on Visit Beloit’s social media channels.

Halloween Pub Crawl | Saturday, October 24, 7 p.m. | Downtown Rockton

Get into the Halloween spirit at the Halloween Pub Crawl in downtown Rockton, where guests can dress up and enjoy a spooky night out. The crawl features stops at eight local pubs, making it a fun way to celebrate with friends.

Spirits & Spirits Cocktail Class | Thursday, October 29, 6-9 p.m. | truk’t

Shake, stir, and sip during the Halloween-themed cocktail class at truk’t. Guests will learn how to mix two signature cocktails, the Ghost Margarita and Forbidden Bloom. The experience also includes a build-your-own trio of tacos, with a costume contest adding to the fun.

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About Visit Beloit

Visit Beloit, established in 1987, is greater Beloit’s official destination marketing organization (DMO). An accredited DMO through Destinations International’s Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP), Visit Beloit’s mission is to be greater Beloit’s tourism champion, using our expertise to generate positive economic impact and to create a vibrant community for residents and visitors. For information, visit www.visitbeloit.com.

About Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP)

The globally recognized Destination Marketing Accreditation Program (DMAP) serves as a visible industry distinction that defines quality and performance standards in destination marketing and management. With nearly 200 accredited organizations worldwide, DMAP is an internationally recognized program that is essential to the success of destinations. See the full list of accredited organizations, including Visit Beloit, at www.destinationsinternational.org.

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