Kick Start Spooky Season with These Festive Events in the Chippewa Valley

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisper, it’s time to dive into the spooky season! From family-friendly adventures to thrilling haunted trails, there’s something for everyone to do this October. Here’s a roundup of exciting local events to kick off Halloween with a blend of autumn fun and Halloween scares.

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Field of Screams Family Fun Days
Enjoy a fall-filled day of games, a petting zoo, corn maze, haunted trail, pumpkin carving, and more. Perfect for families and thrill-seekers alike!

• When: Every Saturday and Sunday from Oct. 5 to Oct. 26, 10 AM – 4 PM
• Where: Rockin’ T-R Ranch, 8020 Curvue Rd, Eau Claire, WI
• Cost: $10/person; FREE for kids 2 and under
• Ages: All ages welcome
• More info: Field of Screams Family Fun Days

Field of Screams Haunted Trail and Barn
For the brave at heart, experience the most terrifying haunted trail yet at Rockin’ T-R Ranch. Proceeds support local youth organizations and the Feed My People Food Bank.

• When: Oct. 12, 17-19, 24-26, 7 PM – 10 PM
• Where: Rockin’ T-R Ranch, 8020 Curvue Rd, Eau Claire, WI
• Cost: $20 or $18 with a non-perishable food item donation
• Ages: All ages (not recommended for young children)
• More info: Field of Screams Haunted Trail and Barn

Banbury Place Fall Market
Wander through three floors of makers, artists, and open studios at Banbury Place’s Fall Market. Enjoy live music and support local artisans.

• When: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10 AM – 4 PM
• Where: Banbury Place, Building 13, 930 Galloway St, Eau Claire, WI
• Cost: Free
• Ages: All ages welcome
• More info: Banbury Place Fall Market

Howl’s Moving Castle 20th Anniversary – Studio Ghibli Fest 2024
Celebrate the beloved Studio Ghibli classic with a screening of Howl’s Moving Castle. Follow Sophie’s magical journey and rediscover the enchantment of this timeless film.

• When: Every day from Sep. 26 to Oct. 3
• Where: Micon Downtown Cinema, 315 S. Barstow St, Eau Claire, WI
• Ages: All ages welcome

Horror Movie Trivia
Test your horror movie knowledge and enjoy a night of spine-chilling trivia. Gather your friends and compete for a frightfully good time.

• When: Thursday, Oct. 3, 7 PM – 9 PM
• Where: The Lakely, 516 Galloway St, Eau Claire, WI
• Cost: Free
• Ages: All ages

Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery Fall Fest
Kick back at Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery with live music, petting zoos, wagon rides, and delicious local food trucks. Fun for the whole family

• When:
  • Friday, Oct. 4, 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 AM – 8 PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 6, 11 AM – 6 PM
• Where: Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery, 19947 Cty Hwy J, Chippewa Falls, WI
• Cost: Free
• Ages: All ages welcome
• More info: Dixon’s Autumn Harvest Winery Fall Fest

Harvest Patch Shandy Release Party
Raise a glass to fall at the Harvest Patch Shandy Release Party with live music, food trucks, and giveaways. Don’t miss the launch of surprise beers and the perfect shandy for the season.

• When: Friday, Oct. 4, 5 PM – 8 PM
• Where: The Leinie Lodge, 124 E Elm S, Chippewa Falls, WI
• Cost: $15+
• Ages: 21+
• More info: Harvest Patch Shandy Release Party

ECCT – Spookley the Square Pumpkin: The Musical
Join Spookley on his journey to self-discovery in this delightful musical based on the hit children’s book and animated special

• When:
  • Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 PM
  • Saturday, Oct. 5, 11 AM & 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 6, 1:30 PM
  • Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 AM & 1:30 PM
  • Sunday, Oct. 13, 1:30 PM
• Where: The Oxford, 1814 Oxford Ave, Eau Claire, WI
• Ages: All ages welcome
• Tickets can be purchased here.

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No matter your age or thrill tolerance, these local events are sure to bring spooky season to life! Whether you’re seeking a scare or looking for family fun, there’s something for everyone in the Chippewa Valley this October. Don’t miss out!