Things to Do in Bartlett IL This Weekend: Oct 23–25
The best things to do in Bartlett IL this weekend run Friday through Sunday, October 23–25: a downtown costume parade Saturday morning, the last Ghost Train of the season Saturday evening, and a pumpkin breakfast at Villa Olivia on Sunday — plus two easy Friday nights out.
By Bartlett Guide · Published October 22, 2026
This is the last full weekend before Halloween, and Bartlett is using it well. If you are scanning for things to do in Bartlett IL this weekend, start with Saturday: the Halloween Fun Fest takes over downtown in the morning, and the Ghost Train rolls in South Elgin at dusk. Sunday belongs to Villa Olivia, where Pumpkins & Pancakes and Sunday brunch overlap. Friday is quieter — music bingo in Streamwood or karaoke in town. Here is the weekend, day by day.
Friday, October 23: music bingo and karaoke near Bartlett IL
Rosary with the Women of Grace — Friday afternoon
The calm start to the weekend. The Women of Grace gather at the grotto in front of the chapel on North Avenue to pray the Rosary, as they have on Friday afternoons through October. Everyone is welcome to join.
Friday Night Music Bingo — Streamwood
Singo, the song-title version of bingo, at The Chicago Loop Sports Bar and Grill in Streamwood. Instead of numbers, you mark song titles on a free card while the host plays clips of well-known tracks. The weekly game runs two hours — an easy early night out.
BrachtStar Karaoke Fridays at Bracht's Place
Friday karaoke in Bartlett, hosted by JAM Karaoke Chicago. The mic opens at 9 p.m., and first-time singers are especially welcome — participation matters more than performance here.
Saturday, October 24: Halloween Fun Fest and the Ghost Train
Halloween Fun Fest 2.0 — downtown Bartlett
Bartlett's big Halloween morning. The costume parade leaves Village Hall at 10 a.m., followed by trick-or-treating along Bartlett Avenue, through downtown, and at the Streets of Bartlett. It is the one event this weekend where the whole town shows up in costume at once — our Halloween Fun Fest guide has the full parade route, the haunted gallery at Arts in Bartlett, and the treating schedule.
Ghost Train — Fox River Trolley Museum, South Elgin
Saturday evening, ride a spooky trolley from the Fox River Trolley Museum down to a haunted forest preserve, where ghost stories come alive around the campfire. Choose family-friendly tales and treats or join the paranormal investigators — plus s'mores and hot chocolate. Tickets are at foxtrolley.org and at the door if any remain; our Ghost Train guide covers the ride in full.
Sunday, October 25: Pumpkins & Pancakes at Villa Olivia
Pumpkins & Pancakes — Villa Olivia
A festive Halloween family morning from the Bartlett Park District: a pancake breakfast, pumpkin decorating, and fall photo opportunities, with costumes encouraged. Unlike a walk-in brunch, this one runs through Park District registration — the Park District's dining page links straight to a Register Now button, so sign up ahead rather than showing up on Sunday morning.
The same building hosts regular Sunday brunch that morning, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Crystal Room. October's theme is Southern Comfort; the October 25 menu features a made-to-order country ham and cheddar omelet and Southern breakfast hash. Prices are $25.95 for adults, $15.50 for youth ages 6–11, and $5.25 for toddlers ages 3–5, with coffee, tea, juices, and milk included. Walk-ins are welcome; reservations are recommended at 630-289-1000. Full details are in our Sunday brunch in Bartlett guide.
A simple plan for the weekend in Bartlett IL
- Friday: Pick one night out — music bingo in Streamwood (7:00–9:00 p.m., free) or karaoke at Bracht's Place from 9:00 p.m. Doing both is doable; they do not overlap.
- Saturday morning: Be downtown before 10:00 a.m. for the Fun Fest parade step-off — costumes get their first full outing a week before Halloween.
- Saturday evening: Ghost Train in South Elgin from 5:00 p.m. Buy tickets online ahead of time; door tickets depend on what remains.
- Sunday: Pumpkins & Pancakes runs 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Villa Olivia, and brunch overlaps it until 1:00 p.m. — register for the first, reserve for the second.
- Looking ahead: Halloween week keeps going — Halloween-theme Bingo Night on Wednesday, October 28, then Halloween itself on Saturday, October 31. Everything else is on the Bartlett events page, refreshed daily.
Things to do in Bartlett IL this weekend: quick questions
What is happening in Bartlett IL this weekend, October 23–25?
Halloween Fun Fest 2.0 downtown on Saturday, October 24 (parade at 10:00 a.m.), the Ghost Train in South Elgin Saturday from 5:00 p.m., and Pumpkins & Pancakes at Villa Olivia on Sunday, October 25, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Friday brings music bingo in Streamwood and karaoke in Bartlett.
When does the Halloween Fun Fest parade start in Bartlett?
The costume parade leaves Bartlett Village Hall at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 24, followed by trick-or-treating along Bartlett Avenue, through downtown, and at the Streets of Bartlett.
Do I need to register for Pumpkins & Pancakes at Villa Olivia?
Yes — the Bartlett Park District runs Pumpkins & Pancakes through registration, with a Register Now link on its Villa Olivia dining page. The event is Sunday, October 25, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. at Villa Olivia, 1401 W. Lake Street, and costumes are encouraged.
How much is Sunday brunch at Villa Olivia on October 25?
Regular Sunday brunch in the Crystal Room runs 10:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. and costs $25.95 for adults, $15.50 for youth ages 6–11, and $5.25 for toddlers ages 3–5, per the Park District. Coffee, tea, juices, and milk are included; reservations are recommended at 630-289-1000.
Where is the Ghost Train near Bartlett IL?
At the Fox River Trolley Museum, 365 S. Lafox St in South Elgin. The trolley ride to the haunted forest preserve runs Saturday, October 24 from 5:00 p.m., with tickets at foxtrolley.org and at the door if any remain.
Sources & verification. Details verified October 22, 2026 against organizer listings; hours and prices change — confirm before heading out.
Get the weekly events email
One email every Thursday morning with the weekend's events in Bartlett, South Elgin, and Streamwood. Pick your areas below — unsubscribe anytime with one click.