Free Halloween Fun Alert: Trick or Treat at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds This Friday!
Written by Zach Miller on October 28, 2025
If you’re scrambling to figure out safe Halloween plans for your kiddos this Friday afternoon, we’ve got you covered. The Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds is hosting their annual Trick or Treat at the Fairgrounds event, and it’s honestly the perfect solution for busy parents like us.
When the Regular Trick-or-Treat Schedule Doesn’t Work for You
Let’s be real – traditional trick-or-treating after dark can be tricky when you’re juggling work schedules, dinner prep, and trying to get everyone home before meltdown hour. That’s what makes this event so genius! Friday, October 31st from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM means you can knock out Halloween festivities while it’s still light out, and still have time to get home for dinner. Win-win!
What Makes This Event Special
Here’s what your family can look forward to:
✨ Completely FREE – No tickets, no admission fee, no pre-registration required. Just show up in costume and go!
🍬 Local Business Treat Stations – The fairgrounds is partnering with local Elkhart County businesses and organizations to create multiple treat stations throughout the venue. Each station is decorated (some REALLY go all out), and your kids can collect goodies while staying in one safe, supervised location.
🎃 Costume Contest With Real Prizes – This isn’t your average “everyone gets a participation ribbon” contest. Winners in four categories will score wristband vouchers for the 2026 Elkhart County 4-H Fair. That’s a prize your kids will actually be excited about!
Costume Contest Categories (Open to Ages 17 & Under)
- Spookiest Costume – For your little monsters who love all things scary
- Most Unique Costume – Perfect for creative kids who think outside the box
- Cutest Costume – Your adorable toddler in that pumpkin outfit? Yes please!
- Best Group Costume – Family costumes welcome! (Adults can participate in this category as long as there’s at least one child under 18 in the group)
The costume contest is photo-based, so you’ll snap pics at the designated station during the event. Winners will be announced the following Monday.
The Practical Stuff (Because We Know You’re Wondering)
Where to Park: Enter through Gate 2 and park outside the Elkhart County Community Center. From there, walk through the main gate to access the event.
What to Bring: Just yourselves in costume! Everything else is provided.
How Long to Stay: The event runs for four hours, but you can pop in for 30 minutes or stay the whole time – whatever works for your schedule.
Why This Event Rocks for Busy Families
As a parent trying to balance work and family life, these are the things I love about this event:
- It’s during daylight hours – No flashlights needed, no tripping over curbs in the dark
- Everything’s in one location – No driving from neighborhood to neighborhood
- Controlled environment – You can actually relax a bit knowing your kids are safe
- Free parking and admission – Halloween can get expensive with costumes, candy, and decorations
- Community atmosphere – You’ll probably run into neighbors and friends
Support Local While You’re There
The treat stations are staffed by local Elkhart County businesses and organizations. It’s a great opportunity to see who’s involved in our community and support the companies that support our kids’ activities. Plus, the Treat Station Decorating Contest means some of these businesses go ALL OUT with their displays – it’s honestly Instagram-worthy!
Make It a Family Tradition
Halloween events like this have become increasingly popular because they solve so many of the challenges modern families face. Whether you’re a working parent who can’t make evening trick-or-treating work, you have young kids who get overwhelmed by traditional door-to-door collecting, or you simply want a more controlled environment, the Fairgrounds event checks all the boxes.
Mark Your Calendar!
What: Trick or Treat at the Fairgrounds
When: Friday, October 31, 2025, 1:00-5:00 PM
Where: Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds (enter through Gate 2)
Cost: FREE!
Website: Elkhart County 4-H Fair
Don’t forget to tune into Froggy 102.7 all week for more Halloween fun and local event updates! We’ll be talking about the event on-air and sharing photos afterward.
Pro tip: Get there earlier in the afternoon if you want to avoid the biggest crowds, or come around 3 PM when the school day ends and meet up with friends!
Who’s planning to go? Tag your crew and let us know what costumes your family is wearing this year! 🎃👻
Event details provided by the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds. For the most up-to-date information and any weather-related changes, visit the official Elkhart County Fair website or follow them on social media.
Stay connected with Froggy 102.7 for more local family events, contests, and the best hit music to keep your busy days moving!
