From eerie haunted attractions and family-friendly trick-or-treating to pumpkin patches, costume contests, and autumn festivals, Scott, Muscatine, and Rock Island counties offer plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween on both sides of the Mississippi River.
As October settles over eastern Iowa and western Illinois, communities throughout the Quad Cities region embrace the Halloween season with spooky attractions, fall festivities and activities for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re searching for a heart-pounding haunted house, a relaxed evening of family fun or a weekend outing filled with pumpkins, costumes and Halloween decorations, the region offers a variety of ways to get into the spirit of the season.
The three-county area brings together the urban energy of Davenport, Bettendorf, Moline and Rock Island with smaller communities where local traditions and neighborhood celebrations help make Halloween special. In 2026, Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, giving families and thrill-seekers a weekend date for the holiday itself.
Scott County, Iowa: Haunted Attractions and Halloween Fun in Davenport
Scott County offers a mix of traditional haunted-house scares, outdoor Halloween celebrations, and seasonal activities that make it a popular destination for Halloween enthusiasts throughout the Quad Cities.
Haunted Feargrounds brings the scares
One of the area’s established Halloween attractions is Haunted Feargrounds, located at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds in Davenport. The attraction transforms an indoor fairgrounds space into a seasonal haunted experience, giving visitors an opportunity to explore frightening scenes and encounter spooky characters.
For those planning a group outing, a haunted attraction can be an ideal way to spend an October evening with friends, coworkers, or older family members. Visitors should confirm the 2026 operating schedule, admission prices, and any age recommendations before heading out.
Haunted Island offers Halloween fun for the whole family
Families looking for something less intense can head to Credit Island Park for Haunted Island on Saturday, October 24.
According to Davenport Parks and Recreation, the free event features two distinct experiences:
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Not-So-Scary Halloween Bash, noon to 5 p.m.: Family-friendly activities include a candy maze, games, a haunted house, a petting zoo, and bounce houses.
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Scary Movie in the Park, 6 to 10 p.m.: An evening movie event featuring the original Halloween (1978), rated R and recommended for ages 13 and older.
Admission is free, with donations encouraged to support Scott County Special Olympics and Davenport Parks and Recreation scholarship programs. Food trucks and yard games are also planned for the evening. Weather-related changes may be announced on the day of the event. Event details are available through the Haunted Island announcement .
For visitors who prefer a daytime outing, fall farm attractions, pumpkin picking and corn mazes in the wider Quad Cities region provide a lighter alternative to nighttime scares.
Muscatine County, Iowa: Community Celebrations and Small-Town Halloween Charm
In Muscatine County, Halloween celebrations emphasize community involvement, creative decorations, and activities that welcome younger children. From decorated vehicles handing out candy to illuminated campground displays, the county offers alternatives for families who want seasonal fun without the intensity of a traditional haunted house.
All Hallows Trunk or Treat at Kent Stein Park
One of Muscatine’s featured Halloween events takes place Saturday, October 24, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Kent Stein Park.
Hosted by Muscatine Parks and Recreation, All Hallows Trunk or Treat invites children to dress in costume and visit decorated vehicles offering treats. The event is designed to create a festive atmosphere with Halloween-themed displays and lights, making it a good choice for families with young children.
Parking is available on the south side of Oneida Avenue at the park, with additional parking at the Muscatine Soccer Complex. Those interested in participating as volunteers can contact Muscatine Parks and Recreation at 563-263-0241.
Trick-or-treating and other community activities
The City of Muscatine has announced official trick-or-treating hours of 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Residents are encouraged to turn on their porch lights for visiting trick-or-treaters, while families are advised to use reflective costume materials and accompany younger children.
Rock Island County, Illinois: Haunted Manors, Forest Trails and Downtown Halloween Events
Terror at Skellington Manor: A theatrical haunted experience
Terror at Skellington Manor
420 18th Street, Rock Island, Illinois
Located inside a historic building in downtown Rock Island, Terror at Skellington Manor presents Theatre of the Macabre, an immersive haunted attraction featuring detailed sets, theatrical characters, and unexpected scares.
The 2026 season includes Halloween weekend performances on October 30 and 31, plus a final night on November 1. Doors open at 7 p.m. General admission is listed at $25 at the door, while online timed-ticket Fast Pass admission is $35. Check the official Skellington Manor website for ticket availability and updates.
The attraction is a strong option for visitors who enjoy elaborate horror settings rather than simple jump scares. Its theatrical approach makes it a distinctive part of the region’s Halloween entertainment lineup.
QC Haunted Forest and Hayrack Ride
3501 207th Street North, Port Byron, Illinois
For a more outdoors-oriented scare, the QC Haunted Forest combines a hayrack ride with a walk through wooded haunted scenes. Guests experience a different atmosphere from an indoor haunted house, with darkness, forest surroundings, and staged encounters contributing to the suspense.
The attraction’s published 2026 schedule includes Friday and Saturday nights in October, including October 23–24 and October 30–31, from 7 p.m. to midnight. General admission is listed at $25, with a group rate of $20 per person for groups of five or more purchasing at the door.
Because the experience includes uneven outdoor terrain, sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Visit the official QC Haunted Forest website for current details.
Back From the Dead Fest takes over downtown Rock Island
Not every Halloween celebration needs to be frightening. Back From the Dead Fest, returning Saturday, October 24, brings Halloween-themed entertainment and activities to downtown Rock Island.
The 2026 event features activities for all ages, seasonal treats, and free trolley rides from 1 to 10 p.m., with haunted attractions and additional entertainment adding to the atmosphere as evening approaches. The event offers an opportunity to explore downtown businesses and enjoy a full day of Halloween-themed activities without committing to a single attraction.
For visitors planning a weekend trip, pairing the festival with an evening visit to Skellington Manor or another nearby haunted attraction can make for a full Halloween itinerary.
More haunted attractions across the region
Other attractions worth investigating include:
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Factory of Fear in Moline: An indoor, industrial-themed haunted attraction known for detailed environments and live scare actors. Visit its listing and confirm the current season’s schedule before traveling.
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Shock House: A dark attraction listed in the 2026 Halloween directory, with additional sideshow performances and live entertainment advertised during October. Admission was listed at $20. Check the Haunted Illinois event directory for details.
These attractions offer different styles of Halloween entertainment, from indoor horror experiences to live performances and specialty shows.
Moline and the surrounding Illinois communities: Halloween for all ages
Beyond the haunted attractions, Rock Island County offers numerous family-friendly celebrations in the days leading up to Halloween.
Spooktacular Trunk or Treat in Moline
Moline Parks and Recreation will host its annual Spooktacular Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greenvalley Softball Complex, 5920 52nd Avenue. The free event features decorated vehicles, candy, entertainment and a costume contest, making it a good choice for families looking for an early Halloween celebration.
BOO! Street Landing
On Thursday, October 29, from 5 to 7 p.m., Bass Street Landing in Moline will host BOO! Street Landing. This free, family-friendly event includes Halloween activities, costume contests, treats, music, and the Scarecrow Showdown.
Witches Night Out in downtown Moline
Adults looking for a Halloween-themed night out can head to downtown Moline on Friday, October 30, from 5 to 9 p.m. Witches Night Out features participating businesses, themed experiences, and costume contests. The event is for adults ages 21 and older, and registration is required.
Moline’s official trick-or-treat hours are scheduled for 5 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. Event details and updates are available through the City of Moline’s Halloween guide .
Planning a Halloween weekend across all three counties
With Halloween approaching, visitors can organize their outings around the type of experience they prefer. The following suggested itineraries bring together events across the three-county region.
Start with the Spooktacular Trunk or Treat from 5 to 7 p.m. at Greenvalley Softball Complex. Families can enjoy costumes, decorated vehicles and candy before making plans for the weekend.
Saturday, October 24: A full day of Halloween activities
Choose between All Hallows Trunk or Treat in Muscatine from 6 to 8 p.m., Haunted Island in Davenport beginning at noon, or Back From the Dead Fest in downtown Rock Island. Those seeking more intense scares can consider the QC Haunted Forest after dark.
Friday, October 30: An evening of Halloween thrills
Explore Witches Night Out in downtown Moline from 5 to 9 p.m., or plan a nighttime visit to Terror at Skellington Manor. The latter is best suited to visitors who want a more theatrical haunted-house experience.
Saturday, October 31: Halloween night
Celebrate with neighborhood trick-or-treating, costume parties, and seasonal attractions. Muscatine’s official hours are 6 to 8 p.m., while Moline and East Moline have announced hours of 5 to 8 p.m. Check local announcements for other communities before heading out.
A Halloween season with something for everyone
From Scott County’s family-oriented Haunted Island celebration to Muscatine County’s community trunk-or-treat events and Rock Island County’s elaborate haunted attractions, the Quad Cities region offers a varied Halloween calendar.
Families can focus on daytime activities, candy trails and costume contests, while thrill-seekers can spend their evenings exploring haunted manors and dark forest trails. Downtown festivals provide another option for people who want live entertainment, seasonal food and a festive atmosphere.
The best approach is to plan ahead, verify operating hours and ticket prices, and choose attractions that match the ages and interests of your group. Some events have limited dates or require advance registration, and weather can affect outdoor activities.
For the latest information, consult the Visit Quad Cities event calendar , the City of Muscatine , the City of Moline and individual haunted attraction websites.
This Halloween, the communities of Scott, Muscatine and Rock Island counties are ready to welcome visitors for a season of spooky thrills, creative costumes, autumn traditions and memorable family fun.
