Trick-or-treating is a Halloween classic, but you don’t have to limit yourself to the neighborhood. Many malls and community centers host free trick-or-treat events (and trunk-or-treat parties) around Oct. 31. Sometimes, it’s actually more fun than going door-to-door. For one, you don’t have to pass by all the houses with their lights off — and everyone should be giving out good treats (peace out, fuzzy purse hard candies).
Plus, these events can be safer than traditional trick-or-treating too, since kids aren’t dodging cars or crossing the street. The malls are generally well-lit and often even have safety officers around.
And, listen, maybe purchasing Halloween candy to hand out at home isn’t in the budget this year. It’s estimated that, on average, Americans spend $30 on candy for the holiday annually. That’s a lot. Attending one of these events gives you a place to take the kids while keeping your own porch light off for the evening.
We have a free trick-or-treating event for each state below. So grab your candy pail, your under-$10 Halloween costume, and get ready for a fun (and free) time.
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50 Free Trick-or-Treating Events, By State
Alabama
- Where: Riverchase Galleria in Hoover, AL
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31 during business hours
All day on Halloween, the Riverchase Galleria — the largest enclosed shopping mall in Alabama, located near Birmingham — will have candy, treats, and toys for children. Kids of all ages are encouraged to dress in costume (without covering faces). More than 20 stores and stands around the mall that will be handing out candy.
Alaska
- Where: Mendenhall Mall in Juneau, AK
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 7 p.m.
The Mendenhall Mall in Juneau is hosting free trick-or-treating on the evening of Oct. 31. The event runs from 4 – 7 p.m., so you’ll have plenty of time to make a few stops around the neighborhood as well if you want! The mall asks that you RSVP on their website beforehand so they know how many kids may be attending.
Arizona
- Where: Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale, AZ
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Bring the whole family to the Arizona Boardwalk in Scottsdale on Oct. 28 for a day of Halloween activities. The outdoor shopping plaza will have trick-or-treating, bounce houses, slides, face painting, and live music from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., and it’s all totally free!
Arkansas
- Where: Northwest Arkansas Mall in Fayetteville, AR
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
Families near Fayetteville can head to the Northwest Arkansas Mall on Halloween night for an evening of trick-or-treating. Each year, thousands of families turn out for this annual event, which is held for children ages 12 and under.
California
- Where: MainPlace Mall in Santa Ana, CA
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 6 p.m.
If you live near Santa Ana, the MainPlace Mall is the place to be on Halloween evening. The three-story shopping center has more than 150 stores, almost all of which will be handing out candy between the hours of 4 – 6 p.m.. Stores do run out, so plan to get there early and look for signs in store windows that indicate which locations are still participating.
Colorado
- Where: Town Center at Aurora in Aurora, CO
- When: Monday Oct. 30, 4 – 6 p.m.
Grab your costumes and head to Mall-O-Ween at Town Center at Aurora for trick-or-treating and family activities. There will be a costume contest (with prizes!), a photo booth, and a free arts and crafts station. Plus, the first 300 kids will get a free goody bag! Note that this is for kids 12 and under, and kids must be in costume to receive candy.
Connecticut
- Where: Connecticut Post Mall in Milford, CT
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
On the Saturday before Halloween, the Connecticut Post Mall (the biggest mall in the state!) offers trick-or-treat ing at more than 150 stores. On the day of the event, the mall will release a list of the participating shops so you can make a game plan about where to start first. Collect your candy in the morning, then stick around for a Sanderson Sisters performance in the center court beginning at noon!
Delaware
- Where: Dover, DE
- When: Saturday Oct. 14, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
The Dover Trunk or Treat event is the place to be in central Delaware this spooky season. Rather than go business-to-business around the mall, local organizations, businesses, and families host or sponsor a vehicle (usually decked out in themed decorations) and kids trick-or-treat outdoors from car to car. This event is totally free, but you do need to reserve tickets ahead of time. (There is also still time to host and decorate a trunk!)
Florida
- Where: Oviedo Mall in Orlando, FL
- When: Tuesday Oct. 31, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Families in and around Orlando can enjoy the annual Kid Crew Mall-O-Ween trick-or-treating event at the Oviedo Mall. The two-hour event is free for kids 12 and under, and creative costumes are encouraged! It’s free for all, but you do need to register on the website ahead of time in order to attend.
Georgia
- Where: Avalon in Alpharetta, GA
- When: Saturday Oct. 28, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Avalon is a large outdoor shopping center in the northeast suburbs of Atlanta. When you arrive at the mall, head to the concierge station to grab a map of participating trick or treat locations — once you hit them all and collect all your candy, bring your completed map back for an extra prize!
Hawaii
- Where: Kahala Mall, Honolulu, HI
- When: Tuesday Oct. 31, 4:30 – 6:00 p.m.
Families on the island of O’ahu can enjoy free trick-or-treating at the Kahala Mall in Honolulu on the afternoon of Halloween from 4:30 to 6 p.m. In addition to classic trick-or-treating at the mall’s stores and vendors, a live DJ will be playing Halloween-themed music from the center stage during the event.
Idaho
- Where: Meridian, ID
- When: Thursday Oct. 26, 6 – 9 p.m.
This Trunk or Treat event in downtown Meridian gets a lot of good buzz. The 80+ businesses in the outdoor shopping area transform themselves into Halloween scenes and themes, passing out candy and treats. It’s free to attend, but donation of a food item to support the local food bank is encouraged. There will be donation barrels located near City Hall, as well as a food bank booth where you can drop your donations.
Illinois
- Where: Stratford Crossing in Bloomingdale, IL
- When: Tuesday Oct. 31, 4 – 6 p.m.
This Halloween, Stratford Crossing is hosting the annual Halloween Festival, a free event for families of northern Illinois. In addition to trick-or-treating, there will be free train rides, carnival games, craft activities, and a costume contest! The event runs from 4 – 6 p.m., so you have plenty of time to make it back to hand out candy in your neighborhood!
Indiana
- Where: Lawrence Civic Plaza in Indianapolis, IN
- When: Friday, Oct. 13, 6 – 8 p.m.
If you’re local to the Indianapolis metro area, head to HalloweenFest 2023 at Lawrence Civic Plaza for a trick-or-treating extravaganza!. There will be plenty of candy, snacks, and activities. The event is sponsored by the Benjamin Harrison YMCA and free , but you do need to reserve tickets online ahead of time.
Iowa
- Where: North Grand Mall in Ames, IA
- When: Monday, Oct. 30, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Iowans are known for celebrating Halloween a day early on Oct. 30 every year — a day they’ve nicknamed Beggar’s Night. Those looking for trick-or-treat opportunities in central Iowa can head to the North Grand Mall in Ames for Malloween, where more than 50 stores and vendors will be passing out candy and treats.
Kansas
- Where: Oak Park Mall in Overland Park
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 – 6 p.m.
Every Halloween, Oak Park Mall hosts a trick-or-treating event for families in the Kansas City metro area. As the largest mall in Kansas, almost 200 stores participate in the family-friendly event, which begins at 5 p.m. The Halloween event is for children ages 12 and under; the mall asks that adults refrain from dressing up.
Kentucky
- Where: Lexington, KY
- When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 2 – 4 p.m.
While we couldn’t find a popular mall event in Kentucky, the Trunk or Treat sponsored by the YMCA in Lexington has rave reviews. Held on Saturday, Oc. 21, the event will have candy, a costume contest, a trunk decorating contest, and plenty of prizes!
Louisiana
- Where: Mall of Louisiana in Baton Rouge, LA
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 3 – 5 p.m.
The Mall of Louisiana holds the title of the largest mall in the state. The outdoor shopping centers sit on Bluebonnet Boulevard, where they host their annual trick-or-treating event Boo on the Boulevard on the Saturday before Halloween. This year’s free event promises candy, crafts, activities, and balloon animals. The event is free, but any child that donates two non-perishable food items will get a free carousel ride pass.
Maine
- Where: South Portland Community Center in South Portland, ME
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – 3p.m.
The community center in South Portland is hosting a free Trunk or Treat event for all eastern Maine families. They’ll have classic trunk-or-treating, a touch-a-truck event, and activities. Additionally, the South Portland Police Department will be collecting new and gently used coats for members of the community in need.
Maryland
- Where: Westfield Annapolis Mall in Annapolis, MD
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 7 p.m.
Make your way to the Westfield Annapolis Mall on Halloween for a fun afternoon of crafts and trick-or-treating! Start at the library (which is located inside the mall) to decorate a treat bag, then make your way around the mall collecting candy from all the participating retailers.
Massachussetts
- Where: The Anchor in Boston
- When: Oct. 28, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
The Anchor Boston’s annual Family Trick or Treat is a free weekend event that’s perfect for the whole family. It’s not technically at a mall (The Anchor is a multi-story, open-air venue with several food and drink vendors), but they’ll have free trick-or-treating, live music, pumpkin carving, and food and beverage specials available from their vendors. The event is free, but you will need to register for a mobile e-ticket to enter.
Michigan
- Where: Midland Mall in Midland, MI
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 6 p.m.
Central Michiganders can hit the Midland Mall for Trick or Treating at the Mall on Halloween. The event begins at 4 p.m., so you can head there as soon as school gets out for an afternoon activity. If you want to hand out candy or trick-or-treat around your own neighborhood, you’ll still have time to do that, too!
Minnesota
- Where: Mall of America in Bloomington
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m.
Mall of America’s Mall-O-Ween event is legendary—and the best part is, it’s free! Grab your costume and stop by the caricature booth, carve a pumpkin, pose for a snapshot in the photo booth, and of course, fill your bucket with candy. There’s even an allergy-free zone for kids who need to skip the edible treats. The afternoon ends with a special lights show in the Nickelodeon Universe. You can find a map with all the stations, booths, and shows on the mall website.
Mississippi
- Where: Outlets of Mississippi in Pearl, MS
- When: Saturday, Oct. 29, 12 – 2 p.m.
If you’re in central Mississippi, you have to hit the Trunk or Treat at the Outlets of Mississippi. Located in Pearl (which is just outside of Jackson), the event has it all: Halloween decor, themed cars, costumes, and of course, all the candy. The celebration begins at noon on Saturday, Oct. 29, and runs for two hours.
Missouri
- Where: The District in Columbia, MO
- When: Friday, Oct. 27, 4 – 6 p.m.
Columbia’s annual Halloweenie event is back and better than ever! The event is scheduled for the Friday before Halloween at The District, an outdoor plaza of shops, restaurants, and other venues. Businesses will be handing out candy from 4 – 6 p.m. and many places will offer Halloween-theme specials if you want to stick around for dinner or apps while the kids sort their candy.
Montana
- Where: Rimrock Mall in Billings, MT
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 8 p.m.
In addition to traditional Halloween candy, Rimrock Mall in Billings hosts a Mall-O-Ween Trick-or-Treating event that includes free photos, crafts activities, and stickers for all the kids who participate. Photos and crafts will be available from 4 – 8 p.m., but trick-or-treating is only from 5-6 p.m., so plan accordingly.
Nebraska
- Where: Gateway Mall in Lincoln, NE
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 – 8 p.m.
If you’re in southeastern Nebraska, head to the Gateway Mall in Lincoln for the Candy Crawl Indoor Trick-or-Treat on Halloween night. The event (which is for kids 12 and under) offers traditional trick-or-treating along with a costume contest and special prizes for the winners.
Nevada
- Where: Reno Town Mall in Reno, NV
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 5 – 7 p.m.
The Northern Nevada Classics Trunk O Treat at the Reno Town Mall is doing good in more ways than one this Halloween. Not only are they throwing a fabulous trick-or-treating event—which begins at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 28 — they’re also taking donations for the community. The event has partnered with the Lion’s Club to collect any unwanted eyeglasses to be redistributed around the community to those in need. Bring any reading or prescription glasses you no longer need to the event.
New Hampshire
- Where: Mall at Fox Run in Newington, NH
- When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 6 – 8 p.m.
The Mall at Fox Run in Newington (in eastern New Hampshire, on the border of Maine) is hosting its 5th annual Trunk or Treat on Saturday, Oct. 21. Children are invited to arrive in costume anytime between 6 and 8 p.m. to receive candy from decked out cars and vehicles in the mall parking lot. If you’re interested in handing out candy or decorating a car, you’re asked to arrive by 5:15 with plenty of candy to go around.
New Jersey
- Where: Woodbridge Center Mall in Woodbridge Township, NJ
- When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 5 – 7 p.m.
Celebrate spooky season at the Woodbridge Center Mall. The Woodbridge Township police, fire, and emergency management teams are sponsoring the annual Trunk-or-Treat event, which is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 26. Head out around 5 p.m. to gather candy, treats, and toys from decked-out vehicles provided by local community members.
New Mexico
- Where: Main Street Shopping Center in Los Alamos, NM
- When: Friday, Oct. 27, 4 – 6 p.m.
If you live in northern New Mexico, plan to hit the Trick-or-Treat on MainStreet the Friday before Halloween (Oct. 27). The outdoor shopping center in Los Alamos (a northern suburb of the Santa Fe metro area) will be closed to all traffic while businesses hand out candy and treats to all kids in costumes that Friday afternoon.
New York
- Where: Arnot Mall in Big Flats, NY
- When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 3 – 5 p.m.
One of the biggest trick-or-treating events in the country is the Arnot Mall Trunk or Treat in Big Flats, which is along the New York-Pennsylvania border. The event is free for children to attend, and adults can register to set up a trunk for just $10. (You need to complete your registration by midnight on Oct. 18 in order to attend.) They expect to have over 2,000 participants this year, so get your candy pails ready and prepare for the costume contest!
North Carolina
- Where: Gym-Fit Sports Center in Charlotte, NC
- When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 5:30 – 7 p.m.
If you live near Charlotte, head to the 5th Annual Trunk or Treat at the Gym-Fit Sports Center on Saturday, Oct. 21. Starting at 5:30 p.m., there will be free trick-or-treating, food trucks, games, prizes, music, and other fun events for the family.
North Dakota
- Where: Prairie Hills Mall in Dickinson, ND
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
North Dakotans can celebrate the holiday at the Prairie Hills Mall in Dickinson, ND. Their annual Mall-o-ween event is scheduled for Tuesday Oct. 31 from 5 – 7 p.m. and will be filled with candy, music, and fun. Don’t forget your costume!
Ohio
- Where: Franklin Park Mall in Toledo, OH
- When: Friday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
If you’re local to northern Ohio, head to the Franklin Park Mall in Toledo for Trick or Treat for Tots on Friday, Oct. 27. Children ages 6 and under are invited to dress in costume and collect candy from retailers around the mall. Start in the food court to receive a free goody bag, and be sure to hit the Halloween-theme photo ops throughout the mall as you trick-or-treat!
Oklahoma
- Where: Bricktown in Oklahoma City, OK
- When: Monday, Oct. 23, 4 – 7 p.m.
Get a head start on your Halloween celebrations with Brick-or-Treat, a free family-friendly celebration scheduled for Monday, Oct. 23. Head over to Bricktown, the outdoor shopping and entertainment center in downtown Oklahoma City, for the 8th annual Halloween event that includes live music, photo booths, giveaways, and trick-or-treating. The event is for children 14 and under; all children must be in costume and accompanied by a guardian.
Oregon
- Where: Salem Center Mall in Salem, OR
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 3 – 6 p.m.
When school gets out on Oct. 31, head straight to the Salem Center Mall for the annual Halloween Party at the Mall. Beginning at 3 p.m., kids can enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house, face painting, a photo booth, and free snacks and drinks. There will also be plenty of prizes for the kids, including gift cards and vouchers from local businesses.
Pennsylvania
- Where: The Mall at Robinson in Pittsburgh, PA
- When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 2 – 4 p.m.
If you’re local to the Pittsburgh metro area, check out this year’s Trunk or Treat event, put on by The Mall at Robinson and The Robinson Township Library. The free outdoor party includes classic Halloween candy, a prize wheel, balloon animals, live music, and more. Plus, each child will receive a Halloween goody bag upon arrival, while supplies last.
Rhode Island
- Where: Farm Fresh Building in Providence, RI
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
On Saturday, Oct. 28, head to the Farm Fresh building in Providence for a fun and spooky indoor market experience. The annual Farmers Market Trick-or-Treat event features 20+ local businesses handing out candy and treats, along with cookie-decorating stations, live music, and festive decorations. Kids 14 and under are invited to dress in costume and participate in the costume contest for a variety of prizes.
South Carolina
- Where: The Market Common in Myrtle Beach, SC
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 5 – 7 p.m.
Get a true trick-or-treating experience at Hometown Halloween at The Market Common in Myrtle Beach. The outdoor shopping center is hosting trick-or-treating from 5 – 7 p.m. on Oct. 31, so you can collect your candy at dusk while still under the safety of the mall lighting. There will also be free ‘haunted’ carriage rides beginning at 4 p.m..
South Dakota
- Where: The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls, SD
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 6 p.m.
If you’re in eastern South Dakota, make your way to Mall-O-Ween at The Empire Mall in Sioux Falls. It’s an annual event held on the afternoon of Halloween, and it’s the perfect way to kick off a night of trick-or-treating. Kids are invited to arrive in costume and collect candy from retailers all around the mall. They can even stop at the spooky selfie station to get a festive snapshot taken.
Tennessee
- Where: The Mall at Green Hills in Nashville, TN
- When: Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Fall Fun Fest at The Mall at Green Hills in Nashville is the perfect way to get your family into the spooky spirit. Held two weeks before Halloween, the Saturday, Oct. 14, event starts at 10 a.m. and will have candy, games, crafts, snacks, music, and more! It’s totally free, but you do need to register for a free e-ticket online before you arrive.
Texas
- Where: Main Street Garden Park in Dallas, TX
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 4 – 7 p.m.
The downtown shopping scene in Dallas is transforming into a spook-tacular event this Halloween from 4 – 7 p.m. For the 5th year in a row, Trick or Treat on Downtown Streets will host trick-or-treating at the local businesses and there will be free Halloween photo booths, arts and crafts stations, live entertainment, and more. Start at the Main Street Garden and pick up a free trick or treat bucket while supplies last.
Utah
- Where: DeJoria Center in Kamas, UT
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 6 – 8 p.m.
If you live in the Salt Lake City metro area, head to the DeJoria Center in Kamas for Halloween Trunk-or-Treat 2023. This free annual event is open to the public, and you’re welcome to come as a guest or bring your own decorated vehicle and pass out candy. Children are asked to arrive in costume and bring their own candy sack; popcorn and hot chocolate will be provided. There will also be a costume contest with winners and prizes announced at the end of the night.
Vermont
- Where: Wonderfeet Kids’ Museum in Rutland VT
- When: Sunday, Oct. 22, 12 – 4 p.m.
Head to the Wonderfeet Truck or Treat in Rutland for a fun afternoon. Between noon and 4 p.m., there will be plenty of trucks and other interesting vehicles for a fun twist on the traditional ‘trunk or treat.’ Kids can trick-or-treat for free, and families are encouraged to bring spare change for the coin drop donation drive.
Virginia
- Where: Valley Mall in Harrisonburg, VA
- When: Thursday, Oct. 26, 5 – 7:30 p.m.
If you don’t want to give up your annual neighborhood trick-or-treating on Halloween night, head to the Boo Bash at Valley Mall in Harrisonburg on the Thursday before Halloween (Oct.26). Mall merchants will be handing out candy, and there will be a costume contest, so come dressed in your spookiest outfit. There will also be a family-friendly dance party for kids of all ages.
Washington
- Where: Everett Mall in Everett, WA
- When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 3 – 4 p.m.
Enjoy live music, trick-or-treating, and more at Free Family Trick-or-Treat at the Everett Mall on Saturday, Oct. 28. The event is free, but families are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items as a donation for the community. The Evergreen Community Orchestra will play Halloween-themed music while businesses pass out candy and kids partake in free face painting.
West Virginia
- Where: Huntington Mall in Barboursville, WV
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 24, 6 – 8 p.m.
Head to the largest mall in West Virginia for the annual Monster Maul event, hosted by Huntington Mall in Barboursville. Their 150+ stores will be handing out candy from 6 – 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 24, so you don’t have to skip out on your usual Halloween plans to attend this free event.
Wisconsin
- Where: The Corners of Brookfield in Brookfield, WI
- When: Saturday, Oct. 21, 12 – 2 p.m.
Get into the spooky spirit early by celebrating at Trick or Treat at The Corners. The event is held a full 10 days before Halloween and features live music, trick-or-treating, pop-up activities, and a meet-and-greet with Disney princesses. The Corners is an outdoor shopping center, so you’ll get the true trick-or-treat experience in the safety of the daylight.
Wyoming
- Where: Frontier Mall in Cheyenne, WY
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 31, 6 p.m.
For a truly spook-tacular evening, take the family to Pirate’s Plunder: Trunk or Treat Thunder at the Frontier Mall in Cheyenne. The annual event is held in the well-lit mall parking lot and features more than 200 decked-out cars handing out candy beginning at 6 p.m. on Halloween night. There will also be live music, a pet show, and other entertainment from local businesses.
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