This Small Town In Wisconsin Is The Sweetest Halloween Town I’ve Ever Seen
Buried in Wisconsin’s heartland, Beaver Dam dresses itself in cobwebs and shadows each October. Pumpkins leer from porches, skeletons dangle from lampposts, and the entire town delights in its annual flirtation with the macabre.
Even the friendliest neighbors seem just a little more ghoulish under flickering streetlights. This isn’t your polished, corporate version of Halloween. It’s small-town eerie, where hayrides feel one rattle away from disaster and laughter mixes uneasily with the crunch of leaves underfoot.
If your idea of fun involves spine-tingling chills, candlelit paths, and just enough dread to keep you awake at night, Beaver Dam offers the kind of Halloween paradise only the truly strange will appreciate.
6. Spooktacular Casket Races
Forget boring old soapbox derbies! Beaver Dam’s signature Casket Races are the crown jewel of their Fall Downtown Fest, drawing crowds who cheer for teams pushing wildly decorated coffins down the street. These over-the-top themed caskets compete for cash prizes and the coveted spirit award that supports a local Boy Scout troop.
Teams spend weeks crafting their creepy contraptions, ranging from monster-themed coffins to pop culture nods that’ll have you howling with laughter. The 2025 races are scheduled for Saturday, October 25th, marking their 4th annual macabre marathon.
5. Witches’ Dance & Grand Procession
Brooms rise high as the Witches’ Dance takes over Beaver Dam, where locals in pointed hats and flowing capes enchant crowds with choreographed moves.
Performances sparkle twice during Fall Downtown Fest, first in the morning to ignite the day, then again after the Grand Procession. Those eager to join can practice with Dance Now! Studios, learning steps before festival weekend. The Grand Procession itself winds through downtown, a parade bursting with color, cackles, and creativity.
Costumes shimmer, laughter rings, and autumn air tingles with magic, leaving visitors bewitched by a celebration that blends small-town charm with Halloween spectacle.
4. Family-Friendly Halloween Fun
Kids take center stage at Beaver Dam’s Halloween bash, where treat bags fill fast during downtown trick-or-treating as shops hand out candy with cheerful grins. A lively costume parade lets superheroes, witches, and princesses strut proudly, followed by contests that crown the most imaginative ghouls.
Creative spirits shine at pumpkin-decorating tables, while games and playful challenges keep little monsters buzzing with excitement.
Families step into the Chamber of Mystery at the Visitor Center, where gentle scares delight without tears. From candy to costumes, laughter to crafts, the festival blends spooky charm with wholesome fun for children of every age.
3. Monster Bar Crawl After Dark
When the sun sets, Beaver Dam’s Halloween festivities shift into grown-up gear! The Monster Bar Crawl invites adults to keep the party going with themed drinks and spooky specials at local watering holes. A courtesy trolley shuttles costumed revelers between popular spots like Ooga Brewing Company, with its craft beers and haunted ambiance.
Dragon’s Den Lounge and Thirsty Beaver transform into monster mashes where zombies, vampires, and creative costumes mingle over cocktails. Could you score drink discounts with an impressive costume? Many bars offer special perks for those who arrive in Halloween attire!
2. Scarecrows On Parade
Beaver Dam streets transform into an outdoor gallery when Scarecrows on Parade takes over, filling corners with straw-stuffed guardians of every style.
Businesses and homeowners craft creations that swing from spine-tingling to side-splitting, showcasing community talent and humor. Strolling downtown feels like a scavenger hunt, each turn revealing a fresh surprise. Some figures nod to local history, while others wink at pop culture or current events.
Families snap selfies beside creepy characters, while kids giggle at goofy displays. Together, the scarecrows weave autumn’s spirit into town life, stitching laughter, artistry, and festive pride into every street-side tableau.
1. Local Makers’ Halloween Market
Handcrafted Halloween treasures await at The Watermark, where the Vendor Market showcases the talents of local artisans during the Fall Downtown Fest. With zero admission fee, shoppers can browse spooky ceramics, hand-sewn costumes, artisanal treats, and one-of-a-kind decorations you won’t find in big box stores.
The market buzzes with creativity as makers share their Halloween-inspired creations. Many vendors offer live demonstrations of their craft, from pumpkin carving to jewelry making. This celebration of local talent has become a cherished tradition during the 8th Annual Fall Downtown Fest, connecting community members through shared appreciation of handmade Halloween magic.
