Your complete guide to Halloween and fall events in Clear Lake 2026
October is one of the best times to experience Clear Lake, Iowa. From eerie trails and pumpkin patches to trick-or-treat fun and cultural celebrations, the season is packed with ways to make memories with family and friends. Whether you love a good scare or prefer cozy fall fun, you’ll find it all here.
The Nightmare Haunted Hike
Fridays & Saturdays in October | Legacy Ranch, 2532 S. Shore Dr.
Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure like no other at The Nightmare Haunted Hike in Clear Lake, Iowa. This outdoor haunted experience has become one of North Iowa’s favorite fall traditions—scarier (and more popular) than ever.
Come on out and explore the all-new sets and longer hike that debuted in 2025. As you make your way through the eerie, dimly lit trail, you’ll encounter terrifying scenes, unexpected scares, and monsters lurking in the shadows. Enter if you dare—but don’t say we didn’t warn you!
And when you’ve survived the chills? Warm up with delicious eats from who else but Monster Eats food truck on site on Fridays and Saturdays.
If you dare, they will scare.
New This Year: No Scare Sundays!
Love Halloween but prefer your haunted hike without anyone jumping out at you? No Scare Sundays offer a tamer way to explore the Nightmare Haunted Hike. Every Sunday in October from 6:30–8:30 p.m., guests can take a guided tour through the sets without the scare actors.
It’s a great option for younger kids, families, or anyone who wants to see all the creepy details without spending the whole hike wondering what’s hiding around the next corner. 👀
No Scare Sundays admission is $10, and free hot cocoa is included to warm you up afterward.
Plain Ol’ Pumpkins
Weekends through October 31 | 4333 260th St.
Looking for wholesome family fun this fall? Head to Plain Ol’ Pumpkins, where old-fashioned farm charm meets endless entertainment. Open weekends through October 27, this pumpkin patch features everything from a sprawling corn maze and hayrack rides to a grain truck slide, wagon basketball, pedal kart track, and the fan-favorite Moo-nure Ball—a skeeball game built into an old manure spreader!
Kids can play in the corn pool, climb the hay pyramid, or try their hand at pumpkin tic-tac-toe. Don’t miss your chance to pick the perfect pumpkin, snap some adorable fall photos, and enjoy a snack by the campfire. Each weekend features a rotating lineup of food trucks, and don’t miss the fire pit and s’mores.
Walking With the Spirits
October 2–3 | 5–8:30 p.m. | Meet at the Clear Lake Public Library
Take a walk through the shadowy side of Clear Lake history during Walking With the Spirits, an after-dark cemetery experience presented by the Clear Lake Historical Society and Clear Lake Public Library. Guests will meet at the Clear Lake Public Library at 5 p.m., where transportation will be provided to and from the Clear Lake Cemetery. Once there, guides will lead you through the cemetery as you hear tales of early Clear Lakers, local history, mystery and intrigue. After the walk, you’ll return by bus to the library for food, drinks and a special presentation exploring the eerie beginnings and unexplained events of a nearby cemetery.
Tickets are $50 per person, with just 40 available each night. This event is for ages 18+ and takes place rain or shine. The cemetery walk includes uneven ground, so dress for the weather and bring an umbrella if needed.
Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 3 | Downtown Clear Lake
Raise a glass to fall at Harvest Festival, one of Clear Lake’s biggest autumn traditions! Downtown fills with 130+ vendors, wine, beer and spirits sampling, live music, hayrides, food, shopping and plenty of friendly competition throughout the day. Harvest Festival Experience Bags are available while supplies last, so grab yours before they’re gone. Start your morning with the Champagne 5K, a fun run/walk along South Shore complete with bubbly at the turnaround and finish line for participants 21+. Packet pickup begins at 8 a.m. at the Lakeview Room, with the race starting at 9 a.m. Then head downtown for the Outdoor Vendor Market & Farmers Market from 9 a.m.–4 p.m., hayrides from 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and wine, beer and spirits sampling from noon–4 p.m. Other favorites include the Salsa Contest and public tasting from 12:15–1:45 p.m. and the Grape Stomp Competition from 2–3 p.m. Live music keeps the party going, with The Bear Creek Band on the Main Stage from 1–4 p.m., plus Nova Jazz and Last Minute Combo performing at the Clear Lake Arts Center.
Break out the boots and sweaters, text the group chat and make a day of it.
Champagne 5K: Register here
More live music & events: Calendar of Events
Table or Treat at the Wellness Center
Saturday, October 24 | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center | 115 N. 20th St.
Little ghouls and goblins will love this family-friendly Halloween tradition! Dress up and head to the Table or Treat event at the Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center. Kids can trick-or-treat from table to table indoors, collecting candy and goodies from local businesses and organizations.
The fun continues in the fieldhouse with games and activities perfect for all ages including the Monster Dash. It’s a great way to celebrate Halloween safely and enjoy some indoor excitement no matter the weather.
Citywide Trick-or-Treat Night
Saturday, October 31 from 5:30-7:30 PM | City of Clear Lake
Grab your candy bags, put on your best costumes, and get ready for a boo-tiful night of trick-or-treating in Clear Lake! Stroll through friendly neighborhoods filled with porch lights and pumpkins, and don’t forget to shout “trick or treat!”
We can’t wait to see all the ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and princesses roaming the streets. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy a spooktacular Halloween night at the lake.
Rotary’s Hot Cocoa Hustle 5K
Saturday, November 7 | Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center | 115 N. 20th St.
After a night of sweets, keep the fun rolling with a little movement! The Clear Lake Rotary Scholarship 5K “Hot Cocoa Hustle” is a fun run/walk event for all ages and abilities. The race begins and ends at the Clear Lake Athletics & Wellness Center (115 N. 20th Street) and supports local Rotary scholarship programs.
Finish strong and celebrate with a warm cup of cocoa, the perfect way to kick off November in Clear Lake.
Plan Your Fall Getaway to Clear Lake, Iowa
Whether you’re chasing thrills at the Haunted Hike, exploring Plain Ol’ Pumpkins with your family, or sipping cocoa after a 5K, Clear Lake is the perfect place to embrace fall. Stay for the weekend, shop downtown, and enjoy local dining as the leaves change along the shoreline.
Start planning your fall getaway today at clearlakeiowa.com.