Halloween in the CWE

Halloween in the CWE returns to the Central West End on Saturday, October 31, 2026, taking over Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue for a full day of street parties. It's one of those neighborhood traditions that manages to work for everyone, because it splits the day into three distinct acts: one for the kids, one for the dogs, and one for the adults.

The morning belongs to the families. From 11 AM to 1 PM, there's a children's costume parade and party, and the trick-or-treating happens right at the local businesses along the route. It's a good way to get the little ones out of the house and into the spirit before the day really gets moving.

By the afternoon, the focus shifts to the four-legged residents. The dog parade and party kick off at 1 PM, so if you've spent the last few weeks figuring out how to get your dog into a costume, this is where it actually pays off. It's a separate celebration from the morning one, so you can do the kids' parade and then come back later with the dog, or just pick the one that fits your day.

Then comes the night. Starting at 6 PM, the street party turns into an adults-only bash, and the centerpiece is an outrageous costume contest with prizes for the winners. It's the part of the day where the costumes can get a bit more ambitious than what you'd wear around a group of toddlers.

If you're not already familiar with the area, the Central West End is a walkable district on the eastern edge of Forest Park, known for its turn-of-the-century homes and a mix of upscale dining, coffeehouses, bookshops, contemporary boutiques, world-class art galleries, and live music. It's a neighborhood that does a lot of this kind of thing throughout the year—the CWE Summer Music Series, the CWE Jazz & Blues Festival, CWE Gallery Night, and CWE Art & Taste are all part of the same calendar. Halloween is just the latest in that run. The day starts with the children's parade from 11 AM to 1 PM, the dog parade at 1 PM, and the adults-only party at 6 PM.