From the depths of your imagination, the creeping corners of the Earth, and the far-reaching fathoms of time and space, comes an adventure, the scopes of which have never been seen before! Prepare to embark on a “spirited” journey through Halloween history as the ghastliest specters the world has ever known come to life before your very eyes. They have hopped off the pages of the history books and onto Main Street, but in this interpretation of their story, YOU are the star! Visit St. Charles this October and discover for yourself why Legends & Lanterns® is considered the best fall festival in Missouri.
2026 FESTIVAL HOURS
Sat, 10/10: 11 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 10/11: Noon to 5 PM
Sat, 10/17: 11 AM to 6 PM
Sun, 10/18: Noon to 5 PM
Fri, 10/23: 5 PM to 8 PM
Sat, 10/24: 11 AM to 8 PM
Sun, 10/25: Noon to 5 PM
1. Stand Face-to-Face with Legendary Villains from Your Favorite Fairy Tales
Enter the world of storybooks and mingle with iconic fairy tale characters like the Big Bad Wolf, the Queen of Hearts, and the Evil Queen this fall in Saint Charles.
Put on your writing cap and join famous authors, Edgar Allan Poe, Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley, and the Brothers Grimm at Writers’ Block to write your own scary poem, haiku, or short story. Stick around, because at 2 PM, the group performs a 20-minute comedy show of an abbreviated history of your favorite frightful stories. Fill out the Mad Lib form online for a chance to have your ideas be part of the show!
2. Experience Day of the Dead Traditions
Explore the heritage and vibrant customs of the Mexican Day of the Dead in Berthold Square. Skeletal grand dame La Catrina guides you through the Dia de los Muertos celebration held annually in Mexico. Become part of the celebration yourself and remember a departed loved one with a memorial marigold on the ofrenda or get your face painted like a colorful sugar skull. Don’t forget to snap a photo with Carlos Grande, the 12-foot-tall skeleton that overlooks the plaza.
3. Meet the Creatures of Your Imagination
They say that seeing is believing…decide for yourself when you come across legendary creatures like Bigfoot, the Jersey Devil, and the Loch Ness Monster at Legends & Lanterns® in St. Charles. Catch these mysterious cryptids on Historic Main Street, and don’t forget your camera, this might be your only chance to take a photo before they vanish! Watch out as you explore, you never know when the Evil Queen, the Evil Fairy, or other infamous villains might cross your path.
4. Challenge Buccaneers to a Darling Swashbuckling Clash!
Avast, ye scurvy scum! After terrorizing open seas, Captain Hook, Anne Bonny, and an evil mermaid have set sail up the Missouri River and established a port along Historic Main Street. These lawless scallywags don't always see eye to eye, and by their code, there's only one way to settle disagreements...by the sword! Grab a foam sword from their trunk and challenge them to a fight they won’t forget.
5. Take a Journey through Halloween History
As you enjoy the spooky architecture and scenery of Main Street St. Charles and the Missouri River, make sure to stop at the 10 stops of our Haunted History Trail. This self-guided digital audio walking tour reveals true tales of infamy, villainy, and the paranormal that have shaped the legacy of the historic district.
Continue your EDU-tainment journey at different spooky history exhibits throughout the festival that highlight topics such as gargoyles, carnivorous plants, and monster movies.
Delve into the 19th century at Morbid Curiosity: Mourning Traditions of the Victorian Age mini museum at the KATY Depot to learn about the Victorians’ curious (and just plain weird) reactions to the loss of a loved one. Explore their mourning clothing, customs, and etiquette, and even learn how they used hair to create mementos in remembrance of loved ones.
New for 2026, experience the Fox Sisters Séance Parlor in the KATY Depot, where a trio of phony spiritual mediums try to communicate with poltergeists. Ghost footsteps, floating tarot cards, and an array of eccentric surprises await you.
6. Enjoy a FREE, Frightfully Fun, Family-Friendly Event
Whether you visit to shop and enjoy the history and ambiance of Main Street Saint Charles in full fall-mode, or for a spectacularly spooky, family-friendly experience with our Legends & Lanterns® characters, we look forward to seeing you enjoy Halloween in St. Charles at this year's festival! Check out our Fall Bucket List and the Perfect Fall Weekend in St. Charles Guide to make the most of your visit.
