Autumn has arrived in the Sauk Valley — and with it comes colorful leaves, crisp air, and a full calendar of local events that bring our community together. Whether you love pumpkin patches, live music, or haunted trails, there’s something happening every weekend to help you celebrate the season.
Here’s your guide to what’s going on around Dixon, Sterling, and Rock Falls this fall:
🎃 Saturday, October 18 – Double the Fun!
Scarecrow Festival | 10 AM – 2 PM | Downtown Dixon
Kick off the weekend in downtown Dixon, where more than 100 vendors fill the streets for one of the region’s favorite fall festivals. Enjoy creative scarecrow displays, local food, the pumpkin derby, and plenty of family-friendly activities stretching across six city blocks.
Spooktacular Halloween Lighted Golf Cart & UTV Parade | 6:30 PM | Rock Falls High School to Downtown Rock Falls
When the sun goes down, Rock Falls lights up! Decorate your golf cart or UTV, dress in costume, and roll through downtown in a glowing, family-friendly parade that celebrates creativity and community spirit.
🍁 Sunday, October 19
1644th Transportation Company Community Day | 10 AM – 2 PM | Rock Falls Armory
Meet local service members, explore equipment displays, and enjoy family activities at this special open-house event hosted by the Illinois Army National Guard.
Jaycee’s Annual Chili Cookoff | All Day | Sterling
Spice things up with one of the Sauk Valley’s tastiest fall traditions! Sample local recipes, vote for your favorite chili, and enjoy live entertainment in the heart of downtown.
Dixon VFW Sunday Funday | 2 PM – 5 PM | 1560 IL-38, Dixon
Grab your friends for an afternoon of live music by the Cal Stage Band, good food, and great company at the Dixon VFW.
👻 Tuesday, October 21
Trunk or Treat @ Whiteside County Senior Center | 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Sterling
Bring the kids in costume for safe trick-or-treating, popcorn, cookie decorating, and face painting — all free for families.
🍬 Thursday, October 23
Sterling Theater Halloween Costume Party & Movie Night | 6 PM – 8 PM | 402 Locust St., Sterling
Show off your costume and catch a family favorite on the big screen — “The Addams Family” (animated). Kids in costume get free popcorn and plenty of spooky fun!
🕸️ Friday, October 24
Biz Boo! Trick or Treat | 4 PM – 6 PM | RB&W District Park & Uptown Rock Falls
Local businesses open their doors for an evening of treats, games, and community fun. Bring your little ghosts and goblins downtown for a safe and social way to celebrate Halloween early.
🌕 Saturday, October 25
Harvest Moon Festival – Trick or Treat @ Twin Cities Farmers Market | 8 AM – 12 PM | 106 Ave A, Sterling
The Twin City Farmers Market transforms into a festive fall celebration with vendor trick-or-treating, fresh produce, crafts, and kid-friendly activities.
The Dillon Home’s 8th Annual Haunted Trail Walk | 7 PM – 9 PM | 1005 E. Third St., Sterling
End your evening with thrills (and a few chills) as you walk the haunted trail around Sterling’s historic Dillon Home. The first 500 children receive goodie bags — and brave memories to take home!
🧙♀️ Friday, October 31 – Halloween Night!
Get those costumes ready — trick-or-treating times are officially set across the Sauk Valley:
- Rock Falls: 4:30 – 7:00 PM
- Sterling: 4:30 – 7:00 PM
- Dixon: 5:00 – 7:30 PM
Light up those jack-o’-lanterns, welcome neighborhood families, and enjoy the magic of Halloween across our small towns.
🍎 Celebrate the Season
From scarecrows and chili cook-offs to haunted trails and glowing parades, the Sauk Valley shines every October with family-friendly fun and community pride. Bundle up, grab some apple cider, and make the most of every fall weekend.
Find more local events, attractions, and businesses year-round at LocalRootsDirectory.com — your guide to Sauk Valley living, every season of the year.
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