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Downtown Milwaukee has a festive new tradition — Halloween Village, an outdoor light display at Baird Community Commons that brings playful, not-too-spooky fun to families each October.
The display is part of Milwaukee Downtown, BID #21’s growing lineup of fall activities, and it has quickly become a favorite stop for families who love exploring seasonal events around the city. Whether you’re looking for free Halloween activities, kid-friendly photo ops, or just a fun spot to soak in the fall atmosphere, Halloween Village is worth adding to your autumn plans.
👻 If your crew loves exploring seasonal decorations, you’ll also want to see our roundup of Milwaukee’s best Halloween displays — a fun way to make a whole evening out of it.
What You’ll Find at Halloween Village
Located at the Baird Center (400 W. Wisconsin Ave.), Halloween Village transforms the plaza into an interactive outdoor display with glowing decorations and larger-than-life characters. It’s designed to be delightful rather than frightful, making it a great fit for young kids.
Families can expect:
- A 12-foot illuminated pumpkin tunnel
- Oversized figures like a ghost, scarecrow, and Frankenstein
- Two whimsical witches (including one on a broom!)
- Plenty of colorful, glowing decorations perfect for photos
- A festive atmosphere during both the day and evening
The display is free and open to the public, and the lights are on all day and night throughout the Halloween season.
👻 If you’re mapping out more activities this month, don’t miss our complete Halloween in Milwaukee: The Family Guide, with events, trails, trick-or-treat times, and more.
Jack-O’-Lantern Jubilee
Halloween Village is one part of Milwaukee Downtown’s fall festivities. Another highlight is the annual Jack-O’-Lantern Jubilee, also held at Baird Community Commons.
This event typically runs in late October and features hands-on activities geared toward children ages 2–8. Families can look forward to:
- Free pumpkins for early arrivals
- Trick-or-treat goodie bags (while supplies last)
- Face painting and balloon art
- Storytimes
- Live entertainment
- Fire engine exploration with the Milwaukee Fire Department
- Seasonal treats available for purchase
It’s a cheerful, low-pressure way for little ones to celebrate Halloween and enjoy outdoor activities downtown.
👻 For more kid-friendly Halloween events happening this month, check out our full Halloween Events for Kids round-up.
Make Halloween in Milwaukee Extra Special
If your family loves exploring seasonal fun, Halloween Village pairs well with many other local activities. You can find even more ideas here:
👻 Planning more fall fun? Explore our full collection of Halloween activities, displays, trails, and trick-or-treat times in Milwaukee.
Plan Your Visit
Halloween Village is free, open daily through the Halloween season, and located at:
Baird Community Commons
400 W. Wisconsin Ave.
Milwaukee, WI
For updated details each year, visit Milwaukee Downtown (BID #21).
Happy haunting!
Calie Herbst, Editor-in-Chief of Milwaukee With Kids, has spent over a decade combining her experiences as a parent of three to create a hub for Milwaukee’s family adventures.
Her decade-long teaching career in Milwaukee Public Schools and academic background, including a Master’s in Teaching from Marquette University and dual B.A.s in Sociology and Spanish from the University of Wisconsin – Madison, fuel her passion for inclusive and engaging family content.
Calie is also a recognized voice in local media, contributing to WISN Channel 12 News, WTMJ Wisconsin Morning News, Fox 6’s Real Milwaukee, and B93.3.
Discover more about Calie’s journey and editorial approach on her About Page and Editorial Policy Page.
