2025 Downtown Wilmington & Denver Park Halloween Events

On October 18, 2025, from 11am to 2pm, Main Street Wilmington (MSW) will host its 3rd Annual 'Merchant Trick-or-Treat' since 2020. Last year, the free event drew over 700 kids. This year, the event will start at Wheelies on Mulberry, located at 171 S Mulberry Street, where children will pick up bags and a map of over 25 participating businesses, plus local landmarks like the Veterans Memorial and "pocket parks" on Main Street and Sugartree Street. Renee Walker, Vice President of the MSW board, stated, "It's just good for everybody in downtown. We need the involvement. We need people to know what our downtown offers in order to get them coming back when there's not events."

For the first time, the event will begin with a 'Costume Fun Run' on the Luther E. Warren Peace Path from Mulberry Street to Nelson Avenue and back. The run will start at 10am, requires no registration, and is open to all. Sugartree Street will be shut down for bounce houses, face painting, and food trucks.

To learn more, visit mainstreetwilmington.com.

In addition to the downtown 'Merchant Trick-or-Treat,' Denver Park will host a 'Trunk-or-Treat' the weekend after, on Saturday, October 25, from 4pm to 6pm, where children will collect candy from local organizations and businesses. The event requires no registration and is free. According to Kenny Upthegrove, Wilmington Parks and Rec Director, families are encouraged to "come in costume and enjoy the evening." He stated that last year, over 35 businesses and organizations participated by decorating their trunks. New businesses are encouraged to reach out to sign-up. As part of the event, the Wilmington Public Library will set up a Haunted House on the park basketball court.

To learn more or view event details, visit wilmingtonparks.org.