Pandemic or otherwise, you can expect the candy-seeking minions to be out this weekend.

This year has brought unique challenges to the Chippewa Valley, and the Halloween season is no exception. Every year, Eau Claire, Chippewa Falls, and Menomonie have a variety of trick-or-treating events and times available. This year, events are being re-imagined for the safety of everyone in the community.

We've compiled some helpful information below so you can figure out what events are right for you this spooky season:

Health and Safety Tips

If trick-or-treating hours are posted in your city, please practice the following health and safety tips:

• If you're sick, don't go trick-or-treating or hand out candy
• Mask up. Wear a cloth face covering (and incorporate it into your costume for added spooky effect!)
• Keep your circle small. Only trick-or -treat with people you live with.
• Practice 6-feet physical distancing from those you don't live with.
• Use hand sanitizer often, and wash hands before eating any treats.
• Hand out candy in small grab bags or cups to avoid physical contact.

Neighborhood Trick-or-Treating Times

Eau Claire

Trick-or-treating hours in the City of Eau Claire will be 5-7:30pm on Saturday, Oct. 31. Unlike past years, trick-or-treating will not be held downtown. Instead, Downtown Eau Claire Inc. is promoting a “Halloween Hop” from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 31.

You can learn more about the City of Eau Claire's COVID-19 health and safety considerations at covid19eauclaire.org.

Menomonie

Out of an abundance of caution, the City of Menomonie is not posting trick-or-treating hours.

Chippewa Falls

The City of Chippewa Falls has trick-or-treating hours from 5-7pm on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Events

Chippewa Falls Trick-or-Treat at the Fairgrounds

Friday, Oct. 30, 3-5pm • Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds • Chippewa Falls

Dress up and bring the kiddos up to the fairgrounds for a modified version of annual downtown trick-or-treating. Stay in your car and costumed volunteers will hand goodie bags through the car window for each costumed child while supplies last.

Trunk-or-Treat at Banbury Place

Friday, Oct. 30, 6-8pm • Banbury Place Parking Lot • Eau Claire

Downtown Eau Claire Halloween Hop

Saturday, Oct. 31, 9am-5pm • Downtown Eau Claire

Downtown businesses will have spooktacular deals and steals. There will be a window decoration contest, and come in costume and submit a picture to be entered in the costume contest.

• Featured Businesses include:
• Board & Brush Eau Claire
• Chippewa Valley Floral
• My Office Bar EC
• Tangled Up in Hue
• That's Adorable!
• The Community Table
• Valleybrook Church
• Sound Beauty

Trunk-or-Treat at the Hive with Harry Potter Event

Saturday, Oct. 31, 10am-5pm • The Hive • 1120 122nd St., Suite 3, Chippewa Falls

A Harry Potter-themed Halloween event with special treats, themed menu, and more. Plenty of Halloween fun for both wizards and muggles alike.

• Chic Sweets sales 10am-5pm
• The Hive food/beverage/dining 9am-4pm
• Trunk-or-treating and activities 11am-2pm

Menomonie Drive-Thru Trick-or-Treating

Saturday, Oct. 31, 1-4pm • Dunn County Energy Cooperative • N5725 600th St., Menomonie

Candy for the first 1,500 kids, age 10 and under. Traffic will be one-way on 600th Street with vehicles entering from County Road B at Lindstrom Equipment and exiting on to Highway 12/29