One of the things I love about living in Deerfield for more than 30 years is how many opportunities we have to connect with our family, our neighbors and classmates. This week brings pumpkin shopping, Halloween activities, music, library programs and meaningful ways to give back.
Here are some local events to put on your calendar!
Saturday, October 24—Start Your Weekend Locally
Last Deerfield Farmers Market of the Season
7 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Park Avenue, between Jewett Park Drive and Hazel Avenue
Make one more visit before the outdoor market wraps up for 2026! Shop for seasonal produce, baked goods, specialty foods and other local favorites while supporting market vendors.
Community Fall Blood Drive
8:30 a.m.–noon | First Presbyterian Church of Deerfield, 824 Waukegan Road
The church invites eligible donors to give blood in John Calvin Hall, using the southeast entrance. Walk-ins are welcome, or donors can make an appointment through the listing’s Vitalant link.
Saturday Surprise at Deerfield Public Library
10:30–11 a.m. | Youth Programming Room
Enjoy a family program that may feature storytime, playtime or a craft activity. Check the library’s event listing for participation details.
Nearby Medication Take-Back Collection
10 a.m.–2 p.m. | Walgreens, 2501 Waukegan Road, Bannockburn
Bannockburn Police are hosting a collection for unused, unwanted or expired prescription medications. This is a free, anonymous drop-off opportunity. For questions about accepted items, call 847-945-8490.
Pumpkins and Halloween Activities at St. Gregory’s
H3: Pumpkin Patch for Hunger
815 Wilmot Road, at Deerfield Road
Still looking for a pumpkin? Sales continue through Halloween or until pumpkins sell out. Volunteer-staffed hours are Saturdays, 10 a.m.–6 p.m., and Sundays, 11:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Online self-checkout is also available around the clock. Pumpkin purchases are cashless; bring a credit or debit card.
Deerfield Park Foundation Trunk-or-Treat
Sunday, October 25 | 11:30 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring the children to St. Gregory’s parking lot for decorated vehicles and free candy. The Deerfield Park Foundation hosts this community Halloween gathering.
Scout Troop 50 Haunted House
Saturday, October 24 | 6:30–9 p.m.
Sunday, October 25 | Noon–2:30 p.m.
Admission is one can of food for the West Deerfield Township Food Pantry. This attraction includes scares, so consider your child’s comfort level before attending.
Music, Games and Social Events for Adults
The Deerfield Park District’s Patty Turner Center, 375 Elm Street, has several opportunities to enjoy an outing this week.
Autumn Winds Community Band Concert
Sunday, October 25 | 1–2 p.m.
Enjoy a performance by the Deerfield Community Band. The calendar lists admission at $10, welcomes all ages and provides a registration link.
Mysteries and Mayhem on the North Shore
Tuesday, October 27 | Coffee at 8:30 a.m.; lecture at 9 a.m.
Join Winnetka Historical Society curator Meagan McChesney for a morning presentation. Admission is $3, with coffee and doughnuts before the lecture.
Puzzling for Prizes—Halloween Edition
Tuesday, October 27 | 6:30–8:30 p.m.
Gather a team of two to four adults for a Halloween puzzle competition. Check-in begins at 6:30 p.m., with competition starting at 6:45 p.m. Check registration requirements and the team fee with the Park District.
Halloween Lunch—Ages 50+
Thursday, October 29 | 12:30–2 p.m.
Wear a costume and enjoy lunch, a presentation and games. Listed fees are $25 for residents and $30 for nonresidents. Registration is required.
Friday with Friends—Ages 50+
Friday, October 30 | 3:30–5 p.m.
Finish the week with conversation, light bites, drinks and entertainment. The listed fee is $10, with registration available through the Park District.
More to Explore at Deerfield Public Library
Fact and Fiction: STEAM Book Club
Tuesday, October 27 | 4:15–5 p.m. | Youth Programming Room
Young readers can explore a new topic through the library’s STEAM book club. Check the event listing for the intended grade range and registration availability.
Bad Movie Club
Thursday, October 29 | 6–8:30 p.m.
For those who enjoy movies that are entertainingly bad, the library has an evening program worth exploring. Check the listing for the film, audience guidance and registration details.
When Is Trick-or-Treating in Deerfield?
Deerfield’s 2026 trick-or-treat hours are Saturday, October 31, from 3:30–7 p.m.
Have your costumes and candy ready! Drivers should watch carefully for children, and families should use sidewalks and crosswalks as they enjoy the evening.
Enjoy the Community We Call Home
Our Deerfield library, Park District, local churches, volunteers and community organizations give us so many ways to participate in Deerfield life. Save this list, share it with a neighbor and check directly with organizers for availability, registration deadlines or schedule changes before heading out. If you are thinking about buying or selling in Deerfield, I would be happy to share my local perspective and help you plan your next step.
Sharon Bogetz | Century 21 Universal