Hyde Park Square will host a Trick-or-Treat celebration on Saturday, Oct. 24, the first of two fall community events announced by the Hyde Park Neighborhood Council (HPNC).
The council announced both events through its newly launched website, hydeparksquare.org.
The Oct. 24 Trick-or-Treat begins at 10:30 a.m. with Storytime in the Square, a partnership with the Hyde Park Branch Library. Trick-or-treating at participating Square businesses runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Costumes and treat bags are encouraged.
The library-HPNC storytime collaboration is not new. Hyde Park Branch Library Manager Ben Lathrop told the council at its December 2024 meeting that a similar storytime held during the November 2024 lighting event on the Square was successful.
The second event, the Hyde Park Square Fountain Lighting, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 around the historic Kilgour Fountain. Previous Fountain Lighting celebrations have included children’s story time, photos at the firehouse, live entertainment, community caroling and holiday drinks from participating businesses.
The Square's DORA allows guests 21 and older to carry drinks from participating restaurants daily from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
The HPNC called the Fountain Lighting a beloved neighborhood tradition. The council's December 2024 minutes referred to a "tree lighting" on the Square; the 2026 event is billed as the Fountain Lighting. The council did not specify how many years the event has run.
The HPNC also launched a redesigned website at hydeparksquare.org, where residents can find event details and business information for the Square.
What's coming up
- Saturday, Oct. 24: Trick-or-Treat in Hyde Park Square. Storytime at 10:30 a.m., trick-or-treating 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Saturday, Nov. 21: Hyde Park Square Fountain Lighting, 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Kilgour Fountain.
