When to trick-or-treat in Cedar Rapids and Iowa City areas

Halloween is just around the corner, and Cedar Rapids and many of the surrounding communities have lots of events and trick-or-treating fun planned.

Cedar Rapids

Cedar Rapids does not designate Halloween trick-or-treat times. Most people turn their porch lights on and welcome trick-or-treaters between about 5 and 8 p.m. on Halloween. Police recommend that trick-or-treaters be accompanied by an adult and to only allow children to go to homes where families know the occupants.

Scheduled events:

' Safe Halloween for Kids:

1 to 4 p.m. Oct. 21 at Ushers Ferry, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE. This old-fashioned Halloween event includes trick-or-treating, games and costume contests. Admission is $7 per trick-or-treater. Advance registration is encouraged, but not required. Call 319-286-5566.

' Harvest Hayrack Nights:

5 to 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Ushers Ferry Historic Village, 5925 Seminole Valley Trail NE. Events include hayrack rides, drinking cocoa around a bonfire and making crafts. Cost: $6.25 per child ages 3 to 14 and $9.50 per adult. Admission is free for ages 2 and younger.

' Spooky Swim:

6 to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26 at Bender Pool, 940 14th Ave. SE. For children ages 6 to 14 years. Participants will receive a bag of treats as they leave. Admission is $6.25 per participant at the door. Swim passes will not be accepted.

' Special Populations Halloween Dance:

7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 26 at Northwest Recreation Center, 1340 11th St. NW. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to attend and wear a costume. Prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Admission is $5 per person at the door.

For more information on these events, call Cedar Rapids Parks and Recreation at 319-286-5566 or visit crrec.org.

Marion

There is no set start time for communitywide trick-or-treating in Marion but trick-or treating should conclude by 8 p.m., officials say. Participating residents should turn on porch lights when they are ready to greet trick-or-treaters and turn them off when finished. Trick-or-treaters are reminded to obey porch lights and watch for traffic.

Scheduled events:

' Paranormal Teen Lock-In: 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at the Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Ave. Hear stories from a paranormal investigation team, eat pizza and survive spooky backyard games like Ghost in the Graveyard. Event is free and for fifth- 12th-graders only. Registration and permission form required. Visit marionpubliclibrary.org/teen-paranormal-lock-registration.

' Thrill the World: 5 p.m. Oct. 27 at Marion Square Park, 1107 Seventh Ave. The Marion Library is joining groups from all over the world as they put on their best zombie makeup and dance to Michael Jackson's 'Thriller.” Costume preparation starts at 4 p.m. Event is free, but registration is required at marionpubliclibrary.org/thriller.

' Story Time: The week of Oct. 29, the Marion Public Library, 1095 Sixth Ave., will welcome costume-clad trick-or-treaters at the conclusion of each Story Time. On Halloween, all ages are welcome to visit the library, show off their costumes and collect treats from each of the desks during normal business hours. For story times, visit marionpubliclibrary.org/children/story-times.

' Trick-or-Treat at City Hall:

3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Marion City Hall, 1225 Sixth Ave. Children can dress up in their Halloween costumes and collect candy and other treats from staff on both floors of City Hall.

' Marion Police Department Halloween:

6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at Marion Police Headquarters, 6315 Highway 151. Officer Davis will be handing out treats and distributing books as part of the Booked by a Cop initiative. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.

Iowa City

Citywide trick-or-treating is designated from 5:30 to 8 p.m. on Halloween. Participating residents should turn on their porch lights.

Scheduled events:

' Floating Pumpkin Patch:

10 a.m. to noon Oct. 20 at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Drive. Bring your bathing suit and pick out a pumpkin from the pool. Life jackets will be available. Event is free.

' Halloween Spooktacular:

6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 26 at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Drive. Sport your Halloween costume during the annual parade outside the aquatic center. The spookiness ensues at 6:30 p.m. with a magician, fortuneteller, monster mash, jugglers, inflatables, carnival games, photo booth, crafts, tricks, treats and more. Event is free. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

' Pumpkin Painting at the Farmers Market:

10 a.m. to noon Oct. 27 at Chauncey Swan Parking Ramp, 415 E. Washington St. Stop by the final Saturday Farmers Market of the season. Come in costume to trick-or-treat with the vendors. Stick around to decorate a pumpkin. Event is free.

' Tot Monster Mash:

9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31 at Mercer Park Aquatic Center, 2701 Bradford Drive. Children ages 6 and under come dressed in your costume. Enjoy inflatables, games, stories, crafts and more. Event is free and adult supervision required.

Coralville

Coralville's citywide Halloween trick-or-treating hours are 5:30 to 8 p.m., rain or shine. Participating residents should turn on their porch lights. For more information, visit coralville.org.

North Liberty

North Liberty trick-or-treats from 5 to 8 p.m. on Halloween. Participating residents should turn on their porch lights.

Scheduled events:

' Haunted Happenings:

6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 25 and 26 at the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St. Come in costume and have a fun, frightful time. Activities, snacks, drinks and candy supplied by the North Liberty Optimist Club and Parks and Recreation Department. Children must be accompanied an adult. Cost: $2 per person.

' Trunk or Treat: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Oct. 26 at the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St. Trick-or-treat with staff from different City of North Liberty departments and local nonprofit organizations. Free registration online at eventbrite.com/e/trunk-or-treat-tickets-47442442623.

' Senior Halloween Potluck:

11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 26 at the North Liberty Community Center, 520 W. Cherry St. A special edition of the weekly meal, with a free potluck dinner when you bring a dish, and attendees are invited to dress up in costume.

' Fire House Trick-or-Treat and Open House:

5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at 25 E. Cherry St. Stop by the fire station for treats and a tour.