AUX Hosts Halloween Fall Fest in Evanston

Families gathered at the Washington Street hub for candy, costumes and book readings ahead of trick-or-treat hours.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Other — General

Autumn street scene with orange pumpkins on a stone stoop, a basket of candy on a wooden bench, and maple trees turning gold along a small city block. — Families gathered Saturday at the Washington Street hub in Evanston for candy, costumes, and book readings at the AUX's Halloween fall festival. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The AUX hosted a Halloween-themed fall festival on Saturday afternoon where kids and families collected candy and showed off costumes. The event included book readings at Zora's Place and a beignet pop-up at The Laundry Café.

Why it matters

The gathering gives Evanston families a community-run space to celebrate the holiday ahead of evening trick-or-treating. It also highlights local businesses and cultural spaces within the AUX.

The festival took place at 2223 Washington St. on Saturday, November 1, 2026, with no attendance count reported. Organizers did not disclose how many participants collected candy or how many attended the book readings.

The players

The AUX

The AUX is a commercial hub at 2223 Washington St. in Evanston, co-created and owned by the community and dedicated to healing, wellness and racial equity.

Zora's Place

Zora's Place is Evanston's Black feminist bookstore, which hosted book readings during the fall festival.

Jennifer Hayes Levy

Jennifer Hayes Levy is the owner and baker of Beloved Bakery, who offered pastries made to order at the event.

The details

The AUX invited kids and families to collect candy, show off costumes and take part in activities. Zora's Place, Evanston's Black feminist bookstore, hosted book readings, while Beloved Bakery owner Jennifer Hayes Levy offered made-to-order pastries and a beignet pop-up ran at The Laundry Café.

Saturday, November 1, 2026 (afternoon): AUX Fall Fest Halloween event held, ahead of Evanston's trick-or-treat hours.

Roadmap

Community-owned hubs like the AUX combine retail, wellness and cultural programming under shared ownership. Seasonal events such as this Halloween festival show how such spaces use recurring programming to bring residents together.

Families in Evanston can visit the AUX at 2223 Washington St. to access its shops, cafés and community spaces. The fall festival offered free candy collection and activities for kids during the Saturday afternoon event.

The takeaway

Community spaces like the AUX offer Evanston residents accessible places to gather during seasonal events. Checking local calendars can help families plan participation in similar activities.