FESTIVALS | Fall favorite will draw thousands to carillon
Once again, hundreds of hand-carved, glowing jack-o-lanterns will light up the night this weekend at the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. In addition, the carillon will be playing with special lighting and sound effects, adding to the experience. The event includes food vendors, too. The Spectacular attracts between 5,000 and 8,000 people each year. Proceeds benefit the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon. Advance tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4–11. Children 3 and younger are free. At the gate, tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children ages 4-11. Free remote parking and shuttle buses will be available at the former Ashley furniture store (Wabash Avenue and Chatham Road) both nights. On the Sunday after event, participants are invited back for a pumpkin giveaway.
Fri., Oct. 16, 6:30-9:30 p.m. and Sat., Oct. 17, 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon | Washington Park | 217-546-3853
This article appears in October 15-21, 2026.
