Pumpkin Prowl: Ada’s Signature Halloween Event!
As October approaches, so do Halloween events. And that includes downtown Ada’s fantastic Pumpkin Prowl.
On Friday, October 23, 2026, little ghouls and goblins can visit Ada for their fourth annual family-friendly, candy-centric Pumpkin Prowl. This year’s event runs from 5 – 8 PM.
Hosted by the Ada Business Association and Discover Ada, the Pumpkin Prowl is an updated version of the village’s former Trunk-or-Treat event merged with Halloween trick-or-treating in Ada Village.
This is Ada’s biggest family-friendly Halloween event of the year! You won’t want to miss it!
Event Attractions Include Trunk-or-Treat, Costume Contest, Activities & NEW Emerald City
NEW THIS YEAR: This year, the Ada Covered Bridge becomes a whimsical journey to the Emerald City, inspired by L. Frank Baum’s beloved Oz adventure. Enjoy themed activities including dance performances by Ballroom Dance Ada.
And while exact details vary from year to year, most activities return annually in some form:
Expect about 80 businesses to be handing out candy at storefronts on or near River Street and in the Dixon parking lot across from Ada Garage Bar.
Usually the event features pumpkin treats, photo ops, fun activities, the local fire and sheriff departments, music and costume contests.
In the past they have had:
- Trick-or-treating along River St and throughout Ada Village
- Ada Hotel – The Post – You can also VOTE for your favorite Pumpkin decorated by a local business. All decorated pumpkins will be displayed at the Ada Hotel during Pumpkin Prowl.
- Mini pumpkin decorating in front of Pursuit Gift & Paper
- Collect stamps to create an Ada Halloween scene
- Spooky Tunnel by LMCU
- Live DJ Music by Ace Marasign on River St.
- Boo-gie Nights Dance Party with Sonder, CPA on Settlers Dr.
- 7pm Thriller Flash Mob with Dance Dimensions DJ music
- Pumpkin treats
- Photo ops
- Local fire and sheriff departments
- Haunted passages
- Costume contest at the amphitheater in Legacy Park
Costume Contest
The family-friendly costume contest will take place at the Amphitheater in Legacy Park. Big Joe Pesh from Mix 95.7 will serve as the Emcee.
5:30pm – Dance performance by HMD Dance Studio
6:30pm – Costume Contest with 5 categories and prizes!
1st, 2nd & 3rd place prizes are awarded in each of four categories:
- Ages 5 and Under
- Ages 6 – 9
- Ages 10 – 18
- Family or Coordinated Group
Judging is based on audience applause, so bring your family and friends to cheer you on.
“Most Spirited Booth” Voting
The trunks go all out at Pumpkin Prowl – the booth decorations are next-level.
Get in on the fun and vote for the Most Spirited Booth at Pumpkin Prowl. Once you spot the booth with the most flair, drop your ABA token in that booth’s container. Voting normally wraps up at 7 PM and the winner is crowned at 7:30.
Enjoy Ada’s Social District Open During Event
Ada’s Social District is likely to be open during the Pumpkin Prowl, too.
This is a highlight for visitors ages 21+. Stop by Gravel Bottom, Ada Garage Bar, Luna, or MudPenny not only for candy – but, a Social District beverage for the parents and walkable food options.
Enjoy the Social District seven days a week from noon – 10 PM.
Good to Know
- Refillable water stations
- Additional parking available at Ada Vista School and Ada Christian Reformed Church.
- Photo Consent: Attendees grant event hosts permission for the use of their photos and videos for social media channels.
Food Options
- Ada Garage Bar: You may hear live music or try a signature drink.
- Foxtail Coffee Co: need a cup of coffee? Stop by Foxtail.
- Croft Haus: cider and donuts have been available in the past
- Gravel Bottom Craft Brewery: you may be able to grab a slider and pumpkin beer on the patio & warm up by the fire pit.
Pumpkin Prowl Map, Parking & Restrooms
Trunk-or-treat participants are located in three general areas:
- River Street (closed to traffic for the event)
- Historic Ada
- New Development
Many of the pumpkin prowl participants are located along River Street and Ada Drive.
PARKING
Free parking is available – look for the black circles on the map above to see locations or set your GPS for the library or Community Church. It’s a short walk from these lots to the main event.
Additional event parking available at Ada Vista School and Ada Christian Reformed Church on Bradfield St. Once parked, follow the signs to the pedestrian tunnel.
Additional Activities in Stores
Yes, there will be many businesses and organizations handing out candy at storefronts and trunks along River St. and nearby. Be sure to check out these local favorites who usually have special treats or drinks:
- Brody’s Be Café
- Ada Village Pharmacy
- Wizards Way Experience at Gravel Bottom
Legacy Park Playground & Restrooms
Public restrooms are available at Legacy Park (there are a playground and picnic tables here as well.)
