👻 Madison-themed costumes for Halloween

🚲 New Lights May Be Coming to Southwest Bike Path

• The city may add about 40 lights along a mile-long section of the Southwest Bike Path between Monroe Street and North Shore Drive.
• Preliminary plans call for the city to spend about $544,000 to install the LED lights on the path to improve visibility for bikers and night and to deter crime. District 4 Ald. Mike Verveer said the move is “precautionary,” and that no specific crime prompted the idea.
• In the past, some residents have pushed back against the installation of lights elsewhere, such as the section of the Southwest Path between Monroe Street and Midvale Boulevard, saying they are harmful to animals and increase light pollution. [ 🔒WSJ, Isthmus]

⛳ Wisconsin’s First Topgolf Tees Off in Monona

• Construction crews began work last week on a Topgolf entertainment center in Monona, the first of its kind in Wisconsin. Topgolf is sort of a hybrid of a driving range and a sports bar, with 72 elevated bays where golfers score points by hitting targets.
• The facility, which is scheduled to open in fall 2026, includes a full restaurant and event space.
• A similar golf concept, Pinseekers currently operates in DeForest. That company filed for bankruptcy in February but remains open. [WMTV, WKOW]

🥜 Fortune Favors Opens Holiday Pop-Up Downtown

• The Madison candied nut company Fortune Favors sees so much business during the holiday season that it’s opening a special pop-up location for the season on Oct. 24 at 114 E. Main St.
• Fortune Favors CEO Sam McDaniel said that the last three months of a year account for half of the company’s total business, as people buy cans as gifts for friends and family. The pop-up will have special holiday-themed flavors and will supplement Fortune Favors main retail and production facility on Atwood Avenue. [Cap Times]

From trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, to family events, to grown-up dance parties, there’s so much to do that your costume may be worn out by Nov. 1.

Here’s a rundown on what’s happening in town between now and Halloween, including trick-or-treating hours for Madison communities.

🍬 Trick or Treat!

Madison has set its trick-or-treating hours for 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 31. In surrounding communities, Fitchburg’s hours are 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Middleton’s are from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monona’s are from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Waunakee’s is from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

But there are also special trick-or-treating events for kids to get loaded up on candy. Henry Vilas Zoo sponsors its traditional “Boo at the Zoo!” (Oct. 26), where families can trick or treat, see the animals, and take a free carousel ride.

Downtown Madison puts on its Family Halloween Night (Oct. 29), where families can take a hayride, sing songs and make crafts, and trick or treat at participating businesses on State Street and around the Capitol Square.

Hilldale transforms into “Chilldale” (okay, I made that up, but I think that’s pretty good) for “Hilldale-O-Ween” (Oct. 26), featuring trick-or-treating, a Halloween Dance Party, and selfies with costumed characters.

Warner Park will host its “Trick or Treat at the Ballpark” (Oct. 25), with trick-or-treating, face painting, and “Coco” playing on the video screens. Or head to the pumpkin patch at Schuster’s Farm for their trick-or-treating day (Oct. 26).

Meet Helix! This adult cat is very friendly, and while he likes receiving treats, he loves some quality time with his humans. He loves sitting on laps, receiving ear and cheek scratches, as well as tummy rubs, and purring with happiness as you shower him with attention. Helix is looking for a family that will give him all the attention he needs. Plus, DCHS has waived his adoption fee.