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The Legendary CWE Halloween takes place Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to midnight in the heart of the Central West End, centered on Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue. It is free. The day starts with a children’s costume parade and a dog parade, then turns into an adults-only street party and costume contest after dark. The schedule below comes from the organizer’s official event page.
What is known about its history
The organizer’s page gives no origin year, and this guide did not find a sourced one, so it doesn’t offer one. What is documented: a West End Word article from October 2017 said the CWE North Community Improvement District presented and produced that year’s party, and quoted its executive director, Kate Haher, calling it “one of our best neighborhood traditions” whose costumes keep getting more elaborate. By 2025 the organizer’s page credited CWE Scene with running it; that edition fell on Saturday, October 25, with a $25 single or $50 group contest entry. For 2026 the fees are $30 and $60. The neighborhood around the party is covered in the Central West End guide.
How the day runs
- 11 a.m.: children’s costume parade, with a dance party, pumpkin decorating, crafts, games and performances, including Galinda from “Wicked.”
- Noon: trick-or-treating at area businesses.
- 1 p.m.: dog costume parade, with games and contests.
- 2–5 p.m.: live music from Jason Garms.
- 6 p.m.: the street party begins, with performers and entertainment.
- 8 p.m.: adult costume contest, 18 and over only.
- 10 p.m. to midnight: adult street party.
The costume contest
Entry is $30 single or $60 group. First place wins $2,500, second $1,000, third $500, and places four through ten take $200 gift cards. The page doesn’t publish registration rules or judging criteria, so check it before you plan a group costume.
Which part to come for
Families have the 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. window: parade, trick-or-treating and the dogs, all before the adult programming begins at 6. If the contest is the draw, be there before 8 p.m. This is VisitingSTL’s read of the posted schedule, not an official recommendation.
Parking and getting there
The organizer lists the Argyle Garage, Maryland public lots, Euclid north of McPherson, the former Straub’s space and streets throughout the neighborhood, and encourages rideshare. Euclid is closed from Maryland to McPherson, so expect to walk in. The page doesn’t publish a food-vendor list for 2026, and it doesn’t give a rain plan.
Stay in the CWE
Historic CWE 2BR — Game Room, Sleeps 6
A first-floor stay at 4263 Enright Ave with a dedicated game room and fireplace lounge, walkable to Euclid Avenue, Forest Park, and the medical campus. Booked directly on Airbnb.
View & Book on Airbnb →Quick answers
When is the Legendary CWE Halloween in 2026?
Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11 a.m. to midnight. It is free and centered on Maryland Plaza and Euclid Avenue.
What happens during the day?
A children's costume parade at 11 a.m., trick-or-treating at area businesses at noon, a dog costume parade at 1 p.m., and live music from 2 to 5 p.m.
Can kids go to the night party?
The organizer's page lists the 6 p.m. street party and the 10 p.m. to midnight party as adult events, and the 8 p.m. costume contest as 18 and over. The family programming runs earlier in the day.
How much does the adult costume contest cost?
Entry is $30 for a single costume and $60 for a group. First place wins $2,500, second $1,000, third $500, and places four through ten get $200 gift cards.
Where do I park?
The organizer lists the Argyle Garage, Maryland public lots, Euclid north of McPherson, the former Straub's space and neighborhood streets, and encourages rideshare. Euclid Avenue closes from Maryland to McPherson.
How long has the event been running?
This guide can't date its start. A 2017 West End Word article described it as a neighborhood tradition, and the organizer's page does not give an origin year.
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