The Woodridge Park District wants local groups to build and run scare scenes at the 2026 Haunted Forest Walk at Hawthorne Hill Woods.

Groups that sign up will design and staff a themed scene along the wooded trail. In return, they receive a share of event ticket sales and compete for cash awards for first-, second- and third-place Best Scene, according to the district's announcement posted Wednesday, September 16.

The call is open to friends, families, coworkers, sports teams, neighbors and community organizations.

The event drew more than 3,000 visitors in 2025, Superintendent of Recreation Don Ritter told the Woodridge Park District Board of Commissioners at its November 2025 meeting. The tradition at Hawthorne Hill Woods dates back at least to 2013.

What groups need to know

All scenes must be built by 5 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23. Groups must then staff their scene during three sessions: Friday evening from 6 to 10 p.m., a Saturday matinee from 1 to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday evening from 6 to 10 p.m.

The Saturday matinee has historically been geared toward younger visitors. The 2025 walk advertised its matinee as more suitable for children 9 and under, according to a Village of Woodridge newsletter published ahead of that year's event.

Groups that cannot build or staff their own scene can volunteer in a pre-built Woodridge Park District scene instead. Pre-built scene volunteers are not eligible for the Best Scene competition or cash awards.

How to sign up

Specific dollar amounts for the cash prizes and the ticket-sales percentage have not been announced. The district's posting lists the incentives but not the figures.

To sign up or ask questions, contact Kathi Wencewicz at the Woodridge Park District at (630) 353-3345 or [email protected].