Arlington’s Treat Street returns Oct. 17
Published 2:08 pm Monday, October 12, 2026
Arlington’s Halloween Treat Street will be 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 17, in downtown Arlington.
The event closes two blocks of downtown so children can trick-or-treat while parents visit with neighbors and local businesses. Trick-or-treat stops will be on Eagle Street and Elm Street, one block north of Eagle, as well as at Roots to Wings on Third Street.
“Treat Street provides a fun, safe and family-friendly way to celebrate Halloween right in the heart of our community,” said Cindy Slykhuis, vice president of marketing and community engagement at RVR Bank and an Arlington PTO member who coordinates the event.
The Arlington Volunteer Fire Department helps close Eagle Street and supports the event each year.
Arlington previously held two separate trunk-or-treat-style events, one downtown and one at the school. Slykhuis said she suggested combining them into a single community event a few years ago. “As both a PTO member and someone involved in the local business community, I’ve always believed it’s better when we can work together rather than duplicate efforts,” she said.
Slykhuis said Treat Street is a partnership between the business community and the Arlington PTO. “From a business perspective, it’s a wonderful opportunity to bring families into our downtown district and showcase all the great businesses and organizations that make Arlington special,” she said. “From the PTO’s perspective, it’s a chance to connect families with the businesses that continually invest in and support our schools.”
Last year’s event had more than 20 stops and drew an estimated 150 to 200 children and families. As of Oct. 8, 22 businesses, school groups, nonprofits and individuals had registered for this year’s event. Slykhuis said organizers expect about 200 children. “We’re happy to have more kids join us, but our goal isn’t necessarily to make it huge,” she said. “We want it to be a fun morning for our community.”
Participants include the Arlington Community Church, UCC; Arlington FBLA; Arlington FFA; Arlington Fire Department; Arlington Lions Club; Arlington Pet Hospital; Arlington PTO; Arlington Public Library; Dew Drop Inn; Jen Moyer of NP Dodge Real Estate; Jennifer Thiem; Kid Keep’r/Legacy ELA; Kizeor Sprinkler Repair; Mean Machine Property Services; Roots to Wings Garage; Roots to Wings Store; and RVR Bank.
Stops will feature decorated trunks and treat tables. Some participants bring games, and some have offered cotton candy or hot dogs in past years. Organizers do not collect that information in advance.
Maps will be available the morning of the event at the Arlington Senior Center and RVR Bank and will be posted on the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/share/1D9sce1Q9p.
Businesses and organizations that want to participate can register through the Halloween Treat Street registration form. Participants without a storefront will be assigned a location for a table or decorated trunk.
