The Independence Square

10/30/2026

One of our favorite events on the square is the annual Halloween Parade hosted by Independence Chamber of Commerce. 🥁👻🍬

We will go LIVE at 10AM when the canon sounds to start the parade. So, tune in if you cannot join us in person. 🎃

Here’s a check list to help you have a great parade day experience.

✅ Streets will close at 8AM and reopen at noon
✅ Included in this post is a parking map
✅ There’s a NEW route this year. The parade will take Lexington Avenue back to Community of Christ Temple where it started.
✅ Plan to hang around after the parade for the Pup Parade, kids movie at the Pharaoh, Trunk or Treats at our neighborhood churches, shopping, dining and more!

We look forward to seeing you on the square!



Photo credit: City of Independence

10/30/2026

Last night was a frightfully fun night on the Square with thousands of families at the IPD Trunk or Treat and walking the Pumpkin Glow provided by Square businesses.

Congrats to our Jack-o-lantern winners (as voted on by the public): 1st Place Courthouse Exchange: 2nd Place The Pharaoh Cinema 4 3rd Place Hair Squared Salon.

Thanks to all the participating businesses and residents. Join us on Saturday morning at the Independence Chamber of Commerce Halloween Parade,
beginning at 10am and stay to watch Mixed Mutt & Company’s pup parade.

10/29/2026

IPD Trunk or Treat and Square Pumpkin Glow are in full swing.

10/29/2026

If you saw us on FOX4 News Kansas City with Kathy Quinn Fox 4 News then you already know about the 2nd Annual Pumpkin Glow AND Independence Police Department 4th Annual Trunk or Treat. Both events happen tonight (10/29). 🍫🎃

We’re kicking off the Halloween Weekend Thursday night. Here’s a rundown of the family & adult fun happening in downtown Independence.

But first, get your free Paranormal Passport from Visit Independence and visit the local businesses for a chance to win prizes. Get your passport here: https://fb.watch/Kzkl3o7KS9/? 👻

October 29th 🎃
2nd Annual Pumpkin Glow
Take a walk through the district and enjoy the soft pumpkin glow. Vote online for your favorite display!
5-9PM

4th Annual Trunk or Treat
Hosted by IPD, come up for one of the best and largest trunk or treat events in the city.
Uptown Market
6-9PM

October 30th 👻
Haunted Covered Wagon Ghost Tours by Pioneer Trails Adventures
This is the last night of the 2026 season for haunted wagon tours. Learn more at pioneertrailsadventures.com

1858 Jail Museum Paranormal Investigations
Last weekend (Oct. 30 & 31)
Get the lowdown at JCHS.org

Spellbound - A Halloween Cabaret hosted by Whistle Stop Productions 🎶
7:30PM
3 Trails by Ophelia’s, 111 N. Main
It’s an evening of haunting melodies and good fun. Visit whistlestopproductions.com.ludus

October 31st
78th Annual Halloween Parade hosted by Independence Chamber of Commerce 🥁💃
10AM
Catch us as we go LIVE from the corner of Liberty & Lexington for those who are unable to attend in person.

3rd Annual Halloween Pup Parade hosted by Mixed Mutt & Co 🐶
106 S Liberty Street
11:30AM
Dress up your pup and meet us for a Pup Parade around the Historic Truman Courthouse followed by a costume contest. Win prizes and more!

Here’s what’s playing at The Pharaoh (114 W Maple Ave)
Hotel Transylvania 🏨
1PM
All tickets just $6. Get free spooky stickers and enter the coloring contest.

Rocky Horror Picture Show 💋
9PM
All tickets just $6. Get a movie prop bag for just $8.

Big John’s Corner Bar
213 W Maple
Halloween Costume Party 🍺
8pm
Enjoy drink specials and enter the costume contest.

Check out the Saturday Family events!
🎃 Halloween Block Party
Indep First United Methodist
400 W Maple
11:30AM

🎃 Trunk or Treat
Trinity Episcopal
409 N Liberty
9:30AM - Noon

Plus, many of the local businesses have spooky Halloween special offers. So, be sure to stop by and check it out.

10/26/2026

We couldn’t agree more! Happy National Mule Appreciation Month, Pioneer Trails Adventures! 🫏

🐴 Happy National Mule Appreciation Month!

Today, we’re celebrating two very special members of the Pioneer Trails Adventures team—Bess and Mary Margaret, pictured here! ❤️

Mules have played an important role in American history, valued for their strength, endurance and sure-footedness. Fun fact: A mule is a cross between a male donkey and a female horse.

Want to experience a little trail history for yourself? Climb aboard with Pioneer Trails Adventures for a mule-drawn wagon ride through historic Independence.

Along the way, you’ll discover stories of the people, places and trails that helped shape the West—with Bess and Mary Margaret leading the way!

10/26/2026

We want to take a moment to thank Jackson County Parks + Rec for hosting the October 25th Walktober in our historic district. “President Truman” and Travis Boley of Oregon-California Trails Association hosted a guided walking tour highlighting our Truman & Trails history. Jackson County (Missouri) Historical Society greeted guests inside the Historic Truman Courthouse for free tours. The Independence 76 Fire Company and Visit Independence, MO were also on-hand.

There was live music and a quick artist painting contest. Game Cafe owner Tom enter the quick artist competition. He’s really good. And several businesses welcomed walkers to with special offers.

Again, our thanks to the Jackson County Parks & Rec team.

10/24/2026

Jackson County Parks + Rec invites you to Walktober on the Square!

Celebrate the beauty of fall by walking through historic Independence Sunday, October 25th. With crisp air, vibrant colors, and scenic views, it’s the perfect time to get outside and get moving.

Leashed dogs are welcome to join the fun. The first 200 participants will receive a commemorative Walktober button.

📆 Sunday, October 25th
📍 Historic Truman Courthouse, Lexington Street side
⏰ 10am - Noon

10/23/2026

Join us Sunday, October 25th at 10AM.

10/22/2026

There’s sooo much happening this weekend on the Independence SCARE. Take a look! 👀

We kick off the weekend on Thursday, October 22nd with SAVOR culinary experience at Ophelia’s at 6:30PM and Founders Series Virginia Distillery at Sentinel Room Cocktail Lounge at 6:00PM. 🍽️🍹

Friday, October 23rd catch new movies Clayface & Brother Joseph Again at the Pharaoh Cinema, experience live music with Jason Irvin at 3 Trails by Ophelia’s, take a spooky cover wagon ride, investigate the paranormal at 1859 Jail Museum, or meet friends at the Sentinel Room’s Wh***ey Library for Friday Night Fights. 🍿🥃

What’s in store for Saturday, October 24th? Goosebumps is showing at the Pharaoh Cinema at 1PM. Tickets are only $6. The Missouri Model Railroad Museum has a special Halloween Theater for kids. Stone Church is offering a Trunk or Treat event. 🎃 🎥

End the weekend on Sunday, October 25th with Walktober at 10AM and Independence residents can enjoy free tours of the Bingham-Waggoner and Vaile Mansions from 1-4PM. 🚶🏡

You belong on the Independence SCARE this Halloween season. See you soon!

10/21/2026

Ya gotta check out the new neon sign at Gateway Letter Jackets. The team at Fossil Forge Design nailed it!