Each year, just outside Chicago, Forest Park comes alive with one of the most unique and thrilling events you’ll find in the area—the Forest Park Casket Races. 

The Casket Races are the perfect blend of Halloween mischief, community fun, and good old-fashioned racing. If you’re struggling to explain this event to someone who’s never seen it, don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Just send them this blog, and we’ll do the rest!

Imagine cheering crowds, creatively decorated “caskets” barreling down the street, and a dash of friendly competition with some serious spooky spirit. It’s the kind of event that defines Forest Park—fun, quirky, and pulsing with energy. Trust us, you won’t want to miss this!

Ready to dive into the heart-pounding excitement? Let’s go!

On Your Mark, Get Set, Casket Races - A Story

Picture this: You wake up to the kind of crisp autumn air that makes you pull your blankets a little tighter for just a moment longer. Outside, the trees have turned fiery shades of orange and red, and you can feel that familiar October chill creeping in—Halloween is just around the corner. You're in the mood for something fun, something that gets you into the spirit of the season.

You make yourself a cup of coffee, the steam swirling up as you take that first cozy sip, and a vague thought comes to mind: casket races. You heard about them somewhere, but you’re not exactly sure what to expect. Casket races? In Forest Park? It sounds strange but in the best possible way. So you toss on a scarf, grab your jacket, and head out the door. You figure, why not check it out for yourself? After all, you’ve always loved a good Halloween event, and this one sounds too good to pass up.

As you get closer to Beloit Avenue, you notice cars lining the streets, filling every available spot. People are pouring in from all directions, families with kids in costumes, groups of friends laughing, and some die-hard Halloween fans already decked out in spooky attire. Everyone’s converging on the same block, and you feel the energy building. There’s a buzz in the air, the kind of excitement that makes it clear something fun is about to happen. You follow the growing crowd, and as you turn the corner, you finally see it.

Walking down the street, the crowd thickens, lining both sides of Beloit Avenue like an eager audience at a parade. You make your way toward the finish line, but your attention keeps getting pulled in every direction. Houses along the way are decked out for Halloween—gargoyles perched on porches, gravestones popping up in yards, and strings of glowing orange lights flickering in windows.

Then, just off to the side, you spot the racers. It’s impossible to miss them—teams huddled around their “caskets,” each one more creatively decorated than the last. There’s a group dressed as zombies with tattered clothes and ghostly makeup, and another team sporting full-on vampire capes with sleek black caskets adorned with bat wings. Everywhere you look, there are superheroes, witches, skeletons, and even a few pirates, all pumped up and ready to race.

Each team’s casket is like a mini work of art, reflecting their theme, and you feel the competitive spirit filling the air. The teams are stretching, laughing, and sneaking glances at the competition, mentally prepping for the challenge ahead. It’s clear: everyone’s here to have fun, but they’ve come to win too.

You wait for what feels like forever, your excitement building as the minutes tick by. The air is buzzing with anticipation. Finally, the announcer’s voice booms over the speakers—“First heat, on deck!”—and the crowd erupts with cheers. Teams line up at the starting line, gripping the handles of their caskets, ready for the signal. You can feel the suspense as everyone quiets down, holding their breath.

Then, with a loud crack, the starter’s pistol fires, and they’re off! With caskets rolling, teams sprint down the street. Well, most of them do—some caskets take off like a rocket, others wobble comically to one side, and a few struggle just to get moving. The crowd goes wild, cheering on their favorites, laughing when a team veers off course or loses a shoe in the chaos.

Those skilled (or lucky!) enough to make it to the finish line without a hitch are met with roaring applause. Over and over, you watch as teams race, stumble, recover, and cross the finish line—some victorious, others just relieved they made it in one piece. Each heat brings new thrills, but as the day goes on the competition intensifies.

It’s down to the final few teams, and the crowd is on the edge of their seats, eager to see who will claim victory. But in the end, only one team gets to take home the winner’s trophy—unless, of course, you’re aiming for the “Dead Last” title, which is just as coveted in these parts. After all, if you can’t win, you might as well go out in spectacularly slow, spooky fashion!

After the final race, the winner is announced to roaring applause, and the victorious team hoists their trophy with pride. But even as the excitement winds down and people start to disperse, you're not quite ready for the fun to be over. The energy is still humming in the air, and there's one more stop on your Forest Park adventure: nearby Madison Street is calling your name.

You follow the flow of the crowd walking towards the lively stretch of bars and restaurants, where the celebration is only getting started. Halloween decorations spill out from every storefront, and sounds of laughter and clinking glasses fill the air. You pop into a cozy bar, grab a cold beer (or maybe a seasonal cider), and settle in at a table surrounded by other race-goers.

Whether you’re toasting to the winners, sharing your love for Halloween, or simply enjoying the camaraderie, one thing’s for sure—the Forest Park Casket Races is an event that leaves you with stories to tell and memories to savor, long after that last casket crosses the finish line.

2024 Casket Races FAQ

What are the Forest Park Casket Races? The annual casket races in Forest Park, Illinois are a frightfully good time where teams decorate coffin-shaped carts and race them down a 585-foot course. Expect everything from creepy to comical, as the best casket decorations and team costumes are celebrated just as much as speed.

When and where are the races held? The 2024 Casket Races take place on Saturday, October 19th, from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, in downtown Forest Park on Beloit Avenue between Madison and Adams. The event is easily accessible, just 10 miles from downtown Chicago.

What’s the event schedule?

9-9:30 am: Team Check-In

9:30 am: Vendor food & fun opens

9:30-10 am: Teams review rules and format

10:30 am: Parade of Caskets

11 am: Races begin, with trophies awarded after the final heat

12:30-2:30 pm: Trick or Treat on Madison Street

Costume parades for kids and pets take place between heats!

Where can I park? There are several parking options nearby, including street and garage parking around Madison Street and downtown Forest Park. Be sure to arrive early, as this event draws a large crowd!

What places are there to eat and drink after the races? Madison Street is packed with excellent spots to grab a drink or bite to eat after the races. Check out local favorites like Fatduck Tavern & Grill, O’Sullivan’s, or The Brown Cow Ice Cream Parlor, for post-race fun and lively conversation about the creepiest caskets of the day. 

Check out Forest Park’s best restaurants!

Can I bring my kids or pets? Yes! The event is family-friendly and features a costume parade for kids and pets between the race heats. It’s a great way to let everyone join the Halloween fun.

For more information, visit the Forest Park Chamber of Commerce.