City Cast Madison logo
Advertisement image

Halloween Costume Ideas That Just Scream Madison

Posted on October 28
Hayley Sperling

Hayley Sperling

A collage of costume ideas on a blue background.

We’ve got lots of very Madison ideas for what to dress up as for Halloween. (City Cast Madison)

Halloween is just three days away! Are you freaking out trying to think of an idea for a costume?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are eight great ideas for Halloween costumes that have a very Madison vibe, either inspired by recent headlines or by some of our favorite things. Email us at madison@citycast.fm or comment on our Instagram page with your ideas. And Happy Halloween!

Undead Essen Haus

Will Essen Haus ever really die? Plans to demolish the downtown bar have been killed and revived countless times over the years. So grab some vampire makeup and a boot and you’ll have a locally relevant costume for years to come.

Triangulador Mattress

Who doesn’t love local art? Madison artist Liubóv Szwako (AKA Triangulador) is known for turning street trash into treasures. His preferred canvas? Discarded mattresses. For this one, you’ll want a cardboard box, white sheets, spray paint, and a wild imagination! Bonus: Triangulador himself said he will gift an original painting to whoever does the best version of this costume, so get creative!

Alexandra Paul, Beagle Rescuer

Remember when the Baywatch star made headlines for taking part in the break-ins at Ridglan Farms? Recreate the scene with a simple red swimsuit, handcuffs, and stuffed dog toy.

Paul Soglin

A true Madison icon, all you’ll need for this getup is a fluffy mustache and penchant for “civil disobedience." For the full Soglin experience, repeatedly leave the Halloween party you’re at only to return a few minutes later.

Crane and Goose Family

If Madison had a royal family, its members would all be avian. Grab some friends, feathers, and beaks to dress up as the family of sandhill cranes who took a young Canada goose under their wing.

Joni Mitchell’s ‘Hejira’ Album Cover

Recreate one of the most iconic images of Madison in music history with a black beret, flowing scarf, and of course, a pair of ice skates.

The Lakes

Great for couples or groups, all you’ll really need for this costume is a whole lot of blue clothing. Bonus points if you add some green (for the algae) and wildlife!

Naked Bike Rider(s)

Another great option for groups or the boldest among us. Requirements for this costume include a bike. The rest — like clothing — is optional.

Share article

Hey Madison

Sign up for your free daily toolkit to get the most of the city you love.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

Madison's Best

See All
Madison's BestOctober 21

UW-Madison’s ‘Inhumanities Building’ Inspires New Book

Discover the history and unique character of UW-Madison’s iconic "Inhumanities Building" in Doug E.L. Haynes’ new illustrated book. Explo...

Madison artist Doug E.L. Haynes, dressed in black, leans against a black metal railing in front of the Mosse Humanities Building at UW Madison, a light-colored brick building.
Madison's BestOctober 13

Practice Shelf-Care at the Wisconsin Book Festival

Discover your next great read at the 25th annual Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration, Oct. 15-18. Enjoy free author events for all a...

A group of people browse a table of books in a bright sunlit space.
Madison's BestOctober 8

Your Favorite Spots To Meet Your Neighbors in Madison

City Cast Madison Neighbors share their favorite places in Madison.

Rolling green hills with wildflowers.
Madison's BestOctober 5

Where To Get Scared in Madison for Spooky Season

Looking for a scare this October in Madison? From horror movies to haunted forests and eerie ghost tours, here is your ultimate guide to...

A poster for "Jeckyll & Hyde" - a ballet dancer in black leaps in front of a foggy, London background.
Madison's BestOctober 1

What To Do in Madison in October 2026

Plan your perfect October 2026 in Madison! Check out the 25th Wisconsin Book Festival, cheer on the Badgers, tour haunted spots, and find...

City Cast Madison’s Hayley Sperling, Bianca Martin, Rob Thomas, and Jade Iseri-Ramos stand in front of a wooden arch-shaped bookcase that is holding books that will be featured at the Wisconsin Book Festival Fall Celebration.
Madison's BestSeptember 23

‘Park People’ Will Satirize Madison’s Protest Culture

Madison filmmaker Corey Holl launches a crowdfunding campaign for his new political satire, "The Park People." Explore the proof-of-conce...

Two production staff members on the left hold equipment and a microphone for two actors sitting on a park bench being filmed.
Madison's BestSeptember 8

Ann Garvin Has a Surprise in Store For Her Readers

Madison author Ann Garvin shares her glee in throwing readers a curveball with her poignant, messy new novel, hitting stores September 8.

Author Ann Garvin poses in front of a red wall.
Madison's BestSeptember 1

What To Do in Madison in September 2026

Discover the best things to do in Madison, Wisconsin, in September 2026! From vibrant fall festivals to concerts and athletic events, pla...

A post for the theater show "Steady as She Goes" by Erica Berman. An illustration of a woman with blue flowing hair that looks like ocean waves.

The latest in Madison

Madison, ExplainedOctober 27

Will Wisconsin Get Toll Roads Someday?

Will Madison get toll roads? Democratic candidate David Crowley says he is open to Wisconsin toll roads, sparking quick backlash from Rep...

A highway with toll road signs on poles.
Madison, ExplainedOctober 22

Why Wisconsin Cheesemakers Worry About New USDA Rules

A surprise shift in federal grants threatens small Wisconsin dairy operations, prompting state cheesemakers and Senator Tammy Baldwin to...

A red barn that reads "got milk?" and several gray silos.
Madison, ExplainedOctober 20

Your Guide to the Fall 2026 Election in Madison

The big-ticket item on the Nov. 3 ballot for Wisconsin voters is of course the race for governor.

Two signs saying “Vote” outside of a doorway.
Madison, ExplainedOctober 19

Digging Up the Spooky History of Freakfest

Madison's Freakfest event ended several years ago, but its ghosts continue to haunt the city to this day. Here’s a look back at the good,...

A crowd of people, many in costumes, on a city street.
Food & DrinkOctober 15

What Do Madison Beer Drinkers Really Want?

Brewery owner Garth Beyer surveyed over 350 people about their beer and bar preferences. These are his takeaways about Madison's beer scene.

A man sitting in a chair pours beer into a glass.
Madison, ExplainedOctober 7

UW-Madison Professor Receives Nobel Prize in Physics

Discover the backstory behind UW-Madison professor Francis Halzen's Nobel Prize in physics for pioneering the IceCube Neutrino Observator...

An observatory at the South Pole. A metal structure sits on a desolate landscape with the cosmos above it.
Food & DrinkOctober 1

The Best Fall Drinks To Try in Madison

Looking for the perfect pumpkin spice or autumnal drink? Here is your guide to the best coffee shops and bars serving special fall bevera...

A group of multi-colored cocktails sit on a wooden bar.
Neighborhood GuidesSeptember 29

Browse the Imagination Center, Madison’s Newest Library

Explore Madison's new Imagination Center at Reindahl Park—the city's first public library in 26 years. Take a virtual tour of this vibran...

The outside of the Imagination Center. A blue tiled buildiing with a sign that read "Library."