501(c)(3) Verified · After the Peanut Foundation
Curated by Status PlāSpace
Saturday, October 24, 2026
7:00 PM CST
Costumes & Cocktails
Joliet Historical Museum · Joliet, Illinois
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ATTIRE: We’d love to see you in costume!
Costume contest categories: DIY, STEAM Theme, Couple, Group, and Overall Best Costume
Welcome
You're Invited… If You Dare
Three floors. Three bars. One unforgettable night. Sip a crafted signature cocktail, snack on boo-ti-ful bites, and dance until the floor closes as DJ T-Bone takes over the turntables. Dress in your best costume and compete for costume contest bragging rights — this isn’t your average Halloween party.
And here’s the best part: every ticket benefits After the Peanut Foundation and its mission to deliver hands-on STEAM education to youth who need it most.
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NEWS ALERT
It’s the largest Halloween-themed R&B party for a cause in Joliet.
DJ T-Bone is officially headlining the dance floor all night.
VIP tables are filling up fast — get yours before they’re gone.
Special Appearance
DJ T-Bone Takes The Booth
Headlining Costumes & Cocktails, DJ T-Bone keeps the dance floor moving all night with a Halloween-ready set — R&B and house, start to finish.
R&B
House
Halloween Set
Live set: 7:30–11:00 PM
Three Floors, One Party
Venue
Every floor has its own bar. Every floor has its own bites. Wander up, wander down — however you haunt the halls tonight, you’re never more than a few steps from your next drink.
Floor 1
Main Hall
Welcome bar, first bites, and the night’s central mystery clues.
Floor 2
Gallery Level
Second bar and boo-ti-ful bites among the exhibits.
Floor 3
Dance Floor
Third bar, more bites, and the night’s main dance floor.
Tickets & Benefits
Get tickets via Givebutter
Entry to all three floors — bars, food stations & dance floor
2 drinks + boo-ti-ful bites included
Cash bar available all night
Entry into the costume contest
Access to the real-life Clue mystery game (arrive by 7:15 PM)
100% of proceeds support After the Peanut Foundation’s STEAM programs
The Evening Unfolds
The night may shift — schedule subject to change
The Doors Creak Open
Bars and food stations open on all three floors — your first two drinks are sponsored by the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP).
The Mystery Unfolds
Clue mystery game begins — arrive on time to play
DJ T-Bone Takes the Booth
Dancing begins — hit the floor.
The Costume Contest
Get ready to vote for Best DIY, STEAM Theme, Couple, Group, and Overall Best Costume — all sponsored by GoSayHello.
Last Call: Costumes & Cocktails
3 floors, 3 bars, endless options — a drink is never more than a few steps away
Your first 2 drinks + a spread of boo-ti-ful bites — already covered by your ticket
Unmask your best look and haunt the costume contest — DIY, STEAM Theme, Couple, Group & Overall Best up for grabs
Bonus: a real-life Clue mystery game — arrive by 7:15 PM if you want to play.
Costume Contest
The Ultimate Costume Contest
Add a photo from 2025’s costume contest
Unmask your best look and compete for bragging rights — and real prizes.
DIY
Did you make it yourself? Yes! Then you're in.
STEAM Theme
Inspired by science, technology, engineering, arts, or math. Channel your inner nerd.
Couple
Just the two of you, one shared look (no actual romance required).
Group
Three or more people, one matching theme.
Voting happens live in the GoSayHello app across every category. Top performers in the four categories take the stage to present their looks for a shot at Best Overall — judged on audience votes, crowd energy, and the Host Committee’s input.
WHAT’S ON THE LINE
Courtside Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks tickets, gift cards, curated bourbon baskets, and a cash prize for Best Overall.
Brought to you by GoSayHello.
The Ultimate Costume Contest
Unmask your best look and compete for bragging rights — and real prizes.
DIY
Did you make it yourself? Yes! Then you’re in.
STEAM Theme
Inspired by science, technology, engineering, arts, or math. Channel your inner nerd.
Couple
Just the two of you, one shared look (no actual romance required).
Group
Three or more people, one matching theme.
Live Voting
Voting happens live in the GoSayHello app across every category. Top performers in the four categories take the stage to present their looks for a shot at Best Overall — judged on audience votes, crowd energy, and the Host Committee’s input.
What's on the Line:
Courtside Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks tickets, gift cards, curated bourbon baskets, and a cash prize for Best Overall.
Brought to you by GoSayHello.
Moments of Impact
Our Programs in Action
About Us
The Spirit Behind Costumes and Cocktails
After the Peanut Foundation was founded in 2017, inspired by the legacy of George Washington Carver, to expand access to STEAM education for under-resourced youth across Will County and beyond. We run immersive summer camps, after-school enrichment, educator training, and community STEAM programming that bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world careers.
Every ticket to Costumes & Cocktails is a donation. Every donation opens a door — funding drone building, robotics, mentorship, and field trips for kids who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance.
Founder & CEO
A Joliet native, University of Illinois graduate, combat veteran, and STEM professor, Dr. Natalie Coleman is building After the Peanut Foundation so every child has access to meaningful STEAM opportunities.
Combat Veteran
STEM Professor
Joliet Native
Why This Event Matters
The Impact
Too many students never get the chance to build a robot, fly a drone, or discover they’re an engineer at heart. After the Peanut Foundation puts hands-on STEAM learning directly into the hands of youth in underfunded communities — and Costumes & Cocktails is one of the year’s biggest opportunities to fund that work.
Whether you’re raising a glass, stepping up in costume, or sponsoring the night outright, every dollar helps close the opportunity gap for the next generation of creators, thinkers, and problem-solvers.
Numbers That Tell the Story
Our Impact
Students reached
Educators trained
Partner organizations
Years serving Will County
Event Chair
Driving the Mission to Expand STEAM Education
Event Chair · Global Head of EHS, Newmark
As a board member of After the Peanut Foundation, Justin brings his leadership to chairing this year’s STEAM After Dark: Costumes & Cocktails Edition. He is committed to creating new opportunities for young people to explore STEAM education and expand their knowledge of science, technology, engineering, art, and math.
Host Committee
Champions driving impact for STEAM education
After the Peanut Foundation
Joliet Unity Movement
After the Peanut Foundation
Meridian Health Plan
City of Joliet
Carter Realty Group
ATHLTZ SPK
Healing Place
Hester Tax Services
Prestige Athletic Club
Mosaic Realty LLC
After the Peanut Foundation
Sponsor Costumes & Cocktails
Where business leadership meets lasting impact. Sponsors connect with engaged guests and community leaders, gain brand visibility across the event, and help fund STEAM access for under-resourced youth across Will County. Tell us a bit about your organization and our team will follow up with a tailored package.
Volunteer With Us
Want to help make Costumes & Cocktails unforgettable? We need volunteers for setup, guest services, and more.
Contact Us
Questions about tickets, tables, sponsorships, or partnerships? Reach out to our team directly.
Phone
1-800-955-6816
