Halloween is a much-anticipated time of the year in Portland, where the city comes alive with spooky events, creative costumes, and family-friendly activities.
Whether you’re new to the area or a local looking to plan your perfect Halloween, this guide provides all the information you need to celebrate in style.
When is Halloween in Portland?
Halloween is celebrated annually on October 31st. This year, like every year, Portland’s festivities will begin in the days leading up to Halloween, with events ramping up as the spooky night approaches.
While Halloween itself falls on a Thursday this year, many events and activities start as early as mid-October, making it a month-long celebration for all ages.
Brief Overview Of Events And Parties In Portland 2024
| Event Name | Date | Time | Venue | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Haunted Portland Ghost Tour | October 1-31, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Starts at Old Town, Portland | A ghost tour exploring the haunted history of Portland’s Old Town area. |
| West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta | October 19, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tualatin Lake at the Commons | A unique race where participants paddle in giant hollowed-out pumpkins. |
| Fright Town | October 1-31, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Veterans Memorial Coliseum | Portland’s largest haunted house attraction, featuring multiple haunted mazes and scare zones. |
| Boo Bash at the Oregon Zoo | October 26-31, 2024 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Oregon Zoo | A family-friendly event with trick-or-treating, games, and spooky animal exhibits. |
| Oaks Park Halloween Spooktacular | October 18-31, 2024 | 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM | Oaks Park | An amusement park transformed for Halloween with themed rides, games, and family activities. |
| The Portland Masquerade Ball | October 25, 2024 | 8:00 PM – 1:00 AM | Portland Art Museum | A grand Halloween party with live music, dancing, and costume contests in an elegant setting. |
| Halloween Trick-or-Treat on NW 23rd Avenue | October 31, 2024 | 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM | NW 23rd Avenue | A safe trick-or-treating event hosted by local businesses on one of Portland’s most popular streets. |
| Fearlandia Haunted House | October 5-31, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM | Milwaukie-Portland Border | A terrifying haunted house experience featuring scare zones and spooky mazes. |
| Halloween Bar Crawl – Nightmare on 13th Ave | October 28, 2024 | 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM | Various Pubs on 13th Avenue | A popular Halloween-themed bar crawl through some of Portland’s spookiest pubs and bars. |
| Pioneer Courthouse Square Pumpkin Event | October 30, 2024 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Pioneer Courthouse Square | A public pumpkin carving contest and display in the heart of downtown Portland. |
Popular Halloween Events in Portland
Portland offers a wide range of Halloween events to suit every taste, from family-friendly festivals to spine-chilling haunted houses. Some of the most popular events include:
- The Haunted Portland Ghost Tour – A walking tour that takes you through the haunted history of Portland’s Old Town.
- West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta – An unusual and fun event where people race giant, hollowed-out pumpkins in the Tualatin River.
- Fright Town – Located at the Veterans Memorial Coliseum, this popular haunted house attraction offers a terrifying experience for those who enjoy a good scare.
- Boo Bash – Held at the Oregon Zoo, this event is perfect for families looking for a fun and safe way to enjoy Halloween with their children.
These events are spread throughout the city, ensuring there is always something spooky to attend during the Halloween season.
Popular Halloween Activities in Portland
Portland has a variety of activities to keep the Halloween spirit alive for all ages. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or prefer a more relaxed celebration, there is something for everyone. Here are the most popular activities:
A. Trick-or-Treating
Trick-or-treating is a classic Halloween tradition that Portland embraces with open arms. Neighborhoods like Laurelhurst, Alameda, and Eastmoreland are known for their elaborately decorated homes and welcoming streets.
Local businesses in districts like NW 23rd Avenue and the Pearl District also host trick-or-treating events, making it a great place to enjoy the holiday safely with young children.
B. Pumpkin Carving Contests
Portland’s residents are known for their creativity, and pumpkin carving contests are a perfect way to showcase those artistic skills. Local community centers, schools, and parks host competitions where participants can carve the scariest, funniest, or most creative pumpkins.
One of the highlights is the “Great Pumpkin Event” held at Pioneer Courthouse Square, where families can gather to show off their pumpkin designs.
C. Haunted House Tours
Portland is home to several haunted houses and ghost tours that will make your Halloween extra spooky. Venues like “13th Door” and “Fearlandia” offer terrifying experiences with professional actors and Hollywood-quality effects.
If you’re interested in Portland’s haunted history, the “Portland Underground Ghost Tour” is a must-do. These tours provide an eerie look into the city’s past, making it both an educational and spooky experience.
Family-Friendly Activities in Portland
If you’re celebrating Halloween with young children, Portland has a variety of family-friendly activities to ensure everyone can enjoy the holiday without too many frights.
- Oregon Zoo’s Howloween – A safe trick-or-treating event that allows children to collect candy from different animal exhibits while learning about wildlife conservation.
- Pumpkin Patches – Sauvie Island is the go-to spot for pumpkin patches near Portland. Kruger’s Farm and The Pumpkin Patch offer hayrides, corn mazes, and lots of space for children to explore.
- Halloween Spooktacular at Oaks Park – An annual Halloween event at Portland’s historic amusement park, featuring rides, games, and a spooky atmosphere for all ages.
Popular Spots for Enjoying Halloween in Portland
Several spots around Portland become hubs of Halloween activity, perfect for those looking to immerse themselves in the spooky atmosphere:
- Pioneer Courthouse Square – Known as Portland’s living room, it becomes a central spot for Halloween gatherings, with events like costume contests and pumpkin displays.
- Sauvie Island – A popular destination for pumpkin picking, hayrides, and family-friendly Halloween fun.
- The Pearl District – Offering a more urban Halloween experience, this neighborhood is home to many Halloween-themed bar crawls, costume parties, and trick-or-treat events at local businesses.
Halloween Celebration Parties in Portland
Portland’s nightlife transforms during Halloween, with many bars, clubs, and event spaces hosting themed parties. Some of the most popular Halloween parties include:
- The Halloween Portland Masquerade Ball – Held at the Portland Art Museum, this party features live music, costumes, and dancing in an elegant yet spooky setting.
- Nightmare on 13th Avenue – A popular bar crawl that takes you through some of Portland’s most haunted pubs and bars.
- Freaky Deaky PDX – An annual Halloween EDM party that draws large crowds with its costume contests and high-energy music.
These parties often have themes and encourage participants to dress up, so make sure to prepare your best Halloween costume!
Popular Halloween Costumes and Decorations in Portland
Portland’s residents go all out for Halloween when it comes to costumes and decorations. Every year, you’ll see a mix of pop culture-inspired costumes, classic spooky figures, and some that reflect the city’s quirky personality. Popular costumes in Portland include:
- Superheroes – Always a classic choice, especially with the rise of blockbuster films.
- Zombies – A spooky favorite that is easy to customize and make your own.
- Fantasy Creatures – Fairies, witches, and vampires remain popular, but with unique Portland twists.
In terms of decorations, Portlanders love to transform their homes into haunted houses, with intricate displays of pumpkins, skeletons, and fog machines. Some neighborhoods even hold competitions to see who can create the most elaborate decorations.
Safety Measures for Halloween Celebrating
While Halloween is a time for fun, it’s essential to keep safety in mind, especially when trick-or-treating with young children or attending large public events. Here are some tips to stay safe during Halloween in Portland:
- Wear Reflective Gear – Make sure your costume includes reflective elements if you’re walking at night to ensure drivers can see you.
- Travel in Groups – Whether you’re trick-or-treating or attending a party, it’s always safer to travel in groups.
- Check Candy – Always inspect the candy your children collect to ensure it’s safe to eat.
- Follow COVID-19 Guidelines – Be aware of any local health regulations, and consider wearing masks in crowded spaces.
Conclusion
Halloween in Portland is a magical time filled with spooky events, creative costumes, and family-friendly activities. Whether you prefer to attend a haunted house, carve pumpkins, or explore the city’s ghostly history, Portland offers something for everyone.
With this guide, you’re ready to make the most of the Halloween season and enjoy all the festivities this beautiful city has to offer. Happy Halloween!
FAQ
The best neighborhoods for trick-or-treating in Portland are Laurelhurst, Alameda, and Eastmoreland. These areas are known for their elaborate decorations and friendly, welcoming residents. Many local businesses in areas like NW 23rd Avenue also offer safe trick-or-treating events for kids.
Yes, Portland has plenty of family-friendly Halloween events, such as the Oregon Zoo’s Howloween, pumpkin patches on Sauvie Island, and the Oaks Park Spooktacular. These events offer safe and fun activities for children of all ages, from trick-or-treating to pumpkin carving.
Portland’s top haunted houses include “13th Door” and “Fearlandia.” For a historical twist, try the Portland Underground Ghost Tour, which explores the haunted past of the city’s Old Town.
Portland residents love creative costumes. Popular choices include superheroes, zombies, and fantasy creatures. Check out local costume shops for unique ideas, and remember to dress according to any party theme.
To stay safe, wear reflective gear when walking at night, travel in groups, and inspect all candy before eating. Additionally, follow local guidelines for COVID-19 precautions at crowded events.
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