As the Halloween season approaches, the metro area is brimming with spooky attractions and exhilarating events designed to send chills down your spine. Whether you’re a fan of haunted houses, interactive performances, or family-friendly festivities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the scariest and most thrilling happenings this October.
To kick off your haunted adventure, consider visiting the Haunted Corn Maze at Bella Organic located on Sauvie Island. This outdoor attraction promises a natural fright, featuring terrifying creatures and realistic props that chase you through the dark corn stalks. It’s an experience designed for older children and adults, with an age limit set for kids under five. It’s recommended to pre-buy tickets online, as admission at the gate is cash only.
Fridays and Saturdays through October 31, Bella Organic is the perfect place for those seeking an adrenaline rush.
Another local gem is the Davis Graveyard, a neighborhood display that transforms into an eerie graveyard come dusk. With creeping fog, sound effects, and animatronic spooks, it’s a must-see for anyone who enjoys a casual stroll among the tombstones. The graveyard is free to visit, open for walk-by viewing at all hours, and stays illuminated until late on weekends.
If you’re looking for a unique twist on the horror experience, check out “Fracture!”, an interactive math horror experience presented by Matheatre and Experiment PDX. This event blends problem-solving and theatrical spooks, allowing groups of ten to engage with both math puzzles and frightful surprises. With both all-ages and adult versions available, it’s a perfect mix of education and entertainment, running from October 2-12.
For those who appreciate a multi-faceted experience, ScareGrounds PDX offers a combination of three haunted houses alongside amusement rides at Oaks Park. Perfect for a variety of scare levels, guests can enjoy everything from walkthrough attractions to carnival rides. Make sure to secure your entry tickets early, as these events are quite popular.
Another haunted destination is Milburn’s Haunted Manor in Hubbard, featuring exciting scares every weekend throughout October. This venue includes a moonlit pumpkin patch and a snack bar, and attendees are encouraged to come in costume.
If nostalgia is your style, head to St. Helens for the Spirit of Halloweentown festival, celebrating the legacy of the beloved Disney film that was filmed in the town. This festival features celebrity guests, live music, themed activities, and photo ops, perfect for families looking to immerse themselves in Halloween spirit. For a more scenic approach to the festival, consider the Portland Spirit’s jet boat rides that offer tales of the haunting lore of the region.
Further north in Ridgefield, the Cinema of Horrors Drive-In presents a terrifying evening filled with classic and modern horror films, all while monsters surround your vehicle for an immersive experience. Visitors can expect a new, exciting show throughout various dates until Halloween.
Meanwhile, Salem’s historic Grand Theatre invites brave souls to experience its haunted transformation, where performance meets reality in a spine-tingling storytelling adventure from October 17 to November 1.
For those who prefer theatrical performances, immersive renditions of classic horror stories abound this October. Experience Theatre Project brings to life Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” in a promenade-style performance, allowing audiences to walk with the characters and fully engage with the haunting narrative.
Similarly, Foolish Mortals offers a delightful twist on the haunted experience with a burlesque-style tribute to the Haunted Mansion. Expect to be charmed and thrilled while enjoying gothic performances at the Alberta Rose Theatre.
The Stage Fright Festival at CoHo Theatre showcases queer horror, combining comedy and scares in an engaging series of performances suitable for a variety of tastes.
Meanwhile, the Oregon Ballet Theatre revives Ben Stevenson’s ballet “Dracula,” blending romance, supernatural elements, and ballroom drama into a breathtaking performance.
Additionally, attendees can enjoy the Fright Night Circus featuring adult-themed performances that playfully explore horror movie tributes.
The concert Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics presents an atmospheric musical experience, where a live string quartet plays classic Halloween tunes in a dimly lit environment.
For a unique dance experience, check out BodyVox’s production of “BloodyVox,” which creatively integrates Halloween folklore and original films in a light-hearted take on the spooky season.
Beyond haunted attractions and performances, October in the metro area also offers various seasonal celebrations that may not be scary but are still immensely enjoyable. For instance, the Northwest Children’s Theatre’s Halloween Ball features costume parades and interactive storytimes perfect for younger audiences.
Comic book enthusiasts can attend Frankenstein’s Comic Book Swap at Lloyd Center, where fans can buy, trade, and discuss their favorite titles. Don’t miss the Downtown Vancouver Haunted Walking Tours that share spooky historical tales from the area, providing an enthralling experience while learning about local legends.
Families looking for wholesome fun can visit any number of pumpkin patches across the region, offering fall activities like corn mazes, hayrides, and the opportunity to select the perfect pumpkin.
All in all, the metro area is rich with activities to celebrate Halloween. With a wide array of events across the frightening spectrum, every Halloween enthusiast will find something that speaks to their spooky heart. Start planning your itinerary today, and don’t miss the chance to experience the thrills and chills that only October can bring!
image source from：oregonlive
