Every October, horror fans, witchy women, and general oddballs rejoice in the return of Halloween, and for a good reason. Of the modern holidays, it certainly is the most eccentric and unruly. As such, it’s no surprise that a myriad of oddball activities and spooky spectacles emerge during the Hallows season. From pumpkin water races to 90s movie homages, these Halloween events in Oregon will get you in the mood to celebrate the season!
Odd Halloween Events in Oregon
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regata
Every year, Tualatin, Oregon hosts a series of races to celebrate the fall harvest. While celebratory fall races are hardly unique, good ol’ Tualatin gives the honored tradition a campy twist. Since 2004, people have gathered by the thousands to witness costumed characters paddling across an inner-city lake inside giant pumpkins. Now a weekend spectacle, the festival includes a giant pumpkin weigh-off, a 5k run (sans pumpkin vehicles), variety shows, and costume contests. The massive pumpkins are supplied by the Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers, and can easily surpass 1,000 pounds.
Expect big crowds at the Regatta, as this race only happens once a year. It’s also advisable to park up Boones Ferry Road and walk to the races to avoid traffic and the maddening search for parking. After the final heat is finished, take a stroll up to G-man Taproom for a celebratory pint and some pub snacks.
The Spirit of Halloweentown
If you’re traveling from Portland, you can find Halloween town a quick 40 minutes up Highway 30. Known best as the filming location for the 1998 Disney movie Halloweentown, St. Helens is a sleepy suburb seated lazily along the Columbia River. Every year for Halloween, the town emerges in full spirit, decorating its Plaza Square to resemble the Halloweentown film set. On the weekends, mermaids, pirates, and ghouls roam the city. There are seasonal games, activities, and performances every weekend of the fall season, mostly taking place in the Plaza.
While weekends are a lively time in Halloweentown, they’re also the busiest time. If you want to skip the $15 parking fees and huge crowds, you can still get all your photo ops and explore the quaint city during the week. Twilight fans can stroll over the Bella Swan’s house up 6th Street. Vintage lovers can get lost in the 2Cs Vendor Mall for hours. Whatever campy adventure suits your fancy, rest your feet and fill your stomach on the porch of The Klondike Tavern afterward. Amidst the super-fall displays of baled hay, you can people-watch and see who has the best costumes of the day.
