For those who love autumn, the second half of October is the best time of year. There is a chill in the air, but it’s not freezing most of the day. There is occasional rain, but not as frequently as in other times in the fall and winter. There are season-specific decorations on many homes and lawns, and many businesses offer fun and spooky attractions.
And it seems like every kid on the planet is counting down the days until they get to show off their costume and prove they can collect more candy than any other kid. Candy that will absolutely be victim to the “parent tax” first, and the “that’s way too much candy, let’s put it away for another time” tax that comes second, and then that candy is never seen again.
Sweet treats aside, you can’t just circle the 31st on the calendar and wait for the fun to start. There are plenty of fun events taking place over the next two weekends that will keep you and your kids busy, and, best of all, keep their hungry little brains from thinking about sugar for five (okay, four) seconds.
West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
We might be battling the East Coast to see who gets the award for best aesthetics this season, but we are on a whole other level when it comes to our regatta.
The annual giant pumpkin races take place this weekend in Tualatin, with pre- and post-race activities surrounding the races from 12-2 pm on Sunday. Folks pile in to cheer on their friends and family and partake in the excellent food and drinks offerings, so make sure to get there early if you want a good spot with a view of all the action.
The event runs from 10 am-4 pm on Sunday, October 19th, and is friendly to all ages, but there is a large body of water to be careful around if you have any small kids in tow.
https://www.tualatinoregon.gov/pumpkinregatta
Halloween Ball
A previous post on this site has more in-depth details of this local legend, but here is the skinny for those with just a few minutes to spare –
For the next two weekends, you can take your kids in any costume they want, join a costume parade, watch a fun performance in the theater on a bean bag, and then join a dance party. All ages are welcome, but the fun is best for ages four and up.
https://nwcts.org/shows/halloween-ball/
Halloween Toddler Ballet
If you’re interested in the idea of a Halloween ball but think it might be too much for your toddler, maybe give the Toddler Ballet a try. For one day only on Sunday the 26th, the Polaris Dance Theater allows any wobblers between the ages of 2 and 3-½ to show off their moves on the floor from 9 am-10 am with no previous experience necessary.
https://www.instagram.com/p/DPW11V5EnxI/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet
Yesteryear Farms Movie Night
Starting tonight, Yesteryear Farms will host a movie night on Fridays at dusk. This week’s feature presentation is Hocus Pocus. Then they will show Frankenweenie on the 24th, and on Halloween night, they will show the movie Halloween.
They will provide the show, but you must provide your own seating options. Nothing says fall quite like a spooky movie during the weeks leading up to Halloween, especially if you’re watching the film at a pumpkin patch.
https://www.yesteryearfarmswilsonville.com/events
Spirit of Halloweentown
Did you know that there is a town in Oregon called Ranier? You’re likely familiar with Scapoose; well, nestled between those two towns on Highway 30 lies the small town known as St. Helens. Maybe you didn’t know there was a St. Helens in Oregon, but there is, and it’s not home to the famous mountain, as that town lies north, still in Washington. St. Helens, Oregon, is known as the filming location and permanent home of the Halloweentown movie series.
The city’s annual event is held only on weekends, including Fridays.
You can wander the town, take a guided tour on foot or by train. Test your bravery in a haunted house, buy a memory you can hold at the gift shop, take part in a costume contest, watch a performance on the main stage, meet a celebrity, and have a spooky good time.
Parking is limited and expensive, so carpooling and parking nearby before walking over would be recommended.
https://www.spiritofhalloweentown.co/
Casey Mabbott is a husband and parent first, and also an experienced and dedicated writer and researcher. Born and raised in the Portland area, when Casey is not spending time with his family gallivanting around Portland and the surrounding areas, he genuinely enjoys helping people (especially families) find the “hidden gems” in the Pacific Northwest. In today’s world of lightning fast information at our fingertips, it’s truly a wonder to stumble across a place, an experience, or an activity you’ve never heard of.