If you’re looking for some family-friendly trick-or-treat destinations around Portland, there are plenty of local events happening to take the kids. From vibrant business districts to charming neighborhoods, here’s a guide to some of the best spots to celebrate Halloween this year.
Bethany Village Halloween Hunt
Bethany Village offers a fun twist on trick-or-treating with its annual Halloween Hunt. On October 31st, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., families can visit participating businesses in the village for candy and enjoy a variety of activities, including games and even a bounce house. Located at 4720 NW Bethany Blvd, it’s a convenient spot for families in the northwest part of Portland to enjoy some spooky fun.
Brooklyn Park Cans for Candy
For those looking to give back while celebrating, Brooklyn Park in Southeast Portland offers the unique “Cans for Candy” event. On Sunday, October 27th, from noon to 2:00 p.m., children can trade a bag or bucket of redeemable cans and bottles for a bag of candy (4-6 pieces). This event also includes fun games, such as the BOO!! bag game for a chance to win even more candy. The funds raised help support the park’s Summer Youth Program.
Alberta Street
In the heart of Northeast Portland, the Alberta Arts District transforms into a festive trick-or-treating haven. Local businesses from NE 12th Ave to NE 31st Ave open their doors to trick-or-treaters on October 31st, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. More than 40 shops and restaurants participate, handing out candy, stickers, and other treats. This event is perfect for families with young children who want to enjoy an early start to Halloween and make it home before bedtime.
Multnomah Village
Southwest Portland’s Multnomah Village offers a fun and lively trick-or-treating experience on Halloween from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. With its small-town feel, the village is a popular destination for families. Along with trick-or-treating, kids can join a costume parade and participate in a costume contest. In the days leading up to Halloween, the community hosts a virtual pumpkin and costume contest where residents vote for the best entries, making this a full-on seasonal celebration.
Downtown Tigard
Families looking for a safe and friendly trick-or-treat experience will find it in Downtown Tigard. On Halloween, from 3:30 to 6:00 p.m., the businesses along Main Street hand out candy to costumed visitors. The first hour is dedicated only to young and neurodiverse children who want to enjoy trick-or-treating in a relaxed environment. Then, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., the whole community joins in to ensure a memorable experience for little ghouls and goblins.
Trick-or-Treat Troutdale
In nearby Troutdale, trick-or-treating is a big deal. On Halloween, businesses along the Historic Columbia River Highway hand out candy to trick-or-treaters from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Families can then head to The Columbia Gorge Outlets for more treats and activities from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., making it a double-header of Halloween fun.
Franklin Street in Vancouver
For those willing to travel just across the Columbia River, Franklin Street in Vancouver offers a legendary Halloween display. On Halloween night, from 5:00 to 9:00 p.m., visitors can enjoy the sight of massive skeletons, witches on brooms, and graveyard scenes, all enhanced with music and lights. Along with these spooky displays, trick-or-treaters can also pick up some candy.
More Halloween Fun
- Leach Botanical Garden Boo! Bash: A nature-inspired Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, live music, and more on October 27th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- McMenamins Kennedy School: Trick-or-treating, live music, and a pumpkin-carving contest on October 31st, from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m., and a Halloween party from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Oregon City: Families can trick-or-treat at participating shops on Main Street in downtown Oregon City from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. on October 31st.
Whether you’re looking for traditional trick-or-treating or something with a creative twist, Portland and the surrounding areas offer plenty of Halloween fun for all ages. Grab your candy bags and costumes, and get ready for some spooky adventures!
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.