Stuck on how to make the most of the year’s spookiest holiday? Never fear: From family-friendly activities and trick-or-treating to 21-plus costume parties, there are enough creeptastic celebrations to keep you spooked well into November. After all, no one is ever too old for a good scare — especially in a Halloween-loving town like Bellingham.
Trick-or-treating
There’s no reason to wait ’til Halloween night to stock up on candy: On Saturday, Oct. 26, First Congregational Church will host a free Trunk-or-Treat event from 2–4 p.m. Birch Bay’s fourth annual Trick-or-Treat on the Berm happens the same day from 3–5 p.m., and trick-or-treating in downtown Ferndale runs from 2–4 p.m.
Downtown Bellingham has a free trick-or-treat event from 4–6 p.m. on Halloween. In a creative twist on neighborhood trick-or-treating, kids can collect candy from more than 100 participating local businesses. Thirteen businesses will also set up for “brick-or-treating” on the Village Green in Fairhaven — or, ahem, “FEAR”Haven — that same day from 3–6 p.m.
From 4:30–7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31, stop by the Cordata Shopping Center for more than 20 different “candy stops” (plus hot cocoa). The Barkley Village community will also revive its annual Barkley Boo-levard event from 4–6 p.m.
Further afield in Whatcom County, Loca Mocha is sponsoring a trunk-or-treat in Sumas at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Lynden’s Trick or “Dutch” Treat takes place across town from 2–5 p.m.
And in Skagit County, Sedro-Woolley has a costume parade on Metcalf Street from 4:30–5:30 p.m. Oct. 31, immediately followed by trick-or-treating downtown. Costumed kiddos can also trick-or-treat from 4–6 p.m. in downtown Anacortes and downtown Mount Vernon.
Spooky screenings, plays and performances
The Pickford Film Center has two Halloween occasions worth attending, the first being Bad Blood, or horror screenings “you can sink your teeth into.” The series culminates with “Blade” on Oct. 23 and “Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror” on Halloween night. Bleedingham on Oct. 26 is another October tradition, as it showcases spine-tingling horror shorts from close to home and around the globe.
As far as live events go, the Bellingham Circus Guild is back with its annual Halloween performance, “The Beastly Frightful Unspeakably Spooky Circus of Doom.” The aquatic-themed show runs Oct. 24–31, with options for both 21-plus and all-ages performances. (Tickets are already getting low, so purchase yours ASAP.)
No Halloween roundup would be complete without mention of “Hellingham,” The Upfront Theatre’s annual improvised murder mystery (shows run through Nov. 2). Performers’ characters are inspired by the audience, and only the improviser knows their fate — until the murderer is revealed, of course.
“Drag-ula,” Aslan Depot’s Halloween drag show on Oct. 24, features performers like MX and Genesis plus music from DJ KraymerGDot. The Blue Room is also hosting two Halloween-themed performances: a dance showcase from local studio Unique Technique (Oct. 26), and an extra-spooky edition of the all-trans-casted drag showcase “Euphoria” (Oct. 31).
Last but certainly not least, fans of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” have two chances to catch the cult classic in theaters. Mount Baker Theatre’s version happens Oct. 26 and is complete with a shadow cast. The Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon, however, does its screening on Halloween night.
Halloween parties
On the brewery front, Stones Throw has pumpkin carving from noon to 8 p.m. Oct. 26. Patrons who show up in costume on Oct. 31 will receive $1 off their pint.
Pet parents should know that the annual “Howl-O-Ween” dog parade is back at noon Sunday, Oct. 27. The Mighty Bayou Opossums will provide the tunes, and best-dressed pups receive prizes. Wander Brewing is also throwing a Halloween Fun Fest from 2–6 p.m. Oct. 27 with candy, face painting and pumpkin decorating; kids and dogs alike are welcome to join in the fun.
On Halloween night, Kulshan Trackside will be kicking off closing weekend with a massive party (4–11 p.m.) Expect trick-or-treating, “kill the keg” festivities, a performance of “Thrillingham” and a Halloween set by DJ Aireekah of Glitt3r Lyfe.
Whatcom Museum’s Family Interactive Gallery has a Monster Mash Halloween Celebration on Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Kids can enjoy crafts, a photo booth and other frightful (yet family-friendly) activities, all of which wrap in time for trick-or-treating.
As far as 21-plus events go, Aslan Depot is throwing its annual Nightmare on State Street bash Halloween night, complete with a live DJ, creepy cocktails, Jell-O shots and the requisite costume contest. Grateful Dead tribute band Sleepy Alligators will also pay a visit to Boundary Bay Brewery for its annual Halloween party, appropriately titled “The Dead Will Rise.”
Other autumnal activities
While the Good Time Girls run “Bellinghistory” walking tours throughout the year, October is arguably the best month to attend one. Three tours are particularly suited to spooky season: Fairhaven Gore and Lore, Downtown Gore and Lore, and “Buried Bellingham” at Bayview Cemetery. Tickets are also still available for the final Concrete Ghost Walk on Oct. 26 as of press time.
The Community Boating Center is organizing a Halloween open boating event Oct. 26, and participants are encouraged to dress up as their favorite frightful sea creature. All ages and levels are invited, and participants are welcome to stay for warm beverages post-paddle.
Elf Sanctuary has a “spooktacular” vegan bake sale/trunk-or-treat Oct. 27 at Evil Bikes with food from New Public, plus beverages from Evil Bike’s indoor bar. Make sure to wear a costume and receive $2 off baked goods.
In the realm of haunted houses, Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth and Boundary Bay Brewery are reviving their annual “fear garden” for “The Nightmare on Maple” Oct. 24–26. Ferndale’s Whatcom Frightmare is open through that same weekend; both have earlier, family-friendly “light scares” and become more adult-oriented as the evening goes on.
Scream Fair Haunted House is open for a final weekend Oct. 25–26 at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds. Presented by Meridian FFA Boosters, this year’s (more-than-slightly foreboding) theme is “The Fear Within: Where Phobia Meets Reality.”
Last but not least, Gabriel’s Art Kids’ Spooktacular Celebration at Woodstock Farm (Oct. 24–27) has everything from a haunted house to a “Witch Walk,” silent disco, games and even a “Full Fright Hour” from 9–10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Most celebrations — with the possible exception of the Full Fright Hour — are appropriate for ages 4 and up.
Cocoa Laney is CDN’s lifestyle editor; reach her at cocoalaney@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 128.
