Looking for something fun to do in October? Here are some fun things for you to do or see this month. There’s something for everyone, all over Oregon and anywhere else. These are just a few of the amazing things happening in Oregon this month, and there are always the things that you can do year-round.
1. Fantasy Halloween Walk
At Wenzel Farm in Oregon City, there is an annual Halloween Fantasy Trail. This is fun for the whole family! It is open every day in October, during the day from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. and at night from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can walk through a 40-foot castle with Halloween scenes and through a tunnel, maze, crooked house, suspension bridge and more. Pumpkins and refreshments are also available. You can even visit their pumpkin patch! The cost is $6 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. They only accept cash, so make sure you have enough.
2. “Run Like Hell”
For all you runners, in downtown Portland, Run Like Hell returns on Sunday, Oct. 23 where you can run a half-marathon, 10k, 5k and there will be a kids' half-mile course as well. Wear your Halloween costume and as the name suggests, run like hell! There will be a costume contest and a post-race party and even a musical mile, with bands stationed around every corner for a mile of the course! This event requires pre-registration, so get yourself signed up to run, spots are going fast and prices vary.
3. Portland VegFest
For all vegetarians, vegans, or even people seeking to get some good food; on Oct. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oregon Convention Center in Exhibit Hall A. There will be free food samples, health and nutrition speakers, chef demonstrations, Fashion & Beauty Stage presentations, Fitness Stage workouts, restaurants, films, a farmers market, and activities for kids and teens. The cost to enter is $9 per day or $16 for a two-day pass. Students and seniors 65+ with ID get in for $6 and children 12 and under get in free.
4. Portland Pet Expo
For all the pet lovers, on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 10am to 5pm and Sunday, Oct. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Portland Pet Expo will be at the Portland Expo Center. Admission is free for you and your pet. There will be prize giveaways and fun for both you and your pet, adopt pets, get discounted vaccinations, microchipping, heartworm and flea preventatives, free nail trims, agility and obedience demonstrations, author readings/book signings, learn about pet care, grooming, and different types of pets/breeds and veterinarian FAQ. Reminder: all pets must be on leashes or in crates and you must have proof of all age-appropriate shots.
5. West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
On Saturday, Oct. 15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Tualatin Lake of the Commons, there will be a giant pumpkin race across the lake, a run, a variety show, a magic show, a fishing contest, a costume contest, pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, pirate selfies, llamas, a pumpkin pie eating contest and more! Admission is free, and there will be plenty of refreshments and fun activities for the whole family!
6. Zombie Fest: Run 2 Survive
On Oct. 29 at Blue Lake Park, there will be a 5k run, zombies vs. survivors. You can sign up to be a zombie or a survivor. For adults 18 and over the cost is $55 to be either a survivor or a zombie. For ages 3-18 the cost is $18 and for the Little Zombie race, ages 3-12, the cost is $15. There will be a fun party after the race and prizes will be awarded.
7. Halloween Party at the Wonder Ballroom
On the evening of Oct. 29 at the Wonder Ballroom in Portland, there will be a Halloween Bash sponsored by Underdog. There will be a costume contest, a photo booth, a DJ, and drinks. Tickets go fast, and general admission is $20 until Oct. 16. Doors open at 8 p.m. so come wearing your best costume and be ready to have some fun!
8. The Magical Music of Disney
For the Disney lover in all of us! On Oct. 8, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 9, 16, 23 and 30 at 2 p.m., you can see the Portland Musical Theatre Company sing songs from famous Disney movies at Chapel Theater at Milepost 5 and the entrance is on Oregon Street. Tickets are $18 for general admission, $15 for seniors, $10 for students, and $40 for front-row VIP experience.
9. Haunted Corn Maze at Sauvie Island
Open all October-long, this maze is fun for the whole family! You can also visit the pumpkin patch and get refreshments. This maze is entirely outdoors, so while you are encouraged to wear your costume, also dress so you don’t get cold. In October the maze hours are Sunday-Thursday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday-Saturday 10am-10pm. Costs are $8 for adults 13 and over and $6 for seniors and children 12 and under.
10. “Howloween” at the Oregon Zoo
The elephants at the zoo get a giant squash to smash the day before Howloween, Friday, October 28th at 10:30am. Howloween is all weekend and is free with zoo admission. Kids can trick-or-treat in the zoo while learning about wildlife and doing a scavenger hunt.
11. Halloweentown in St. Helens
In St. Helens, Halloween goes on all October-long. There are fun activities and decorations up to participate in and look at. There are meetings with an in-costume “Marnie” from the Halloweentown movies, costume contests, and more fun things to do in this town. Admission prices vary for each event.
12. Shakespeare Festival in Ashland
Every year from February to October, talented actors and actresses put on Shakespeare plays. There are shows nearly every day, costs varying from $30 to $100 or more. Shows that are playing are "Twelfth Night," "Great Expectations," "Hamlet," "Richard II" and more.
