13 spooky things to do in Portland for Halloween (2025)
That time of year has come when the evening shadows grow deeper, the wind blows a bit colder. The streets are lined with falling leaves, and pumpkins sit on every stoop.
Black cats and witches hats, ghost stories and graveyards…Your ears begin to perk at every shifting creak of the house. If you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you love Halloween as much as I do.
So lean in and lend me your ear, and I’ll tell you where to find Portland’s most bone chilling ghosts, witchiest potions, and thrilling oddities. These are the 13 best things to do in Portland for Halloween.
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13 Spooky Things to do in Portland for Halloween
1. Portland Ghost Tour
If you’re looking for something to do in Portland for Halloween that’s sure to send shivers down your spine, the Portland Ghost Tour may be your best chance for a real encounter with the other side. We went just days before Halloween last year, and the gloomy weather definitely set the mood.
Our steps traced over the tops of Portland’s notorious underground, as we heard old stories of the city’s lawless settlers. What really surprised me though, were the more recent tales of music, fame, betrayal and murder.
Our guide led us on a tour of the city, with our EMF detectors in hand. And although I didn’t see any ghosts for myself that night, my EMF detector lit up bright red outside of Kell’s Irish Restaurant & Pub, indicating a presence was nearby.
I particularly loved how interactive the Portland Ghost Tour was. It was a unique way to learn a little more about the city of Portland, and offered just the right amount of chills and thrills to land itself at the top of my list of things to do in Portland for Halloween.
⭐️Click here to book your Portland Ghost Tour⭐️
2. Portland Underground Tour
The Underground Shanghai Tunnel Tour also explores a darker side of Portland’s history. Portland’s underground is not only one of the most haunted places in Portland, but in the U.S. as well.
This tour leads you through underground passages where unfortunate men were held prisoner before being shanghaied and sold across the world. Along the way, you’ll hear plenty of ghost stories about Portland’s unruly early inhabitants.
Beware, you may see a ghost on this tour as well! Bring your phone or camera and snap a photo while you’re down there. Previous tour guests have claimed their camera picked up the outline of a personage not visible to the naked eye.
Our evening concluded over a beer tasting upstairs at Old Town Pizza and Brewing, as we compared our experience with fellow tour participants. The restaurant has an old-time decor that made us feel we’d stepped back into the 1800’s, and I swear I could hear the building’s old brick walls whispering their secrets to us.
⭐️Click here to book your Portland Underground Shanghai Tunnels Tour⭐️
The Portland Ghost Tour vs The Portland Underground Tour
Both the Portland Ghost Tour and the Portland Underground Tour are excellent, but they have some distinct differences. And they are run by completely separate companies.
Here’s a few points to consider, if you’re wondering which is the right one for you. Click here for my in-depth review of the Portland Ghost Tour.
- There is a slight overlap in the stories they share. However they vary enough, I enjoyed and learned something different out of both.
- The Ghost Tour covers much more ground. The Underground Tour is confined to the tunnels of one city block.
- Age limits: You must be 13 years or older to participate in the Underground Tour; make sure you select the Teen tour, since the other tours are for 21 and older. The Ghost Tour is open to all ages, so use your own discretion if the topic is appropriate for your kids or not. None of the stories go into excessive or gory detail, but the topics of murder, drinking, gambling, and human trafficking are discussed.
- Accessibility: The Underground Tour is not ADA accessible; there’s a spot where you have to duck fairly low under some pipes. The Ghost Tour is fully ADA accessible.
- The Ghost Tour takes place mostly outdoors, whereas the Underground Tour takes place mostly indoors. So whichever you do, dress accordingly!
- The Ghost Tour is slightly more affordable if you’re on a budget.
3. Visit the Skeleton Key Odditorium
Vampires, ouija boards, freak shows, and straight jackets. This unique odditorium is beautifully curated, with a touch of a gothic aesthetic. A few of my favorite exhibits when we visited were Vampire History, Circus Side Show, and Victorian Mourning.
Artwork adorned the walls, telling the stories of Vlad the Impaler and Elizabeth Bathory, historical figures who inspired tales of vampires. The Circus Side Show displayed a two headed cow, too bizarre to believe unless you’ve seen it with your own eyes.
And a collection of exquisite Victorian attire told the history of Victorian mourning traditions that still shape our practices today. Like why we wear black to funerals, or when the “death room” became known as a “living room” instead.
The Skeleton Key Odditorium is fascinating to visit any time of the year. But its approach to the macabre makes it an exceptionally great thing to do in Portland for Halloween.
4. Davis Graveyard
What do Bob Ross, Jareth the Goblin King, Prince, and Eddard Stark all have in common? Believe it or not, you’ll find all of their headstones at Davis Graveyard! Obviously, this isn’t your normal graveyard…
Davis Graveyard is an incredible and creative work of art, serving homage to some of our most beloved icons of pop and literary culture, with a touch of tongue and cheek. Husband and wife, Jeff and Chris Davis, began this passion project in 1996, and it has continued to grow ever since.
This impressive front-yard Halloween display is typically up from early October through Halloween. Try to plan your visit on a Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, for special effects, like a fog machine and sound.
You can visit during daylight hours, and there’s lighting from dusk to 10 pm, or 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. But please note that it’s located in a quiet, private neighborhood in Milawaukie, so please be respectful of the street’s residents. And note that parking is limited, and the street can be a bit muddy.
5. Hike to the Witch’s Hut in Forest Park
Although the Witch’s Hut was never more than a park ranger station and bathroom built in the 1950’s, it gleaned its nickname from Mary Jane Balch. The Balch family settled a 345 acre patch of land in the 1850s, in present-day Forest Park. And Balch Creek happens to be the body of water that runs alongside the Witches Hut.
The Balch family story is a tragic trope. The father, Danford Balch, hires a farm hand, Mortimer Stump. Then the daughter, Anna Balch, falls passionately in love with Mortimer. Denied her father’s blessing, Anna and Mortimer run off together in a forbidden elopement. However, their life together was cut short by the merciless murder of Mortimer.
At his trial, Danford accused his wife Mary Jane of witchcraft, claiming she’d set a hex on him and forced him to murder Mortimer. Whether Mary Jane was a witch or not, Danford became Oregon’s first public execution in 1859. Whereas Mary Jane lived to remarry and enjoy a full life.
At peace in her grave, you won’t find Mary Jane haunting Forest Park. However, some claim to have seen or heard Danford, Anna, and Mortimer roaming the forest at dusk. Danford, engulfed in his anger and hatred. Mortimer, trapped in the in-between, unable to accept his violent end. And Anna, searching and sobbing for her love.
If you dare to visit the Forest Park Witches Hut, the easiest way to find it is to park your car at Lower Macleay Park. From there, you’ll find this old stone ruin just under a mile from the Lower Macleay Trailhead. I discovered this bit of Portland lore reading The Big Book of Oregon Ghost Stories, which is a particularly fun read this time of year!
⭐️Click here to purchase The Big Book of Oregon Ghost Stories on Amazon⭐️
6. Pumpkin Patch
One of the most popular locations for Portlanders to visit pumpkin patches is Sauvie Island. And there are plenty of beautiful and amazing farms there. However, there’s only one way on and off the island, and it can get hectic at peak season.
We visited one year the weekend before Halloween, and it took us hours in grid-locked traffic to get off the island. Which is pretty rough, when you’ve got little ones in the car. So if you decide to visit the pumpkin patches on Sauvie Island, just be sure to plan your timing better than we did!
An alternative option is to check out some of the pumpkin patches in the countryside of the surrounding suburbs. We visited Hoffman Farm in Beaverton and Roloff Farm (the farm featured in Little People Big World) in Hillsboro and had a great time.
Both Hoffman and Roloff are bigger, busier farms, with a lot to offer. For example, both have a train, playground, and country store. Roloff Farm even has air canons and farm animals. However, as busy as they were, it was still easier to exit these farms than getting off Sauvie Island.
7. Lone Fir Cemetery
Portland’s oldest graveyard, Lone Fir Cemetery, holds many of the city’s pioneers and founding fathers. And as you wander between the grave sites, you may recognize many of Portland’s street names written upon the tombstones and mausoleums, like Hawthorne or McCleay.
The cemetery is open to the public year round, 7 days a week, from dawn to dusk. But if you want a more in depth experience, the Friends of Lone Fir Cemetery offer guided tours.
Historical tours take place the second Saturday of every month, from 10 am to noon. No reservations are required, but donations are appreciated, as they help fund the preservation of this historic cemetery.
For those looking for a more bone-chilling experience, try the Tour of Untimely Departures, offered Halloween night. Two tour times are offered Halloween night, space is limited for this tour, and tickets sell out fast! So be sure to make your reservation well in advance.
8. Haunted Corn Maze on Sauvie’s Island
Okay, okay, so I know I just got done saying a few sections back how crowded Sauvie Island can get this time of year. But there are some epic corn mazes on the island that you just can’t miss.
Corn mazes are one of the most quintessentially fall things to do in Portland. But if you’re looking for something particularly spooky to do to celebrate Halloween in Portland, you have to visit Bella Organic’s Haunted Corn Maze on Sauvie Island.
Just beware as you weave your way through this maze. You’ll have to dodge the grasp of zombies and goblins along the way. And you never know where a crazed farmer with a chainsaw may be lurking in the shadows!
Bring your fiends along and wander together through acres of corn field in the dark. (Did I mention flashlights aren’t allowed?!) Note that you must be 6 years or older to participate in this haunted maze, although 13 years or older is recommended.
Opening night this year is Saturday, September 27th. And you can visit the haunted maze Friday and Saturday nights through out the month of October, from 6:30 pm to 10 pm. Just be sure to bring cash for the ticket booth, as they don’t accept cards.
9. The Raven’s Manor
Raven’s Manor is a haunted house themed cocktail bar in downtown Portland that’s just to die for. Stop in, order a drink from their list of tonics and elixirs, and maybe a bite to eat.
One of the biggest highlights of the bar is Dr. Raven’s private Elixir Experience. Sign up if you dare, for a night of interactive mixology, and become one of Dr. Raven’s experiments.
Just be sure to make a reservation before you go, especially if you’re hoping for the Elixir Experience. This haunted cocktail bar is so popular amongst the living, there may be up to a 2 or 3 hour long wait to get in on weekends and in October!
10. Black Cat Frozen Custard
As I stepped up to place my order, I noted the front counter at Black Cat Frozen Custard felt reminiscent of an old apothecary, with countless small drawers below, and herbs hanging overhead. Brought to you by the same creators of Raven’s Manor, Black Cat is a witch-inspired ice cream shop.
But this ice cream shop holds a secret…Reflecting back to the shop’s sign at the street corner, one side is clearly labeled: “Black Cat Frozen Custard.” But the other side holds a mysterious image of a skull, dagger, and key, that can only mean one thing: The Conspirator’s Lounge Coffee Shop.
This coffee shop is not for the faint in will or a mere pass-through, however. To enter this clandestine coffee shop, you must first search for the passcode, find the dagger, and then enter through the secret passage behind the wardrobe. For true lovers of coffee, stay a spell and conspire over a warm beverage.
Note that all are welcome to enjoy Black Cat, whereas the Conspirator’s Lounge is for 13 years and up only, 18 and up after 5:30pm. For the full rules and details of Black Cat and the Conspirators Lounge, follow them on Instagram. And a hint to those who are paying attention: read the captions.
11. McMenamin’s Ghost Tour
McMenamin’s preserves some of our area’s most beautiful and historic buildings, for all to experience and appreciate. And history is full of ghosts.
Which makes McMenamin’s the perfect place for a ghost tour! You can explore Portland’s haunted history at a saloon, an elementary school, and a poor farm, just to mention a few of their spookiest and most festive Portland locations.
The White Eagle Saloon is located in a North Portland Industrial neighborhood. This one-hour ghost tour leads you through one of the city’s longest operating saloons, open for business since 1905.
Or, just east of Portland is Edgefield. Established in 1911, it was once a poor farm. This two hour Halloween tour covers some of the most hair-raising stories about the place, over a nice cold beverage.
And in Northeast Portland, you’ll find the Kennedy School. You can visit this 1915 elementary school for a Halloween dance or trick or treating.
Just be aware that many of these events are geared more towards adults, and some are for 21+ only. The easiest way to find full details of these ghostly tours and Halloween events is to visit McMenamin’s main website and type “Halloween” into the search bar at the top.
12. The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta
The West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta combines the area’s rich agricultural roots with Portland’s passion for the outdoors and love of the weird. Because why wouldn’t you float the lake in a giant, hollowed-out pumpkin-turned-boat while dressed in costume?
Pacific Giant Vegetable Growers began this unique tradition in 2004 with a simple end-of-harvest float on the lake. They continue to supply the event’s giant pumpkins today, and the Giant Pumpkin Regatta has grown to become a beloved local event with national notoriety.
The main draw of this event is the pumpkin race—when Portlanders paddle their pumpkins in a feverish dash across the Lake at Tualatin Commons. But the event embraces all activities pumpkin-related. Pumpkin bowling, pumpkin golf, pumpkin checkers and tic tac toe, pumpkin selfies, and even professional pumpkin carving!
Plus, you can expect to find all the other makings of a good festival there as well. From a kid’s costume contest, to face painting, artisan booths, and food, the West Coast Giant Pumpkin Regatta is one of the best things to do in Portland for Halloween.
13. Visit Halloweentown
Saint Helen’s is a small town, situated on the Columbia River, about an hour north of Portland. And most of the year, it’s fairly quiet. But this quiet little town once served as the setting and backdrop for the 1998 Disney film Halloweentown.
Now, every fall, the whole town transforms into a scene from this classic movie for the Spirit of Halloweentown celebration. The event spans over 5 weekends, from late September through the end of October. And it draws Halloween fanatics from all over the world.
Each weekend is packed full of live performers, local vendors, and tasty food. We enjoyed the haunted house in town, and found it to be just the right blend of spooky, yet family-friendly. And we of course took advantage of all the photo ops around Pumpkin Plaza.
There’s even a guided train tour that will take you past various filming locations from the Halloweentown film, as well as other movies and TV shows shot in the area. Or if you prefer to stretch your legs, there’s also a self-guided walking tour of St. Helen’s most haunted places and filming locations.
With such an extensive lineup, the Spirit of Halloweentown is the perfect way to get into the holiday mood. So if you grew up watching Halloweentown every October, you have to visit this amazing event at least once. And if you didn’t grow up watching Halloweentown, go watch the movie, and then go visit St. Helen’s this October!
What didn’t make the list and why
In the section, I like to talk about the elephant in the room. Sometimes there are iconic and beloved events in the area that won’t make my list, and that’s not by accident. Here’s why I didn’t include the Paddle Boarding Witches.
Looking online, it’s not completely clear if this event will take place this year, or not. And if it does, I suspect it may be in an unofficial capacity. This amazingly fun and unique event began informally amongst friends until it grew into the Portland icon it became.
However, the original organizer has since decided to postpone the event until she is able to secure proper funding and insurance. Which I hope will happen soon, so the Paddle Boarding Witches may return to the Willamette River once again.
Final thoughts on things to do in Portland for Halloween
From festivals and tours, to drinks, eats, and treats, these are the best things to do in Portland for Halloween. This being my favorite season of the year, I had particular fun curating this list for you. And I hope it will inspire some spooky adventures for you.
I always love a good ghost story, and thoroughly enjoyed each of the ghost tours I participated in. However, I was particularly surprised at how captivating I found the Skeleton Key Odditorium. Then again, is it even October if you haven’t gone to a pumpkin patch yet?
Whether you prefer a good ghost story in the dark of night, or if pumpkins and corn mazes in the light of day is a little more your speed, there are so many fun and unique things to do in Portland for Halloween. So grab your friends and get ready for spooky season!
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