October in Puget Sound is a season brimming with spooky thrills, fall festivities, and pumpkin-filled fun. From ghost tours and haunted houses to vibrant cultural festivals and festive parades, the region offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. Whether you’re seeking a spine-chilling adventure, indulging in chocolate and cider, or celebrating with family-friendly events, this October promises something special for everyone. Dive into our guide to discover the top events happening throughout the Puget Sound area this month!
Haunted History Ghost Tour
Date & Time: October 3 – 30, 2024
Location: Downtown Seattle, starting at 506 2nd Ave, Seattle
Details: Delve into Seattle’s eerie past with the Haunted History Ghost Tour, perfect for those 16 and older (minors accompanied by adults). This two-hour outdoor tour explores the city’s historic sites and mysterious legends, beginning at the Smith Towerโs restaurant. Explore restless spirits and unravel the cityโs ghostly tales on this chilling journey.
Georgetown Morgue
Date & Time: October 3 – November 2, 2024
Location: Georgetown, 5000 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle
Details: Explore the spine-chilling Georgetown Morgue, recommended for ages 12 and up. This haunting attraction, situated at 5000 E. Marginal Way S, features thrilling scares and eerie settings. Please refrain from wearing costumes or using flash photography. Free parking is available at the nearby federal parking lot. Check the schedule for visiting times.
Frighthouse Station Haunted House
Date & Time: October 3 – November 2, 2024 (Thursday through Sunday)
Location: Tacoma, 626 E 25th Street, near the Tacoma Dome
Details: Brave the spooky thrills of Frighthouse Station, a haunted house experience recommended for ages 12 and older. Located at 626 E 25th Street, Tacoma, this eerie attraction is open on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Prepare for a chilling adventure as you navigate through spine-tingling scenes and terrifying encounters.
Northwest Chocolate Festival
Date & Time: October 4 – 6, 2024
Location: Bellevue, 11000 NE 6th St, Meydenbauer Center
Details: Indulge your sweet tooth at the Northwest Chocolate Festival, featuring a delightful array of chocolate tastings, engaging workshops, and a marketplace with 100 exhibitors. Held at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue, this event is a must-visit for chocolate lovers and those looking to learn more about the world of chocolate.
Tacoma Greek Festival
Date & Time: October 4 – 6, 2024
Location: Tacoma, 1523 S Yakima Ave, St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church
Details: Experience the vibrant culture of Greece at the Tacoma Greek Festival. Enjoy traditional Greek dances, shop for Greek merchandise, and feast on a variety of delicious Greek foods including gyros, calamari, souvlaki, loukomades, spanakopita, tiropita, dolmathes, fries, pastries, and coffee. This festive event is free to attend and takes place at St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church.
Oktoberfest Northwest
Date & Time: October 4 – 6, 2024
Location: Puyallup, 110 9th Ave SW, Washington State Fair Events Center
Details: Embrace the festive spirit at Oktoberfest Northwest, held at the Washington State Fair Events Center in Puyallup. Enjoy a variety of beers and brats, live music, fun games, and activities for kids. There’s also a root-beer garden indoors for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option. It’s a great event for the whole family!
Oktoberfest Wenatchee
Date & Time: October 4 – 19, 2024 (Fridays & Saturdays)
Location: Wenatchee, 1300 Walla Walla Ave, Town Toyota Center
Details: Celebrate Oktoberfest in Wenatchee with live music, traditional German dancers, arts and crafts, delicious German food, and a variety of beers. The event is free to attend, but minors under 21 must leave by 9 p.m. The festival is held at Town Toyota Center, and pets are not allowed.
Poe Unexpected
Date & Time: October 4 – 26, 2024 (7:30 p.m.)
Location: Downtown Seattle, 1428 Post Alley, Unexpected Productions Improv
Details: Dive into a night of eerie laughter with Poe Unexpected, an improv comedy show inspired by the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Held at Unexpected Productions Improv, this spooky and humorous event takes place every evening at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy a unique blend of comedy and classic horror during this October run.
My Morbid Mind Haunted House
Date & Time: October 4 – 31, 2024
Location: Lacey, 4548 Marvin Road SE
Details: Brave the chilling thrills of My Morbid Mind Haunted House, located in an old barn in Lacey. This spooky attraction offers a special evening for younger kids to experience the haunted house with the lights on for just $5. Check the schedule for specific dates and times.
Nile Nightmares
Date & Time: October 4 – November 2, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Halloween)
Location: Mountlake Terrace, 6601 244th St SW, Nile Shrine Golf Center
Details: Experience the thrills of Nile Nightmares, featuring an outdoor walk and indoor mazes at the Nile Shrine Golf Center in Mountlake Terrace. This haunted attraction includes a food court and a beer garden for added enjoyment. It’s recommended for ages 12 and up, with a less scary option available for kids on one special day. Escape room games are available for an additional fee.
Stalker Farms
Date & Time: October 4 – November 2, 2024
Location: Snohomish, 8705 Marsh Road
Details: Visit Stalker Farms in Snohomish for a thrilling Halloween experience. The attraction features two walk-through haunted areas (with a Double Dare ticket), a non-haunted corn maze, games, and concessions. Located at Stocker Farms, this event is recommended for ages 12 and up.
My Haunted Forest
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Date & Time: October 4 – November 2, 2024
Location: Vaughn, 17616 S Vaughn Road NW, Kitsap County
Details: Immerse yourself in a medieval world of dragons and mythical creatures at My Haunted Forest. This one-mile trail in Vaughn offers a spine-tingling experience set in an alternate reality. The event is family-friendly until 7 p.m. and it’s best to purchase tickets in advance. Flashlights are not allowed. Check the schedule for specific times.
Wild Waves Fright Fest
Date & Time: October 4 – November 3, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Location: Federal Way, Wild Waves Theme & Water Park
Details: Enjoy a spooky adventure at Wild Waves Fright Fest in Federal Way. Experience thrilling rides in the dark, haunted houses, and various entertainment options. Family-friendly activities, including Booville, are available on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 to 6 p.m. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult age 21 or older. Check the schedule for more details.
OctoberFest – Burien
Date & Time: October 5, 2024 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Location: Burien, 480 SW 152nd St, Town Square Park
Details: Celebrate at OctoberFest in Burien with a day full of fun, featuring local breweries, food vendors, live music, and engaging competitions. Enjoy activities for kids, a root beer garden, and participate in a 5K/1K race. The event takes place at Town Square Park, offering a festive atmosphere for all ages.
Japan Day
Date & Time: October 5, 2024
Location: Bellevue, 3000 Landerhold Circle SE, Bellevue College
Details: Join the festivities at Japan Day, part of Japan Week, held at Bellevue College. Enjoy a variety of activities including games, music, workshops, and a film screening. This free event offers a vibrant celebration of Japanese culture and is open to the public.
Fife Harvest Festival
Date & Time: October 5, 2024
Location: Fife, 2820 54th Ave E, Dacca Park
Details: Celebrate autumn at the Fife Harvest Festival with a range of family-friendly activities including hayrides, a petting zoo, entertainment, and arts and crafts. This free event at Dacca Park offers a fun day out for all ages.
Childrenโs Day – Lacey
Date & Time: October 5, 2024 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Location: Lacey, 618 Woodland Square Loop SE, Thomas W. Huntamer Park
Details: Enjoy a day of family fun at Childrenโs Day in Lacey, featuring entertainment on stage, engaging activities for kids, and a variety of food vendors. This yearโs theme is โcircus,โ promising a lively and entertaining atmosphere at Thomas W. Huntamer Park. The event is free and open to the public.
WindFall CiderFest
Date & Time: October 5, 2024 (7 to 10 p.m.)
Location: Ellensburg, 1010 E 8th Ave, Ellensburg Rodeo Grounds
Details: Savor a variety of ciders at WindFall CiderFest in Ellensburg. A $45 ticket includes a tasting glass and 5 drink tickets, along with live music and food available for purchase from local restaurants. A non-alcoholic ticket is available for $20. This event is for ages 21 and over.
Issaquah Salmon Days Festival
Date & Time: October 5 – 6, 2024
Location: Issaquah, various locations including Issaquah Salmon Hatchery and downtown
Details: Celebrate the return of salmon at the Issaquah Salmon Days Festival. Enjoy an open house at the Issaquah Salmon Hatchery, explore a massive street fair with 400 vendors, savor international cuisine at the food court, and indulge in a salmon BBQ hosted by the Kiwanis Club of Issaquah. The festival also features a parade on Saturday at 10 a.m. and live music on two stages. This event is free and offers fun for the whole family.
The Great Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Sculpture Race
Date & Time: October 5 – 6, 2024
Location: Port Townsend, starting at US Bank and parading north on Water Street
Details: Experience the whimsical Whacky Parade as odd contraptions and costumed drivers gather at US Bank and head north on Water Street at noon on Saturday. The parade kicks off The Great Port Townsend Bay Kinetic Sculpture Race. On Saturday evening, join the $10 Rosehips Ball and Kween Kornation for those 21 and older at 8 p.m. The kinetic sculpture race continues on Sunday at noon. Check the schedule for details.
Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms
Date & Time: October 5 – 6, 2024
Location: Mount Vernon, various farms
Details: Explore the Skagit Valley Festival of Family Farms in Mount Vernon. This free event offers the chance to meet local farmers, sample farm-fresh products, visit animals, and participate in family-friendly activities at nine different farms across the area. Enjoy a weekend of agricultural fun and community spirit.
The Haunted Woods at Maris Farms
Date & Time: October 5 – 27, 2024 (Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays)
Location: Buckley, 25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy, Maris Farms
Details: Experience the terror of The Haunted Woods at Maris Farms, where frightening creatures and an abandoned barn await visitors aged 11 and up. Flashlights are not allowed for the haunted walk. For a less scary option, explore the Flashlight Maze, which has no creatures (bring your own flashlight). Tickets must be purchased online before arriving.
CroatiaFest
Date & Time: October 6, 2024 (12 to 6 p.m.)
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St., Seattle
Details: Celebrate Croatian culture at CroatiaFest with traditional music, dance performances, delicious food, and fun activities for children. This free event at the Seattle Center Armory is a great opportunity to experience the vibrant heritage of Croatia.
Halloween Pet Parade
Date & Time: October 6, 2024 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.)
Location: Volunteer Park, 1247 15th Ave E, Seattle (Capitol Hill)
Details: Dress up your pet for the Halloween Pet Parade at Volunteer Park, where pets can compete for prizes in five costume categories. The event also includes a lively parade, food trucks, vendor booths, and live music. Enjoy a fun-filled day with your furry friends in Capitol Hill.
A Taste of Iceland
Date & Time: October 6 – 9, 2024
Location: Multiple locations
Details: Immerse yourself in Icelandic culture during A Taste of Iceland, featuring a variety of events focused on Icelandic food, beverages, music, film, design, literature, and wellness. This free, multi-day festival takes place across several locations, offering a unique glimpse into Iceland’s vibrant culture.
State Parks Free Day
Date & Time: October 10, 2024
Location: All Washington State Parks
Details: Enjoy free access to all 144 Washington State Parks on State Parks Free Day. Pack a picnic, explore the outdoors, and take advantage of this opportunity to visit any state park without needing a Discover Pass. It’s a perfect day to enjoy nature with family and friends.
Tacoma Film Festival
Date & Time: October 10 – 13, 2024
Location: Grand Cinema, 606 Fawcett Ave, Tacoma
Details: The Tacoma Film Festival showcases a diverse selection of feature films and short-film packages, along with special events at the Grand Cinema. Highlights include an opening night celebration and closing night awards. Film lovers can enjoy a variety of cinematic experiences during this four-day event.
Seattle Latin Dance Festival
Date & Time: October 11 – 13, 2024
Location: Hilton Seattle Airport, 17620 International Blvd, SeaTac
Details: The Seattle Latin Dance Festival features daytime dance workshops and lively evening performances, followed by social dances each night. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced dancer, this event offers a weekend full of Latin rhythm and fun. Check the schedule for specific events and classes.
Sunset Festival of Bands
Date & Time: October 12, 2024
Location: Sunset Chev Stadium, 1707 Main St, Sumner
Details: Enjoy an exciting day of performances as a dozen Northwest high school marching bands compete on the field at the Sunset Festival of Bands in Sumner. This lively event showcases talented musicians and intricate marching routines. Check for ticket prices.
Lakewood Truck & Tractor Day
Date & Time: October 12, 2024 (12 to 3 p.m.)
Location: Fort Steilacoom Park, 8714 87th Ave SW, Lakewood
Details: Bring the family to Lakewood Truck & Tractor Day, where kids can explore and honk the horns on dozens of large trucks and tractors. Enjoy free hayrides, hard hats, and mini pumpkins while supplies last. Food trucks will be available, and free parking is provided.
Orting Pumpkin Fest
Date & Time: October 12, 2024
Location: Central Park, Foothills Trail, Orting
Details: Celebrate fall at the Orting Pumpkin Fest, featuring food vendors offering pumpkin-themed items, family entertainment, kids’ games, a car show, arts and crafts booths, and a pet parade at noon. This free event promises a fun-filled day for all ages in Central Park.
Turkfest
Date & Time: October 12 (11am-6pm) – 13, 2024 (11am-6pm)
Location: Seattle Center Armory, 305 Harrison St, Seattle
Details: Experience the vibrant culture of Turkey at Turkfest, held at the Seattle Center Armory. Enjoy a variety of Turkish food, dance performances, live music, and games. The festival also features a marketplace and a kids’ corner, offering fun for the whole family.
Water Lantern Festival
Date & Time: October 12 – 13, 2024
Location: Seattle Public Theater, 7312 West Green Lake Drive N, Seattle
Details: Join the Water Lantern Festival at Green Lake, starting at 3:30 p.m. with food trucks, music, and games. At 6:30 p.m., you’ll design your own lantern, included in the ticket price, and at 7 p.m., launch it on the lake. This highly-rated national event offers a beautiful and memorable experience. No pets are allowed.
Cranberry Harvest Festival
Date & Time: October 12 – 13, 2024
Location: Grayland
Details: Head to Grayland for the Cranberry Harvest Festival, featuring live music, a cranberry marketplace, a beer garden, and a breakfast on Saturday. Enjoy cranberry bog tours, a firefly parade at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, and a cranberry eating contest at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. Check the schedule for more details.
Cranberry Harvest Weekend
Date & Time: October 12 – 13, 2024
Location: Long Beach
Details: Visit Long Beach for Cranberry Harvest Weekend to witness the wet harvest, enjoy performances by local musicians, purchase fresh cranberries, and explore a cranberry museum.
Seattle Chocolate Haunted Factory Experience
Date & Time: October 17 – 27, 2024
Location: Seattle Chocolate, 1180 Andover Park W, Tukwila
Details: Dive into a spooky and sweet adventure at the Seattle Chocolate Haunted Factory Experience. This family-friendly event invites participants to solve puzzles in a dark factory to earn delicious chocolate treats. Recommended for ages 8 and up, it offers a fun and interactive way to celebrate Halloween.
Hoot ‘N’ Owl at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park
Date & Time: October 18 – 26, 2024 (Fridays & Saturdays, 5 to 9 p.m.)
Location: Northwest Trek Wildlife Park, 11610 Trek Drive E, Eatonville
Details: Dress up and join the fun at Hoot ‘N’ Owl at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park. Enjoy eight candy stations, games, and spooky decorations while encountering nocturnal animals. This family-friendly event takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, offering a Halloween experience surrounded by nature.
Oddities & Curiosities Expo
Date & Time: October 19 – 20, 2024
Location: Washington State Convention Center, 705 Pike St., Seattle
Details: Explore the peculiar and the bizarre at the Oddities & Curiosities Expo. This event features vendors offering an array of unusual items including taxidermy, preserved specimens, artwork, horror and Halloween memorabilia, antiques, oddities, quack medical devices, jewelry, skulls, bones, and funeral collectibles. Itโs a unique chance to discover strange and intriguing artifacts.
2024 PSMS Wild Mushroom Show
Date & Time: October 19 (12PM – 6PM) & October 20, 2024 (10AM – 5PM)
Location: Shoreline Community College, 16101 Greenwood Avenue North Shoreline, WA 98133
Details: Explore the world of fungi at these mushroom shows. On October 19, visit the Puget Sound Mycological Society in Shoreline (admission fee required) to see wild mushrooms, learn identification techniques, and shop from vendors.
Zoo Boo in Tacoma
Date & Time: October 19 – 20, 2024 (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.)
Location: Point Defiance Zoo, 5400 N Pearl St., Tacoma
Details: Celebrate Halloween at Zoo Boo, where children can enjoy treats, play games, watch animals interact with pumpkins, and come dressed in costumes. This family-friendly event takes place at Point Defiance Zoo, offering a festive and fun atmosphere for all ages.
Seattle Symphony Family Concert
Date: October 19, 2024
Location: Seattle Symphony
Details: Bring your family together for a fun-filled concert featuring vibrant Mexican music and composers. Enjoy colorful festivities and decorated ofrendas dedicated to loved ones in the lobby before the concert. Designed for ages 6โ12.
Dia de Muertosย LGBTQ+ Gala at the Sheraton Seattle
Date: October 26, 2024 (Doors open at 5:00 p.m.)
Location: Sheraton Grand Seattle, Grand Ballroom, 1400 6th Ave, Seattle, WA 98101
Details: Celebrate the biggest Gala yet and support Entre Hermanosโ mission to promote the health and well-being of the Latine LGBTQ+ community in Washington.
Dรญa de Muertos Festival Seattle
Date & Time: October 26 (11 a.m. to 7 p.m.) October 27 (11 a.m. to 6 p.m.)
Location: Fisher Pavilion, Armory Food & Event Hall, Seattle Center
Details: Part of the Seattle Center Festรกl series, the festival features performances, elaborate altars, colorful face-painting, sugar skull workshops, and more. Free and open to the public.
Fauntleroy Fall Festival
Date & Time: October 20, 2024 (2 to 5 p.m.)
Location: Fauntleroy Schoolhouse, 9131 California Ave. SW, Seattle
Details: Enjoy a small neighborhood event featuring food vendors, live music, a carnival, and childrenโs activities including pumpkin painting, bird house building, and a bunny zone. Free to attend.
National Geographic Live – October – Penguins of Antarctica
Date: October 20 – 22, 2024
Location: Benaroya Hall, 200 University St., Seattle
Details: National Geographic Live presents scientists, photographers, filmmakers, and adventurers live on stage with stunning photos and videos. This October’s focus is on penguins.
Boo! Seattle
Date: October 25 – 26, 2024
Location: WaMu Theater, 800 Occidental Ave. S, Seattle
Details: The Boo! Seattle features a multi-genre musical experience with 20 acts per day, costumed performers, and special effects. This event is for ages 18 and older.
The Haunted Rooftop Halloween Costume Ball
Date: October 26, 2024 (9 p.m.)
Location: King Street Ballroom, Seattle
Details: The Haunted Rooftop Halloween Costume Ball features one drink, party favors, and two DJs with a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system. It’s for age 21+ and costumes are encouraged.
80โs Halloween Party
Date: October 26, 2024 (8 p.m.)
Location: Nectar Lounge, Seattle
Details: The โ80s Halloween Party showcases live performances by the new-wave band Nite Wave and a Depeche Mode tribute by New Life. For ages 21+.
Monster Dash
Date: October 26, 2024
Location: Lincoln Park, Seattle
Details: The Monster Dash is a costumed 5k trail run/walk and kids dash starting at Picnic Shelter #1 in Lincoln Park. Paid registration includes a t-shirt and timing chip for the 5K. Jogging strollers are welcome, but pets are not allowed. The event also features a Kids Zone with games, activities, and prizes. Proceeds support South Seattle College Cooperative Preschools.
Songeaโs Kids Soiree
Date: October 26, 2024 (6 to 9 p.m.)
Location: Seattle Marriott Redmond, Redmond
Details: Songeaโs Kids Soiree is a charity event supporting children in Tanzania. A $125 ticket includes a wine and appetizer reception, a plated dinner, stories about the impact of the charity’s work, and live and silent auctions.
Fall Foliage Festival
Date: October 26, 2024 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Location: Rhododendron Species Botanical Garden, Federal Way
Details: The Fall Foliage Festival offers garden tours, plant talks, plant sales, a costume contest, and a scavenger hunt for kids. Visitors can also explore the nearby Pacific Bonsai Museum. Donations are appreciated.
Snohomish Zombie Walk
Date: October 26, 2024
Location: Snohomish Carnegie, Snohomish
Details: Join the Snohomish Zombie Walk for an afternoon of fun, including face painting, music, and entertainment. The group walk down First Street begins at 4 p.m. Donations of food or cash for the food bank are encouraged.
Dracula Ballet
Date: October 26 – 27, 2024
Location: Meydenbauer Center, Bellevue
Details: Experience a theatrical rendition of Dracula performed by students of the International Ballet Theatre. This captivating performance takes place at Meydenbauer Center in Bellevue.
Run Scared
Date: October 27, 2024
Location: Seward Park, 5900 Lake Washington Blvd. S, Seattle
Details: Circle the park at Run Scared, which features a 10K, 5K, 2-mile run, a free kidsโ dash, a treasure hunt, and Halloween treats. Costumes are optional, and a costume contest will be held.
Museum of Fright
Date: October 27, 2024
Location: The Museum of Flight, 9404 E Marginal Way S, Seattle
Details: Enjoy spooky stories, games, and activities at The Museum of Fright. Costumes are welcome, and kids in costume (ages 0 to 17) get in free.
Halloween Harvest Festival
Date: October 28, 2024 (1 to 5 p.m.)
Location: Les Gove Park, Auburn
Details: The Halloween Harvest Festival offers fun for children ages 2 to 10 with games, crafts, inflatables, rides, and a Trunk-or-Treat around the trail. Food vendors will be available, and attendees are encouraged to bring donations for the food bank.
Trolloween
Date: October 31, 2024 (7 p.m.)
Location: Fremont, at N. 36th Street and Troll Avenue N
Details: Celebrate Trolloween with live music, a pageant, and a procession of the ghosts of artists past and present through the streets of Fremont at the site of the Fremont Troll under the Aurora Bridge.
As the crisp autumn air sets in and Halloween approaches, Puget Sound transforms into a playground of seasonal delights. With a variety of events celebrating everything from eerie ghost tours and haunted houses to colorful fall festivals and cultural celebrations, thereโs no shortage of ways to enjoy the month. Make the most of October by exploring these unique events and creating memorable experiences with family and friends. Embrace the spirit of the season and enjoy all that Puget Sound has to offer this fall!
