If you’re living in Bend in October, there’s nothing like planning a family-friendly Halloween adventure. And while carving pumpkins and planning costumes are excellent activities to enjoy at home, it’s also nice to get out and experience some of the Halloween events in Bend. Let’s look at some of the most popular events happening this year and how the whole family can enjoy them.
1. Hoodini’s Trick-or-Treat Trail – Oct 28
This fun trail by Puzzle Effect is fit for all ages: Attendees are encouraged to put on costumes and brave the unique set designs (also perfect for family photos), while picking candy at various stops. There will also be a costume contest and giveaways.
2. Great Harvest Bread Company Coloring Contest – Oct 30
This annual coloring contest is a perfect way to celebrate fall while also avoiding exposing your kids to potential COVID infections. Simply download their Halloween coloring contest page and have your kids color it in however they want. Then drop it off at the bakery when finished by October 30th. Winners will get to pick some goodies for themselves! Just make sure to include all relevant contact info on the back of each entry.
3. Pumpkin Carving at O’Kanes – October 28 – 30
Carving pumpkins at home is nice, but you can also choose to carve pumpkins as part of the community! O’Kanes is holding a pumpkin carving weekend where people can get a hollowed pumpkin and pumpkin carving kit, then work on making their masterpiece. O’Kanes’ whiskey and cigar bar will be open for this, but it is designed to be a family friendly event for older kids and you will also be able to order dinner, including some Halloween specials!
4. Downtown Trick or Treating – Oct 31
Looking for a safe trick or treat option for your younger kids? Downtown Bend is holding a special event from 1pm to 3pm for the little ones. Businesses around downtown will be handing out treats, and some will even be offering special deals like free trick or treat bags, a geocaching adventure to try, or great specials on gelato from Bonta Gelato. Also, don’t forget to stop by the Tower Theatre to enter a costume contest and a chance to show off costumes on stage!
5. Halloween Costume Contest – Oct 31
After the little ones have had their fun, The Commons Café down by Drake Park is holding its own costume contest at 3:30pm. The contest is divided by age group up through 12 years old, with prizes award for each group.
6. Downtown Scavenger Hunt – Oct 31
If you feel like a bit more in-depth fun, you can participate in the Downtown Bend scavenger hunt, which is running all day on Halloween. You can find the full list at the Downtown Bend website, but it includes common Halloween items like a skull, a bat, a pile of leaves, and other things that are relatively easy for kids to find. Take a photo by all 12 items and post them on Instagram with #downtownbend and #halloweenhunt hashtags. Every post will count as an entry to win a $100 credit to use with downtown businesses!
As always, Moving to Bend is here to answer any other questions you may have along with our relocation services in Central Oregon, so feel free to contact us.
