Brews and Boos: Your October Guide to Portland's Spooky Season

Spooky season and Halloween are upon us! If you haven’t experienced October in Portland, get ready for an unforgettable month of fun and spooky activities. At The Hotel Zags, we believe October is the perfect time to explore Portland's darker, more mysterious side, while still savoring the last sips of Oktoberfest cheer. Read on for a curated list of ghost tours that'll raise the hair on your neck, to pumpkin patches that'll warm your heart.

Step Into the Spirit of Halloweentown

Every October, the town of St. Helens (about 29 miles north of downtown Portland) transforms into a real-life movie set for Spirit of Halloweentown. If you’ve ever watched the Disney classic, this is your chance to see the magic come to life. There are haunted tours, costume contests, celebrity visits, spooky storefronts, jack-o-lantern displays, and trick-or-treating through Old Town. The lighting of the Great Pumpkin in Courthouse Plaza (first Saturday of October) signals the start of the festivities. 

Adult tickets start at $40 ($20 for kids). Remember that the town is open to the public, and pumpkin displays and performances on the plaza are always free.

Pumpkin Patches and Corn Maze Adventures

The Portland area is home to some of the most picturesque pumpkin patches and corn mazes in the Pacific Northwest, each offering its own unique blend of autumn activities. Get ready for lots of pumpkins, photo ops, cider, and cozy sweaters.

The MAiZE at The Pumpkin Patch - an enormous, eight-acre corn maze, hayrides, pumpkin picking, a pet barn (Big Red Barn), and more.

The Pumpkin Patch  - the original patch on Sauvie island. Expect pumpkins, produce, hayrides, and classic harvest vibes. 

Bella Organic Farm - enjoy a pumpkin patch, corn maze, hay rides, farm animals, and farm crafts. A wholesome, family-friendly spot - perfect for family selfies.

Scare Grounds PDX

For those who prefer their Halloween with a side of adrenaline, Scare Grounds PDX at Oaks Park provides heart-pounding terror. This isn't your average neighborhood haunted house - it's a full-scale horror experience!

Expect three haunted houses, themed side attractions, creepy rides, food & drinks, vendors, zombie archery, and more. The attention to detail is remarkable, with professional actors, elaborate sets, and carefully crafted scares that'll have you gripping your friends' arms and questioning every shadow. It’s an unforgettable scary night out that maintains the fun spirit that makes Portland's Halloween scene so special.

Haunted Walking Tours - Portland's Ghostly Past

For a different kind of Halloween experience, dive into Portland’s mysterious past and explore the ghost stories, unexplained phenomena, and dark history that lurk beneath the city's friendly exterior. A Night With Ghosts Haunted Walking Tour runs from August 28 through October 31.

If you like the sound of haunted hops, The Haunted Pub Tour unites ghost hunting with Portland's legendary craft beer scene.

Oktoberfest at PLS on Sixth

If you are looking for something a little less scary, our restaurant, PLS on Sixth, is running an Oktoberfest celebration through October 10th. 

Raise a stein, don your lederhosen, and enjoy the festive Bavarian energy. Enjoy frosty Weihenstephaner Beer, sausages, breaded cheese curds, a special food menu, and lively entertainment.

If you’re already staying at The Hotel Zags, this is a perfect setup. All the flavor and fun is right downstairs!

Your October Base at The Hotel Zags

After a day and night of pumpkin picking, haunted houses, ghost hunting, and Oktoberfest, you’ll love returning to your home base at The Hotel Zags. Relax in our nature-filled courtyard, play some Lobby Golf, or gear up for the next day’s adventure at our Gear Shed, where complimentary bikes, boards, cameras, and more await.

Ready to experience Portland's spooky season? Book your stay at The Hotel Zags and let us be your guide to October's most thrilling adventures.