As October goes on, yards grow cobwebs and giant spiders, doorsteps sprout pumpkins, and Halloween celebrations start up here, there and everywhere. Here is a list of ways you can celebrate costumes, spookiness and sugary cheer around town in October.
More Halloween fun: Expert tips to stay safe while trick-or-treating | Wild animals get a Halloween treat — and you can watch! | Free Halloween events around the Puget Sound area | Spooky Halloween fun in Washington state parks | Non-scary monster books, just in time for Halloween
Nightmare at Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake Park in Sammamish becomes a haunted zone over three weekends plus the two nights closest to Halloween. People can opt for a family scare, geared for younger children, or a full scare, set for horror-minded teens and adults.
Issaquah Zombie Walk
No zombie experience necessary for this all-ages costumed walk through the heart of Issaquah. The schedule is as follows: 1:30 p.m., zombie makeup becomes available ($10 cash); 2:30-4:30 p.m., zombie dance practice to learn the "Thriller" and "Time Warp" dances; 4:30 p.m., zombies lurch down Front Street; 5 p.m., zombies dance at City Hall for a scary and fun flash mob scene.
1:30 p.m.-5:30 p.m. Saturday, October 26 Starting point: Historic Shell Station, 232 Front St N, Issaquah
Thrill the World Redmond
Every year thousands of dancers and spectators shamble, stagger and shimmy their way down to Redmond Town Center for this family friendly day of fun. Dance, get ghoulish makeup done by an expert makeup artist, watch performances and go shopping. There's also a costume contest plus more prizes from shops and restaurants. FREE to watch, $20-35 to participate in the dance fundraiser.
Noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 Redmond Town Center
Woodland Park Zoo Pumpkin Bash
Pumpkins for the animals, trick-or-treating, and more are in store for little goblins and ghosts at Woodland Park Zoo’s family-friendly Pumpkin Bash. Discover a repertoire of animal behavior as hippos, bears, Malayan tigers, lemurs, and other animals crunch, smash or stomp on pumpkins! One costumed kid 12 and under gets in free with a paying adult.
9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 26 and 27 Woodland Park Zoo, 5500 Phinney Ave N
West Seattle Junction Harvest Fest
Games, food, a costume parade accompanied by the West Seattle High School Marching Band, and trick-or-treating take over California Avenue at West Seattle Junction.
Activities go from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., costume parade starts at 11:30 a.m., and trick-or-treating kicks off at noon on Sunday, Oct. 27. California Ave from SW Alaska St to SW Edmunds St
Museum of Living Computers Hack Halloween
Join us for a spooktacular afternoon of activities at the museum. Featuring robot trick-or-treating, a computer graveyard, and more. Included with admission ($22).
Noon-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 2245 1st Avenue South, Seattle
KidsQuest Children’s Museum Halloween Spooktacular
Come to the museum in costume, make pumpkin play dough, decorate sugary treats, and experiment with mysterious mixology. Tickets $15 for kids (includes activities and pizza), $8 for adults. Pre-register if you would like food.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27 1116 108th Ave NE, BellevueHalloween at the Aquarium
Wear your costume and enjoy treats, face painting, games, activities, and pumpkin carving on land and underwater. See online for schedule of activities. Included with admission ($18-28, children 3 and younger FREE).
10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27. 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59, Seattle
Wild Waves Fright Fest
Family by day, fright by night! Wear a costume to a creepy, crawly, fall Wild Waves event. Enjoy rides, haunted houses, and the scare-free Booville for younger children. $17-29.
Daytime activities for little goblins from noon to 6 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday through Nov. 2. 36201 Enchanted Pkwy S, Federal Way
More Halloween fun: The Playlist: Halloween-themed family fun | DIY Halloween costumes are fun and easy; here are ideas and help