Central Oregon is a great place to celebrate all things spook-tastic! From lots of kid-friendly trick or treat activities to exploring the outdoors, to beer tastings…Bend really has something for everyone no matter how you like to celebrate Halloween. We have assembled a short-list of can’t miss events to help you plan your Halloween getaway to Central Oregon with Meredith Lodging! Here are our top 5 Halloween activities in Bend!
Pumpkin Patch at Smith Rock Ranch
Smith Rock Ranch remains a fall favorite and always delivers a memorable mix of autumn fun. The farm opens for the season (typically late September) and runs through October, offering a large U-pick pumpkin patch, a themed corn maize, and a variety of family-friendly attractions.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Corn Maize with a theme: Each year the maize design changes, in past years, they’ve done tribute or anniversary designs. (In earlier years, they used Apollo moon-landing themes.)
- Pumpkin cannon: Launch pumpkins into the air (or fields) for fun spectacle.
- Hayrides / wagon rides: Roll through the fields, taking in the farm scenery and vibrant fall foliage.
- Petting zoo / farm animals: Meet the goats, sheep, and other friendly creatures (a favorite for younger guests).
- Pony rides: Gentle rides for kids, often popular in the afternoons.
- Face painting / craft stations / snacks & harvest market: Grab cider, donuts, or fresh produce while browsing seasonal goods.
- Pumpkin carving parties / carving stations: In past seasons, the farm has hosted carving events (e.g. a community carving party in evenings), bring your own tools, pick a pumpkin, and get creative.
Tips: Check their website for daily hours, ticketing (some activities might require a ticket), and whether dogs are allowed (note: pets are sometimes restricted in the corn maze).
This experience is perfect for families wanting to spend a relaxed daylight afternoon outdoors, with plenty of photo ops, especially with Smith Rock’s iconic basalt cliffs in the backdrop.
The Official Halloween Bar Crawl (Fri & Sat)
For those wanting to experience Bend’s nightlife in costume, this crawl delivers on both charm and fun.
Dates: October 31 & November 1, 2025
All-ages / Age Rules: The event is mainly for adults (21+), so plan accordingly.
What’s included:
- Entry to numerous participating bars
- 2–3 drinks or shots included (on certain venues)
- Drink specials and discounts at crawl stops
- A printed crawl map / badge with vouchers
- Professional photos and social media moments
- After-party and possibly mid-party gatherings
- No cover at many of the venues during the crawl block
This is ideal for visitors who want a social night out, exploring Bend’s bars, trying seasonal cocktails, and showing off creative Halloween costumes across multiple venues.
Trick-or-Treat & Halloween in the Old Mill District
This remains one of Bend’s most beloved family Halloween events. In 2025, Halloween in the Old Mill District is scheduled for October 31, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM.
What to Expect
From the moment you arrive, the Old Mill District transforms into a festive, community-centric Halloween playground:
- Trick-or-treating in shops: Participating retailers hand out candy to trick-or-treaters strolling through the district.
- Craft stations & selfie spots: Fun stations are scattered throughout the district where kids and families can decorate, take themed photos, and immerse themselves in the ambiance.
- Pet costume contest: Furry friends are welcome! The Humane Society of Central Oregon will host a pet costume contest in the Main Plaza by the walking bridge. Registration typically opens around 4:00 PM, with judging starting at about 5:30 PM.
- Live performances / aerial acts: As part of the festivities, Central Oregon Aerial Arts returns with a silk aerial performance near Center Plaza (next to Sisters Coffee Co.), flying through the sky in Halloween attire. Showtimes usually run from about 4:30 to 6:30 PM.
- Gramma Rose’s Petting Zoo & animal encounters: The event often includes animal attractions (weather permitting), featuring exotic and friendly animals, sometimes with fun Halloween twists.
Don’t Miss: The Witches’ Paddle
One of the most magical components of Halloween in the Old Mill District is the Witches’ Paddle – costumed paddleboarders, kayakers, and river floaters set off from Riverbend Park around 4:00 PM and drift down the Deschutes toward the Old Mill area.
Call Down Thunder – Grateful Night of the Living Dead
If you’re looking for a more lively, adult-oriented evening, this event is a top pick.
- Date & Time: October 25, 2025, starting at 8:00 PM, running into early hours.
- Location: Midtown Ballroom / Domino Room, Bend.
- Admission: Typically ~$18 in advance (higher at door)
What to expect:
- Costume contest with prizes
- Photo booths and themed sets
- Live music / DJ sets (three sets in past years)
- Free crafting or themed art stations before or during the show
- Special guest appearances
This is a perfect fit for couples, groups of friends, or Halloween fans who want to dance, mingle, and celebrate late into the evening.
Haunted Houses, Spook Walks & Local Halloween Attractions
Beyond the big headline events, Bend has several smaller haunted attractions and spook-themed experiences worth seeking out:
- O’Kane Building (Bend): Known locally as a haunted location, sometimes runs special tours or dramatic setups around October.
- Des Chutes Historical Museum: Occasionally hosts ghost stories or after-dark tours.
- Haunted walks / spook-themed trails: Some local parks or historic districts host evening “ghost walks” or guided tours, always check local event calendars.
- Escape rooms with Halloween themes: Several escape room venues in Bend tweak their rooms or run limited-time Halloween puzzles.
- Neighborhood walking tours of Halloween decorations: One of the more relaxed options – drive or walk through neighborhoods after dusk to admire elaborate Halloween house displays, yard scares, and creative lighting.
Just down the hill from Mt. Bachelor Village by Meredith Lodging is the Old Mill District – one of our favorite places to Trick-or-Treat! This family-friendly event takes place from 4PM to 7PM and participating shops are ready to welcome you and your kiddos!
Wake Up in the Heart of Bend’s Halloween Spirit
Meredith Lodging can help you find the perfect home base for all of your Halloween activities.
Looking for the perfect home base for all your Halloween adventures? Meredith Lodging has you covered. Choose from our full lineup of Bend vacation rentals – including cozy cabins, stylish townhomes, and resort homes at Mt. Bachelor Village Resort, all designed for comfort, convenience, and memorable stays.
Visit our entire Bend Vacation Rentals Collection (including getaways to our resort community, Mt. Bachelor Village Resort). Secure your spot now and experience Halloween in Bend from a place you’ll love returning to every night. Book your stay today, your festive escape is waiting.