Whether you want to party down or get the dickens scared out of you this Halloween, you’ll find what you’re looking for right here in Tacoma. From the gentle autumnal flora at W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory to the spine-tingling haunted insane asylum now open at Freighthouse Square, kids of all ages can get into the spirit of things and celebrate this time of year when the nights get longer and a certain eerie chill fills the darkness.
Black Lake Haunted Asylum - Now-Oct. 31
Anyone at PG-13 age or older is invited to enter at their own risk and see what gruesome sights await within the dank halls of this top-notch scare-a-thon. Produced by local artist and fright master Ben Isitt, this year the asylum is said to be bigger and better than ever by those who survived. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, open at 7 p.m. Admission is $13 per patient ($1 off with military identification). Learn more at www.blacklakeasylum.com. Spiritual adviser Lady Sandra will be on-site to give Tarot card, face and palm readings starting at $10. A fleet of classic hearses will be parked outside Freighthouse Square Oct. 24 for Rain City Hearse Club’s third annual Pacific Northwest Hearse Rally, 7 p.m. to midnight. And on Oct. 16 and 23 at 8 p.m. Tacoma’s very own Blue Mouseketeers will give two live performances of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for patients at Black Lake Haunted Asylum. The film will be shown in its entirety in Freighthouse Square’s Foss Hall, with the Blue Mouseketeers cast performing along with the movie. Prop bags for moviegoers will be on sale for $1.
Zoo Boo - Oct. 17-18
ZooBoo is a safe and entertaining place to bring young trick-or-treaters. It lasts from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. both days and is appropriate for all ages. Festivities are free with zoo admission. Indoor activities for children include face painting, treats, photo opportunities and a scavenger hunt. Come in costume and get $2 off general admission.
Pumpkin Patch - Oct. 20-Nov. 1
W.W. Seymour Botanical Conservatory puts on its fall finest with fanciful exhibition mums, oversize metalwork crows and a plethora of pumpkins that provide a unique indoor opportunity for pictures around Halloween. Bring your costumed cuties and your camera for memories to last forever. (Note: The pumpkin patch pumpkins are not for sale.) The Conservatory, located at 316 S. ‘G’ St., is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call (253) 591-5330 for more information.
Hoot ‘n’ Howl - Oct. 23-24
Explore Northwest Trek Wildlife Park and observe the animals that live there by hopping aboard a special nighttime tram tour. Games, prizes and treats add to the party atmosphere. 6-10 p.m. (no admission after 9 p.m.) Make reservations online at www.nwtrek.org and save $2 off ticket prices at the door.
Bonfires, Beaver Pelts & Bogeymen - Oct. 23-24
Celebrate Halloween in the style of past centuries with ghost stories told around a roaring bonfire as the Fort Nisqually Foundation presents “Bonfires, Beaver Pelts & Bogeymen,” 7-9 p.m. both days. Arrive at the fort in Point Defiance Park and follow a trail of glowing jack o’lanterns to a blazing bonfire. The music of the 19th century will lull you into a sense of peaceful years gone by. Storytellers from the past will send shivers down your spine as their words bring forth the spirits of the fur trade. The storytelling begins with “gentler” tales; and after a break for complimentary cider and cookies, the stories get increasingly scarier! Come and find out what scared people in 1855 as you listen to ghost stories the way they are supposed to be told - outside and in the dark! Dress for the weather (but please no umbrellas). Tickets are $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under. For additional information, call (253) 591-5339 or e-mail fortnisqually@tacomaparks.com.
Family Night Howlers Nite - Oct. 23
Portland Avenue Resource Center at 3513 Portland Ave. welcomes kids of all ages to enjoy safe Halloween fun with candy, games and prizes. Come get a free pumpkin, decorate it and take pictures. This event is free and runs from 5-8 p.m.
Monster Mash Bash - Oct. 23
South Park Community Center (4851 S. Tacoma Way) opens its doors to children 12 and under for its annual Halloween party. Participants can enjoy the trick-or-treat street, Halloween crafts and a variety of games, 6-8 p.m. Admission is $3 per person. More info at (253) 591-5299.
Creatures of the Night - Oct. 23
Tacoma Nature Center launches a brand new event this year for preschoolers and their accompanying adults, 5-7 p.m. Learn all about creatures of the night as you experience a short twilight hike, activities, crafts and a special snack. Visit with nocturnal creatures from Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium’s collection during a fun program at 6 p.m. Come early in the event to experience everything. Recommended for ages 3-6. Admission is $5 for children and up to two adults, $2 for each extra child or adult. Reservations are requested, www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Who Goes Bump in the Night - Oct. 24
This Tacoma Nature Center event is just like “Creatures of the Night” but for ages 5 and up. It runs from 5-8 p.m. and tickets are $2.50 per person. Reservations are requested. Go to www.metroparkstacoma.org.
Street of Screams - Oct. 29
Come to Centre at Norpoint in costume with the whole family and stroll down the Trick or Treat Street of Screams, enjoy live entertainment, play some spooky games and try out the rock climbing wall by the eerie glow of black lights and neon. All equipment for climbing will be provided and trained staff will be hand to supervise. 6-8 p.m., admission is free. More info at www.metroparkstacoma.org/norpoint.
Boo Bash - Oct. 30
Bring your kindergarten through sixth grade kids to the South End Neighborhood Center (7802 S. ‘L’ St.) for a safe night of trick-or-treating, a cakewalk, costume contest and more. 6-8 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call (253) 591-5098.
Costume Yoga - Oct. 30
Come in your costume to Edgeworks Indoor Climbing Gym at 6102 N. Ninth St. for a fun yoga night, 7-8:15 p.m. Free for Edgeworks members, $7 non-members.
Harvest Fest - Oct. 31
People’s Center at 1602 Martin Luther King Jr. Way invites one and all to celebrate with the community and enjoy family games, music and candy for all ages. This event is supporting the Census Bureau’s campaign to remind citizens of the importance of participating in the 2010 census. 6-9 p.m. and admission is free.
