Horror reins on Halloween
The history of Halloween dates back to the ancient Celts, who held festivals to celebrate the end of the harvest season during which they would dress in costumes to protect themselves against spirits, which they felt were too close for comfort this time of year.
Thousands of years later, Halloween is now one of the most anticipated holidays for kids hoping to get a year's worth of candy in one night, and adults who look forward to channeling their inner cat, sexy nurse or steampunk character.
This year, with the formal holiday landing on a Sunday, three days of costume parties, zombie hunts and candy-scoring events are happening on the Central Coast from Friday, Oct. 29 through Sunday, Oct. 31.
Zombie apocalypse archery
What better way to learn or refine your archery skills than practicing against zombies? This live interactive activity at Lincoln City Archery is open to all, through Nov 1, and is a fun Halloween game for the whole family.
Players will work in teams, with zombies outnumbering players by a ratio of two to one. The Zombies start at 14 yards away, shambling steadily toward the players, but skillful shots can stop them from reaching the “kill zone.”
Lincoln City Archery is located at the Lincoln City Outlets, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road.
High tea and Harry Potter
Harry Potter-themed store and café The Cheeky Cauldron is hosting a Hallows High Tea on Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 30 and 31, with reservations available from noon to 4 pm.
There will also be a Spooktacular costume contest on Sunday. The catch is, it must be a Harry Potter-themed costume. The Moon Sisters will judge each individual costume with the following criteria in mind: likeness, costume creativity and overall Harry Potter vibes.
Arrive by 7 pm for your chance to shop after hours without as much of a crowd. There will be treats available.
The Cheeky Cauldron is located at 1640 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. For more information, go to cheekycauldron.com.
Costume Contest and live music
The Beach Club in Lincoln city is hosting a costume contest, with prizes, on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 29 and 30, between 7:30 and 11 pm. The band Vintage, renowned for great dancing music, will perform both nights. Cover charge is $10. The Beach Club is located at 2020 NE 22nd Street.
The Witches of Depoe Bay
The witches will be out in force on Sunday, Oct. 31, from 2 to 5 pm, collecting food and monetary donations for the Depoe Bay Food Pantry. Ford the in front of the whale fountain at the seawall, in Chester’s Thriftway parking lot and in front of ReMax Realty on Highway 101.
Trunk or Treat
Friday, Oct. 29, offers a chance for kids to dress up and hop from trunk to trunk, collecting goodie bags as they go and for the whole family to enjoy the spooky decorations. 2 to 5:30 pm, Lakeview Senior Living, 2690 NE Yacht Avenue, Lincoln City
Sunday, Oct. 31
Spooky Spectacular
Lincoln City Outlets
Enjoy frights and delights as you navigate the animatronic horrors at this drive-through Halloween experience. The first hour will be a sensory-sensitive experience for special needs individuals. 3 to 7 pm, 1500 SE East Devils Lake Road.
Trick or Treat
Main Street • Toledo
Main Street business owners will be all dressed up and ready to give out candy to costumed kids with accompanying adults from 3:30 to 6 pm. For more information, go to toledooregon.org.
Trunk or Treat
Les Schwab • Newport
A safe trick or treat option organized by 16-year-old Sequoia Ream, featuring a cake walk and costume prizes. FMI or to reserve a spot, call 503-309-9345. 2-6 pm, 550 E Olive Street.
Halloween Drive-through
Lincoln City Elks Lodge
4-6 pm, 1350 SE Oar Avenue.
One bucket to rule the mall
The covered walkways at the Salishan Marketplace will be the perfect spot for a mall-wide trick or treat on Saturday, Oct. 30. And, weather permitting, a special Halloween-themed artisan faire will be happening in the adjacent parking lot.
“We just want to have a fun community event that’s safe and sheltered, and to show off our marketplace,” said Amy White, owner of Beachcrest Brewing. “Everybody who is passing out candy is dressing up.”
With a few exceptions, shop owners have committed to handing out treats while in costume from 1 to 4 pm.
Shops in the marketplace include an art gallery, toy store, candy shop, bakery, clothing and homewares boutique, outdoor adventure shop, fitness club, cafe and Italian restaurant.
"We’ve been trying to work collectively and plan events like this one for the future,” Amy said. “We really want to make sure people know that we’re not just here for visitors but also for the local community. This was a community gathering place in the past and it’s becoming one again. We really want to encourage that.”
Beachcrest Brewing will be open after the trick or treating, with a costume contest and live music provided by “Amy and the Crestaceans.”
The name isn’t a coincidence; prior to opening the brewery, Amy and her husband, master brewer Matt White, were touring musicians.
“Come for the sweets, stay for the suds and live music,” Amy said.
Another feature on the Salishan property that has been drawing locals and visitors is the Specialty Farmers Market and Artisan Faire, happening every Friday and Saturday since late spring and hoping to continue through early December.
“We will be having a special Halloween-themed event at the same time as the mall,” said Market Manager Lori Lemons. “We were hoping to have a huge pumpkin patch provided by Guerrero Farm but they’ve sold so many more than expected already that it won’t be quite as full as we’d hoped. But they will have scarecrows and other decorations all around the booth, and they’ll be selling the remaining pumpkins and sugar candy skulls for Dia de los Muertos.”
Live music will be provided by Native American flutist Vince Redhouse.
“Northwest Pastry is also going to have some goodies for the kids in addition to the people handing out candy,” Lemons said. “We’re really hoping the rain and win stays away. It’s always weather permitting for us.”
For more information about the Salishan Marketplace, go to salishan.com/marketplace.