Top 5 Things to do on Halloween in Portland

Halloween is fast approaching and with it comes the stress of figuring out how best to celebrate it. In Portland it’s pretty easy to just go to a local bar and dress like your favorite David Cronenberg or Wes Anderson creature and toast to weirdness, but what if you’re looking for ways to celebrate all month? Are you a history buff who loves horror movies? A shopaholic itching for a reason to throw down on a new outfit? Or do you just wanna drink? Keep reading for 5 ways to satisfy those passions and then some. 

  1.  The Shanghai Tunnel Tours run all year, but the combination of a cool October evening and the ever present possibility of the lurking spirits of stolen lives from years gone by is undeniably tempting. This underground tour will take you through the underground remnants of Portland’s past for an entertaining as well as educational experience. If you’re looking for a little more bang for your buck, Shanghai Tunnel Tours is offering Halloween Season tours for extra paranormal flavor.  Buy tickets at: shanghaitunneltours.ticketleap.com

  2. The Evolution of Horror Workshop will provide a journey through the transformation of classic horror films. Hosted by the Portland Film Festival, Miquel Tejada-Flores (the screenwriter behind Screamers, Revenge of the Nerds, and, most appropriately, The Lion King) will lead a lecture and discussion on the transformation of fear in cinema on [date] at [time]. Check out this festival’s program at http://portlandfilmfestival.com/ for more ideas.

  3. Feastly is hosting a 2-hour Halloween Cocktail Workshop that’ll show you how to make 3 seasonally-focused, Halloween-inspired cocktails, using various techniques in different styles. Halloween snacks (read: candy) will be provided and you'll also take home the recipes from the class along with a special trick, or maybe a treat, to add to your spooky sips at home. Reserve seats at: http://bit.ly/2wBIc2v

  4. Whether you’re looking to scare and chill or simply find your inner princess, Hollywood Vintage has you covered. An endless supply of rentable and purchasable accoutrement is just waiting to the see the light of the moon. You could easily spend hours trying on gowns, pirate hats, and wigs, and the friendly staff are great at offering suggestions, but don’t hog the dressing rooms. With Halloween right around the corner, it’s about to get busy.

  5. This year the Portland Film Festival is taking full advantage of its Halloween start date and hosting a fabulous Opening Night Party following the world premiere of a Portland-shot horror flick (think Sean of the Dead). Join us on Oct. 30th for food, drinks, music, and costumes. This party launches 8 jam-packed days of independent film, workshops, networking events, director chats, and more. Don’t miss it!