The InstigatorA good fall concoction starts with the right ingredients: a little cider and harvest fun, costumes and candy, haunted history, murder mysteries, and things that go bump in the night.
Here’s what’s brewing this season. What will you stir up?
Autumn Tonic
Pick a pumpkin. Pet a donkey. Snuggle a cow. Fruitland Creek Farms kicks off its fall festival with miniature donkeys, farm games and prizes, photo ops, and a small carving pumpkin included with admission. Pack a picnic and stay awhile, or add a Micro & Mini Cow Snuggle Session for even more farm cuddles. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Sep 19 to Oct 18 at Fruitland Creek Farms, 6000 Sunnyview Rd NE. $10 individual/$35 family of up to four; cow sessions additional. Free parking. Click here for tickets.
HarvestFest — Celebrate fall with a pumpkin patch, corn maze, farm animals, games and activities, plus hayrides during select hours. Horse rides are also offered on select weekend dates. Sep 26 to Oct 30 at E.Z. Orchards, 5504 Hazelgreen Rd NE. $5 to $12.50; ages 2 and younger free. ezorchards.com/harvest-festival
Fordyce Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fest — Fall fun includes a hay fort, indoor hay maze, coloring station, playground, and more. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 12 to 6 p.m. Sundays beginning Sep 27; Family Nights until 9 p.m. Thursdays Oct 1-29; Haunted Corn Maze 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct 2-30, Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Rd NE, Free admission; corn maze $6 ages 6+; Haunted Corn Maze $16. Click here for info.
A Little Dose of Boo
Pop-Up “Boo-Tique” — Shop spooky-season finds including accessories, themed jams, sauces and butters, ghostly hats, haunting jewelry, signature teas and other gift shop items. A portion of proceeds supports the care, preservation and programs of Deepwood Museum & Gardens. 5 to 8:30 p.m. Oct 2 and 16, at Deepwood Museum & Gardens, 1116 Mission St SE.
Candlelight Tours — See Deepwood’s Queen Anne Victorian home after dark during a special series of candlelight tours for spooky season. Guests can also stop by the Pop-Up “Boo-Tique,” open from 5 to 8:30 p.m. 30-minute tours beginning at 6 p.m. Oct 2 & 16, Deepwood Museum & Gardens, 1116 Mission St SE. Pre-registration is required. Click here for tickets.
Thrill the World 2026 dance practices — Learn the choreography for Salem’s Oct 24 Thrill the World performance during free public rehearsals. 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sept 12 and 19 and Oct 10 and 17 at Pentacle Theatre rehearsal space, 197 Liberty St SE. (Note: No practice Sept 26 or Oct 3 unless a free indoor venue can be located.)
Thrill the World takes place at 3 p.m.Oct 24. More info TBA. Keep an eye on facebook.com/thrilltheworldsalem for details.
Traveling Wheelz hosts Open Skate Night: Halloween Night — Celebrate Halloween on wheels during this themed Friday night open skate. Festive attire is encouraged, and all ages are welcome for this family-friendly skate night. 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Oct 30 at The Mad House, 1335 Madison St NE. Click here for tickets. Advance purchase recommended as these nights often sell out.
Halloween Re-Engineered — Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treat stations, seasonal crafts and activities, a costume contest and spooky photo opportunities. Costumes are encouraged, and tickets include an 8 oz. hot chocolate. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct 25, at Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St NE. Click here for tickets.
Halloween at Deepwood — Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating at the front door of Deepwood’s Queen Anne Victorian home, plus lawn games, storytelling, and a decorated Solarium for photos. Visitors can also step inside for a self-guided tour of the first floor. Pumpkin sugar cookies and candy will be available while supplies last. All ages welcome. 3 to 6 p.m. Oct 31, Deepwood Museum & Gardens, 1116 Mission St SE
Scarousel Bash — Kick off Halloween with free coloring and activity pages, a candy corn guessing game, trick-or-treat candy and sensory play. From 3 to 5 p.m., upgrade with a $12 activity pass that includes three carousel rides, popcorn, a Halloween craft, and a goody bag; passes are limited and available day-of while supplies last. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Oct 31, Salem’s Riverfront Carousel, 101 Front St NE, Free; activity pass $12, salemcarousel.org.
The Fae Folx Festival is an inclusive, fantasy Halloween festival featuring local artists, live music, sword fighting, trick-or-treating, and more, 12 to 6 p.m. Oct 31 at Woodmansee Park. Free entry, suggested donation of $5
Fairmount Halloween Parade — An annual tradition, kids in costume and their families are invited to walk through the Fairmount neighborhood in south Salem. Meet at 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Fairmount City Park, 650 Rural Ave S.
Strange Brew
The Blair Witch Project — Full screening of the 1999 horror film followed by a live appearance, behind-the-scenes conversation and audience Q&A with Heather Donahue, Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams. 7:30 p.m. Oct 10 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Click here for tickets.
Catch a big-screen viewing of the campy “holiday” classic Rocky Horror Picture Show along with the Denton Delinquents shadow cast, 8 p.m. Oct 17 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. elsinoretheatre.com
Market for the Strange presents Circus of Curiosities — Celebrate the strange side of spooky season at this creepy carnival-themed market featuring more than 70 creators, gothic tattoos, seasonal snacks, photo props and live entertainment. Come in costume or shop for a few final Halloween finds.11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct 18, at Salem Convention Center, 200 Commercial St SE. $5 entry fee; ages 12 and younger are free. Click here for tickets.
Prepare for a spine-tingling, laugh-out-loud experience like no other! EVIL DEAD: The Musical brings Sam Raimi’s cult classic to life with a thrilling blend of horror and comedy. Watch as the beloved characters fight off demons in a fun, high-energy stage adaptation that features catchy songs, extremely bloody effects, and outrageous fun. Opens Oct 23 at Venture Hall (former Cinebarre) Click here for tickets.
Silent Film Series: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari (1920) — See the landmark German horror film about the mysterious Dr. Caligari and his somnambulist, Cesare, on the big screen with live accompaniment on the Mighty Wurlitzer. 7 p.m. Oct 29 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Click here for tickets.
Market for the Strange presents The Bone Puppets Night Market — Get your art from creators with bones, not circuit boards. This market is a place for human artists to strut their skeletons and raise some hell. It’s an oddities and horror night market, right before Halloween. Pick up the perfect piece to finish your costume, a spine-tingling decoration, or art that keeps the vibe creepy year-round. 5 to 10 p.m. Oct 30 at Venture Hall (formerly Cinebarre), 501 Marion St NE. $5 entry, 12 and under free (market entry included with Evil Dead The Musical ticket)
Full-Strength Frights
Fordyce Farm Pumpkin Patch & Fall Fest — Fall fun includes a hay fort, indoor hay maze, coloring station, playground, and more. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 12 to 6 p.m. Sundays beginning Sep 27; Family Nights until 9 p.m. Thursdays Oct 1-29; Haunted Corn Maze 7 to 9:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays Oct 2-30, Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Rd NE, Free admission; corn maze $6 ages 6+; Haunted Corn Maze $16. Click here for info.
Nightmare Factory — Oregon’s oldest-running haunted house winds through 15,000 square feet of basement inside the boys’ dormitory at Oregon School for the Deaf. The wheelchair-accessible maze features elaborate sets, student and volunteer actors, special effects, strobe lights and fog designed to scare and delight. The experience takes approximately 30 minutes from entrance to exit. 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Oct 9-10, 16-17, 23-24, and 30-31, at The Nightmare Factory at Oregon School for the Deaf, 999 Locust St NE. $20 general admission; $30 speed ticket for faster entry, plus fees. Click here for tickets.
Ghostly Spirits
Ghost Tours — Dig into Salem’s darker history with Salem Haunt Club and Ghosts of the Grand on a 0.6-mile walking tour through downtown. Hear stories about the purple glass beneath the sidewalks, the Reed Opera House, Salem’s underground tunnels, the mysterious skull found inside the Gray Building, and more. Along the way, guides will use professional ghost-hunting equipment including EMF readers, spirit boxes, dowsing rods and motion sensors. Tours cover mature subjects including murder, prostitution, opium dens and racism, so a minimum age of 13 is recommended. 7 to 8:30 p.m. Oct 2, 9, 16 and 23, meet at Court St NE and High St NE near Encore Restaurant, $22 adults, $14 under 18. Get tickets here.
Amy Bruni: Walking with Ghosts — Paranormal researcher, TV host and author Amy Bruni digs into the real hauntings and historical accounts behind horror films including The Conjuring, Annabelle, The Shining and The Amityville Horror. Her traveling collection of haunted artifacts and spiritualist memorabilia will also be on display. 7:30 p.m. Oct 27 at Elsinore Theatre, 170 High St SE. Click here for tickets.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics is a multi-sensory musical experience under the gentle glow of candlelight featuring the Listeso String Quartet, 6:30 p.m. Oct 30 in the Spinning Room at Willamette Heritage Center. Click here for tickets.
After-Dark Elixir
The Bloody Bazaar | A 1930s Circus Murder Mystery Party — The circus has rolled into town, and something deadly is hiding beneath the bright lights. Each guest receives a character with secrets, alliances, and motives, then mingles, examines evidence, trades information, and makes accusations as the mystery unfolds. You could be a victim, the murderer, or the one who cracks the case. Your ticket includes a charcuterie board, one well drink or draft beer, and access to a themed photo booth. Circus-inspired and 1930s attire is encouraged, with awards for the closest guess, best acted-out death, and most committed character. Ages 21 and older. Doors open at 7 p.m.; mystery begins at 7:30 p.m. Oct 22 at The Pink Elephant. salemhauntclub.com
5th Annual Masquerade Ball — Dress up, don a mask, and dance the night away at an evening of glamour and mystery with live music provided by Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys. Elegant attire and masks encouraged. 6 to 11 p.m. Saturday, October 24 at The Reed Ballroom. $52 plus fees. Click here for tickets.
Bowser’s Boo Bash — Settle in for an evening of adventure on the high seas. Play with kittens as they plan a mewtiny! Cuddle puppies on the poop deck! Plunder the dinner buffet and raise a tankard while searching for buried treasure, bidding on live and silent auctions, mugging in a photo booth, voting for best dog (and human!) costumes, and more. Costumes highly encouraged. This annual festive fundraiser supports the Oregon Humane Society. 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, October 24, at Zenith Vineyard, 5657 Zena Road NW. Click here for tickets.
Trick ’r Tease: A Halloween Burlesque Show: Miss Minsky Presents brings an evening of burlesque and variety to The BAD Space. 7 p.m. Friday, Oct 30 at The BAD Space, 2572 19th St SE. Click here for tickets.
Halloween Bar Crawl — Crawl With US takes over downtown for a Halloween night of costumes, drink specials and bar hopping. Tickets include two to three drinks or shots, no cover at participating bars, access to the mid-party and after-party, food and drink specials, and a crawl map. Ages 21 and older. 4 p.m. to midnight Oct 31, check-in at The Dehn Bar, 157 Commercial St SE. Click here to register.
This story originally ran in Press Play Salem issue 29 (Fall 2026)
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