Halloween weekend portends more treats than tricks
— Created October 26, 2022 by Kathy Reed
By Kathy Reed
Halloween is a day rooted in history dating back at least 2,000 years. Ancient traditions have morphed over the years into the current festivities that have come to mean big business in America.
When one factors in the cost of costumes (for both pets and people), decorations and candy, Halloween is second only to Christmas when it comes to holiday spending, according to history.com, which notes Americans spend approximately $6 billion annually on the festive event. Scary, right?
Don’t be too frightened, however. No matter how big the budget, there is all kinds of Halloween fun to be had on Whidbey Island over the next few days, and Whidbey Weekly has tried to gather together a list of all the events we could find. Hope everyone has a spook-tacular time!
Happening Daily:
Scenic Isle Farm
46 S. Ebey Rd., Coupeville
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily through October
Scenic Isle Farm, formerly known as Sherman Pioneer Farm, continues the family legacy with an authentic pumpkin patch and organic produce. Enjoy a trolley ride to the pumpkin patch Saturday and Sunday. Check for updates at facebook.com/scenicislefarm or visit scenicislefarm.com.
Whidbey Farm and Market
1422 Monroe Landing Road, Oak Harbor
Open: 11 a.m.-6 p.m. daily
Nighttime Corn Maze: 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday
Visitors can check out the pumpkin patch, produce, ice cream, coffee bar, hay pyramid corn maze and more. Corn maze is $5 per person for daylight hours, $10 per person for nighttime maze. This Friday and Saturday the nighttime maze will be alive with zombies! Find updates at facebook.com/WhidbeyFarmAndMarket or go to whidbeyfarmandmarket.com.
K and R Farms “The Stand”
36699 SR 20, Oak Harbor
Open: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Stand offers a pumpkin patch, ice cream, farm fresh produce and a corn maze, including a “flashlight” maze experience for $5 per person. Find details at facebook.com/KandRFarmsllc or find them online at KRFarmStand.com.
Rock’n Apple Ranch
3064 Hunt Road, Oak Harbor
Open: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Offering apples for picking and pressed cider. Find them on Facebook or call 360-679-8577.
Case Farm
98 Case Road, Oak Harbor
Open: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily/self-serve basis
Case Farm is a North Whidbey tradition five generations strong. Features a farm stand and U-pick pumpkins, winter squash and produce. No purchase necessary, but those wishing to buy squash, pumpkins, apples, garlic or fall decorating items, bring along cash or check for its honesty stand. Find them at facebook.com/casefarmonwhidbey for updates.
Weekends Only
Twisted Barn
Roller Barn, 98 NE Barron Drive, Oak Harbor
Opens: 6 p.m.
The Roller Barn Presents the Twisted Barn Haunted House. This year’s haunted house centers around the character “Jack Twisted,” who, legend has it, came to work in the local underground mines to find his fortune in buried treasure. He is said to have a horrible temper and his home was built on a long-forgotten cemetery. Since Jack Twisted’s arrival, there have been numerous disappearances and now people think he may be keeping his victims under the floors of his Twisted Barn. There are four different experiences to choose from. Go to therollerbarn.com for details on experiences, pricing and lights-on matinees. Note: This experience will be open on Halloween and will continue through Nov. 5.
Haunted Fort Casey
1276 Engle Road, Coupeville
Open: 12-4 p.m.
Fort Casey, already scary enough in the daytime, will be visited by some seriously ghoulish types Saturday and Sunday. Fort Casey is an old military fort on Whidbey Island. Built by solders to defend Puget Sound against invading ships, its pop-up guns (cannons, really) could rain shells down on any unfortunate vessels. The dark powder and shell magazines are scary enough on a summer’s day. Imagine what they’re like on a night when ghouls are loose!
There are two sections to the Haunted Fort event: Area One: Haunted Fort in Battery Kingsbury – recommended for 12 years of age and up. Prepare to be scared!
Area Two: Family Fun Activities in Battery Valleau – recommended for all ages. Includes games, activities, and fun challenges!
Cost to attend is $5 per person for ages 4 and up. Cash or credit card accepted. Onsite ticket sales only. A Discover Pass is required for parking. The Haunted Fort is a fundraiser for lighthouse restoration projects and is sponsored by the Keepers of Admiralty Head Lighthouse.
Friday
Ghoulish Good Time-Drive thru Halloween Event
32630 SR 20 Oak Harbor, next to Oak Harbor Chamber of Commerce
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Come on out and join us for a drive through trick-or-treating event. Several community organizations and businesses will be lining the path through the park right next to the Chamber building. Treat bags offered while supplies last. NOTE: Please enter from Izett Street, near North Whidbey Middle School. The drive-through is one-way only. Access from SR 20 through the Chamber parking lot will be closed.
Great Community Pumpkin Party
Meet Market, 7 Front St., Coupeville
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Grab one of their pumpkins for $5 or bring your own! Carving supplies and paint for the kiddos will be supplied, along with snacks, cider and the perfect Halloween soundtrack! Costumes are optional. Go to meetmarket.org for details.
Boo Bash and Dash Trunk-or-Treat and More
NASWI Navy Exchange, Seaplane Base, Oak Harbor
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Get ready for the Boo Dash and Bash and an evening full of fun! Come dressed in your finest costumes and participate in the Boo Dash, crossing the finish line into the Boo Bash! There will be a Trunk or Treat, games, bounce house, food, drinks, and more! Admission is free. There will be vendors and food items for purchase. *For NASWI/Navy Exchange Patrons; Base Access Required
Thrive’s Halloween Dance Party
32650 SR 20, Bldg. D, Oak Harbor
Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
Thrive’s dance instructors invite everyone to join them for a night of spooky fun and prizes! Costumes are welcome! Donations are also welcome. 100 percent donated to local cancer charity: Team Survivor Northwest. Raffle prizes $1 per ticket.
Not-So-Spooky Story Times for Kids and Adults
Freeland Library, 5495 Harbor Ave.
Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
For Kids: (6:30-7:30 p.m.) The library turns (a little) spooky after hours! Share a couple of slightly scary stories, play with Boo Bubbles, enjoy some autumn-themed crafts and activities, and go on a flashlight scavenger hunt.
For Adults: (6:30-8:30 p.m.) The library turns spooky after hours! We’ll turn up the scare factor with a lights-out dramatic reading of ghost stories for adults, followed by a flashlight scavenger hunt through the darkened stacks.
Saturday:
Trunk or Treat
Elks Lodge, 155 NE Ernst St., Oak Harbor
Time: 12-2 p.m.
The Whidbey Island Small Business Association presents a Trunk or Treat event, featuring music, games and candy.
FREE Classic Halloween Movie at NASWI
Skywarrior Theater, NASWI
Time: 12-1:30 p.m.
Spin the prize wheel, dress in costume and enjoy a favorite Halloween classic on the big screen. Saturday’s free feature is “Nightmare Before Christmas.” Open to all base access ID patrons and their guests.
Torchlight Halloween Parade and Street Dance
Downtown Coupeville
Time: 5 p.m.
Park in the public lot (no vehicles in the parade) and meet at Cooks Corner Park in costume for a stroll downtown! Visit Front Street businesses for trick-or-treating and then dance the night away on Front Street with DJ Moose, starting at 7 p.m. Prizes for costumes will be awarded for kids, adults and groups – must be present to win.
North Whidbey Fire and Rescue’s Halloween Event
Station 25, 2720 Heller Rd., Oak Harbor
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Boo! You are invited to North Whidbey Fire and Rescue’s Halloween event! Visit with first responders, enjoy the trunk or treat station or tour the haunted house. Food will be available for purchase. Enter from Crosby Road, exit onto Heller Road.
Monster Mash Party
5017 Langley Rd., Langley
Time: 5-8 p.m.
Whidbey Children’s Theatre is thrilled to announce the return of its annual “Monster Mash,” a celebration of fall and all things magical and spooky. There will be games, dancing, a costume parade and delicious food and drink available for purchase. This all-ages, family-friendly event includes a “candy store” and a “pumpkin hunt.” Tickets are $10 per person and may be purchased online at wctmagic.org.
Haunted Swamp Open Swim
John Vanderzicht Pool, 85 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor
Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
Take a dip in the Haunted Swamp! Cost is $7 for North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation District residents, $8 for non-residents, fun for all. Reserve a spot now at nwpprd.org or go to facebook.com/northwhidbeypoolparkandrec to learn more.
Halloween Dance Party for 2nd to 4th Graders
In Motion Co., 390 Midway Blvd., #A202, Oak Harbor
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Students in 2nd through 4th grades are invited to a special Halloween Dance Party. There will be music, snacks and games. Costumes are encouraged, but not required. Admission is $20 per child and includes treats, games, fun and dancing. This is a fundraiser for Creative Play’s Joy Wendling’s book project. Space is limited. Email joy@createdtoplay.com for information and reservations.
South Whidbey Trunk or Treat
5425 Maxwelton Rd., Langley
Time: 6-8 p.m.
All are welcome to attend this Trunk or Treat. Open to all denominations, and faiths!
Please bring your family, and friends for a fun-filled evening of games, snacks, and cider. Hosted by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Halloween Costume Party Benefit
American Legion Post 129, 690 SE Barrington Dr., Oak Harbor
Time: 7 p.m.-midnight
Proceeds from this event benefit the Garage of Blessings. There will be live music, munchies and prizes. Cost is $10 per person at the door. Must be 21+. ID is required.
Sunday:
Halloween Dance Party
Coupeville Rec Hall, 901 NW Alexander St.
Time: 12-2 p.m.
Bring your friends and families to a Halloween Dance Party sponsored by Parent to Parent. All ages, all abilities are welcome. There will be a potluck, dancing, arts and crafts, face painting and fun for all. Costumes are encouraged but not required. Nothing scary, please.
Trunk or Treat at the Blue Fox Drive-In
1403 Monroe Landing Rd., Oak Harbor
Time: 12-3 p.m.
Enjoy this free, fun event at the Blue Fox Drive-In. All are welcome! Food for purchase. Information is available at bluefoxdrivein.com or at facebook.com/bluefoxdrivein.
Children’s Halloween Costume Party
VFW Post 7392, 3037 N Goldie Rd., Oak Harbor
Time: 1-3 p.m.
Children ages 1 to 12 are invited to enjoy crafts, snacks, a costume contest and much more. Free.
St. Hubert’s Trunk or Treat
St. Hubert’s Catholic Church, 804 Third St., Langley
Time: 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy a Trunk or Treat, cornhole games and other activities. The Knights of Columbus hot dog cart will be selling hot dogs, sodas and chips.
Trunk or Treat – Freeland
1832 Scott Rd., Freeland
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Christian Life Community Church invites all those interested to join them for treats, games, pumpkin decoration and more at this free event. Non-food treats will also be available. Visit clcwhidbey.com.
NASWI Trunk or Treat
NASWI Seaplane Base
Time: 4-7 p.m.
The Officer Spouse Club and the Chief’s Club join forces for a Trunk or Treat across from the Navy Exchange. NASWI/Base access required.
Family Halloween Party at Oak Bowl
531 SE Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Reservations are required for this family Halloween party. Enjoy two hours of unlimited glow bowling with shoe rental included. Kids will receive a treat bag and can participate in a costume parade. Cost is $50 per lane, plus tax; up to six people per lane. Call or stop by to reserve your lane – 360-679-2533, or make a reservation online at oakbowl.com.
Drive-In Movie Costume and Halloween Party
Life Church, 1767 NE Regatta Dr., Oak Harbor
Time: 6-10 p.m.
A fun, safe event for all teens ages 12-18. This Drive-In Movie costume party will include hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, candy bars, Red Bull spritzers and more! This event is free. Wear a costume for a chance to win some Air Pod Pros.
Monday/Halloween Day:
Trick-or-Treat Open Swim
John Vanderzicht Pool, 85 SE Jerome St., Oak Harbor
Time: 1:15-2:45 p.m.
Take advantage of no school in Oak Harbor and enjoy Halloween treats for all at this open swim session. Cost is $5 for North Whidbey Pool, Park and Recreation district residents, $6 for non-residents. Children 2 and under are free. Go to nwpprd.org for information.
Halloween Party
HomePlace of Oak Harbor, 171 SW 6th, Oak Harbor
Time: 2 p.m.
Enjoy some free Halloween fun with spooky treats, drinks and games. Costumes are encouraged and this will be a fun event for residents and loved ones alike. Learn more by emailing activities@HomePlaceoakharbor.com.
Spooktacular Trick-or-Treating
Downtown Langley
Time: 2:30-5 p.m.
Come trick-or-treat in downtown Langley on Halloween! The town and merchants are dressed for the holiday with treats for the kids. This is one of the best days downtown, always fun and lively. Dog owners are invited to dress their kid-friendly dogs for a walk about town. Don’t miss this day, it is a spectacular, Spooktacular Langley! Just look for the crow poster in participating shop windows and doors.
Trick-or-Treat at Regency
Regency on Whidbey, 1040 SW Kimball Dr., Oak Harbor
Time: 3-5 p.m.
Meet and greet Regency residents as they hand out candy.
Trunk or Treat at McKenzie Realty
390 E Whidbey Ave., Oak Harbor
Time: 3-6 p.m.
Get ready for a spooky good time! Better Homes & Gardens McKenzie Realty is hosting this Trunk or Treat. Come dressed in your best costume!
Trick-Or-Treat at Maurice’s
31595 SR 20, Oak Harbor
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Bring the kids for tricks or treats! There will be coupons for parents in costume as well.
Trunk Or Treat – Clinton
Thirsty Crab Brewery, 9000 SR 525, Clinton
Time: 4-6 p.m.
Candy and games for kids, beer for parents, fun for all. Howl-o-Ween dog costume contest at 5:30 p.m. Admission is free, vendors and food items for purchase.
Ace Trunk or Treat
Ace Hardware, 150 SE Pioneer Way, Oak Harbor
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Held in conjunction with No Tricks, Safe Treats.
No Tricks, Safe Treats
Downtown Oak Harbor
Time: 5-7 p.m.
The Oak Harbor Main Street Association and more than 50 participating downtown Oak Harbor merchants present the annual No Tricks, Safe Treats! In addition to trick-or-treating, there will also be: a photo booth by Captured Moments; a pet costume contest presented by Posh Puppies; free hot dogs from Off the Hook; and appearances by the Whidbey Island Roller Derby, Whidbey Island Pirates, Magnificent Crab Queens, a decorated bus by Oak Harbor Public Schools, Oak Harbor Fire Department and Oak Harbor Police Department. Find more at facebook.com/oakharbormainstreet.
Trunk or Treat – Coupeville
Living Hope Church, 105 NW Broadway, Coupeville
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Living Hope Church in Coupeville invites all who are looking to maximize candy intake with minimal walking at its family-friendly trunk or treat in the church parking lot. All are welcome to attend this free event.
First Reformed Trunk or Treat
First Reformed Church, 250 NW 3rd Ave., Oak Harbor
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Enjoy popcorn, candy and hay! All are welcome to attend this free event.
Living Word Trunk or Treat
Living Word Church, 490 NW Crosby, Oak Harbor
Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.
This trunk or treat in the Living Word parking lot will feature candy and cars decorated in all different themes. Celebrate the fall season with this free event.