Get out your costumes and mark your calendars – it’s time to get spooky in Bellingham and Whatcom County! Activities take place throughout the month of October leading up to Halloween, Oct. 31, which is a Wednesday this year. Here’s an updated list to satisfy everyone from families to college students to the curious spirits among us. Stay safe, and have fun!

Pumpkin Farms

Looking for a spot to pick your own pumpkins? Two of our Insider Bloggers have offered their top picks. Hilary recommends Stoney Ridge Farm and Cramer’s Western Town as great places to take the kids in her article Pumpkin Time with Families at Two Favorite Whatcom County Farms. Lauren also provides her list of top Bellingham area Pumpkin Farms in 6 Stops for Hunting Fall Pumpkins in Whatcom County.

Halloween Events

Gore and Lore Walking Tours, Downtown Oct. 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 or Fairhaven Oct. 6, 19, 20, 26, 27

Scream Fair Haunted House in Lynden, Oct. 19-20, 26-27, and 31, 2018

If you’re not faint of heart, Whatcom County’s largest haunted house experience is inside the Henry Jansen Building at the Northwest Washington Fairgrounds (1775 Front Street) in Lynden. This year it runs for 2 weekends in a row, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., as well as on Halloween, Wed., Oct. 31. Tickets are $12 adults, $10 kids age 12 and under. See the Scream Fair website for more details.

Bleedingham: Bellingham’s Horror Film Fest, Oct. 26, 27, 28, 2018

If horror movies are your favorite part of Halloween, you definitely want to check out this post about the Bleedingham horror short film festival held each October in Bellingham. Lorraine describes the multi-day event, as “the equivalent of a mini horror comic convention or comic con. Local artists and businesses that connect with the horror, paranormal and related genres can show their wares, find new customers, and enjoy the company of the like-minded.”

To kick off the film festival weekend, Bleedingham is hosting The Night Gallery, a Halloween and horror celebration event featuring macabre artists, crafters, entertainment and filmmaking panels at The Majestic Ballroom in downtown Bellingham on October 26, 2018 from 5-10 p.m. Bleedingham Film Festival is Saturday and Sunday, October 27 and 28, with multiple showings at Pickford Film Center and the Whatcom Museum Lightcatcher.

Rocky Horror Picture Show at Mount Baker Theatre, Oct. 26, 27, 31, 2018

Slip on the stilettos and gather your props, the classic “Rocky Horror” returns to the Mount Baker Theatre. Get ready for a night of fun, frivolity, and fetish as Bellingham’s boldest actors, including Miss Bette Desire, bring the cult classic’s characters to life in front of the movie screen, while squeaky clean sweethearts Brad and Janet visit a spooky mansion and embark on an adventure they’ll never forget. The movie is rated R, for ages 16 and older. Showings are at 8 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 26, Saturday, Oct. 27 and Wednesday, Oct. 31. Buy tickets and get more details at mountbakertheatre.com

The Nightmare on Railroad, Oct. 26, 27 and 31, 2018

Boundary Bay Brewery and Bellingham Arts Academy for Youth (BAAY),  team up to present The Nightmare On Railroad. On Oct. 26 – 27, and 31, the brewery warehouse and “fear” garden will be transformed into spooky scenes filled with ghosts, ghouls, and surprises at every turn. The Nightmare on Railroad Haunted House will also feature live performances by the BAAY zombie dancers. These three nights of Halloween fun will be all ages from 6 –  9 p.m., and 21+ from 9 – 11 p.m. Entry fee is $5 at the door. All proceeds directly support BAAY’s mission to enrich the lives of children through exploration of the arts.

Fright Fest and Haunt the Park in Ferndale, Oct. 27, 2018

Ferndale’s Downtown Trick-or-Treak and spooky Haunt the Park events both take place on Saturday, Oct. 27. Downtown Trick-or-Treat is from 3 to 5 p.m. The streets are closed to vehicle traffic and more than 50 businesses hand out candy. Then, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. head to Pioneer Park on Cherry Street for Haunt the Park – a frightful view of the historic cabins from the outside, and trick-or-treat the cabin porches. Be sure to visit the Barr Barn for a big scare!

Halloween Hijinks at B-Town Restaurant, Oct. 27, 2018

B-Town Restuarant and Bar inside the Four Points by Sheraton hotel at 714 Lakeway Drive in Bellingham, will host a wicked celebration for ages 21 and over on Saturday, Oct. 27. A Haunted Happy Hour all night long will feature scary deals on drinks and live music by Shannanagans. Enter the costume contest for a chance to win a complementary stay at Four Points, or a B-Town gift certificate.

SemiahBOO Murder Mystery Event, Oct. 28, 2018

Semiahmoo Resort is hosting SemiahBOO on Oct. 28 from 7 – 10 p.m. at the Loomis Trail Golf Club, 4342 Loomis Trail Road in Blaine. The event will have interactive improvisational comedy, mystery, manifestations and mayhem. There will also be a local psychic who will be getting “messages from the beyond.” Sounds scary! Tickets are $60 per person.

The RE Store Presents Trick or Treat in the Fountain District, Oct. 31, 2018

Look for balloons by the front doors of businesses participating in the Fountain District’s first Trick or Treat event from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Halloween. This area in Bellingham is made up of the Columbia, Cornwall Park and Lettered Streets neighborhoods. It is bordered to the south by Girard Street, to the north by W. Illinois Street, to the west by Elm Street, and to the east by Grove Street. Heliotrop Hotel will host a family friendly gathering at 5:30 p.m. to end the evening with apple cider, snacks and fun games.

Trick or Treat in Fairhaven, Oct. 31, 2018

Halloween is a major tradition in Bellingham’s Fairhaven historic district, from 3 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31, attracting thousands of ghosts, goblins, fairies, characters and homemade creations. Most merchants decorate and participate. Look for posters on the windows.

Trick or Treat in Downtown Bellingham, Oct. 31, 2018

The Downtown Bellingham Partnership invites children with their families to Downtown Trick or Treat from 3 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. More than 100 downtown merchants will scare up a delightful array of in-store “treats” for kids dressed in costume. Look for balloons and posters on participating doors and windows to guide you on your journey!

Chuckanut Brewery, Oct. 31, 2018

After the kids finish trick-or-treating head to Chuckanut Brewery & Kitchen, 601 W Holly Street, for $4 beers to anyone in a costume.

Thrillingham, Oct. 31, 2018

Zombies emerge from Maritime Heritage Park in downtown Bellingham from 8 – 10 p.m. on Halloween night to dance to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

For more things to do in Bellingham and Whatcom County, see our full calendar of events.