October in the South Sound brings the start of a cozy drizzle, lots of stunning fall foliage, mouthwatering farm-to-table autumnal harvest, and of course, a host of Halloween hoopla to enjoy! But where to start, you might ask? If you’re fortunate enough to find yourself in Pierce County for the fun of All Hallow’s Eve, check out our 2026 family-friendly guide of can’t-miss amusement for ghouls, ghosts, and witches of all ages. No tricks, and plenty of treats!

 

U-Pick Fall Fun

u-pick farms pumpkins
 

Puyallup is home to the best of the South Sound’s farm-to-table offerings, and come fall, it also features a large host of pumpkin patches to choose from. If your recent “pumpkin patches near me” Google search felt a bit overwhelming, not to fear! We’re breaking down the best patches including activities and food offerings perfect for the whole family.

For food vendors, photo ops, a corn maze, and a massive pumpkin patch, you can’t miss a stop at Kutson Farms, Picha Farms, and Spooner Farms to start. For festivities taken to the extreme, you can’t miss the awe-inspiring attractions at Maris Farms including a five-acre corn maze and patch to explore (we said extreme after all!), wagon rides, tube slides, and … ziplining?! Yes, in Pierce County you can pick a pumpkin AND zipline on the same day. Want more? Check out this full breakdown of our favorite patches for your pumpkin-obsessed pleasure.

If you’ve decided to opt for a pumpkin from the supermarket this season and spring on a fresh-picked apple adventure instead, look no further than the Curran Apple Orchard. In a state world-renowned for its apple crop, this u-pick community garden is a gem of the South Sound. Offering families the opportunity to either adopt a tree for the season (and save all those red delicious for yourselves!) or just find your favorites on your next fall stroll, the orchard is definitely worth a checkbox on your autumn bucket list.


 

Spooky Spots

point defiance zoo halloween

Serious thrill-seekers should check out our full list of haunted houses and scenes in Pierce County, which is generally recommended for kids 12 and up. For an experience much lighter on the scare factor, we recommend Zoo Boo at the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium where kids can dress up as their favorite zoo creatures, watch the animals enjoy fall treats, and even observe as divers carve pumpkins underwater in the Northwest Waters exhibit.

For a full guide to haunting experiences in the South Sound check out our 3 day itinerary which includes meals, lodging, and activity recommendations perfect for taking in all of the fall fun!

 

Family Friendly Events

fall halloween family events

Fortunately for our October visitors, there are plenty of family-friendly Halloween-themed events ready to show you a spooktacular time. 

Tacoma

  • The 5th Annual Harvest Market - October 10, 2026

    • Join a fun and festive evening in support of Collins Elementary School! Featuring over 60 vendors and food trucks, plus craft activities for the kiddos and a plethora of door prizes, this will be fun for the whole family!

  • 3rd Annual Tacoma Halloween Parade - October 17, 2026

    • Mark your calendars because the annual Tacoma Halloween Parade is being organized to take place along North Proctor between 26th and 28th streets from 4 P.M. - 9 P.M. A spooky street fair will open at 4 P.M. The parade will be free and fun for all ages, beginning at 7 P.M.!

  • Haunted Farmers Market - October 11, 17, 25, 2026

    • The Haunted Farmer’s Market in South Tacoma features 60 to 100 vendors with haunted-themed fares such as taxidermy, crystals, tarot card readings, and of course some delicious food trucks. Perfect to get the whole family into the spirit of the season.

  • Trunk-or-Treat at LeMay - America's Car Museum - October 31, 2026

    • Get ready for a spooktacular time at LeMay - America's Car Museum's Trunk or Treat event! Bring the family and enjoy a unique Halloween experience surrounded by classic cars.

 

Parkland

 

  • Haunted Market at Historic Parkland School - October 17, 2026

    • Shop ‘til you drop with the whole family at a Haunted Market at the Parkland Community Center featuring over 60 vendors and costumed attendees offering delicious free samples, raffles, a bake sale, food trucks, and more!

 

Puyallup

 

  • Washington State Horror Con - October 23-25, 2026

    • Horror movie fanatics rejoice! Don’t miss this year’s Horror Convention at the Washington State Fairgrounds offering opportunities to hear from big names in the horror movie business, enjoy fares from local vendors, and much more! 

  • Haunted Hustle - October 31, 2026

    • For the family of fitness fanatics looking to get into the Halloween spirit, consider registering for the costume-themed 5K & 10K run/walk event kicking off in Puyallup.

  • Free Family Halloween Party - October 26, 2026

    • Bring the whole family for an afternoon of candy, snacks, crafts, and trick-or-treating at the Fruitland Grange event space in Puyallup. The best part? Completely free for all!

  • Boo-Allup in Puyallup - October 31, 2026

    • The Puyallup Main Street Association hosts an annual trick-or-treating event for all ages, complete with entertainment and dozens of participating local businesses. 

 

Lakewood

 

  • All Hallow’s Eve at Lakewold Gardens - October 17-18, 24-25, 2026

    • Explore Lakewold Gardens after hours from 6 P.M. - 9 P.M. and engage in some spooky fun for the whole family - are you brave enough to face the Lakewold monster? Time to find out!

  • Trick-or-Treat Scavanger Hunt at Lakewold - October 31, 2026

    • Families can have fun within the Lakewold Gardens hunting for hidden ravens while trick-or-treating! For every raven you find, you get a treat. Free for all, no tricks here!

 

Gig Harbor

 

  • Scarecrow Festival - October 3, 2025

    • The annual Scarecrow Festival returns to Sehmel Homestead Park for another day full of fall family fun! Celebrate the season with autumn favorites like the pumpkin launcher, petting zoo, vendor market, live entertainment, and the Scarecrow contest. This free event is sure to delight all ages, so bring the whole family

  • All Hallows' Eve at Gateway Park - October 24, 2026

    • Visit Gateway Park with the family for an evening of Halloween and harvest fun and games you won’t want to miss.

  • Monster Mash Bash - October 30, 2026

    • Break out your best costume and bring the kids for an evening of indoor trick-or-treating, community booths, free kid’s activities, music, games, treats for purchase and more. The event is hosted inside the PenMet Parks Recreation Center and is FREE.

  • Trick-or-Treat in the Harbor - October 31, 2025

    • Bring out the whole family to trick-or-treat along the historic Gig Harbor waterfront, a perfect way to spend the afternoon and celebrate the spirit of Halloween. Treats assured - and perhaps some tricks too!

Did we forget any can’t miss Halloween moments? Tag us on Instagram or Facebook @visittacomapiercecounty!