Happy Halloweekend! Halloween lands on a Saturday this year, so there are plenty of fun events to entice you outside. The scariest part of the weekend? Clocks fall back an hour across most of the country early Sunday, bringing earlier sunsets. Better get those outdoor adventures started early. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to wear your costume or you’d rather avoid the ghosts and goblins, here are 10 things to do across the country.
- Pacific NorthwestTrolloweenSeattle, Wash.
- CaliforniaWitches PaddleSanta Barbara, Calif.
- Mountain WestHike or TreatPine, Colo.
- SouthwestDía de los MuertosAlbuquerque, N.M.
- MidwestHaunted Halsted Halloween Fest & ParadeChicago, Ill.
- Gulf CoastBFM 5K on the RunwayMobile, Ala.
- SoutheastBear-Varian Fall FestivalGatlinburg, Tenn.
- NortheastTCS New York City MarathonNew York, N.Y.
- HawaiiRace for Rescue 5KHonolulu, Hawaii
- AlaskaBald eagle viewing at Chilkat RiverHaines, Alaska
Pacific Northwest: Celebrate the Fremont Troll’s birthday
What it is: Trolloween, the Fremont Troll’s birthday party. The famous 18-foot concrete troll has lurked under Seattle’s Aurora Bridge since 1990, clutching a Volkswagen Beetle in one hand. On Halloween, the crowd gathers at its feet for live music and a theatrical pageant, then parades through the neighborhood in the annual Haunt of Fremont.
Why this weekend: The party only happens on Halloween, and this year that’s Saturday night. Come in costume!
Know before you go: It’s free and open to all ages. Meet at the troll at North 36th Street and Troll Avenue North by 7 p.m. Consider biking or taking public transportation.
California: Paddle Santa Barbara Harbor at the Witches Paddle
What it is: The Witches Paddle at Santa Barbara Harbor, where costumed paddlers take to the water on Halloween morning. Bring your cape and best witch hat. All ages are welcome.
Why this weekend: It’s a Halloween-only tradition, and it happens Saturday morning, so you can get your time on the water before the evening’s festivities. There are giveaways and prizes for the best-dressed paddlers.
Know before you go: Check in at the Paddle Sports Center between 10 and 11 a.m. Saturday; the paddle starts at 11 a.m. Registration costs $35 and includes a watercraft, paddle and personal flotation device. You can also bring your own gear. Space is limited, so register ahead.
Mountain West: Hike or treat at Staunton State Park
What it is: Hike or Treat at Staunton State Park in Pine, Colorado. Collect treats at various stations along a costume-friendly walk around the park’s Davis Ponds Loop.
Why this weekend: Get a head start on trick-or-treating with a costume hike before the evening festivities.
Know before you go: It runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31. A valid park pass is required for vehicle entry.
Southwest: Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque
What it is: Día de los Muertos in Old Town Albuquerque, a celebration honoring loved ones who have died. Walk the Marigold Mile, strung with thousands of orange and yellow flowers, and explore ofrendas — memorial altars — tucked into patios and courtyards.
Why this weekend: On Sunday, Nov. 1, Old Town Plaza becomes Plaza de los Recuerdos. For two nights, through Nov. 2, community members adorn the plaza with altars honoring their loved ones.
Know before you go: Admission is free. Check Old Town’s event schedule for daily activities and times.
Midwest: Join the Halloween parade down Halsted Street
What it is: The Haunted Halsted Halloween Fest & Parade in Chicago’s Northalsted neighborhood, with fire shows, marching bands and a costume contest.
Why this weekend: It’s held on Halloween, with daytime festivities leading into the evening parade.
Know before you go: The parade starts at 7 p.m. Saturday. Watching is free; the costume contest costs $5 per person to enter. Contestants should register ahead and collect their number before 6 p.m.
Gulf Coast: Run a 5K down the runway in Mobile
What it is: The BFM 5K on the Runway at Mobile International Airport in Alabama, a chance to race on an actual runway. There’s also a 1-mile fun run if that’s more your speed. Proceeds benefit the Mobile Airport Authority Foundation, which supports local charities and scholarships.
Why this weekend: Organizers moved the race from early October to Saturday, Oct. 31, because of forecasted weather.
Know before you go: Online registration closes early Friday, Oct. 30. After that, register in person at packet pickup or before the race. Race-day registration and bib pickup begin at 7 a.m. Saturday, followed by the 5K at 8 a.m. and the fun run at 9 a.m.
Southeast: Catch the last weekend of Bavarian fall in the Smokies
What it is: The Bear-Varian Fall Festival at Anakeesta, the mountaintop park above Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Black Bear Village goes Bavarian with polka music, beer tastings, pretzels and live entertainment.
Why this weekend: It’s the festival’s last weekend, ending Sunday, Nov. 1. Ride the gondola and climb the observation tower for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and fall foliage.
Know before you go: Park admission is required, but there’s no separate festival ticket. Guests 21 and older can add a beer tasting card for $22.99.
Northeast: Cheer on thousands at the New York City Marathon
What it is: The TCS New York City Marathon, a 26.2-mile race through all five boroughs, from Staten Island to the finish in Central Park. This year is the 50th anniversary of the five-borough course.
Why this weekend: The race takes place Sunday, Nov. 1, with nearly 60,000 runners expected.
Know before you go: Watching along most of the course is free, though finish-line grandstand seating requires tickets. Use the subway to move between viewing spots, and plan around street closures. Fourth Avenue in Brooklyn is one of the first big cheering spots, and Vernon Boulevard in Long Island City is another. Follow officials’ directions when crossing the course.
Hawaii: Hike or run a trail 5K for Oahu’s search and rescue team
What it is: The Race for Rescue 5K, a fundraiser for Oahu Search and Rescue, which helps lost and injured hikers. Run or walk the trail course on the scenic slopes of Kaiwi Mauka, near Hawaii Kai. Costumes are encouraged.
Why this weekend: The in-person race happens Saturday, Oct. 31. Your entry helps fund rescue equipment, insurance and safety education. A virtual option can be completed anywhere through Saturday.
Know before you go: The race starts at 8:30 a.m. Registration costs $40 plus a $4.76 signup fee. Parking is available at Hawaii Kai Country Club, and the course is not stroller-friendly.
Alaska: Watch for bald eagles along the Chilkat River
What it is: The seasonal bald eagle gathering at the Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, near Haines. Eagles congregate along the Chilkat River to feed on a late salmon run, with numbers sometimes reaching several thousand during the fall gathering.
Why this weekend: Late October brings a chance to watch the gathering build ahead of the Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, whose main celebration runs Nov. 6-8. Bird numbers vary with weather, river conditions and the salmon run, so this weekend may precede the peak.
Know before you go: Use designated viewing pullouts along the Haines Highway, including those between miles 18 and 21. Stay in established viewing areas, keep clear of highway traffic and give the birds room to feed.