A student dressed as Pennywise at North Salem High School’s Halloween event in 2019 (Rachel Alexander/Salem Reporter)
Whether you’re dying to show off your pandemic-themed costume or just need a break from election season, Salem has plenty of options for Halloween celebration this weekend.
Local and state health authorities have recommended Oregonians avoid traditional trick or treating this year because of the potential for crowding on doorsteps or outside homes. The Marion County health department is urging families wanting to celebrate to stay outdoors, avoid congregating in groups and to only celebrate with people they live with.
Events listed below are free unless otherwise noted.
THURSDAY AND FRIDAY
The haunted corn maze at Fordyce Farm, 7023 Sunnyview Rd N.E., will finish the season operating Oct. 29 and 30 from dusk to 9:30 p.m. Thursdays are family nights, where monsters take a break so young kids can walk the maze. Admission $13 per person, with discounts for kids on family night. More information is available on Facebook. The maze is closed on Halloween.
HALLOWEEN
Salem’s Riverfront Carousel is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Halloween, with $1 rides all day. Wear a costume and your mask and enjoy pumpkin carving exhibits, raffles and more. More information is available on Facebook.
Willamette Heritage Center is hosting a drive-thru trick or treat from noon to 5 p.m., with volunteers passing out candy using six-foot poles. Entrance will be off 14th Street S.E., just north of Mill Street, and will follow a one-way path through the parking lot. More information is on the WHC website.
Gilbert House Children’s Museum, 116 Marion St N.E., is hosting a “Gizmo Trick-or-Treat” from 1-3 p.m. Wear a costume and visit the sidewalk around the museum, where candy will be dispensed by catapult, a “ghost zipline” and more.
Two outdoor food cart pods in Salem will have trick or treating options. Carts and cars at the Yard Food Park in northeast Salem, 4106 State St., will be handing out candy from 2-5 p.m.
Beehive Station in south Salem, 1510 Fabry Rd S.E., will hold a Halloween celebration from 2-5 p.m., with a magic show at 2, costume contest at 3 and trick or treating from 3-5 p.m.
Families of all ages can enjoy drive-in fireworks at Volcanoes Stadium in Keizer Halloween night. The show starts at 8:30 p.m., with gates opening at 7 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance online. A $20 admission covers a car of up to 8 people, and space is limited. More information and ticket sales on the Volcanoes website.
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Contact reporter Rachel Alexander: [email protected] or 503-575-1241.
Rachel Alexander is Salem Reporter’s managing editor. She joined Salem Reporter when it was founded in 2018 and covers city news, education, nonprofits and a little bit of everything else. She’s been a journalist in Oregon and Washington for a decade. Outside of work, she’s a skater and board member with Salem’s Cherry City Roller Derby and can often be found with her nose buried in a book.
