The month of October gives us beautiful autumn days and long, dark nights — so commence ghostly decorations, cozy clothing, warm drinks, comfort food and anything spooky. Whether you’re a day tripper or nocturnal creature, Eugene has places to go out to. The best way to enjoy spooky season is with seasonal treats, haunted houses, corn mazes, pumpkin patches and Halloween preparation.
Mad Batters
This Alice in Wonderland inspired bakery is a must to check out because of its kooky and comfortable atmosphere. The owner thrifted and hand painted furniture to decorate the shop like you’re about to have a tea party with the Mad Hatter. Pastries,], chocolates and cookies are made from scratch in the kitchen downstairs. The full espresso bar upstairs offers locally roasted coffee and tea to go along with a baked good. During October, the shop will be doused in Halloween decorations as well as offer a skeleton inspired treat.
Address:
777 River Ave, Eugene OR 97404
Hours:
Monday through Friday from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M
Saturday from 9:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M.
Spirit Halloween
‘Tis the season for Halloween stores to pop up in our area. Spirit Halloween has anything you need for the 31st holiday like decorations, costumes, make-up and knick-knacks. Spirit Halloween is a one-stop-shop for all things spooky. Shopping there can be spendy, but if you google ‘Spirit Halloween coupons’ there’s a chance you’ll find a 10% to 20% discount in-store or online.
Address:
293 Valley River Center, Eugene OR 97401 – former Forever 21
Hours:
Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 9 P.M.
Sunday from 11 A.M. to 7 P.M.
Halloween at Goodwill Retail Stores
Sometimes the best costumes cost the least, and thrifting is a good way to avoid spending too much money on Halloween. Goodwill offers a section of gently used costumes throughout October or get creative and put a costume together with whatever you can find while hunting through the racks.
Addresses:
855 Seneca Rd Building 3, Eugene, OR 97402
1010 Green Acres Rd A, Eugene, OR 97408
Hours:
Monday through Saturday from 9 A.M. to 9 P.M.
Sunday from 9 A.M. to 8 P.M.
Johnson Farms Pumpkin Patch and Haunted Maze
What is a classic autumn experience without going to the pumpkin patch? Use an afternoon to take a hayride and pick out a pumpkin to carve. There is a chance of capturing golden lighting and landscapes for pictures out in the patch. Back at the storefront, while you’re waiting in line to weigh your pumpkin, you’ll be tempted to shop the fresh squash, corn and other produce grown by the farm.
The farm is hosting an interactive haunted maze. Johnson Farms will be turning in their family friendliness for scary as soon as night falls. Tickets can be purchased there for $18. The outdoor event runs every weekend from 7:30 P.M. to 11:30 P.M. in October until Halloween, so find a night to run around with characters from The Conjuring and IT for a spooky experience.
Address:
89733 Armitage Rd, Eugene OR 97408
Regular farm hours:
Monday through Saturday from 10 A.M. to 6 P.M.
Sunday from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.
Haunted farm hours:
Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 P.M. to11:30 P.M.
Equiano Tasting Room
In between the muddiness of fall there are still sunny days to enjoy. When it’s time to enjoy the crisp air Equiano has a warm drink and open seating to help. This local coffee roaster offers blends from Colombia, Brazil, Guatemala, Vietnam and Cameroon. The outdoor seating behind the shop is the perfect place to sit and chill in the autumn atmosphere. Even if it does rain there is a covered area to stay dry under while you sip your drink.
Address:
300 Blair Blvd, Eugene, OR 97402
Hours:
Monday through Saturday 8 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Sunday 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
Eugene Science Center Laser Show
The Science Center will be hosting festive laser shows every other weekend starting October 4th. Tickets can be purchased for $7 to watch an hour of vibrant lights dancing to spooky tunes depending on what time you can make it.
7 p.m. – Halloween Laser Spooktacular show inspired by Halloween classics like Monster Mash and Ghostbusters.
8 p.m. – Laser Stranger Things show that features an hour of lasers dancing to 80’s music and soundscapes inspired by the show.
9 p.m. – Laser Floyd show is their classic light show that features lasers moving to music from Pink Floyd’s album The Wall.
Address:
2300 Leo Harris Pkwy, Eugene OR 97401
Regular hours:
Tuesday through Sunday 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.
Harry Potter Corn Maze
If you have the resources to drive about 20 minutes from campus; Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm will be hosting a Harry Potter themed corn maze on Friday and Saturday nights starting October 4th. Participants are encouraged to dress up like wizards, play Hogwart themed games and drink a free glass of butterbeer at the Farm store. Adult tickets can be purchased there for $10 a piece.
Address:
36777 Wheeler Rd, Pleasant Hill, OR 97455
Hours:
Fridays and Saturdays throughout the month of October from 7 P.M. to 10 P.M.
Find out about more Halloween events happening during October on the Oregon Haunted Houses website: https://www.oregonhauntedhouses.com/halloween-attractions
