Every autumn, St. Helens, Oregon, welcomes visitors to Spirit of Halloweentown. With its historic downtown, riverfront setting, seasonal decorations, and Halloween entertainment, it’s a fun reason to spend a day exploring Columbia County.
Whether you’re visiting from Portland or planning a weekend getaway, here’s a practical guide to the 2026 celebration.
📅 Spirit of Halloweentown 2026 Dates & Hours
The festival takes place on weekends from September 26 through November 1, 2026.
The main event is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Individual attractions, tours, vendors, and performances may have different hours.
2026 Festival Weekends
- September 26–27
- October 3–4
- October 10–11
- October 17–18
- October 24–25
- October 31–November 1
Check the official event calendar before visiting for daily activities and updates.
⭐ Celebrity Guests & Live Entertainment
Meet the Halloweentown Cast
The official entertainment page lists these appearances:
- October 17–18: J. Paul Zimmerman, who played Dylan Piper; Emily Roeske, who played Sophie Piper; and Phillip Van Dyke, who played Luke.
- October 24–25: Judith Hoag, who played Gwen Cromwell Piper.
Celebrity photo opportunities require separate reservations. Check the official ticket page for available packages, times, and pricing before making plans.
Dancing Witches, Performers & Family Activities
The entertainment lineup includes the St. Helens Dancing Witches, comedy and stunt acts, circus performers, roaming entertainers, and pirate demonstrations on selected dates.
Performers vary by day, so check the schedule if there’s a particular act you want to see.
🎃 The Plaza Pumpkin & Evening Lighting
The giant pumpkin is a centerpiece of the celebration and a popular photo stop.
The official calendar lists pumpkin lighting from 8:30 to 9:00 p.m. on festival dates, beginning opening weekend. Check your selected date before planning an evening visit.
👻 Attractions & Tours
Depending on the date and ticket purchased, options include:
- Haunted House: The ticket page describes this attraction as having no live monsters.
- Masonic Building Attractions: Indoor exhibits and themed experiences.
- Boo Bash Pavilion & Harvest Games Zone: Additional festival activities.
- Filming Location Tour: A ride highlighting local movie connections.
- Swan House Tours: Separately ticketed, scheduled tours of the home featured in Twilight.
- Haunted Harbor: A separately ticketed boat excursion departing from St. Helens.
For visitors traveling from Portland, the event website also links to Portland Spirit’s Ghostly Voyage. Confirm departure dates, availability, and package details directly with the cruise operator.
🎟️ Tickets & Free Things to Do
You can enjoy parts of the celebration without purchasing an attraction pass.
- Free access: Explore the town, street vendors, plaza square, and food vendor area. Purchases from individual businesses and vendors are extra.
- Attraction passes: Paid passes cover designated festival activities. Check what’s included for your chosen date.
- Separate reservations: Celebrity photo opportunities, certain tours, boat excursions, and parking have their own ticket options.
- Buy online: The organizer recommends advance online purchases and notes that box-office prices are higher.
Visit the official ticket page for current prices and availability. Attractions and offerings may change.
🚗 Parking & Visitor Tips
Plan Your Parking
The official parking information lists the designated lot at 451 Plymouth Street, St. Helens.
Parking is listed at $25 per vehicle online, plus fees, or $30 onsite. The organizer states that no parking shuttle is required for 2026.
Follow event signs and staff directions. Avoid blocking driveways or parking in unauthorized residential areas.
Allow Extra Time
Arrive early, particularly on busy weekends. Leave time for traffic, parking, walking, and attraction queues.
Dress for Oregon Weather
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring layers and rain protection. Riverfront weather can feel cool, especially after sunset.
🍽️ Where to Eat in St. Helens
Make a meal at a local restaurant part of your Halloweentown visit. From burgers and shakes to rooftop dining, these independent spots give you a taste of St. Helens.
The Farm on the Roof — Comfort Food & River Views
The Farm on the Roof at 31 Cowlitz Street combines rooftop dining with Columbia River views. Its comfort-food offerings include slow-roasted meats and loaded potatoes. Check ahead for seating availability and weather-dependent rooftop arrangements.
Crooked Creek Brewery — Local Beer & Pub Favorites
Crooked Creek Brewery at 343 S. 1st Street serves locally brewed beer alongside seasonal comfort food and pub favorites. Its kitchen offers rotating specials, and the taproom also has nonalcoholic drinks. The riverfront location makes it a convenient stop while exploring downtown.
The Klondike Tavern — Dinner in Historic Downtown
The Klondike Tavern at 71 Cowlitz Street offers Northwest-inspired food and cocktails in a historic downtown setting. Check its special Halloweentown hours and consider making a reservation for a sit-down meal during your visit.
Dari Delish — Burgers, Shakes & Ice Cream
Dari Delish at 1680 Columbia Boulevard is an old-fashioned stop for burgers, fries, hot dogs, shakes, malts, sundaes, and ice cream. It’s outside the riverfront festival area, making it an option before or after the festivities.
Plymouth Pub — Downtown Pub Food
Plymouth Pub at 298 S. 1st Street offers a casual sports-pub atmosphere in the historic downtown district. Menu options include burgers, salads, fish and chips, and steak dinners.
Burrito USA — Family-Owned Mexican Food
Burrito USA at 1955 Columbia Boulevard is a family-owned restaurant serving burritos, tacos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes. It’s another option while exploring St. Helens beyond the festival grounds.
SunShine Pizza — Pizza & Italian Dishes
SunShine Pizza at 2124 Columbia Boulevard serves pizza and Italian dishes in the Houlton district. Contact the restaurant ahead of time if you’re visiting with a larger group.
Before you go: Check current hours, menus, payment options, and dine-in or takeout availability directly with each restaurant. Allow extra time on busy festival weekends.
🏡 Thinking About Calling Columbia County Home?
A festival visit is also a chance to explore St. Helens beyond the attractions. Spend time downtown, visit the riverfront, and get a feel for the community.
I’m Aaron Majors, Oregon Principal Broker with Majors Real Estate, serving Columbia County and the Portland Metro since 2003. If you’re considering buying or selling a home, I’d be happy to talk through your plans.
Contact Aaron Majors to start a conversation.
Event details were checked October 15, 2026. Schedules, prices, appearances, and availability may change. Confirm your plans through the official Spirit of Halloweentown website before traveling.
