5 Must-Attend Portland Halloween Carnivals

PORTLAND, OR- The Halloween season is upon us, and Portland is gearing up for all of the tricks and treats that come with it. The Portland Patch shares with its readers a list of five Halloween carnivals hosted by Portland Parks and Recreation in celebration of the spookiest month of the year.

1. Monster Mash at Peninsula Park Community Center: A family event open to all ages, taking place Friday, Oct. 21 from 6-8 p.m. Attendees are invited to wear costumes while enjoying pizza, games, crafts and music. The cost is free to attend. Peninsula Park is located at 700 N. Rosa Parks Way. Contact (503) 823-3620 for further information.
2. Monster Mash at Southwest Community Center: Calling all monsters! Families are invited to wear costumes and enjoy carnival games on Saturday, Oct. 22 with crafts, food and a costume contest open to all ages. Advance registration is required. Tickets are $12 for the first child and $6 for every additional child. Parents and children younger than 11 months enter free of charge. Registration on the day of the event adds $2. There are two available event times: 4-6 p.m. and 6:30-8:30 p.m. Individuals that register in advance are admitted first, and walk-ins are welcome if there is capacity. The center is located at 6820 SW 45th Ave. Contact (503) 823-2840 for additional detail.
3. Costume Carnival at East Portland Community Center: This family-oriented event will be held Saturday, Oct. 22 from 5-7:30 p.m. at 740 SE 106th Ave. The carnival is appropriate for preschool and grade school ages with an adult. Attendees will enjoy an evening of carnival games, face painting and crafts, with an invitation to dress in costume, and are encouraged to bring two cans of food for the Oregon Food Bank to receive a family pack of four tickets. Tickets are othrewise four for $1 or $5 for an unlimited games bracelet. Contact (503) 823-3450 for more information.
4. Halloween Spooktacular at Sellwood Community Center: Monday, Oct. 24 from 6:30-8 p.m., Portland residents can participate in a Halloween carnival and cafe, where burgers, hot dog and other treats are to be served. Games, activities and prizes add to the fun. Attendees that bring two cans of food will receive four game tickets. Participants may otherwise purchase additional tickets at four for $1. The center is located at 1436 SE Spokane St. Contact (503) 823-3195 for further details.
5. Hillside Halloween Carnival at Hillside Community Center: The family event takes place at 653 NW Culpepper Terr. and is set to feature carnival games, crafts and face painting. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes during the celebration, which will be held Wednesday, Oct. 26 from 6-8 p.m. The cost to attend is $5 per child or $10 per family, plus the price of tickets at four for $1. Participants may bring two cans of food for the Sunshine Division and will, in turn, receive four tickets with a maximum of four free tickets per child. Tickets are available for purchase at the door or in advance, beginning Oct. 19. Call (503) 823-3181 for more information.

The fun doesn't stop there! Portland's Parks and Recreation Department offers two bonus events to tie up the holiday weekend:

• Halloween Carnival and Family Fun Night at Mt. Scott Community Center: Held Saturday, Oct. 29 from 6-8 p.m. at 77 NE Knott St., admission is $3 per person for ages 3 and older. Attendees who bring canned and dry food donations for a local food pantry with earn a $1 discount for every two cans. Activities will include a family swim, cake walk, bingo, roller skating, crafts and an inflatable bounce house. Call (503) 823-3673 for additional information.
• Harvest Hoopla at Charles Jordan Community Center: Members of the Portland community are invited to a harvest-themed night of fun with crafts and carnival games. Residents are also invited to wear costumes. The event, free to attend, is open to families and children of all ages and will be held 6-8 p.m. at 9009 N. Foss Ave. Contact (503) 823-3631 for further details.

Further information about Portland Parks and Recreation is available through the department website, its Facebook page or through contacting (503) 823-5379.

Photos courtesy of Portland Parks & Recreation