Free and cheap Halloween events around Puget Sound (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)

Our list of free and cheap Halloween events includes fun things to do for kids, families, teens, and adults in Seattle and around the Puget Sound region. From daytime family fun to night time adult entertainment, there’s a little something for everyone.

History of Halloween traditions

The meaning of Halloween stems from several cultures and traditions, which have morphed and changed over time.

Catholic and some other Christian religions honor saints and martyrs on All Saints Day, which is celebrated every November 1. Halloween or “All-Hallows’-Eve” is therefore the night before All Saints Day—”hallows” being a saint or holy person. The souls of the dearly departed are honored the next day on All Souls Day, November 2. Traditions include special prayers, visiting cemeteries, and giving donations to the poor. An older custom gave “Soul Cakes” to the poor in exchange for prayers for the departed…perhaps an early version of “trick or treat”? There seems to be no singular recipe for soul cakes. Some customs fry donuts in the shape of a ring, symbolizing eternity. There are similar traditions for honoring departed loved ones in other cultures.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a Mexican tradition observed every year from October 31 to November 2. Traditions include home altars adorned with marigold flowers to honor deceased loved ones, decorated skulls made from sugar, and specialty breads (usually sweetened, but recipes vary from one locale to another). Visiting cemeteries to decorate graves is also customary.

Although Japanese Buddhist Bon-Odori is a summer festival, this tradition also honors the spirits of one’s ancestors. Families usually hold a special reunion to visit and tend to their ancestors’ graves. The spirits of their ancestors are also said to visit the household altar setup during Bon-Odori.

Halloween costume ideas

Our Halloween costume page includes history of Halloween traditions, 100+ costume and make-up ideas, plus a list of places to pull together the most scary or fantastical costume without spending a lot of money.

Pumpkin decorating

Where to find u-pick pumpkin patches and farm stands. On this page, you’ll find some interesting background on the tradition of Jack-O-Lanterns, a looong list of locations for u-pick pumpkins and farm stands, plus instructions for How to carve a pumpkin and links to Pumpkin Carving Templates, Patterns & Stencils, and No-Carve Pumpkin Decorating Ideas.

Haunted houses and corn mazes

Halloween haunted houses and spooky tours in the Puget Sound region (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Our list of haunted Halloween attractions are primarily intended for adults and teens. Most are very scary. Some are indoors (usually unheated buildings), some are outdoors, and some are a mix. If you are going for the first time or what to try something scarier this year, be sure to read our tips and recommendations.
All the corn mazes (scary and friendly) in the Seattle-Tacoma metro area (greaterseattleonthecheap.com). Corn mazes are popular Halloween outings for many families. Many corn mazes are family-friendly, but some are scary and creepy, and some are frightening. Choose with care!

Halloween family fun

Cities and parks departments around the region host Halloween-themed events and fall festivals for families. Many are free; some have nominal charge. We list many events on our calendar (scroll down for list). Or you can visit their websites directly to see what’s up and coming:

Seattle Parks and Recreation events calendar (seattle.gov)
West Seattle Blog (westseattleblog.com) includes Delridge and White Center on the West Seattle event calendar (westseattleblog.com).
Bellevue Halloween Guide (bellevue.com) lists trick-or-treat and other holiday events and happenin’s on the eastside.
Tacoma Metro Parks community centers (metroparkstacoma.org in the south Sound are locations for affordable Events for Halloween.
Everett Events (everettwa.gov) lists trick-or-treat and other community events for Halloween and throughout the year.

Halloween cookies – DepositPhotos.com

2024 Halloween events around Puget Sound

Free and cheap Halloween events and things to do during the month of October. We add events beginning in early fall leading up to October 31.

Featured Events are listed first each day, highlighted by a photo. These are unique, popular, or annual events that we or our advertisers don’t want you to overlook.