Although it’s hard to pick a favorite season in Central Oregon, fall sometimes feels like a best-kept secret for many locals. There are so many ways to celebrate autumn and Halloween in Central Oregon, and here are a few of our favorites.
Smith Rock Ranch
More than 20 years ago, the Lisignoli family moved to a historic, but neglected, farmstead in Terrebonne with the vision of growing a pumpkin patch. Today, visiting Smith Rock Ranch is an annual tradition for many Central Oregon families. What started as a pumpkin patch has grown into a fall wonderland with many fun activities including a corn maze, horse-drawn wagon rides, petting zoo, train ride, shooting gallery, pony rides, face painting and harvest market. Some activities are free and others require tokens, like the super fun pumpkin cannon that brings out the kid in everyone.
DD Ranch
Also located in Terrebonne, the DD Ranch specializes in raising grass-fed beef and lamb, and heritage-breed pork. A favorite destination of local schools for fall field trips, the DD Ranch has a u-pick pumpkin patch, hayrides, petting zoo, pony rides, train rides, cowboy arcade and live music. Local vendors selling food and artisan goods add to the festive atmosphere, and the Country Market is a great place to shop for locally raised meats, eggs from free-range hens and raw honey from happy bees. You can also join their Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
Schillings’ Garden Market
Located on Old Bend Redmond Highway, Schilling’s Garden Market is a year-round boutique plant nursery that takes on a special fall feeling when its pumpkin patch is on full, colorful display. In addition to many varieties of decorative and edible pumpkins and squash, Schilling’s has a farm stand with seasonal Oregon favorites including apples, cider, popping corn, pumpkin butter and sausage. They also have ornamental cabbage and kale, corn stalks and other natural decor for a festive porch. Schilling’s is home to donkeys, goats and chickens, and this year have added a hay maze for littles.
Old Mill District Halloween Party
The free, family-friendly Halloween Party in the Old Mill District on October 31 from 4 to 7 p.m. features trick-or-treating, a pet costume contest, photo stations, Dia de los Muertos activities, art projects and more under the iconic smokestacks.
Children’s Trick or Treat in Downtown Bend
Many Downtown Bend businesses will be providing treats on October 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. for children. You can see a list of participating businesses for trick-or-treating here, as well as a schedule of adult events and photos from last year.
Sisters Halloween Parade
Young ghosts and goblins ages 1-10 are invited to show off their costumes while trick-or-treating in Downtown Sisters on Monday, October 31, from 3 to 5 p.m. Canned food donations are suggested, costumes are required and all kids must be accompanied by an adult. There will also be a Halloween Parade from 3:30 to 5 p.m. (with the last group leaving at 4:30 p.m.), and pre-registration with Sisters Park and Recreation District is required.
Bend Witches Paddle
For a uniquely Bend way to celebrate Halloween, costumed witches leave behind their brooms for paddle boards and kayaks to raise money for the Mountain Star Relief Nursery on October 31 from 4 to 6 p.m. If you’re not paddling on the Deschutes River through the Old Mill District to help raise money, there are many spots along the river—including the flag bridge—to watch the Bend Witches Paddle.
Spooky Poetry Slam
Local bookstore Roundabout Books will be celebrating its 7th Anniversary with treats, cider and freebies from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on October 31, and costumes are encouraged. Then, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Roundabout is partnering with Oregon State University Cascades for a Spooky Poetry Slam featuring dark, gothic and macabre poetry.
Happy Fall!
—Greg
