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.
DD Ranch
Also located in Terrebonne, the DD Ranch specializes in raising grass-fed beef and lamb, and heritage-breed pork. A favorite destination 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.
Schillings’ Garden Market
Located on Old Bend Redmond Highway, Schillings’ 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, Schillings’ has a farm stand with high quality fruits, vegetables, dry goods and meats. They also have a large selection of bulbs ready to plant now and enjoy this spring.
Old Mill District Halloween Party
The family-friendly Halloween Party in the Old Mill District is back this year after a two-year hiatus. On Monday, October 31, from 4 to 7 p.m., enjoy trick-or-treating at businesses throughout the Old Mill, a pet costume contest, live reptiles and more under the iconic smokestacks.
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 3:30 to 5 p.m. Canned food donations are suggested, costumes are required and all kids must be accompanied by an adult. Preregister for the Sisters Halloween Parade here.
Children’s Trick or Treat in Downtown Bend
Many Downtown Bend businesses will be providing treats on Monday, 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.
Bend Witches Paddle
For a uniquely Bend way to celebrate Halloween, costumed witches leave behind brooms for paddle boards and kayaks to raise money for the Mountain Star Relief Nursery on October 31 from 3 to 5 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
If you’re looking for another unique way to celebrate Halloween, join Oregon State University Cascades at Roundabout Books for a Spooky Poetry Slam on Sunday, October 30, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. You can RSVP for this free event at this independent bookstore in NorthWest Crossing.
Happy Fall!
—Greg
