Halloween is fast approaching and there are tons of spooky and not-so-spooky events for your little ghosts and goblins. Here’s a roundup.
Carkeek Wild Halloween is from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Thursday at the Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center, 950 NW Carkeek Park Rd. For ages 2-3; wear costumes for a little hike. Toddlers will learn about traditionally “scary” Halloween animals that aren’t really scary at all. Free.
Loyal Heights Halloween Carnival is from 6-8 p.m. on Friday, at 2101 NW 77th St. Dress in costume and bring your own goodie bag. Festivities include carnival games, crafts, mini pumpkin decorating, cookie decorating, and cake walk. Game tickets are 50 cents each.
Ballard Monster Mash is from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. NW. Wear your costume and dance to a DJ, make some crafts and eat tasty treats. Cost is $5 at the door, $4 ahead of time (register online at www.seattle.gov/parks using code 89436).
The annual Trick or Treating along Greenwood Avenue is from 12-3 p.m. Saturday. Participating businesses have an orange poster in their window, but most will have someone standing outside giving out candy to the masses. This is a hugely popular event, and there will be hundreds, possibly even thousands, of children walking around the neighborhood, so please be extra careful when driving.
The 3rd annual Halloween on Holman is set for 1-4 p.m. Saturday at Carkeek Plaza. Face painting, prizes, a DJ, and chair massages for weary grown-ups, plus trick-or-treating from neighborhood businesses. Please bring a can or two of food to donate.
Discovery Happy Halloween Hike for ages 2-3 at Discovery Park has two times: 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Saturday, and 10:30-11:45 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 31. Wear your costume for a fun hike; meet at Discovery Park Environmental Learning Center, 3801 Discovery Park Blvd. Free.
The Phinney Neighborhood Association’s 14th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival is set for 6-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 2. It begins with a procession lead by Sound Wave (the Sounders’ band), and continues at the PNA with several performances, sugar skulls, a traditional altar for remembrances, Mexican hot chocolate, face painting, children’s activities by Polly Glot Tots, and more.
The community altar will be dedicated at 6:35 p.m. (Bring in your own items for the alter starting Oct. 31.) At 6:45 p.m., see performance by the students of PCPE, the Phinney Cooperativa Preescolar. Marco Cortes performs at 7 p.m.; Bailadores de Bronce performs at 7:50 p.m.; and the Tlalok Aztec Dancers perform at 8:15 p.m.
“Monarch” poster by Oleana Perry (www.krakenwest.com).
Made Sewing Studio at 8408 Greenwood Ave. N. is open for Halloween costume help from 3-7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Cost is $10 per hour. Made also has a Sewing Ninja Power Hour every Saturday. The three-hour stint is dedicated to making costumes. Cost is $40.
Zillow has named Seattle one of the top 20 best cities for trick or treating, and Phinney Ridge is listed as the number two neighborhood (nearby Loyal Heights is number one.)
And Seattle Police have sent along some helpful safety tips:
- Know your trail: What route will you take? Don’t take short cuts through alleyways, back yards or parks.
- Whose homes will you visit? Advise your parents of your plans.
- Is there an adult going along? If not, tell parents with whom you’ll be. Stay together w/your group and have a plan should someone get lost.
- Only trick or treat at homes with front porch lights on.
- NEVER enter the house or car of a stranger.
- When will you be home? Carry a cell phone & call if you will be late.
- Carry a flashlight or light sticks. It makes it easier to see and shows you where you are going. Reflective tape/material is a good idea to add to your costume.
- Make up is safer than a mask, which can make seeing difficult.
- Drivers have a hard time seeing you at night, so cross the road carefully and stay on main streets/sidewalks. Use crosswalks, and wait for a walk signal. Never cross from between parked cars.
- Be careful of open flames from pumpkins and candles, as they can catch your costume and long wigs on fire.
- Are your shoes safe and comfortable for walking?
- Have your parents check out your candy when you get home before you eat any.
- Greet treaters at the door.
- Remove obstacles from sidewalk, porch and steps.
- Keep a light on, so treaters can see where they are walking.
- Use your peep hole and look outside before opening the door.
- Don’t leave your pet out in the yard on Halloween.
- Be mindful of pets around lit pumpkins.
- Chocolate is poisonous to animals, as is tin foil or candy wrappers.
- Remember you can call 9-1-1 to report suspicious or criminal activity, 24 hours a day.
