Spirit of Halloweentown: An Oregon Halloween town on the Columbia River with a month-long Halloween themed festival celebration! Located in the Pacific Northwest city of St. Helens where Halloweentown 
(Amazon Double Feature), the Disney movie was actually filmed.
2020 Information (Going on Now)
Be ready for October 2020 here in St Helens, Oregon.
Everything is going as planned for Halloweentown this year!
Yes, that’s right. They have not backed down during the Covid-19 Pandemic and their website says they are going on as scheduled.
Ticket Prices
But there is an important update!
You must buy tickets this year.
That’s right. In the name of safety comes profit.
Large profits. Check out these ticket prices.
Dates September 26 – November 1, 2020
Not a single mention of lockdowns, SARS, safety precautions, anything. Because it is Halloween, everyone will be wearing masks already!
And because when you charge so much, not many people will show up.
Halloweentown Location
Courthouse Plaza at The Historic Riverfront District
275 Strand Street, St. Helens, OR (map)
Parking Cost:
Parking is a little confusing this year.
I guess because of the high ticket price, it is included? Maybe they don’t expect many people because there is no mention of shuttle or overflow parking lots.
451 Plymouth Street, St. Helens, OR 97051
Don’t forget to wear your Halloween Costume
Yes, everyone dresses up for Halloweentown and it’s always fun to show off your costume.
Here are our top picks for this years Halloween Costumes avilable from Amazon!
Hotel Options
You do not have many options for local lodging in this small town of St. Helens. Here are the few recommended options that will be sold out fast.
Be sure to call because opperations may be different with the “current situation”.
- Best Western Oak Meadows Inn (503) 397-3000
- Motel 6 at Village Inn Restaurant (503) 397-1490
- Deer Island Manor Site
- Nobb Hill B&B Site
- AirBnB
Whatever you do, don’t stay in Portland! You may end up wanting to move there but we can give you 47 reasons not to move to Portland.
Nestled away on the beautiful Columbia River in the Northwest quadrant of Oregon, just 30 miles outside of Portland, you will find Halloweentown for the entire month of October. Yes, that’s right, a town that celebrates Halloween all month long! The actual name of the city is St. Helens, Oregon. It is located on Highway 30 in Columbia County in the Columbia Gorge. This area is so beautiful, it is worth the drive alone. It is located between Portland and the coast, so if you wanted to make a beach day out of the trip, you could stay in a local hotel overnight.
Do you have all of these earthquake survival supplies?
The events take place every weekend in October at the Courthouse Plaza in the Historic Riverfront District. It’s quite epic for a small Oregon town.
Photo Credit Facebook
Spirit of Halloweentown Events and Attractions
These events are listed in no particular order. You must check the official Columbia County schedule for actual times and dates. Also, note that these are not all free events. This information is also provided for you on the official documentation.
- Lighting of the Great Pumpkin
- Bonfires
- Costume contests for humans and pets
- Parades
- Live music
- Street performances
- Haunted tours
- Pumpkin patch
- Treasure hunts
- Pumpkin carving contest
- Pony rides
- Happy hours for adults
- Paranormal convention
- Tractor Rides
- Family Fun
- Pumpkin Patch
- Hot Rod Hearse Rally
- Ghost talks
- Tarot card readings
- Face painting
- Celebrity meet and photo ops
- Giant scarecrows
- Lots of local food vendors
- And much more!
Check out these Halloween Address Labels! And tons of other custom printed labels.
Be prepared to see a lot of great Halloween costumes, pumpkin carvings, spooky decorations, creative local businesses, and more! Many great photo ops, street performances, treasure hunts, and more. An enjoyable weekend packed full of family fun in Halloween Town, St. Helens, Oregon.
How did Halloweentown Start?
It all goes back to 1997 when a Disney film crew showed up to the Oregon city of St. Helens to film a cult classic by the name of Halloweentown. The locals really got into the spirit of the set and decided to do a Halloween themed month-long celebration every year from then on out. Now the town transforms into a month-long festival annually for kids and families from all around. They expect up to 10,000 people on a peak night in the month of October.
Is Halloweentown Free?
No. Not anymore. For one, nothing is free, and you know that. Due to “safety concerns”, they will charge you top dollar.
Watch the video! It’s a great place for the kids and family!
Please check out our Day Hike Equipment Guide.
Sgt says
ABSOLUTELY NOT worth $45. The people at the “gate” were a polite sort of curt attitude. Not sure if it is because they were having to support the cost or the masks, but I would NOT go back even if free, again. There were maybe 10 vendors. I expected more than that. Of course, if they are charging us so much, how much are they charging the vendors to be there? Bless the actors from the cast who attended, though I did not see them.
Laura says
I was saddened to see the high prices this year!! We drove through town 2 yrs ago, but it was over. Just the Town Square decorations were still displayed.
We had really been looking forward to a visit This week before Halloween! Now, after reading the comments, “NO WAY”! Too bad the planners of this fun event ruined it for so many people that just wanted a bit of FUN during this horrible pandemic! 😢🥵. Extreme pricing is NOT the way to draw visitors. It has been FREE in the past!!
Alaina Ruszkowski says
Can you at least go see the big jack o lantern for free?
Crystal Collins says
I agree! I’m literally crying! Halloweentown is a tradition in our family and now we can’t go due to the cost!😭 The economy is so bad and I feel saddened that people made this go away as well for my babies!😢
Cammi says
Was excited to go for the first time with my family then saw the prices. Knew this used to be free. Cannot believe they would even try to charge this much in Oregon. Completely greedy, Disgusting.
Don’t waste your money there.
Chuck osckle says
We were on our way tonight, found out how much it costs to walk through town, guess we’re just going to Sauvies Island for the corn maze instead!
Michael B says
This is a joke. I put on my Halloween Town shirt and hat and was looking forward to driving an hour up to support the vendors, hang out with the kids and have a nice evening in a place with a wicked aesthetic during my favorite time of year. Most importantly, I wanted to grab a new hat, since my Halloween Town hat is my daily hat and has become faded. Looks like I’m going to have to dye my old one or keep wearing my faded old hat, because with admission like this, we’re off to a local pumpkin patch instead. Severely disappointed. I’m sure the locals are equally, if not more disappointed. Greedy people ruin everything. And I spent nearly as much anyways last year at vendors as the admission for the 2 adults and 3 kids. Boo (and not the good, spooky kind).
Brenda Foster says
So sad, this was a cute home town event. Like going to a school production. No way is worth paying an extravagant price. You are not Disneyland, not even the county fair. They shouldn’t be charging because a lot of people have been out of work this whole year. I thought it was a cute little Halloween thing to do. Kind of like a little hometown event for little kids. This was not the year to charge Ridiculous huge prices. They’re going to be a lot of disappointed people when they pay this much money. It’s Not worth it. I am sure that they will find that they have outpriced themselves. And they would’ve made more money off the vendors by not charging. Or a small fee and make up the money in food, drinks, and some charges for events. This is so ridiculous. It’s like charging for your school carnival. Cute but it’s not worth the price of admission. You guys ruined this whole event. Saddens me that some money-grubbing person or persons in charge decided to take the love out of this small-town event. Shame on you greedy people. St. John’s area should be ashamed of taking small town Community events and trying to exploit it. Disgusting.
Kendra says
Was so looking forward to this trip with my kids and have watched the movie for years and years over and over. The kids were so excited! Traveled hours, miles! Honestly, we were so bummed! What a waste of MONEY!!! I hope people read these reviews before they buy tickets, and waste their time and day and more money for a bust of an event!!!! Also got charged for parking, then they say it’s FREE when you get there!!! They don’t even check your tickets!!
Mister E says
You’re a fool paying that much to look at store fronts.
Jess G says
My family and friends have attended this event year after year until 2018 (last year attended). It has notably gone downhill and gotten more spendy… sad. last year was the first time we did NOT attend.
Bring back the family fun, free (with pockets of fair priced things), event it used to be. We all miss it.
Totally disgusted says
Don’t bother! Do not waste your time or money on Halloweentown! You are much better served supporting your local venues with your money! This ” event’ is NOT worth it, trust me! Much too expensive and nothing to see for your trouble, sadly!
John G says
This is totally ridiculous in a time where we’re in a global pandemic!!! And of all things, they’re charging to even see things when most people don’t have the money and most kids are staying at home!!!! Totally a rip off I have been going for years with my granddaughter! I am going to have to pass on this rip off you can fly somewhere cheaper than you can go see Halloween town! No thanks that’s how COVID is going to spread in Saint Helens Oregon just wait & see!!! I wouldn’t advise anyone to come here from out of town as we already have had several COVID outbreaks, concerned citizen!!!
Greer Kern says
How are they going to ensure groups do not over gather? Will they require PPE for everyone attending? How are they observing COVID guidelines?
Actual Resident says
I have been a resident of this town for 42 years and have watched this disaster grow into a grubby group of greedy grabbers year by year! I wouldn’t set foot in Halloween town if you PAID ME! It’s just damn pitiful how greedy these people have become especially when this “event” was formerly free and it would be absolutely NOWHERE without Debbie Reynold (deceased, sadly! ) :( So be prepared to fork over the major bucks and perhaps catch Covid whilst you are down there in Old Town! I would recommend that people stay away in droves!
I would NOT go to this fake COMPLETELY COMMERCIAL RIPOFF event if I were paid to go! Go only if you want your wallet to look starved. I say BAN HALLOWEEN TOWN FOREVER! And, YES, I am a long time resident of this burg!
Karen says
You hit the nail on the head. What a waste of money and time. I’ve spoken to some of the residents and they feel the city is ripping everyone off. The city must really need money or they have someone that is really profiting from running this event. They should rethink who they have in charge. By the way, where does the money go that they make from this horrible event? Hope it’s for cleaning up the neighborhoods. Driving into town isn’t very clean.
FYI
alex says
I understand how frustrated you must be, it does sound pretty bad to have to watch an amazing event turn so sour. However, as someone who has LOVED the movie Halloweentown but lived in the south and was not able to attend the festivities at all. Now that I live in WA I am happy to be able to go. Perhaps instead of banning the event, the town could take it back over and make it what it was, take the money and put it towards what the town needs.
Totally disgusted says
I do like that idea, very much: give it back to the town citizens and let them decide how it should be handled! Yes, indeed!
Keegan Evangelist says
I didn’t see specifically but who are the celebrities this year? This is gonna be our first time visiting and we can’t wait.
Tom says
It’s not worth the money just to see a pumpkin in the town square.
Carol says
Don’t waste your Money. It appears that they had someone decorate the area that had no idea what they were doing. How sad to think that someone would travel a distance and spend $$ just to see a disaster like this. Looks like their city is in need of some $$ for a cleanup project for their not very well kept little community. So sad the people of their town have to endure this for a whole month. We will not be coming back for another visit and I am sure others will not either.
William says
We are locals and can’t afford to go with our kids. It’s so sad how much they charge.
M says
I’ve come here every year with my daughter for the past 4 years, and sad to see the ticket price so high.
dawn J says
What is wrong with them? There is a pandemic still going on and those of us that live here would not like to catch Covid. If we can’t have our kids go to school or the fair, why have this? Best believe I will be checking the CDC and state guidelines.
Luanne Fugate says
We are coming and have everything registered, although, I was wondering if the fires are a concern that could cancel anything?
Laura Braucht says
Please share your experience, once your visit it over. I’d like to read your opinion. Thanks!!
Susan says
We went last year and the $45 ticket was well worth it!
Brenda Foster says
You obviously work for the city because no one and I mean no one would agree with the price going up from free to $45. It is not ok or worth it. A lot of people have been out of work and this was a cute home town outside event that they felt was a safe little event. Out pricing little kids is not ok. Supporting it is wrong.
Nicole says
There is 6 of us coming from Ohio to visit this year! Can’t wait.
Katie says
Does anyone know when the pumpkin lighting usually is? My husband has to take leave for the trip and we have no idea when to plan for. It says it’s still going on for 2020 as of now.
Elizabeth Arroyo says
This place is definitely on my bucket list.
Bryan Kummer says
I can’t wait to come visit this October! I’m bring friend along too! Thanks for bring the spirit of Halloween back to life!
Lori and Rod says
I am hoping this will go on for 2020 as we enjoyed being Batman and Batwoman in our convertible 1958 Chevy 2 years in a row. Anyone know which date it will be if goes on. We want to be sure to plan to be in town as we leave for Arizona in October. Please post!
Esther Matzen says
As far as fall events in Oregon go, Halloweentown belongs on the bucket list. Among the many daily events taking place all month long, a nightly ghost walk travels through downtown. On weekdays it is open 12:00 p.m. to 6 p.m. Weekend hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. There is also a creepy haunted house for adults.
Cassandra Smith says
A few of us are interested in visiting this in October of 2020 if it is still going to happen. I know the dates have not been posted yet, but I would like to get reservations as early as possible. Do you know when the dates will be posted?
arden beyer says
We were planning on visiting Halloween Town but after reading the reviews I think we will skip it. Thanks for the honest review.