Pumpkin patches, plays and parties: Celebrate Halloween in Eugene, Lane County

For Halloween fanatics to fans of autumn, Lane County has spooky season must-see options for all ages. Here's a list of local events celebrating Halloween and fall.

Pumpkin patches and orchards in Lane County

Detering Orchard

A popular fall visit is Detering Orchard, which offers a variety of u-pick produce including pumpkins, Asian Pears and five types of apples − Prime Red, Spartan, Gala, Ozark Gold and Empire. Detering has other family activities on the weekends, including farm animal feeding, a playground, a mechanical bull ride, wagon rides, treasure mining, and a corn maze.

Specialty goods also are available for purchase including apple cider, jams, honey, syrups, dressings, sauce, other canned goods as well as bulk produce.

When: Open through Oct. 29, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

Where: 30946 Wyatt Dr., Harrisburg

For more info visit deteringorchards.com

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm

Northern Lights Christmas Tree Farm is hosting its annual Colonial Harvest Days event featuring a pumpkin patch and two themed corn mazes. The daytime corn maze has a Clue-like game of "Who Kidnapped Farmer Brown?" The nighttime corn maze called the "Maze of Mischief and Magic" is Harry Potter-themed and open from 7-10 p.m.

The farm also will have an espresso bar, gourds, squash, u-pick sunflowers, sweet corn and other items for purchase. Weekend vendors include Bigfoot Fudge, Unicorn elotes and Rollindough Donuts. Hayride farm tours also are offered on weekends.

When: Open through Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

Where: 36777 Wheeler Rd., Pleasant Hill

For more info visit northernlightschristmastreefarm.com/harvest-days.html

Thistledown Farms

Thistledown Farm in Junction City is known for its fall activities, market and apple cider donuts. Thistledown's market sells pumpkins, gourds, cornstalks, corn, apple cider and fall decor. There also are cut sunflowers or u-pick options and a nursery with fall foliage.

Saturdays and Sundays, visitors can take horse-drawn wagon rides to the pumpkin patch.

When: Open through Nov. 3, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., daily.

Where: 91455 River Rd., Junction City

For more info visit thistledownfarm.net/pumpkin-patch

ME & Moore Farm

Near Mt. Pisgah, ME & Moore Farm has a variety of u-pick activities, pumpkins, gourds and fall decorations. Other produce and products are available for purchase including local honey, locally-grown wild rice, Oregon hazelnuts, Oregon-raised beef snack sticks, books, and reusable cotton produce bags.

U-pick produce includes a variety of apples, tomatoes and peppers.

When: Open through late November, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Saturday and October Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m..

Where: 34137 Seavey Loop Rd., Eugene

For more info visit meandmoore.com

Hentze Family Farm

Hentze Family Farm is open for its OctoberFest featuring a pumpkin patch, tractor and hay rides, fresh-pressed cider, food and a hay maze.

When: Open through October, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Where: 30065 Hentze Ln., Junction City

For more info visit hentzefamilyfarm.com

Johnson Vegetable Farms

The farm store has fall decor, Halloween candy and snacks, apple cider, cold drinks, jams, syrups and wild blackberry honey. It also has frozen berries to keep on hand for the winter holidays. A highlight is pumpkin slingshots, in which participants launch miniature pumpkins at targets and scarecrows.

U-pick activities include apples and pumpkins. Johnson Vegetable Farms also has a list of its in-season items on its website at johnsonfarmseugene.com

When: Open through October 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday - Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday.

Where: 89733 Armitage Rd., Eugene

For more info visit johnsonfarmseugene.com/visit/

Herrick Farms

Herrick Farms has hayrides to its pumpkin patch Friday through Sunday. There also are a selection of pumpkins at the farm's stand and other fall goodies such as squash, homemade apple cider and apple cider donuts.

When: Open through October 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

Where: 88088 Millican Rd., Springfield

For more info visit herrickfarms.com/2023-season

A&M Family Farms

Pumpkin and squash are available to buy at A&M Family Farms in Pleasant Hill, along with pasture raised meats, produce, baked goods and other local products. Family activities include goat and cow feeding.

Professional photography is also available by appointment.

When: Open through October, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday-Saturday.

Where: 84735 Parkway Rd., Pleasant Hill

For more info visit amfamfarms.com/pumpkins

Haunted houses and mazes in Lane County

Fright! at the Museum fundraiser

The Springfield History Museum is hosting its second annual Fright! at the Museum haunted house fundraiser, transforming the museum into a spooky journey through local history.

From 4 to 6 p.m., the haunted museum is scaredy cat- and kid-friendly, with less scares and more lights.

From 6:30-8:30 p.m. the real scares come out and lights go down for older kids and adults. At the end, there's a "recovery station" with photo ops and free snacks.

Cost: $5, $3 for ages 5-18 and 5 and younger are free. Families of five or more are $20. All proceeds go to the museum. Normal museum hours will resume Thursday, Nov. 2.

When: Thursday, Oct. 19-Saturday, Oct. 21 and Thursday, Oct. 26-Friday, Oct. 27

Where: 590 Main St., Springfield

For more info visit facebook.com/SpringfieldMuseum

Twisted Haunted Maze fundraiser

The Florence Events Center will transform into a haunted maze, with special effects, props and a slew of actors in costume from the Children's Repertory of Oregon Workshops, a local youth performing arts theater. The maze will be co-designed by Brian Sandahl, former senior art director for Disneyland, and Melanie Heard.

Organizers warn this is not a maze for young children, but there will be a "Less Scary Hour" on Oct. 28 from 5-6 p.m.

Cost: Tickets are $12 per person or $44 for groups of four. All proceeds go toward C.R.O.W. and youth theater.

When: Oct. 27 from 6 - 9 pm; Oct. 28 from 6 - 9 p.m.; Oct. 30 from 6 - 9 p.m.; Oct. 31 from 5 - 9 p.m.

Where: 715 Quince St., Florence

For more info visit crowkids.com/haunted-maze

Strangest Things Haunted Farm

Visit the Strangest Things Haunted Farm for a scary night of wandering through mazes and rooms based off of horror movies. This haunted location is full-contact, meaning the actors will touch you lightly. Each night will have a different theme surrounding horror films from the last 30 years.

Cost: Tickets are $25 per person.

When: Oct. 19-Oct. 22 and Oct. 26-Oct. 31 from 8-11 p.m.

Where: 89719 Sprague Rd., Eugene

For more info visit strangestthingshauntedfarm.com

Special events and spooky entertainment in Lane County

Shakespeare in the Dark

The Free Shakespeare in the Park Theatre Company presents Shakespeare in the Dark, an interactive Halloween event featuring performances from Macbeth.

Held at the Wayne Morse Family Farm, attendees can follow witches as they lead participants on a magical journey through Shakespeare’s dark play. Bring a flashlight and meet at the picnic shelter.

Costumes are encouraged.

Cost: This event is free.

When: Sunday, Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Where: 595 Crest Dr., Eugene

For more info visit facebook.com/FreeShakespeareinthePark

Run for Your Life 5k fundraiser

ShelterCare, a local housing nonprofit, is partnering with Thrill the World Eugene to host its annual zombie-themed 5k with more than 100 zombies hidden around the Alton Baker Park race course.

TTWE is a group of zombie dancers who have been fundraising for ShelterCare since 2012.

The 2022 Run for Your Life race had 250 runners and more than 100 volunteers.

Cost: Registration is $20 for kids 5 to 17, $30 for adults 18 to 64 and $25 for seniors over 65. Children under 5 are free.

When: Thursday, Oct. 22. Packet pick-up and T-shirt sales begin at 1:30 p.m.; race begins at 3 p.m.

Where: 200 Day Island Rd., Eugene

For more info and registration visit sheltercare.org/5k

Shelton McMurphey-Johnson House Museum

The Shelton McMurphy-Johnson House will host several themed events this Halloween season, including Halloween Afternoon Tea, Bela Lugosi horror movie marathons, and the "Death Cafe."

When: Events run through Nov. 1

Where: 303 Willamette St., Eugene

For more info visit smjhouse.org/events

Halloween Laser Spooktacular

The Eugene Science Center hosts "spellbinding" laser shows this month, with sing-alongs featuring classic Halloween titles such as "Monster Mash," "Ghostbusters" and "Purple People Eater."

This 40-minute show in the planetarium is for all ages. There will be four shows over two days starting at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Eugene Science Center will also host a Halloween Open House all day, Oct. 30 with free admission to all exhibits and rooms.

Cost: $7.50 per person

When: Friday, Oct. 20 and Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Where: 2300 Leo Harris Pkwy., Eugene

For more info and tickets visit eugenesciencecenter.org/halloween-laser-spooktacular

Halloween Downtown

Downtown Eugene will be alight with Halloween festivities the Saturday before the holiday. Featured events include a pet parade at 11:30 a.m., flash mobs, a photo booth, trick-or-treating, local vendors and music.

When: Saturday, Oct. 28

Where: Along W. Broadway between Charnelton and Oak streets

For more info visit eugene-or.gov/4643/Halloween-Downtown

Willamalane's Halloween Extravaganza

Willamalane Park and Recreation District will host a series of Halloween events and activities this month.

The activities will culminate in a Halloween Carnival with carnival games, mini disc golf, a haunted house, music, crafts and candy. Family-friendly costumes are encouraged.

Cost: Tickets cost $5 per child, adults are free.

When: Sunday, Oct. 29 from 1- 4 p.m.

Where: Bob Keefer Center at 250 S. 32nd St., Springfield

For more info visit willamalane.org/classes_and_programs/community_programs/halloween.php

Trunk-or-treat events in Lane County

Trunk-or-treating is a twist on trick-or-treating. Often, people will decorate their cars and hand out candy to costumed kids from their trunks.

Springfield Church of God: Candy, costumes, a maze and more at the Springfield Church of God's free trunk-or-treat event. From 6 - 8 p.m., Oct. 21 at 1369 D St and 14th St. springfieldcog.org

Candy with a Cop: The Eugene Police Department will offer candy, goodie bags, and police vehicle tours at The Marquis Assisted Living and Memory Care. From 2 - 4 p.m., Oct. 29 at 555 Country Club Rd. eugene-or.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=6265

Emerald Valley BMX: Right after races finish, Emerald Valley BMX will host a free trunk-or-treat event. From 2:30 - 5 p.m., Oct. 29 at 2715 Leo Harris Pkwy. facebook.com/EVBMX

Kendall Eugene: The Kendall Auto Group will host a free trunk-or-treat event at the Oakway Center. From 4 - 6 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2350 Oakmont Way. kendallgivesback.com/event/2023-trunkortreat/

American Legion Post 83: This free trunk-or-treat event is put on by American Legion Post 83, a local veteran's charity. The first 100 children will receive a goody bag. From 4:30 - 6:30 p.m., Oct. 31 at 3650 River Rd. facebook.com/AmLegionPost83

Monster Mash Bash: The Eugene Family YMCA will host free trunk-or-treating in the parking lot with kids going from trunk to trunk to pick out treats, stickers or candy from Halloween-decorated vehicles. The YMCA Tennis Center also will have an inflatable Halloween bounce house. From 6 - 8 p.m., Oct. 31 at 2055 Patterson St. eugeneymca.org/halloween-party

Bethesda Trunk-or-Treat: Bethesda Lutheran Church will host trunk or treat with free pizza, drinks, games and decorations. There also will be shaved ice and cotton candy for purchase. From 5 - 7 p.m., Oct. 29 at 4445 Royal Ave. facebook.com/bethesdalutheranchurch

Miranda Cyr is a reporter for The Register-Guard. You can contact her at mcyr@registerguard.com or find her on Twitter @mirandabcyr

This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Pumpkins, haunts, parties: Celebrate Halloween in Eugene, Lane County