The leaves have turned, the temperature is dropping, and the ghosts, ghouls and goblins of the Flathead are ready to get out and haunt the valley this Halloween.
The spooky occasion falls on a Friday this year, making it the perfect opportunity to dress up and celebrate the end of fall before winter makes its arrival here. And the fun doesn’t stop once November gets here; Nov. 1 is the Day of the Dead, and All Souls Day, with its own traditions and happenings.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the Halloween events from around the valley; be sure to check out www.FlatheadEvents.net for a full rundown of all the scheduled fun, live music, and more.
Oct. 30
In preparation for all the goodies one expects to receive on Halloween, consider going to The Great Pumpkin Workout, presented by Fitness365 at Sykes in Kalispell. Participants are asked to bring their own pumpkin, which will be used as the weight for this fitness class. It’s a family-friendly event, and there will be refreshments afterward. A donation is requested.
To RSVP, visit the Fitness365 Facebook page or call or text Tammy at 406-261-0259.
Oct. 31 – Halloween
Join the folks at Flathead Lake Brewing Co. for their Halloween party, starting at noon. There will be a fish fry all day, and the release of the brewery’s 2014 Holiday Ale. A costume competition takes place at 7 p.m., with prizes for the funniest, the scariest and best couple.
If you’re looking to get scared on this spooky day, check out the CarnEVIL Haunted House at the Zone Fun Center on Highway 2, just south of the Glacier Park International Airport. It’s a 3D experience that the Zone promises will “leave you speechless,” but says nothing about the amount you will scream.
There’s a scary version and a not-so-scary version, so everyone is invited to join. It’s $6 per person; for more info, check out The Zone’s Facebook page.
The Fritz Corn Maze on U.S. Highway 2 is also offering plenty of scares in its Haunted Trail. Admission is $5, and the trail is open from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
At Flathead Valley Community College, the school’s Veterans Association and Student Government invite the community to join them for Trunk or Treat, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. This family-friendly event offers decorated vehicle trunks filled with goodies for participants to enjoy.
The event takes place in the college’s west parking lot, and is free. Participants are encouraged to wear costumes.
Sprouts Club Drop-in Playcare in Evergreen is offering a children’s Halloween party, complete with a costume contest, games, pizza and drinks. The contest starts at 6 p.m. To RSVP, call 752-PLAY (7529).
One of the most-beloved Halloween events hits its 18-year mark this year, when the kids head over to Immanuel Lutheran Skilled Care for the Boo Bash and Trick-or-Treat Trail, starting at 6 p.m.
Hundreds of kids and adults enjoy this annual holiday event, during which the trick-or-treaters, 12 and under, can show off their costumes for the folks at the Immanuel Skilled Care Center and Buffalo Hill Terrace retirement community (the hosts ask that scary costumes be left at home).
Participants can take a ride on the Boo Bus, also known as the Montana Trolley, to be sure they hit all the stops. Admission is free; for more information, call 752-9612 ext. 204.
There are plenty of live music shows in Whitefish to get your boo-gie on, including events at the Great Northern Bar, Casey’s, Crush, and more. Whitefish is notorious for its downtown scene on Halloween, so be sure to wear your costume and have a designated driver or safe way to make it home.
Nov. 1
The Stumptown Art Studio will have its Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) exhibit up through Nov. 3, giving viewers a look into the tradition and showcasing art from high school and younger art students from throughout the valley. The studio is located at 145 Central Ave. in Whitefish, and is open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Columbia Falls, get into the holiday spirit at the Station 8 Seventh Annual Holiday Open House, where participants can find treasures and holiday décor from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.