Halloween hits differently in Seattle. Between foggy waterfront nights, historic haunts, and a ton of themed parties, October is when the city fully embraces its spooky side. Whether you’re after eerie thrills, artsy chills, or just an excuse to dress up, here are ten standout ways to celebrate around the city and beyond.

1. Start Halloween Weekend Above the Clouds

Begin the festivities early at Terror & Tonics on October 30 at Smith Tower. This 21+ bash turns the historic observatory into a haunted speakeasy with skyline views, moody lighting, craft cocktails, and a live DJ. Costumes are encouraged, so bring your most ghoulish glam to one of Seattle’s most iconic towers.

2. The Museum Goes Mad

Seattle Art Museum’s Remix: Descent Into Madness (October 31 and November 1) is part art rave, part costume ball. Drawing inspiration from gothic romanticism and Goya’s darker works, the museum transforms into a fever dream of DJs, surreal performances, and fog-filled galleries. Dance with ghosts, enter the costume contest, or simply explore as the museum slips into beautiful chaos.

3. A Drag Night to Die For

The Opera Center’s BRAVO! Queens of the Night Halloween Party returns October 31 with host Anita Spritzer leading a fierce lineup of local drag stars including Rowan Ruthless, Queen Andrew Scott, and Fabi. Expect outrageous costumes, witchy cocktails, and a contest celebrating the most creative looks.

4. Horror Meets High Culture at MoPOP

On October 25, Fashionably Undead: The Goopening takes over MoPOP with an ode to cult horror classics. This one-night-only ritual rager celebrates practical effects, monster movies, and all things macabre. This is a must for anyone who worships at the altar of midnight cinema.

5. Frights for Film Lovers and Storytellers

Cinephiles can head to LANGSTON on October 28 for Scope Screenings: Halloween Edition, a showcase of indie shorts from Seattle’s underground film scene. It’s been said that the entire crowd, from filmmakers to guests to theater staff, come dressed in costume, so get on that fit. If you’d rather spin your own scary stories, Hugo House’s Fright Night: A Spoken Word Spectacle on October 29 invites writers and performers to take the mic with spine-tingling tales.

6. Family-Friendly Fun at the Burke and the Zoo

Little monsters can get in on the fun too. The Burke Museum’s Fossil Finders (October 26) features fossil digs, crafts, and prehistoric costume-making. Meanwhile, Woodland Park Zoo’s Pumpkin Bash (October 25–26) offers trick-or-treating, pumpkin-smashing for the animals, and a parade of costumed critters.

7. Southside’s Haunted Adventures

Just minutes from downtown, Seattle Southside is deep into the  autumn vibe. Try your luck escaping from The Escape Game Seattle Southcenter, or take on the haunted chocolate factory experience at Maeve’s Seattle Chocolate. For a cozier experience, Marina Mercantile’s Witches Tea in Des Moines serves scones, spooky cookies, and seasonal tea amid whimsical décor.

8. After Hours: Halloween at the Seattle Aquarium

Dive into the deep at After Hours: Halloween at the Aquarium on October 30. This 21+ event offers eerie underwater lighting, DJ sets, and themed cocktails among glowing tanks. It’s the perfect mix of spooky and serene, with jellyfish and octopi providing the ultimate Halloween ambiance.

9. Harvest Fest at West Seattle Junction

For a daytime celebration, Harvest Fest returns to the Junction on October 26 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The neighborhood event features a costume parade, pie-eating contest, chili cook-off, and trick-or-treating at local businesses. It’s a wholesome prelude to the city’s nocturnal festivities.

10. Celebrate the Troll’s 35th Birthday at Trolloween

Round out your Halloween night with Trolloween, the annual Fremont celebration honoring Seattle’s favorite concrete creature. The Troll turns 35 this year, and the party promises live music, costumes, and a joyful parade through Fremont’s streets. It’s weird, wonderful, and unmistakably Seattle.