Editor’s note- the Witches Paddle on Oct. 25 and 26 has been canceled.
Ghosts, goblins, ghouls, witches and warlocks, the season is here to be scary and get scared. Here are just some Halloween events going on around the island:
Happening now:
SJI Library Costume Closet
SJI Library
Costume drop-off and free shopping through Oct. 31
Drop off clean costumes in good condition
2025 Annual Scarecrow Contest
The Chamber of Commerce’s Scarecrow Contest is a family-friendly event that allows Town residents and businesses to show off their scarecrows! Check www.sanjuanisland.org/scarecrow-contest for the scarecrow map.
Oct. 24
Scary movies with Island Rec and the San Juan Library
Brickworks
It’s spooky season, and Island Rec is celebrating with Halloween movies. Come to the family-friendly early show with the kids or the scarier later show for adults. We’d love to see you there!
4:30 p.m.- Family Friendly
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” (1993)
7:30 pm. – Ages 17+
“Halloween” (2018)
Free! Pre-Registration required. Children must be accompanied by a registered adult.
Haunted Cemetery Tours
At Roche Harbor with the San Juan Scouts
From 5 p.m. till sunset – family friendly
Sunset till 10 p.m. VERY SCARY
Oct, 25
Thrill of the World
Brickworks – registration begins at 2:30 p.m., dance at 3 p.m.
Fee is $5 per zombie. Proceeds go toward the Animal Protection Society – Friday Harbor.
There will be a special prize for the best costume.
Learn the dance at Studio Jamm on Thursdays at 6:30, and Saturdays and Sundays at 5 p.m.
Haunted Cemetery Tours
At Roche Harbor with the San Juan Scouts
From 5 p.m. till sunset – family friendly
Sunset till 10 p.m. VERY SCARY
Oct. 26
Trick or Book
Mullis Center from 2-4 p.m.
Bring your little ones to The Mullis Center for some Halloween fun on Sunday, October 26 from 2 to 4 pm and receive a book and other goodies for your trick-or-treat bags!
This FREE event is designed for children 0-5 and their caregivers. Older siblings are welcome.
Dia de Muertos with the Family Resource Center
The Dia de Muertos altar will be set up in the JLSFRC lobby from Oct. 27 through Nov. 3. All community members are welcome to come by to see the altar, add a photo of loved ones they have lost, or add an offering. Open Mon – Fri, 9-4 during that time.
Oct. 30
Floating Halloween Ukulele Jam
On the Ferry!
Hop aboard for the first-ever Floating Halloween Uke Jam!. Costumes are encouraged! Bring your uke, your voice, your friends and relations, and maybe a song to share (know any scary songs?) or just come enjoy riding the ferry in your costume with a bunch of folks doing the same. And singing while they do! Boat departs Friday Harbor at 5:40 p.m., Orcas at 7 p.m. and Shaw at 7:15 p.m. Please help spread the word to other islands! No uke? Just come and sing, or listen in. No songs to share? Just come and play and sing, we’ll teach you some. No friends and relations? Come and make some! We’ll see you on board — let’s play!
(If the boat is canceled, they’ll patiently wait for the Holiday Jammie Jam on Dec. 18 — mark your calendars.) For questions, more info or fashion advice, email anita@rockisland.com.
Oct. 31
Elementary School Costume Parade
Argyle Ave and Spring Street
9 a.m.
Line up along the curbs of Argyle Avenue to see some great costumes and cheer on our students in the annual costume parade to town.
The Village at the Harbor
Trick or Treating with the residents
Doors will be open from 1 to 3 p.m. for homeschoolers, preschoolers, toddlers and other town members to come trick or treat in the lobby (and even door to door for residents who are comfortable).
Teen Halloween with Island Rec
At JPs from 5:30-7:30 p.m.
When the ghouls come out this year, we’ll be ready for them! Join other costumed teens for a fun evening of bowling and pizza. Prizes for costumes!
Halloween Shipwreck
Alchemy Art Center starting at 8 p.m.
The captain died and the sea is boiling over with ghosts. Come to the Art Center’s haunted walk while the veil is thin. Be prepared to get scared. Also, wear open-toed shoes. Music at 8, haunted trail at 10. Carpooling is encouraged.
Trick-or-Treating
Rose Lane and The Oaks
The San Juan Island Firefighters Association is partnering with the San Juan EMS Association to provide street lighting on Halloween night in the Spruce/Rose Neighborhood and will have some glow necklaces at Spruce to hand out.
Candy donations for these two neighborhoods, which are hit the hardest, can be dropped off at Friday Harbor Drug and Marketplace, organized by Friday Harbor Kiwanis.
