Halloweentown in Oregon: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting St. Helens
There really is a Halloweentown in Oregon.
Well, sort of.
The small Columbia River town of St. Helens, Oregon, became famous after Disney filmed Halloweentown there in 1998. Every October, the town leans into that movie magic with the Spirit of Halloweentown, turning its historic downtown and riverfront into a Halloween destination filled with giant pumpkins, haunted attractions, movie memories, costumes, entertainment, and seasonal events.
And this is not just a movie location that happens to have a few decorations.
Spirit of Halloweentown has grown into a major seasonal event that attracts tens of thousands of visitors, according to the City of St. Helens.
For 2026, the official event runs on selected weekends from September 26 through November 1, with Saturday and Sunday events generally running from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
So if you’re searching for Halloweentown Oregon, planning a Halloween trip to St. Helens, or simply want to see where the famous movie was filmed, here’s everything you need to know.
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Where Is Halloweentown in Oregon?
Halloweentown is in St. Helens, Oregon, a small city on the Columbia River about 30 miles northwest of Portland.
The main Spirit of Halloweentown event is centered around 275 Strand Street, near the city’s historic waterfront and downtown area.
That location is one reason the experience works so well.
St. Helens already has a historic small-town appearance, with older buildings, a waterfront district, streets that are easy to explore on foot, and views across the Columbia River.
During Halloween season, decorations and events transform that setting into something much closer to the fictional Halloweentown seen on screen.
And if you are coming from Portland, this is an easy addition to an Oregon fall road trip.
Travel Oregon places St. Helens about 30 miles from Portland and highlights its riverfront, historic district, trails, parks, museums, and filming locations.
Is Halloweentown a Real Town?
This is where the name can get confusing.
Halloweentown is not the actual name of the Oregon town.
The real town is St. Helens.
Halloweentown is the fictional town in the 1998 Disney Channel Original Movie Halloweentown. St. Helens served as the filming location, particularly around its historic downtown and Riverfront District.
After the movie became a Halloween favorite, St. Helens embraced its connection to the film.
That eventually developed into the annual Spirit of Halloweentown celebration.
So when people say they’re “going to Halloweentown Oregon,” they’re really talking about visiting St. Helens during its Halloween season.
Why Is St. Helens Called Halloweentown?
The connection starts with the 1998 Disney movie.
St. Helens’ historic downtown provided much of the visual setting for Halloweentown. The Columbia County Courthouse, for example, was used as the movie’s Halloweentown City Hall. The courthouse was built in 1906 from locally quarried basalt.
The movie connection became a genuine part of the town’s tourism identity.
The City of St. Helens says the Riverfront District served as the backdrop for Halloweentown, and the community began celebrating the movie connection with an annual month-long Halloween celebration.
Over time, the event grew from a local celebration into a much larger attraction.
That means today’s visit is a mix of three things:
- A real Oregon river town
- A movie pilgrimage
- A full Halloween festival
That’s what makes it more interesting than simply visiting a movie house and taking a picture.
Spirit of Halloweentown 2026 Dates
If you’re planning a trip this year, the dates matter.
The official Spirit of Halloweentown schedule lists these 2026 event weekends:
| Date | Day |
| September 26 | Saturday |
| September 27 | Sunday |
| October 3 | Saturday |
| October 4 | Sunday |
| October 10 | Saturday |
| October 11 | Sunday |
| October 17 | Saturday |
| October 18 | Sunday |
| October 24 | Saturday |
| October 25 | Sunday |
| October 31 | Saturday |
| November 1 | Sunday |
The official event hours are generally 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
October 31 is obviously the big date for Halloween travelers.
But there’s an important point here.
You do not have to visit on October 31 to experience Halloweentown.
The festival runs across multiple weekends, which can make the earlier October weekends much easier for travelers who want the atmosphere without the biggest Halloween-night crowds.
What Happens at Halloweentown Oregon?
This is much more than a giant pumpkin sitting outside City Hall.
The 2026 schedule includes a mix of attractions, performances, movie-related experiences, Halloween entertainment, food, shopping, and family activities.
Some of the main attractions include:
- Haunted House
- Giant pumpkin photo opportunities
- Harvest Games Zone
- Hay maze
- Pumpkin bowling
- Boo Bash Pavilion
- Filming Location Tour Trolley Ride
- Costume contests
- Live performers
- Dancing witches
- Special guests
- Movie-related exhibits
- Food vendors
- Halloween shopping
- Haunted Harbor tours on selected dates
- Celebrity photo opportunities on selected dates
The official 2026 calendar shows that individual weekends have different performers and activities, so don’t assume every attraction or performer will appear on every date.
The Giant Pumpkin Lighting
If there’s one image that immediately says “Halloweentown,” it’s the giant pumpkin.
The pumpkin lighting is one of the signature experiences of Spirit of Halloweentown.
For the 2026 schedule, the pumpkin lighting is listed at 8:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. on many of the main Saturday event dates.
This is one reason I would not arrive late in the afternoon and immediately leave.
Give yourself enough time to explore the town during daylight, experience the attractions, grab food, watch some entertainment, and then stay for the evening atmosphere.
The town looks completely different once the lights come on.
Halloweentown Movie Filming Locations
For fans of the original movie, this is probably the most important part of the trip.
You can walk around St. Helens and recognize several locations from Halloweentown.
The city has promoted a self-guided filming-location map covering movie locations around downtown. Travel Oregon says the map includes 11 Halloweentown filming locations.
That gives you an opportunity to explore the real town while connecting the places to scenes from the movie.
Halloweentown City Hall
The Columbia County Courthouse was used as Halloweentown City Hall.
It’s one of the most recognizable locations connected with the movie.
The courthouse sits in the historic downtown area, making it easy to combine with other filming locations.
The Columbia Theatre
The Columbia Theatre also appears in the movie.
The city-produced filming-location guide identifies the theater as a significant Halloweentown location and notes that Debbie Reynolds practiced lines there.
The Riverfront
The waterfront is another important part of the movie atmosphere.
Even if you’re not obsessed with filming locations, walking along the riverfront is worthwhile because it gives you a different side of St. Helens beyond the Halloween decorations.
Take the Filming Location Tour
For 2026, the Spirit of Halloweentown schedule includes a Filming Location Tour Trolley Ride, generally running during daytime hours and ending around dark for safety reasons.
If you’re visiting specifically because of the movie, this is one of the attractions I’d prioritize.
What Is the Halloweentown Haunted House Like?
The Haunted House is one of the recurring attractions at Spirit of Halloweentown.
The official 2026 schedule lists it as operating from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. during event days.
This gives the event a nice balance.
You can spend part of the day doing movie-related sightseeing and family activities, then add the Haunted House if you want something more traditional.
If you’re traveling with young children, check the attraction details and use your judgment before taking them into anything designed to be scary.
Not every child interprets “fun Halloween” and “person jumping out of a dark hallway” in quite the same way.
Is Halloweentown Oregon Family-Friendly?
Yes, but it depends on which parts of the event you choose.
Spirit of Halloweentown specifically promotes family activities alongside its more frightening attractions. The event includes harvest games, pumpkin activities, entertainment, costumes, performances, and photo opportunities.
Some 2026 activities include:
- Hay maze
- Pumpkin bowling
- Pumpkin photo opportunities
- Live entertainment
- Costume contests
- Dancing witches
- Magic shows
- Family-oriented performances
Children 5 and younger are admitted free according to the official ticket information.
The key is choosing your attractions carefully.
If your family wants cute pumpkins and movie nostalgia, there is plenty to do.
If your teenagers want scares, the Haunted House gives the day a completely different flavor.
Halloweentown Oregon Tickets
One of the most important things to understand is that not everything in St. Helens requires a ticket.
The official ticket information says general admission to the plaza square and food-vendor area is free. However, the Spirit of Halloweentown pass gives access to available activities and attractions, subject to waiting times and capacity.
The official site also recommends buying tickets online because box-office prices can be higher.
Parking is separate.
For 2026, the official event lists onsite parking at $30 per vehicle, with advance parking passes available in limited quantities.
Because event pricing and availability can change, check the official ticket page before your trip rather than relying on an older blog post.
Do You Need to Buy Tickets to Walk Around Halloweentown?
Not necessarily.
This is one of the best things about visiting St. Helens.
The general plaza and food-vendor area are free, while the ticketed pass covers the festival attractions.
So you can approach the trip in two different ways.
Budget visit
Explore St. Helens, see the filming locations, walk the waterfront, take photographs, enjoy the atmosphere, and experience the public areas.
Full Halloweentown experience
Buy the event pass and add the Haunted House, trolley tour, harvest activities, exhibits, entertainment, and other available attractions.
If you’re traveling a long distance specifically for Halloweentown, I would lean toward the full experience.
Best Time to Visit Halloweentown Oregon
There are three good approaches.
Early October
This is probably the sweet spot if you want Halloween atmosphere without waiting for October 31.
You still get fall scenery, seasonal decorations, and the festival experience.
Late October
This is when the atmosphere gets strongest.
October 24 and 25 are especially appealing if you want the Halloween feeling without being there on Halloween itself.
Halloween Weekend
October 31, 2026 falls on a Saturday, making this the obvious choice for travelers who want the full Halloween experience.
The official schedule includes the pumpkin lighting, costume contest, Haunted House, performances, trolley tour, and other attractions on October 31.
Expect this to be one of the busiest times.
Book ahead.
How Long Do You Need in Halloweentown?
For most travelers, one full day is enough.
You can arrive in the morning, explore the filming locations, visit the attractions, eat lunch, take the trolley tour, explore downtown, watch performances, and stay for the pumpkin lighting.
However, staying overnight can make the trip much more relaxed.
A good two-day plan looks like this:
Day 1
- Arrive in St. Helens.
- Explore downtown and the filming locations.
- Walk along the waterfront.
- Check into your accommodation.
- Have dinner locally.
Day 2
- Spend the full day at Spirit of Halloweentown.
- Visit the Haunted House.
- Take the filming-location trolley.
- Enjoy the harvest activities.
- Watch live entertainment.
- Stay for the pumpkin lighting.
This works particularly well if you’re turning the visit into a larger Oregon fall trip.
A One-Day Halloweentown Itinerary
Here’s how I would structure a full day.
10:00 AM: Arrive
Give yourself time to park and walk into the event area.
10:30 AM: Explore St. Helens
Walk around downtown before the main activities become busy.
Visit the courthouse and other movie locations.
11:30 AM: Start the Festival
Head toward the main Spirit of Halloweentown area.
Explore the pumpkin displays, vendors and seasonal attractions.
1:00 PM: Lunch
Take a break and explore some of the local food options.
2:00 PM: Movie and Filming Locations
Take the trolley tour if the schedule works, or continue exploring the locations independently.
4:00 PM: Haunted Attractions
This is a good time to fit in the Haunted House or another ticketed attraction.
5:30 PM: Dinner
Eat before the evening crowds peak.
6:30 PM: Explore After Dark
This is when St. Helens really begins to feel like Halloweentown.
8:30 PM: Pumpkin Lighting
Find a good viewing position before the lighting begins.
9:00 PM: Head Back
If you’re staying overnight, this is a good time to avoid rushing.
If you’re driving back to Portland, allow extra time for event traffic.
Halloweentown Oregon From Portland
St. Helens is close enough to Portland to make a day trip realistic.
Travel Oregon places the town roughly 30 miles from Portland, while Portland’s official tourism guide describes the drive as around 45 minutes depending on conditions.
That makes Portland a convenient base.
You can stay in Portland and drive to St. Helens for the day.
However, there is one reason I would consider staying overnight.
If you want to experience the pumpkin lighting and evening entertainment, driving back after a long Halloween day can be less enjoyable than simply staying nearby.
Where to Stay for Halloweentown Oregon
You have two basic choices.
Stay in St. Helens
This is the best option for convenience.
You can walk around the town after checking in and avoid a long drive after the event.
St. Helens has bed-and-breakfasts and other accommodation options, and Travel Oregon highlights lodging in the riverfront area.
Stay in Portland
This gives you far more hotel choices and lets you combine Halloweentown with a Portland vacation.
It’s especially useful if you’re flying into Oregon and don’t want to move hotels every night.
My choice
If you’re traveling specifically for Halloweentown, stay in or near St. Helens. If Halloweentown is one stop on a larger Oregon vacation, Portland makes more sense.
What Else Is There to Do in St. Helens?
This is where the trip gets better.
Don’t think of St. Helens as nothing more than a movie set.
Travel Oregon highlights:
- Columbia River waterfront
- Historic downtown
- Columbia View Park
- St. Helens Historic District
- Sand Island
- Hiking trails
- Columbia Botanical Gardens
- Crown Zellerbach Trail
- Scappoose Bay
- Museums
- Film locations
The town sits at the confluence of four rivers and offers outdoor recreation including hiking, kayaking, fishing and birdwatching.
The riverfront also gives you a nice place to slow down after several hours of Halloween activities.
St. Helens Is More Than Halloweentown
One mistake would be arriving in St. Helens, taking a photo beside the giant pumpkin, and immediately leaving.
The historic downtown is worth exploring.
The city has a National Register-listed historic district, and Travel Oregon describes the riverfront as a walkable area with historic buildings, restaurants, shops and views.
You can also explore the town’s connection with another famous movie franchise.
St. Helens was used as a filming location for Twilight as well, and the city has promoted filming-location maps covering both Halloweentown and Twilight.
So movie fans can effectively create a two-for-one Oregon film-location trip.
Halloweentown and a Fall Oregon Road Trip
October is one of the best times to build a road trip around St. Helens.
The Pacific Northwest has plenty of autumn scenery, forests, waterfalls and small towns that become particularly attractive during fall.
You could combine St. Helens with:
- Portland
- Columbia River Gorge
- Hood River
- Mount Hood
- Astoria
- Cannon Beach
- Willamette Valley
If you’re looking for more ideas, this guide to Best Fall Travel Destinations is a useful starting point for building an autumn itinerary around Halloweentown.
Halloweentown for Couples
You don’t have to be a Disney superfan to enjoy St. Helens as a couple.
The combination of:
- Historic streets
- Waterfront walks
- Autumn scenery
- Cozy restaurants
- Movie nostalgia
- Halloween decorations
- Evening events
makes it an easy fall weekend getaway.
You could spend the morning exploring St. Helens, enjoy Halloweentown during the afternoon, stay for the pumpkin lighting, then have dinner and spend the night locally.
For more ideas beyond Oregon, take a look at these couple vacation ideas when planning a larger romantic fall trip.
Halloweentown for Adventure Travelers
St. Helens is not an extreme adventure destination, but it can fit nicely into an Oregon road trip for travelers who want Halloween plus outdoor activities.
The surrounding area offers hiking, kayaking, trails and river scenery. Travel Oregon highlights the Crown Zellerbach Trail, Columbia Botanical Gardens, Scappoose Bay and Sand Island among nearby outdoor options.
If you want to extend the trip into a larger adventure, you can use this list of adventure travel spots in the USA for ideas.
That gives you a much bigger trip than simply driving to a pumpkin display and heading home.
Hidden Places to Explore Near Halloweentown
One of the fun parts of visiting smaller Oregon towns is discovering places that don’t dominate the usual tourist lists.
St. Helens itself has riverfront parks, trails, historic buildings and nearby natural areas that can easily fill an extra half-day.
The Columbia River landscape also gives you plenty of opportunities to get away from the festival crowds.
If you like this kind of travel, you may want to add some of these hidden places in the USA to your wider road-trip plans.
What Should You Wear to Halloweentown?
October in northwest Oregon can be wet.
That’s the biggest thing to remember.
Pack:
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Warm sweater
- Long pants
- Compact umbrella
- Extra socks
- Small backpack
- Portable charger
If you’re planning to spend the entire day outside, dress for rain rather than simply dressing for Halloween.
A costume is fun.
A soaked costume is considerably less fun.
What to Bring
A simple Halloweentown day bag should include:
- Phone
- Portable charger
- Camera
- Water bottle
- Rain jacket
- Small umbrella
- Wallet
- Tickets
- Comfortable shoes
- Extra layer
- Hand sanitizer
- Small snack
If you are bringing children, add spare clothes.
October weather in Oregon does not always care about your carefully planned costume.
Is Halloweentown Oregon Worth Visiting?
For the right traveler, absolutely.
But expectations matter.
If you’re expecting an enormous theme park covering an entire county, you’ll probably be surprised.
St. Helens is still a relatively small Oregon town.
The appeal comes from the combination of the real filming locations, seasonal decorations, community festival, movie nostalgia, historic downtown and Halloween atmosphere.
It is not Disney World.
And that’s actually part of the charm.
You’re walking through a real town where a beloved Halloween movie was filmed, while the community has turned that connection into an annual celebration.
The official event has grown substantially over the years, and the City of St. Helens describes Spirit of Halloweentown as an international event attracting tens of thousands of visitors.
Halloweentown Oregon: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Real Halloweentown filming locations | Small town, not a giant theme park |
| Large seasonal Halloween event | Popular weekends can be busy |
| Family-friendly activities | Some attractions cost extra or require passes |
| Easy day trip from Portland | Parking can add to the cost |
| Beautiful fall setting | October weather can be rainy |
| Movie nostalgia | Best experience is seasonal |
| Historic waterfront | Limited accommodation compared with Portland |
Is Halloweentown Better on Halloween?
If you want the biggest possible Halloween atmosphere, October 31 is the obvious choice.
But I wouldn’t automatically say it’s the best day for every traveler.
Choose October 31 if:
- You want the full Halloween feeling
- You’re dressing up
- You want the pumpkin lighting
- You enjoy crowds
- You want the largest selection of activities
Choose an earlier weekend if:
- You’re traveling with young children
- You dislike crowds
- You want easier parking
- You want more time for filming locations
- You are combining St. Helens with a road trip
The event is designed to operate across several weekends, so you have options.
A Perfect Halloweentown Weekend
If you have two nights, here’s a simple plan.
Friday
- Arrive in Portland or St. Helens.
- Have dinner.
- Explore the waterfront after dark.
Saturday
- Spend the entire day at Spirit of Halloweentown.
- Explore the filming locations.
- Take the trolley.
- Visit the Haunted House.
- See the performances.
- Stay for the pumpkin lighting.
Sunday
- Have a relaxed breakfast.
- Explore the historic district.
- Visit a museum or nearby trail.
- Take a final walk along the riverfront.
- Then head back toward Portland.
This gives you the Halloween experience without making the entire weekend feel like a single long event queue.
Frequently Asked Questions About Halloweentown Oregon
Where is Halloweentown in Oregon?
Halloweentown is actually fictional. The real location is St. Helens, Oregon, where Disney filmed the 1998 movie Halloweentown. The town now hosts the annual Spirit of Halloweentown festival.
Is Halloweentown Oregon open in 2026?
Yes. Spirit of Halloweentown has scheduled event weekends from September 26 through November 1, 2026.
When is Halloweentown in Oregon in 2026?
The final Halloween weekend is October 31 and November 1, 2026. Other event weekends take place throughout late September and October.
Is Halloweentown free?
General admission to the plaza square and food-vendor area is free, but many festival attractions require the Spirit of Halloweentown pass.
How far is Halloweentown from Portland?
St. Helens is approximately 30 miles northwest of Portland. Travel time varies with traffic and conditions, but Portland’s official tourism site describes it as roughly a 45-minute drive.
Can you visit Halloweentown without going to the festival?
Yes. You can visit St. Helens and explore the historic district and movie filming locations independently. The town itself is open year-round, although the major Halloween atmosphere is seasonal.
Is Halloweentown Oregon good for kids?
Yes. The festival includes family-friendly attractions such as harvest games, pumpkin activities, performances and costume events. Some attractions, especially the Haunted House, may be better suited to older children depending on their comfort level.
Where was Halloweentown filmed?
The movie was filmed in St. Helens, Oregon, with several locations around the historic downtown and Riverfront District. The Columbia County Courthouse served as Halloweentown City Hall.
Is St. Helens worth visiting outside Halloween?
Yes. St. Helens has a historic downtown, Columbia River waterfront, parks, trails, museums and nearby outdoor recreation.
Final Thoughts
Halloweentown in Oregon isn’t a fictional destination hiding somewhere behind a fog machine.
It’s a real town.
St. Helens, Oregon, became the on-screen Halloweentown in Disney’s 1998 movie, and decades later the community has turned that movie connection into a full seasonal celebration.
For 2026, Spirit of Halloweentown gives visitors several weekends to experience the transformation, with haunted attractions, giant pumpkins, filming-location tours, entertainment, family activities, special guests and the famous pumpkin lighting.
The best way to experience it is not to rush in, take one photograph and leave.
- Explore the movie locations.
- Walk the historic streets.
- Visit the riverfront.
- Try the seasonal attractions.
- Stay until the pumpkin lights up.
Then spend a little more time discovering the Oregon town behind the movie.
And if you’re planning the trip as part of a bigger autumn adventure, St. Helens fits beautifully into a Pacific Northwest road trip. The combination of Halloween, fall colors, historic towns and outdoor scenery gives you much more than a single spooky afternoon.
Sometimes the best Halloween destinations are not invented at all.
They are simply real places that know how to embrace October.
