Every fall, I buy tickets to a spooky show to kick off the season with my family. We’ve celebrated with the demon barber of Fleet Street, been haunted by an opera phantom, and cheered for the dancers of BloodyVox. Usually there are two or three solid options, but this year Portland is overflowing with delightfully spooky performances, from ballet and symphony to theater and dance. If you’re looking to swap out one night of pumpkin carving for an evening (or matinee!) at the theater, here are all the shows to choose from this season.
Think live performances are out of your price range? Thanks to the Regional Arts & Culture Council, anyone who receives food stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and has the Oregon Trail Card can buy $5 tickets to many performances through the Arts for All program each year. Learn more and see participating venues here. If you don’t qualify, check out your library’s free cultural pass to see what’s on offer.
🎃 Halloween Ball — NW Children’s Theater
Get your costumes ready! NWCT’s annual Halloween Ball is back with dancing, games, and plenty of spooky-but-silly fun for kids. It’s part party, part performance — and 100% festive. Tickets here.
🧟 From a Hole in the Ground — NW Children’s Theater
A mischievous ghost story inspired by Irish folklore? Yes, please. This NWCT production brings the award winning play to life, perfect for elementary-aged audiences. (Content warning: death.) Tickets here.
🩸 Dracula — Oregon Ballet Theatre
Classical ballet meets gothic chills in OBT’s Dracula. Stunning costumes, sweeping music, and just the right amount of spooky. My whole family loves this one. Ages 8+. Tickets here.
🩸 Dracula — Lakewood Theatre Company
If you prefer your Dracula with dialogue, head to Lakewood Theatre. This stage adaptation of the Bram Stoker classic brings all the eerie atmosphere of Transylvania. Suitable for ages 12+. Tickets here.
💀 BloodyVox — BodyVox
This one’s a Portland Halloween classic. Part dance, part theater, part fever dream — BloodyVox is back with its weird, wild, and wonderful take on spooky season. We love this one so much we’ve gone multiple years. Costumes encouraged. Ages 8+. Tickets here.
🏴☠️ The Goonies — Oregon Symphony
Hey, you guys! Celebrate the 40th anniversary of The Goonies with a big-screen showing, while the Oregon Symphony performs the score live. Rated PG. Tickets here.
🧛 Twilight in Concert
Yes, really. The cult favorite comes to the Schnitz, with the score played live by candlelight while Edward and Bella smolder on screen. Tickets here.
🎶 Halloween Pops — Oregon Symphony
This family-friendly concert is pure Halloween fun — think spooky movie themes and playful costumes, performed by a world-class symphony. Tickets here.
🦋 Alebrijes! — Milagro
Celebrate Día de los Muertos through this vibrant bilingual play about family, tradition, and Mexican folk art. A beautiful way to honor the season. Tickets here.
⚓ Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl in Concert
Adventure on the big screen, sweeping score played live by the Oregon Symphony — what more could you want? Rated PG-13. Tickets here.
🌀 The ArithmeRift — Experiment PDX
If you’re looking for the ultimate nerdy fright, step into a math fracture and help save reality itself. “Before Dark” offers a family-friendly adventure; “After Dark” cranks up the scares. Tickets here.
👄 Rocky Horror Picture Show with Barry Bostwick
A Halloween staple! See the cult classic on the big screen, complete with audience call-backs — and this year, special guest Barry Bostwick (the original Brad). Parents be aware, this one is rated R. Tickets here.
🕯️ Hasta La Muerte with Las Cafeteras — The Reser
A moving Día de los Muertos celebration that blends music, dance, and theater. A gorgeous, heartfelt way to honor loved ones. Tickets here.
Prefer to celebrate the season outdoors? Check out our comprehensive list of pumpkin patches.