See photos of Halloween in Tacoma over the last century. Plus: Things to do
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- News Tribune archives showcase century of Tacoma Halloween photos and events.
- Multiple you-pick pumpkin farms and fall mazes opened in late September.
- Calendar highlights parades, haunted tours, Zoo Boo and Halloween 5K in October.
A peek into The News Tribune archives, some of which are stored in the Tacoma Library’s Northwest Room, reveals that the city long has been the playground for ghosts and ghouls seeking a sweet treat in October.
Black-and-white photographs reveal elaborate costumes, games, dancing and Halloween parties over the years, and we thought with the cooler weather it would be a good time to reminisce.
Curious about when pumpkin patches and corn mazes open, or what Halloween activities are on the horizon? We got you covered on that, too.
Where to pick pumpkins, wander corn mazes
Places that offer you-pick pumpkin patches in Pierce County include:
- In Puyallup: Double R Farms (5820 44th St. E, 253-227-5385), Picha Farms (6502 52nd St. E, 253-841-4443), Sidhu Farms (15018 96th St. E, 253-651-3755), Spooner Farms (9710 WA-162, 253-840-2059) and Sterino Farms (6006 52nd St. E, 253-922-8945)
- In Gig Harbor: Harbor Farms (7725 92nd St. NW, 253-993-6300)
- In Spanaway: Old McDebbie’s Farm (4924 268th St. E, 253-875-0356)
- In Sumner: Knutson Farms (16406 78th St. E, 253-863-5107)
- In Buckley: Maris Farms and Haunted Woods (25001 Sumner Buckley Hwy, 253-264-5400)
As reported by The News Tribune last year, pumpkin patches and corn mazes opened in late September. Places with mazes include Double R Farms (The News Tribune got an inside look at how they design their corn maze) in addition to Spooner Farms, Sidhu Farms, Maris Farms, McMillin Farm and Brewhouse (12517 WA-162, 253-348-3492) and Sterino Farms.
Halloween event calendar
Some spooky events that caught The News Tribune’s eye this year include:
- The Haunted Farmers Market in South Tacoma (Oct. 5, Oct. 12, Oct. 19, Oct. 26, Nov. 2)
- The Proctor District’s Tacoma Halloween Parade (from 4-6 p.m. on Oct. 18)
- Haunted walking tours from Pretty Gritty Tours (including a Ghost Tour of downtown, Old Town, the Foss Seaport and Olympia) (multiple weekends in October, as tickets last)
- Zoo Boo at Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium (Oct. 18-19)
- Wicked Fast Halloween 5K, 10K and Kids 1K Run at Dune Peninsula (Oct. 25)
- “A Night at the Movies” costume contest from the Tacoma Youth Symphony Association (Oct. 25)
- Halloween Bar Crawl (Oct. 31 and Nov. 1)
- The haunted house at Frighthouse Station (open through Nov. 1)
This story was originally published October 6, 2025 at 12:36 PM.
