Have Some Frightful Halloween Fun at These Neighborhood Business Districts

COVID-19 might be the scariest thing in Portland right now but neighborhood business districts are still getting frightfully festive for Halloween. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 148 million U.S. adults plan to spend an average of $92 per person on Halloween goodies and participate in Halloween-related activities. 75% of participants plan on buying decorations but costumes and greeting cards follow closely behind. Make your socially distant Halloween magical by shopping local. There are plenty safe ways to get into the spirit of Halloween while supporting small businesses. Here are a few ideas:

• Beaumont: Don your scariest mask and visit the Pic or Treat photo booth at The Arrangement. Take a photo, grab a goodie bag and post it on Instagram for a chance to win prizes.
• Central Eastside: So the community can come together safely to celebrate Day of the Dead, Cargo is creating an outdoor offerenda. The collaboration includes café de olla from Revolución Coffee House, dark roast coffee beans from Reforma Roasters, Pan de Muerto from Dos Hermanos and art work from local artists.
• Mississippi Ave: Bring your family to Mississippi Ave on Halloween for the Great PDX Pumpkin Hunt (costumes encouraged!) and follow the clues on Instagram to find pumpkins and take a selfie with each one.
• Montavilla: Play BINGO and win a $100 Gift Card! Now through December, Montavilla is holding a virtual BINGO contest! Each week a new group of businesses will be featured. Visit 4 participating businesses in person (where applicable) or online each week to receive an entry to win.
• Multnomah Village: The Multnomah Village Halloween Costume and Pumpkin Decorating Contest will feature prizes from 20+ Multnomah Village businesses including Art In The Village Gallery, JP General, Sarah Bellum’s Bakery & Workshop, Annie Bloom’s Books and more.
• NW District: Enjoy a day of Autumn splendor and fresh air at the Northwest District Harvest Faire! Post a picture  of your favorite purchases or fun dining experience on social media for a chance to win prizes.
• Old Town: Prefer wine over candy? Enter Old Town’s Wine Country Experience Raffle for a chance to win a weekend for four in Oregon’s world class Willamette Valley. Proceeds go towards community revitalization in Old Town.
• St Johns: Show off your most frightening pumpkin creation at the St. Johns Pumpkin Giveaway and Decorating Contest! Pick up a free pumpkin at participating businesses, decorate them at home and post a public photo to Instagram for a chance to win!
• Williams District: Create the grossest gourd for the Williams District Pumpkin Carving Contest and you could win! Pick up a free pumpkin at participating businesses and post on Instagram by October 30^th to enter.

This list is non-exhaustive so there are plenty more ways to celebrate Halloween in neighborhood business districts. How are you getting into the spirit while supporting small? Show us on Instagram and Facebook.