Halloween in the Old Mill District is where Bend’s best Boos come to life!

(last updated 10.01.2026)

Families and Halloween fans throughout Central Oregon it’s time to channel the spirit of the bewitching season – start designing your costumes, pets too – and join the Halloween fun in the Old Mill District Saturday, Oct. 31!

Photo by Gwen Shoemaker

Come celebrate all things ghoulishly delightful at the Old Mill District during our annual family-friendly Halloween party on Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. The entire district will transform into a hauntingly joyful playground, where everyone is invited to participate in the festivities. From trick-or-treating at our welcoming shops to watching the spectacle of costumed pets parading, and the iconic witches’ paddle on the Deschutes River, there’s a little magic for everyone.

First things first, parking! There are loads of free parking spaces within the Old Mill District, and new this year we’re implementing more free parking in the gravel lot across the Flag Bridge near the amphitheater along with a “Family Drop Off Zone” at the West Event Parking lawn in front of the Hampton Inn. Plus, our security team will be assisting folks in the various lots to help communicate which lots are full and which ones still have spaces.

In addition to parking, please note that there will be a road closure on Powerhouse Drive from REVOLVR to LUSH this year to create a true block party experience that is safer for all attendees. The road will be closed from 11 a.m. through the end of the Halloween celebration around 6 p.m. No vehicles will be permitted within that area during the closure. Now to the fun stuff….

Humane Society Pet Costume Contest

Humane Society of Central Oregon Howl-o-ween Pet Costume Contest Details:

• Location: Main Plaza between the Stacks Dinner & Delicatessen and Anthony’s in the Old Mill District near the flag bridge
• Registration open 3 to 4 p.m. at the Humane Society booth
• Contest will run 4 to 4:45 p.m.
• Free to enter, donation graciously accepted.
• 4:45 p.m. Judging begins, and local celebrity judges will hand out prizes for the top 3 costumes.

All companion animals are welcome to participate. Ensure that your pet is comfortable in their costume, and temperature-sensitive species are kept warm.

The School of Rock Band Performance

This Halloween, the talented students of the School of Rock will be rocking out right outside of Saxon’s Fine Jewelers from 4 to 5 p.m. Meet the next generation of musicians who have been putting in the work to grow as students, bandmates and performers. Come see their hard work pay off in a performance that is sure to leave you with goosebumps.

Central Oregon Aerial Arts’ Halloween Performance
Trick or treat? This performance offers both. Returning to the district, Central Oregon Aerial Arts will present a special silk aerial act. Catch the elegant performance with times and location to be determined. The showstopping performers will be dressed to the nines in their most enchanting Halloween attire as they soar through the air so hang tight to your candy because you might drop it in awe.

Witches Paddle

Witches Paddle – starts at 3 p.m. from Riverbend Park

The famous Witches Paddle launches from Riverbend Park at approximately 3 p.m. on Halloween. This is also an opportunity to support Mountain Star Family Relief Nursery! Whether you’re a Glinda, Elphaba, feeling Wicked or more of a Wanda, don your witchy wardrobe and paddle your way down to the Flag Bridge in the Old Mill District during this beloved Halloween celebration. Add to the activity by bringing donated goods for Mountain Star to use to support their community – baby wipes, food, diapers, etc. all welcome to bring to the collection box at Riverbend Park on Halloween.

Whether you float by broom, paddle by cauldron, or simply stroll on two feet, the Old Mill District is your destination for spellbinding Halloween adventures. Remember, this isn’t just a ghostly gathering, it’s a community celebration where laughter and shrieks mingle in the autumn air. The Old Mill District is more than just shops and eateries; it’s a place where memories are made, and traditions are born. So, come in your most creative costumes, pets included, and let’s make this Halloween one for the spooky history books!

We witch you a happy Halloween, Central Oregon!