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With the colorful foliage, crisp mountain air, earlier sunsets and festive energy throughout the community, Tahoe-Truckee takes on a special spooky charm this time of year.
From family-friendly trick-or-treating events to costume crawls and parties, there’s truly something for everyone to enjoy about the spooky season.
Photo: Truckee's Halloween in the Park is fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages. Photo credit: TDRPD
Below, I have created a list of Halloween and fall-themed events to help you make the most of your time here in Tahoe-Truckee. Happy haunting!
For more events throughout October, be sure to visit our Daytime and Nightlife listings.
Hauntober takes over Tahoe City, West Shore and Alpine Meadows. Photo credit: Visit Tahoe City
Hauntober in Tahoe City
Ongoing through Halloween Night
Hauntober transforms Tahoe City, the West Shore and Alpine Meadows throughout the month of October. Featuring a wide variety of community events, seasonal displays, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences and parties, the schedule has something fun for all ages.
Hauntober isn’t just a time to celebrate Halloween, it’s a great opportunity to support local businesses and mingle with community members.
One of the most popular events, the Tahoe City Zombie Crawl, will take place on October 23. This locally loved event, hosted by the Tahoe City Downtown Association, is a great chance to visit local businesses and enjoy food, drinks, live music entertainment, a photo booth and Zombification Station. Wear your spookiest costumes!
Full lineup of events:
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Skeleton Scavenger Hunt: October 13 to 31
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Mountainfilm on Tour: October 16 & 17
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Harvest Fest and Big Truck Day: October 17
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Truckee River Day: October 18
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Teen Movie Matinee: October 21
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Scarecrows on Parade: Ongoing, Votes end by October 21
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Decorative Gourds: October 23
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Tahoe City Zombie Crawl: October 23
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Swigard’s Paint Bucket Decorating Contest: Enter by October 24
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Haunted Historic Walking Tours: October 24, 25 & 31
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Downtown Trick-or-Treating and Watson Cabin Haunted House: October 30
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Cornstock Displays in Tahoe City: Ongoing
Donner Lake Witch Paddle
October 17
Due to high winds on the original date, the legendary Donner Lake Witch Paddle has been rescheduled to Saturday, October 17. Witches and warlocks are invited to haunt Donner Lake on a fun morning paddleboarding session. Creative costumes are highly encouraged!
Participants are encouraged to arrive at 9 a.m. and attend the community ritual at 9:30 a.m., which will set the intention for the day and inspire a moment for self-reflection, introspection and new beginnings. At 10 a.m., the haunted paddle begins!
Date: Saturday, October 17
Time: 9 AM
Location: Dog Beach at Donner Lake Memorial State Park
Fun for the whole family! Wear your costume to Truckee's Halloween in the Park. Photo credit: TDPRD
Halloween in the Park
October 30
Fun for ghouls and goblins of all ages, this free, family-friendly event features an exciting trick-or-treat through Downtown Truckee, giving families a fun opportunity to celebrate the Halloween spirit, support local businesses and mingle with community members.
There will be a costume contest, music on the stage and a special Dia de los Muertos celebration inside the Art Center Auditorium.
Date: Friday, October 30
Time: 4 to 6 p.m.
Location: Downtown Truckee
Creeper's Ball
October 30 & October 31
Get ready for two nights of Halloween madness at the Crystal Bay Casino’s Creeper’s Ball. There will be live music, killer costumes, casino action, spooky surprises, cold drinks and late-night partying. Dress to impress (or to terrify). This is a 21+ event.
Date: Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Crystal Bay Casino, Crystal Bay
Halloween Celebration at Heavenly Village
October 31
Visit Heavenly Village for one of South Lake Tahoe’s most popular Halloween celebrations. This free, family-friendly event features the South Shore’s largest trick-or-treating event with more than 50 candy stops at participating local businesses, live entertainment, a $1,000 costume contest, bounce houses, a Witches Walk and more.
This event is extremely popular, so you are encouraged to arrive early to utilize public transportation to ease stress and potential traffic and parking issues.
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 3 to 6 p.m.
Location: Heavenly Village
Wear your spookiest costumes at Freaker's Ball at Bally's. Photo credit: Bally's Lake Tahoe
Freakers Ball at Bally’s
October 31
Get your costume ready and head to South Lake Tahoe’s epic Halloween party at Bally’s Lake Tahoe. This 21+ event will have music, entertainment, a costume contest with cash prizes, food and drink and performances from Scarlet Checkers the “Clowntortionist.”
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Bally’s Lake Tahoe
Costume Dinner Cruise Aboard the M.S. Dixie II
October 31
Celebrate Halloween on the lake and experience a haunted cruise like no other. Board the iconic M.S. Dixie II, launching from Zephyr Cove Resort, and enjoy a sunset cruise and an evening of fun costumes, dancing, dinner, music, spooky entertainment and stunning views of the lake.
Spots are limited. Reserve early to ensure your attendance!
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 5 to 8 p.m.
Location: Zephyr Cove Resort
Hyatt Halloween Haunted Carnival
October 31
This family-friendly event promises a night of fun for all ages while raising money for the Incline Education Fund’s Step Up for STEM program. Kids can show off their best costumes in the Kids' Costume Contest with exciting prizes up for grabs. Families can test their skills with classic carnival games like ring toss, duck pond, and bean bag toss, with prizes for the winners!
There will also be face painting, crafts, a photo booth, a bouncy house and treats. Entry is a $10 donation, which includes five carnival tickets for games and activities. Additional tickets can be purchased for $1 each.
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 3 to 9 p.m.
Location: Hyatt Regency Ballroom, Incline Village
About the Author Kirsten Alexis
Kirsten is an outdoor adventure enthusiast, writer and photographer. You can typically find her hiking, paddleboarding, cross-country skiing and checking out new spots to share in the Tahoe Donner region. She has been lucky to call Tahoe her second home since she was a child and aims to inspire people to experience Tahoe and fall in love with the beauty and adventurous spirit of the region through her blogs and content. 
