Summer is but a distant memory, and the smell of pumpkin spice is in the air. If there’s one day that showcases everything that fall has to offer, it’s Halloween! Here's our guide on how to celebrate Halloween in Truckee from parades to trick-or-treating and everything in between.
Harvest Some Fun
The 12th annual Fall Festival in the Northwoods Clubhouse has a little something for the entire family. The kiddos will leap with glee in the bounce house, climbing wall, and slide. Your cowpokes can enjoy pony rides from 11AM until the ponies need to hit the hay! There’s even a doggie dip adventure for your four-legged family members in the Northwoods Pool!
Historic Downtown Truckee’s Halloween Festivities
Truckee’s annual event for Halloween always takes place the Friday before the actual day. For this year, that means Friday, October 27th and the event kicks off at 4:30 pm. Families trick-or-treat through the Historic Downtown district, picking up candy from all the shops.
*Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story stated the Halloween Parade date as Oct 29th. Please note the correct date is Friday, Oct 27, 2023.
At 6pm, those in costume are then invited to jump in line at the train depot as the parade starts – as in YOU are the parade. Bystanders and revelers line Donner Pass Road cheering on kids and parents as they make their way to the Community Arts Center on Church St. Ready for more trick-or-treating? Head inside the Arts Center for more treats!
Howl At The Moon
Imagine walking through the forest canopy with a guide and a full moon illuminating the sagebrush and manzanitas. Or maybe it’s paddling on Lake Tahoe where the waters look like glass and your group is the only one out there. That all depends on the weather. Regardless, you’ll increase your knowledge of astronomy and create a memory that will last a lifetime on a full moon or sunset paddle offered by Tahoe Adventure Company. The Hunter’s Moon paddle tours will happen on Friday, October 27th and Saturday, October 28th. Reservations are a must so do plan ahead.
Sierra’s Most Iconic Haunted Tour
Truckee may be a lively town filled with upscale boutiques, wine shops, and award-winning fine dining, but it wasn’t always so. As part of the annual Historical Haunted Tour, you’ll experience its past through talented characters that engage in rowdy tales of its history in seven historical sites located throughout downtown Truckee. Be aware that this event is so popular that it sells out when the tickets go on sale every year so plan ahead now and add a reminder to your calendar if you want to join next year’s tour. 2024 tickets go on sale July 4th at 8am.
Go Spirit Hunting
Just because Truckee’s Historical Haunted Tour is sold out doesn’t mean you can’t explore the spooky parts of Truckee on your own. Take in the history by going on a self-guided downtown Truckee historic tour and explore Truckee’s oldest buildings. Rent a Ghost hunting kit from the Truckee Library and stroll town to see if there are any spirits running about. Or saddle up to a barstool at the Truckee Hotel bar where paranormal investigators have said that it’s haunted. Who knows… maybe a bit of whiskey will get them talking.
