‘Spirit of Halloweentown’ returns to St. Helens for 2026 Halloween season

St. Helens is transforming its downtown riverfront for its annual immersive “Spirit of Halloweentown” celebration.

The celebration features several weekends of Halloween events in the same town where the Disney movie “Halloweentown” was filmed.

The 2026 “Spirit of Halloweentown” celebration begins Saturday, Sept. 26, and continues on weekends through Sunday, Nov. 1.

This year’s schedule includes the giant pumpkin lighting, a haunted house, filming location tours, costume contests, live entertainment, and appearances from several “Halloweentown” cast members.

Here’s what to know about visiting Spirit of Halloweentown in St. Helens in 2026.

Why is Halloweentown celebrated in St. Helens?

St. Helens has been associated with Halloween for decades thanks to Disney’s 1998 movie “Halloweentown,” which used the Oregon city as a filming location.

The Disney Channel movie follows Marnie Piper, played by Kimberly J. Brown, and her younger siblings Dylan and Sophie, played by J. Paul Zimmerman and Emily Roeske.

The children discover that they come from a family of witches and travel to Halloweentown, where they become involved in an effort to protect the supernatural community.

St. Helens continues that connection each fall with Spirit of Halloweentown, which has expanded beyond its movie ties to include Halloween attractions, entertainment, vendors, and activities throughout downtown.

When is Spirit of Halloweentown in 2026?

Spirit of Halloweentown will be held Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 26 through Nov. 1.

The 2026 dates are:

• Sept. 26-27
• Oct. 3-4
• Oct. 10-11
• Oct. 17-18
• Oct. 24-25
• Oct. 31-Nov. 1

Official event hours are 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. The event is centered at 275 Strand St. in St. Helens.

When will the giant pumpkin be lit?

The giant pumpkin returns to the St. Helens plaza as one of the centerpiece attractions for 2026.

According to the current event calendar, pumpkin lighting ceremonies are scheduled from 8:30 to 9 p.m. during event weekends. The opening weekend lighting will take place Saturday, Sept. 26.

Visitors can also take photos with the pumpkin during the day, with the Pumpkin Photo-Op scheduled from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on most event dates.

What can visitors do at Spirit of Halloweentown?

The 2026 event includes activities spread throughout the downtown celebration area.

Visitors can explore a kid-friendly haunted house, the Boo Bash Pavilion, Harvest Games Zone, and attractions inside the Masonic Building.

Visitors can also take a film tour where they will be lead around the filming locations of “Halloweentown” and other movies filmed in St. Helens.

The event calendar also includes pirate encampments and cannon demonstrations, costume contests, the St. Helens Dancing Witches, stage performances, roaming entertainers, and free Twilight walking tours on select dates.

Activities and entertainment vary by weekend, so visitors planning a specific attraction should check the schedule for their intended date.

Which Halloweentown cast members are coming in 2026?

Several actors connected to the original “Halloweentown” are scheduled to visit St. Helens this year.

J. Paul Zimmerman, who played Dylan Piper, Emily Roeske, who played Sophie Piper, and Phillip Van Dyke, who played Luke, are scheduled to appear Oct. 17 and 18.

Judith Hoag, who played Gwen Cromwell Piper in “Halloweentown,” is scheduled to appear Oct. 24 and 25. Hoag is also known for playing April O’Neil in the 1990 “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” movie.

Celebrity photo opportunities are separate from regular event admission and must be purchased online. Current photo-op listings start at $85.

Do you need a ticket for Spirit of Halloweentown?

Visitors can enter the plaza and food vendor area without purchasing a ticket. Tickets are required to participate in the event’s included attractions and activities.

A Spirit of Halloweentown pass includes one haunted house entry along with access to attractions such as the Masonic Building exhibits, Boo Bash Pavilion, Harvest Games Zone, filming location tour, and a digital photo with the giant pumpkin. Children 5 and younger receive free admission.

Organizers note that admission does not guarantee visitors will be able to complete every attraction, particularly on busy days when wait times may be longer. Activities are also subject to change.

What should visitors know about parking in 2026?

Parking is changing for the 2026 celebration.

Organizers say visitors who use the official onsite parking area will no longer need to take a shuttle to the event. Advance parking passes are currently listed at $25 per vehicle, plus fees, while onsite parking is $30. Availability is limited.

With different performers, activities, and celebrity appearances scheduled throughout the season, visitors can check the calendar before choosing which weekend to make the trip to St. Helens.