You could call it Halloween week, given the number of Halloween-themed events and activities throughout the county starting about mid-month. The biggest cluster of seasonal festivities is this week, concluding with the official observance Thursday, Oct. 31.

Halloween itself is packed with options, starting with Halloween crafts and “an epic spooky playlist” of music for teens and young adults at the Nest in Uptown Port Townsend from 2-5 p.m., where youths can grab drinks before heading downtown for the Port Townsend Main Street Program’s 28th annual Trick-or-Treat and costume parade along Water Street.

PT Main Street Program Executive Director Mari Mullen noted that costumed children from preschool through sixth grade are invited to participate, with “the friendly Main Street witches” leading off the parade, whose participants will assemble at 3:45 p.m. at the 1st Security Bank plaza at Adams and Water streets, before marching down Water Street to Polk Street starting at 4 p.m.

Trick-or-Treat immediately follows the parade, at participating businesses throughout downtown, on Water and Washington streets, so motorists should keep in mind that Water Street and some side streets, from Madison to Polk Streets, will be closed to traffic from 3:30-5:30 p.m. for public safety at this event.

Mullen estimated that approximately 1,500-2,000 people typically attend this event.

“We love bringing the community together for this fun event, in a safe environment,” Mullen said. “The Main Street Downtown Trick-or-Treat has a long history. The costumes are so creative, friends and neighbors enjoy connecting with each other, and Port Townsend’s downtown merchants are so generous to provide treats.”

The action returns to Uptown PT for a cryptid-themed costume party and board game night, with prizes awarded to the “most reactive and creepy” costumes, and snacks and drinks served in Aldrich’s mezzanine, from 5-8:30 p.m. at Strange Days Comics and Games.

Halloween night brings with it two costume contests, first at the Palindrome’s costume ball from 6-10 p.m., then at the Keg and I’s costumed karaoke night from 7-10 p.m.

Laura Newman, events and marketing director for Eaglemount Winery and the Palindrome, noted that a grand prize of $100 would be awarded to the winner of the Palindrome’s costume contest, while the ball will feature live bands Abracadabra Trip and Whump, “to groove our dancing bones with forest funk jams and rock-and-roll.”

Newman added, “Sam Maynard is not to be missed, as a singing and piano-playing Beetlejuice, plus DJ Slumpp will spin,” as she promised there would also be fire dancers, a photo booth with Jeff Eichen, hot cider and food. “What we love is how Port Townsend always goes all-out for Halloween! Our passion for the arts gets turned up to 11, and the costumes are so creative.”

To make sure everyone can enjoy the occasion, Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal Gregory Baruso offered some tips for celebrating Halloween safely.

The National Fire Protection Association reported that the leading cause of fires during the holidays are because of decorations, causing 790 home structure fires per year, and on Halloween in 2023, Washington state had 79 such fire incidents reported, 27% of which were structure fires.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office recommends choosing costumes made of flame-resistant or flame-retardant fabrics, and avoiding costumes with long, flowing pieces.

Baruso likewise recommended using battery-operated candles, or LED lights, instead of real candles in jack-o-lanterns and other decorations, in addition to keeping decorations away from open flames and heat sources, to prevent fires.

“Ensure your walkways and exit paths are well-lit and free of obstacles,” Baruso said. “If you’re celebrating Halloween away from your home, make sure to identify at least two escape routes, in case of a fire.”

If you do choose to light candles inside your jack-o-lanterns, Baruso advises using long, fireplace-style matches or a utility lighter, and placing the candles out of the way of trick-or-treaters, doorsteps, walkways and yards.

Finally, just as you should do the rest of the year, ensure all your smoke alarms are working.