Halloween is fast approaching, and Anchorage has a lot to do this October, from family-friendly activities to a spooky show. 

With fall foliage on full display, the BOOtanical garden is underway at the Alaska Botanical Garden and can be seen every Saturday, Sunday, and Monday until Monday, Oct. 24th from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. 

A mix of scary and sweet, Anchorage Parks and Recreation’s Haunted and Enchanted Trails is taking over Goose Lake Park for two days of Halloween fun. The Enchanted Trail is open for all ages on Thursday, Oct. 22, 1:30 - 4:30 p.m. while the Haunted Trail is for kids over the age of nine on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7 - 9 p.m. 

Once you’ve coordinated the costumes, check out one of the many community events featuring trick-or-treat stations. The annual Zoo Boo event at the Alaska Zoo begins on Sunday, Oct. 30 where they’ll hand out candy from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. If you didn’t get enough the first night, walk through the zoo’s decorated trails on Monday, Oct. 31 from 5 - 8 p.m. with $5 candy bags for sale at admissions. 

In Spenard, they’ll have trick-or-treating on the Fish Creek Trail on Monday, Oct. 31 from 4 - 6 p.m. Kids can fill up their bags of candy between Kiwanis Fish Creek Park and Barbara Street Park along the Fish Creek Trail. If you plan on attending, organizers encourage folks to walk or bike because of limited parking. 

If you’re interested in an adult night out, Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show begins on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at Mad Myrna’s. Those in attendance are encouraged to dress up as their favorite character.  Head out to Eagle River to check out the first annual “Hooowl-oween” Beer & Wine Tasting Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 29 from 7 - 9 p.m. at the Eagle River Lions Club. This creepy carnival will feature distorted mirrors, trapeze skeletons, fortune tellers, and more. 

Need a break from all candy consumption? Go outside and enjoy the fall colors on a hike or bike ride. October is the perfect time to bike along the moose loop trail or cross off a trek from your to-do list. For more ideas about what to do in Alaska’s biggest city check out our 2022 Anchorage Neighborhood Guide.