It's time to pull your scariest mask out of the costume bin—Halloween is just around the corner. Luckily for Whistler, Halloween is not a one-night-only ordeal in this community. Here are just a few of the many ways to get your fright on all week long, whether you're in search of family-friendly fun or something a little scarier.
For the trick-or-treating crowd
Trick-or-treating in the Village // Oct. 25 - 27
Get your costume ready early: from Friday to Sunday, kids can go trick-or-treating when they pick up a free Halloween tote from the Whistler Visitor Centre, Carlbergs Gifts or The Great Glass Elevator Candy Shop. Once decked out in costume—including their tote, of course—kids can visit participating businesses all over town to collect some spooky sweets (head to whistler.com/Halloween for the details). New this year, face painting will also be available at the Maury Young Arts Centre on Saturday, Oct. 26—all the better to fit in with the characters that will be roving throughout the Village Stroll on Saturday.
Tapley's farm Halloween 5:30-8 p.m. // Oct. 31
It's no secret that one of Whistler's longest-running events is the ideal place to spend Halloween. Enjoy the fireworks display at Myrtle Philip Community School, kicking off at 7:30 pm. Since Tapley's neighbourhood will be closed to traffic from 4 p.m. onwards—trick-or-treating is scheduled to begin after 5:30 p.m.—and parking is limited, interested families are encouraged to hop on the free "Park and Spook" shuttle that runs from the Marketplace parking lot to Tapley's between 5:15 and 8:30 p.m. Tapley's residents are asking families to bring donations (cash or food) to the Food Bank for their "We Scare Hunger" campaign. (Prior to the 31st, collection boxes for candy donations will be set up at schools, daycares, and local grocery stores to help Tapley's residents meet the demand.)
pumpkin drop Whistler Fire Hall // Nov. 3, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Just because Halloween will be over doesn't mean the fun has to be. Bring your leftover pumpkins to the seventh annual Pumpkin Drop at the Spring Creek Fire Hall, in support of the Whistler Children's Centre, where you'll have the chance to drop your pumpkin from three stories high, and watch it come crashing down. Participation is by donation, with $5 recommended. Hot chocolate, coffee, hot dogs and baked goods will also be available for purchase.
For those who are theoretically too old for trick-or-treating
WAG's Halloween Howl!
The Hangar // Oct. 26, 9 p.m. After tucking the kids into bed, head back to the Hangar for the 19-plus portion of the evening, featuring tunes from Jenna Mae and the Groove Section, Combat Dolphins, DJ Nat Morel and the Sounds of Stache, silent auctions, a contest to determine Whistler's Spookiest Cocktail & Appy Pairing, and, of course, a costume contest. Hot tip: Don't be afraid to put more effort into your Halloween costume than you put into your Gaper Day getup—the contest winner will take home a snowboard. Free shuttles from the Village to Function Junction run from 10 p.m. onwards.
WHISTLER OFF-ROAD CYCLING ASSOCIATION (WORCA) HALLOWEEN COSTUME TOONIE RIDE PassivHaus at Lost Lake // Oct. 31, 5:30 p.m,
To take part in one of the Whistler mountain bike community's favourite fall traditions—and the final Toonie Ride of the year—make sure your costume includes good quality lights and won't get caught in your bike spokes. You must be a WORCA member to participate in the after-dark ride, but event memberships will be available at the start line. Sign-in begins at 5 p.m., while the ride is set to kick off at 6 p.m., as the sun sets.
HAUNTED WAREHOUSE PARTY The Hangar // Oct. 31, 9 p.m.,
The second annual Haunted Warehouse Party, hosted by local DJ duo Case of the Mondays at the Hangar in Function Junction, is sure to be a repeat success. Featuring "frighteningly awesome" tunes from the event hosts, as well as Gold Coast producer, DJ, label head and all-around party starter Wongo. Don't skimp on the costume—best dressed wins a keg from Whistler Brewing. At press time, limited tickets were still available for $50.
Between Whistler's bars, pubs, clubs and event spaces, there's a variety of Halloween parties throughout the week where you can dress up and dance the night away (after all, it's the only time of year when it's acceptable to ghost your date).
Head to our event listings for more.
