Mercer Island is a magical place for celebrating Halloween. The fall foliage is in full hypercolor of reds, oranges, and yellows; pumpkins appear on doorsteps; and giant spiderwebs pop up overnight in almost every conceivable place.  There are also many Halloween-themed events for you to experience with your family. Here is our round-up:

1.  Trick-or-Treat in the Lakes
The Lakes is Mercer Island’s favorite destination for trick-or-treaters. A figure-eight shaped neighborhood on the south end, it attracts hundreds of families every year. Here’s what you need to know:

• Trick-or-treating starts at about 5 pm and ends around 9 pm.
• If you have little ones, start early before it gets too dark and crowded. Also consider doing a smaller loop by turning on the street that bisects the neighborhood. The lakes is nearly one mile in perimeter, which may be too far for little legs.
• Bring a canned, nonperishable item to donate. Every Halloween, the Lakes neighborhood runs a food drive for the MIYFS food pantry. Two bins for donations will be located at the entrance to the Lakes and one bin will be located at each walkway entrance into the Lakes (east and west sides).
• Be sure to say thank you to the Lakes residents, many who go all-out with the Halloween decorations and are generous with their treats.
• Have a spooktacular time!

2.  Trick-or-Treat at your Local Businesses
Little ghosts and goblins are invited to trick or treat at over 60 local businesses for this fourth-annual event. Island businesses downtown and on the south end of Mercer Island will be giving out treats on Halloween from 3 to 5 pm. Children’s musician Nancy Stewart to perform at various locations. Look for posters in the windows of participating businesses. Maps will also be available. Trick-or-treaters are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the Mercer Island Food Pantry.

3.  Party with your Preschooler at MIPA’s Halloween Party
Bring your little monsters, princesses, and superheroes to MIPA’s annual Halloween bash on Saturday, October 25th! This fun, non-spooky Halloween party is designed for preschoolers and all children ages 1 to 6.  There will be Halloween-themed crafts, games, activities, and tricks and treats! Parents are invited to bring children in their favorite costumes.

4.  Solve the Mystery of the “The Witch in Which Wood?”
Children ages 3 to 8 are invited to come help solve the mystery of The Witch in Which Wood? Creative drama tour-guides from Youth Theatre Northwest will lead youngsters on this twisted tale through Luther Burbank Park to spot magical creatures and storybook characters and solve the mystery of the mysterious witch. Half-hour performances will be on October 25th & 26th, from 12:30 – 2:30, tours leave ever 30 minutes.

5.  Stay Alive During the Night of the Living Dead
Get scared silly by this slow-walking horror show, performed by Youth Theatre Northwest at Luther Burbank Park.  With performances starting tomorrow, this show delivers abominable acts with a surprising blend of stage camp. Prepare yourself for both hysterical laughter and screaming as the characters fight for their lives against the undead hoards. So be sure to keep your head on your shoulders (if you can). The dead are alive and “they’re coming to get you!” For ages 9+ unless accompanied by an adult.

6.  Celebrate the Season at MIPC’s Fall Festival
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church will celebrate the Fall season on Monday, October 27th, from 5:30 – 7:30 pm! Come for dinner, a cupcake walk, and carnival style games. Bring a pumpkin to carve or decorate. And don’t forget to dress in your favorite costume! Cost: donations or canned items requested for the Thanksgiving Mission Project.

7.  Trunk or Treat at Holy Trinity
Holy Trinity Lutheran and Emmanuel Episcopal churches have partnered to invite you to Trunk or Treat on Wednesday, October 29th, from 6 to 8 pm. Come in costume for a parade, carve a pumpkin, participate in crafts and games, enjoy pizza and popcorn, and of course, trunk or treat!

8.  Sit in for “Scarecrowfest” Story Times at the Mercer Island Library
The theme is “Scarecrowfest” for children’s story times on October 29th and 30th at the Mercer Island Library. Come listen to children’s librarian Linda Ernst tell stories about scarecrows and pumpkins.

9.  Enjoy Singing and Storytelling at Island Books on All Saints’ Day
Children ages three through grade-school are invited for this special hour-long show at Island Books on All Saints Day (November 1st) at 6:30 pm. Singer and storyteller (and second-grade teacher) Norm Brecke will share classic spooky tales alongside five students (ages 10-15) from his school storytelling club. The story time will begin with a special guest opener – musician and singer Nancy Stewart!

10.  Go on a Scenic Drive to spot Halloween Decorations
Take a scenic drive around Mercer Island.  Admire the fall colors and keep your eye out for Halloween decorations that range from cute to creepy. Challenge your kids to see who can spot the most pumpkins! Be sure to do a loop through the Lakes!