Halloween doesn’t have to wait until the end of the month in McKinley Hill. The neighborhood’s second annual Haunted Street Fair returns Saturday, October 10, from 2 to 8 p.m., bringing an afternoon and evening of music, shopping, food, and Halloween activities to McKinley Avenue. Admission is free, and the celebration is open to everyone.
Organized in partnership with the McKinley Business Association, the fair brings together neighborhood businesses, local artisans, performers, and families. Two blocks of shopping give visitors room to browse between performances and food stops. It’s a chance to spend time in the business district while discovering some of the people who help give it its personality.
Music will run across two stages, with bands, solo performers, and DJs sharing the schedule. The published lineup includes Reaper PunX, Man Plus, Eve’s Black Heart, and GRRRizzly on the main stage, while Kristen Marlo, Justin DePaola, and other performers appear on Stage Two. With performances spread through the afternoon and evening, visitors can plan around an act they want to catch or simply see what’s playing when they arrive.
Families have their own destination in the kids’ zone, where the schedule includes all-ages karaoke, face painting, spin art, games, and concessions. Costume contests and raffles are listed for 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a final raffle at 7 p.m. For anyone whose Halloween outfit is already waiting in the closet, this is an opportunity to give it an early outing.
Local vendors and food offerings round out the celebration, giving visitors something to explore between sets. The mix makes it easy to build an afternoon around several interests: browse the booths, find something to eat, let the kids enjoy an activity, and settle in for some music. You can come for a particular performance or leave your schedule open for whatever catches your attention.
The fair takes place around East McKinley Avenue and East Harrison Street in Tacoma’s historic McKinley Hill district. Whether you arrive dressed for Halloween or just ready to wander, the six-hour celebration offers a free way to enjoy the neighborhood before October’s biggest night. Check the Haunted Street Fair’s website for event updates before heading out.
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