Boocoda, WA | The Tiniest Town with the Biggest Halloween Spirit

Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular Events

This was the site of Washington Territory’s first prison back when the area was called Seatco—from the Coast Salish/Upper Chehalis word “tsiatko,” which means “spirit” and refers to legendary beings ranging from hairy Sasquatch-type creatures to more dangerous night spirits that indigenous locals blamed for mysterious deaths. The prison, described as “hell on earth,” closed in 1887 and burned down in 1907. A commemorative stone in a park near the Skookumchuck River is all that exists of its memory today.

BOO-CODA Spook-Tacular takes place in Bucoda, Washington the entire month of October. The World's Tiniest Town with the Biggest Halloween Spirit. BOO-CODA is, by Town Council Proclamation, what the Town of Bucoda, WA is called all throughout the month of October! A spooky little town located three miles outside of Tenino, BOO-CODA comes alive during the month of October to host one of the best Haunted Houses in Washington State every Friday and Saturday night, as well as many other family fun events all throughout the month.

Pallbearers move a hearse decorated with Halloween items through Bucoda.

Month-Long Events in October

Trick-or-Treat Activities

Enjoy month-long trick-or-treating by Joe's Place, and receive sweet treats with friendly services! October 1-31 from 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Pancake Breakfast

October 4 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Relish delectable bites at the Pancake Breakfast event, located at the Bucoda Community Center.

Haunted Vendors Market

October 4, 11, 18, 25 | 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Shop spooky finds, eerie crafts, and hauntingly good treats in between Liberty Market and Joe's Place on Main St.

Hearse Procession & Viewing

October 4 | 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Experience the Hearse Procession and Viewing—featuring a Halloween-themed parade and car show. Guided by the Tenino Band, the procession exudes a delightfully frightful atmosphere for Halloween fans of all ages.

Costume Contests

October 4, 11, 18, 25 | 3:30 p.m.

Whether you're planning to dress as your favorite hero or antagonist, this costume contest celebrates the creativity behind making a different persona! There are plenty of certificates for different ages during these competitions.

Halloween Themed Chalk Art Contest

October 11 | 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Participants can create family-friendly designs on a 4'X4' square of pavement. Judging will be on creativity, originality, use of color, and adherence to the theme. Chalk provided, must register to participate. Location: Joe's Place

Great Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest

October 11 | 12:00 p.m.

Join us for a fun and messy pie-eating showdown featuring guest celebrity contestant, national touring comedian Sam Miller from Olympia!

Registration: 11–11:45 a.m. at the Town Hall information booth
Contest: Begins at noon (limit 20 participants per age group: Under 17, 18+)
Format: Each contestant gets a large whipped-cream pie. You’ll have 3 minutes to eat as much as you can—the remaining pie will be weighed to determine the winner.
Awards: Prizes for 1st place in each age category. Celebrity participants welcome!
Location: 101 East 7th Street

Great Pumpkin Race and Decorating Contest

October 11 | 2:00 p.m.

Kick off the fun at 11:00 a.m. in the Kids Activities area with the Bucoda Improvement Club! Build and decorate your own pumpkin racer (bring your own or use one provided), add wheels, and send it rolling down the ramp.

Competition: Racers run one at a time, judged on speed, distance, and creativity.
Awards: Prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, Dead Last, Scariest, Flashiest, Most Original, Best Coordinated, and Furthest Distance.
Rules: One entry per participant.

Costume Contest

October 11 | 3:30 p.m.

All ages welcome. Register at the information booth in front of Town Hall.

Pet Costume Parade

October 11 | 4:00 p.m.

Bring your pet in costume and register at the information booth in front of Town Hall.

Forest Grove Cemetery Tours

October 11 | 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Location 18011 Northcraft Road Southeast, Tenino, WA 98589

Reserve tickets online at Eventbrite or pay cash at the event. Cost: $15 each or Family $35.

Ghost Hunting 101 Class

October 18 | 11 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Learn the basics of Ghost Hunting. What gear to have, how to assess evidence, and ethical ways to investigate haunted places.

Location: 101 East 7th St. (upstairs in the Community Building)

Casket Races

October 18 | 1:00 p.m.

Enjoy the annual Casket Races, one of the thrilling hallmarks of Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular! If you're looking to participate, you can construct your own casket or borrow one from the Town of Bucoda.

Location: Main Street in front of Joe's Place.

Family-Friendly Haunted House

October 24 & 25 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This kid-friendly version provides two different programs of Halloween excitement. The pumpkin level is perfect for a non-scary adventure, while the ghouls provide some scares for children who are 12 years of age and younger.

Zombie Dash

October 25 | 2:00 p.m.

Dress as your best Zombie and run as fast as you can from the start line to the finish line. Location: 101 East 7th St.

Thrill the World Dance

October 25 | 1:30 - Registration & Practice | 3:00 p.m. - Dance Time

Tap your feet to infectious beats during the Thrill the World Dance at Bucoda Community Center. Join others around the world as participants dance to "Thriller" in over 30 countries.

Trunk or Treat

October 25 | 4:00 p.m.

Bring the whole family to Main Street in Bucoda for a spooktacular Trunk or Treat! Kids can collect candy from creatively decorated car trunks, enjoy festive fun, and show off their best costumes.