How did October just waltz right into our lives?! As the air chills to a crisp bite in the morning and evenings, we welcome change of color in both nature and wardrobe. Though the sun’s been shining the past few weeks and I’m soaking in every minute of it. I’m slowly unpacking my winter clothes out from storage as we change into the cooler season and as all the autumn activities begin make their presence known.

Lat weekend we ushered in the season as local grocery stores started putting their gourds, squash and pumpkins out on display, nestled in with some friendly scarecrows of course. Bayview Farm and Garden hosted their annual Apple Day celebration and Greenbank Farm threw an Oktoberfest celebration complete with Coupe’s Last Stand Bratwagon and Bavarian-inspired pies from Fulla Za mobile wood-fired pizza.

If you missed the first weekend of October activities, never fear there are many more Halloween and autumnal events all month long. Here’s what’s to look forward to as we countdown to all Hallow’s Eve:

• Black Cat Ball at Bayview Hall
• Whidbey Children’s Theatre: Monster Mash
• Spooktacular Langley
• SWHS/MS & SWHS Choir Creepy Concert
• Halloween Party @ Double Bluff Brewing w/ ROSSaCON
• Practical Magic Screening @ WICA
• Down the Rabbit Hole: Halloween Night Party @ Bayview Hall
• Trick or Treat @ local spots in Clinton
• Oak Harbor Main Street presents: No Tricks Safe Treats

The Practical Magic of Coupeville

The oldest town on Whidbey Island does draw a fair amount of folks during peak season, but around the fall Coupeville brings a whole different wave of visitors. Witches, warlocks and all their familiars flood the streets of Coupeville to explore all of the Practical Magic movie lore that this town is known for.
Amplifying on its fame ever since the film’s release, Coupeville has always been a charming small town. Known for Penn Cove mussels, historic waterfront wharf, and Ebey’s Landing National Historical Preserve – Coupeville and its surrounding areas pack together history, haunts, and wildlife. Here’s what’s coming up this month in Coupeville:

Witches Walk the Wharf: Held each October in charming Coupeville, this event transforms the waterfront into a spellbinding celebration. Gather your witchy crew and stroll the wharf from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, enjoy a group photo, join a lively street dance, compete in a costume contest, and explore deals from local shops. Tickets include a tote bag and entry into a drawing for a night at the Captain Whidbey Inn.

Practically Magic Halloweekend

There are tons of events all throughout October revolving around, you guessed it, Practical Magic. Especially now that Hollywood announced the sequel coming out September 2026. This annual event draws visitors from near and far. Come to think of it, it’s probably Coupeville’s busiest time of the year. Here are a few of the events you can a catch during this year’s Practically Magic Halloweekend in Coupeville:

Practically Magic Movie Nights at Coupeville Rec Hall

Thursday October 23rd, Friday October 24th & Saturday October 25th | Doors open at 6:00pm | Movie begins at 8:00pm
Celebrate Practical Magic in the town where the quintessential witchy film was brought to life! Don your most enchanting costumes and get ready for a night of magic, fun, and community spirit. 

This is a 21+event with margaritas, beer and wine available for purchase. Valid ID for entry.

Thursday, October 23rd – Sunday, October 26th
Scavenger Hunt all throughout downtown, a family-friendly event.

Saturday, October 25th
Torchlight Parade & Street Dance | 5:30pm-7:00pm | Front & Coveland Streets, Coupeville, Washington 98239

Saturday, October 25th
Ales and Apothecary – Brew Garden | 2:00pm-6:00pm | Front & Coveland Streets, Coupeville, Washington 98239
Magic and merriment come together at the Ales and Apothecary brew garden in the heart of Coupeville’s Historic Waterfront District. Nestled next to the historic Haller House, this cozy, witchy retreat is the perfect spot to unwind and soak in the autumnal atmosphere.

Sunday, October 26th
The Great Pumpkin Race | 2:00pm-3:30pm | Front & Coveland Streets, Coupeville, Washington 98239

If you’re looking for some haunted places off the beaten path – check out this article that offers a range of spots across Whidbey Island that are host to plenty of ghosts…