Frightfully delightful: Halloween events slated throughout the Mat-Su

A chill is in the air as jack-o'-lanterns glow from front porches, leaves swirling down from the trees, and spider webs appear as if from nowhere, all signaling the arrival of Halloween. This year, the holiday spirit is more vibrant than ever, with local businesses and community centers hosting a variety of spine-tingling activities sure to delight everyone from the bravest ghost hunters to the littlest candy collectors.

There is no shortage of witchy fun and spooky scares. Ghouls, ghosts, and goblins are set to take over the Mat-Su Borough, from the popular Trick or Treat Street in Palmer (requires participant registration by Oct 17), to Wasilla City Hall Trick-or-Treat, which features a free, "Wizard of Oz" themed trick-or-treating event, there is something for everyone this festively ghoulish season. Here us a quick look at some of the Halloween events:

Beyond the Grave Rave at Settlers Bay Lodge. As of this publication, there are only a few tickets left so get ready to party like there's no tomorrow at Beyond the Grave Rave - a spooky, fun-filled event at Settlers Bay Lodge. Friday October 31, kicking off at 9 p.m. This event for adults 21 and older, hosted by Bob Lester, is packed with music, prizes, and all the wicked fun you can handle. There will be an epic Costume Contests featuring multiple categories with over $3,000 in prizes and a grand door prize-a trip to Costa Rica (airfare & lodging).

For people attending that have a little too much ghostly fun, the Best Western at Lake Lucille is running room rate specials for our party goers on Halloween. Give them a call at (907) 373-1776, and ask about the Beyond the Grave Rave Rates. A Cab will also be ready and waiting for anyone that needs a safe taxi ride home or the Best Western. Designated Drivers enjoy complimentary nonalcoholic beverages all night long. Must have a valid ID, and no weapons permitted.

For the ladies, the Bleeding Heart Brewery in Palmer is getting spooky as they are hosting a Ladies Only Spooky Open House/Meet and Greet. Come hang out and meet your local branch of The Litas Wasilla, part of an all Womn's global motorcycle Collective here in the heart of the Mat-Su Valley, Alaska. Open to all women-members and non-members alike. Costumes are encouraged. The event is scheduled for October 30, from 6 to 8 p.m.

Speaking of bikes, Denali Harley-Davidson in Palmer is hosting a Halloween Party on Saturday, October 25, from noon to 4 p.m. Bring the family and celebrate Halloween, Trick-or-Treat around the shop, and don’t forget about the Kids & Adults Costume Contest (3–4 p.m.). Costumes, candy, and community—don’t miss this fun day at Denali Harley-Davidson!

Everett’s is hosting a Matsuvian Monster Bash! Trunk or Treat! Costume Contest! Best Trunk, Spooky Dance club in the Pavilion. Hot Chocolate Bar and so much more. Sign up your trunk today and reserve your free spot at the largest Trunk or Treat in Wasilla! Sponsored by Ferris Group Realty and Motto Mortgage, there are also sponsorship opportunities this year as well! Proceeds go to the Mat-Su Food Bank. October 31, starting at 5 p.m. for the families. The adults get to have their fun later at the Halloween Party, featuring DJ Russ Daddy. This free event starts at 9 p.m.

Gathering Together! Hosted by the Knik Tribal Council, join together for a fun-filled community event with games, prizes, and refreshments! Bring your costumes and your family for a spooky good time. October 25, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at a new location 2501 E. Bogard, Wasilla. Don’t miss out on the fun – we can’t wait to see you there! For more information, email compact@kniktribe.org or visit www.kniktribe.org

For more family-friendly events, the Haunted Halloween at the Museum of Transportation offers a haunted hayride, train, and house event. Head over to the Museum of Transportation in Wasilla every weekend in October, starting Friday, October 17, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: $10 per person.

Wasilla Lube Express is joining in on the Halloween fun with their Tunnel of Terror, an annual haunted car wash event held at the featuring scares and suds for a fee, with proceeds benefiting the Wasilla High School Boys’ basketball team. The 2025 event is scheduled for October 24 and 25, and again on October 30, from 7-9 p.m.

In Houston, preparations are underway for the high school’s annual Hawktoberfest, held at the Houston High School on October 24, from 5 to 8 p.m. Fireworks, carnival games, a haunted house, and concessions be on hand.

Don’t forget about our four-legged friends. Better Companion is hosting a Halloween Trunk or Treat on Saturday, October 25, from 12–4 p.m. Bring the family, including your pups for an afternoon of community fun, treats, and costumes as vendors and food trucks will be on hand, as well as games for kids. With a 5 donation to the shelter or a bag of dog/cat food (all donations go to the Mat-Su Animal Shelter), people can also take a horseback rides. There will be a Pet Costume Contest – with the community voting for 3 winners! It will also give attendees the chance to meet the new owners of Better Companion (BETCO). Please remember, friendly, leashed dogs welcome and costumes encouraged for humans and pets alike.

Colony High School JROTC and Key Club is presenting Haunted Hallways, and promises a night full of fun, scares, and surprises. The JROTC will be hosting their annual Haunted Hallways at $2/person or $8/group of 6. There will be a haunted house for the little ghosts and goblins from 5-6:30 p.m., then starting at 7 until 10 p.m., it will be time for the teens.

The Key Club will have concessions and games for everyone. The event will be held at Colony High School in Palmer.

Jurassic Park After Dark at Linda Brandon’s State Farm in Wasilla. Bring your best dinosaur roar and costumes for a walk through a haunted house, with candy of course, Trunk or Treating, photo booth for families to capture the fun of Halloween. Friday, October 24, 6-8 p.m. 418 N Main St. Across from the Wasilla Post Office. For any businesses who would like to join, please email Olivia at Olivia@LindaBrandon.com to lock in your spot.

Capstone Specialty Clinics in Wasilla is hosting their 3rd Annual Halloween Event, happening Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 2-6 p.m. Bring the whole family for an afternoon packed with games, trick-or-treating, costumes, and frightfully fun memories for all ages! Entry: One canned food item per person to support the MATSU Food Bank. Dress to impress and come enjoy a spooktacular evening of candy, community, and fun!

Looking for the popular Trunk or Treats? There are plenty of chances to fill up those sacks with candy and treats. The Crozier Team is hosting their 13th Annual Trunk or Treat on Halloween Night – and it promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more than 20 local businesses & organizations coming together to decorate their trunks and hand out candy for the community. Bring the whole family for a safe, fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating. Friday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. 199 E. Nelson Ave., Wasilla

Denali Fitness is hosting their sixth annual Trunk or Treat, also on October 31, from 1-3 p.m. and is FREE to the community. Bring us your kids, get dressed up, and come have fun!

Did we miss an event? Just let us know and we will add it to the list!