There is no place better to soak up autumn than the Pacific Northwest, where crispy air, evening football games and Doc Martens set the scene on campus. If you are looking for a way to maximize your fall experience, you are in the right place – Pullman and the Palouse are full of a variety of fall events. 

From pumpkin patches that are perfect for photos, to haunted zombie attractions and music festivals that bring the community together, there are ways for everyone to enjoy the spooky season. 

WSU’s Eggert Organic Farm will host a “U-pick” pumpkin patch event from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. Pumpkins, pumpkin pie, apple cider and other goodies will be available for purchase. Not only can you personally pick your favorite pumpkin, fall produce and crops like corn, shallots, carrots and more will be available. Located behind the bears, this WSU run event is perfect for students and Pullman residents. 

The Haunted Palouse has been a staple in the Palouse for over two decades and is the spot to be if you are seeking a thrill. The haunted event is featured on Oct. 17,18, 24 and 25. Tickets are $30 and patrons are encouraged to purchase tickets online, as there will be limited tickets at the front booth. Halloween lovers can enjoy the food trucks, baked goods, warm drinks and also a haunted zombie hunt. The event is located in Palouse, Wash. and volunteer and vendor options are available. 

The Brazilian Jazz Fest is returning to WSU for five days of performances, seminars, rehearsals and events. The event will be held Oct. 18 through 22 with the main event at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 21. The ensemble Três Mais will perform at the Kimbrough Music Hall with WSU’s chamber singers, jazz lab band, jazz band and faculty. Enjoy the combination of Brazilian music and American Jazz and WSU artists at WSU’s second Brazilian Jazz Fest.

To lovers of animals, science and cinema, catch a screening of The Invisible Mammal, a film about the endangered North American bat. The film not only covers the North American bat, but women in science and the impacts of infectious diseases. The 90-minute film will follow with a Q&A featuring multiple bat experts. While the movie promises to make you fall in love with bats, what better time to become a bat lover than during fall. The film will be shown at 6 p.m. on Oct. 23 in the CUB auditorium. 

Movies, festivals and haunted mazes may not be your jam, luckily, UREC will host a Halloween backpacking trip Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. Students will travel to northern Idaho to explore the Priest Lake area, and should expect to hike 3-12 miles and carry around 35 lbs in their backpack. Participants will sight see, check out wildlife, learn how to purify drinking water, cook with a camping stove and how to utilize “leave no trace” camping rules. 

To those who are spontaneous, go with the flow planners, there are several pumpkin patches all around the area. Strattons Cutting Garden is located at 1653 Old Moscow Road, open Tue-Sun and is the perfect photo spot. Starting from noon to 7 p.m. on Oct. 2, Marketta Ridge Farm’s Pumpkin Patch, located at 5882 Old Moscow Road, will open for the season, open Thursday to Sunday. While pumpkin patches close to campus may be sparse, Rosauers and Walmart have a selection for those who want to avoid the pumpkin patch fanatics. 

If you cannot catch any of these events, Halloween lands on a Friday night this year giving you the perfect excuse to celebrate however you see fit. Make good choices and celebrate the spooky season your way: watch a scary movie indoors or stock up on candy to hand out to the small amount of Pullman trick-or-treaters.