Grand Lake Celebrates Halloween with Spooktacular Events for Kids and Adults
Whether you’re looking for spooky thrills and chills, family-friendly fun or just want to know where you can get your hands on lots of candy, the Grand Lake area has plenty of festivals, celebrations and events to ensure the whole family has a spooktacularly good Halloween.
For those who have outgrown trick or treating but still want to have some spooky fun, Grand Lake has plenty to offer, ranging from rock climbing
Below is a comprehensive list of kid and family-friendly activities, as well as events where adults can have a howling good time, taking place around Grand Lake now through Halloween.
FALL-THEMED EVENTS
Ease into the Halloween-themed fun this year by taking in one or more of these fun fall-themed events:
The city of Jay is celebrating autumn’s arrival with a Fall Fest from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, on the Delaware County Courthouse Square, 327 S. 5th St. The day’s lineup of fun includes music, food trucks, bounce houses, lawn games and face painting.
Vendors will be offering a wide array of items, including arts and crafts, home goods, bath and body products, clothing, jewelry and much more.
Fall Fest is free to the public. The event is hosted by the City of Jay/Jay Utilities Authority. For more information, contact Camrine Thompson at (918) 705-1898, email cityofjay4@gmail.com or visit the City of Jay/Jay Utilities Authority Facebook page.
* * * * *
Pumpkins will once again be flying through the air at the fourth annual Shootin' on the Route Punkin Chunkin Festival Saturday, Oct. 27. Hosted by the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce, the high-flying competition will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at John’s Tractor Works, 444924 U.S. Highway 60/66 in Vinita.
General admission is $5. Children four and under are free. Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on while they watch teams launch pumpkins through the air.
The fun-filled festival will also include food trucks, arts and crafts vendors and entertainment. A new feature this year is a Dutch oven cooking competition. Free activities for the kids include pumpkin bowling, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and more.
If you would like more information regarding the 4th Annual Route 66 Punkin Chunkin Festival, please contact the Vinita Area Chamber of Commerce by phone at (918) 256-7133 or by email at chamber@vinita.com.
* * * * *
The Shangri-La Fall Festival promises Halloween fun for kids of all ages. From 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, the public is invited to attend this free outdoor event that will feature live music by No Apparent Reason.
There will be trunk-or-treat and bouncy house fun for the kids and spooky hayrides in the Shangri-La forest, a costume contest and bonfire for the entire family to enjoy. There is a charge for the spooky hayrides, $5 for adults and $3 for kids under 10.
Concessions will also be available, including popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs and chili dogs, Frito chili pies, candy apples, s’mores kits and candy bars, as well as soda, bottled water, hot chocolate, wine and beer.
All concessions are cash or member charge only. No credit or debit cards will be accepted.
Sponsored by Shangri-La Golf Club Resort & Marina, the Shangri-La Fall Festival will be held across the street from the Monkey Island Fire Department, which is located at 56298 E. 295 Road, just off Highway 125 South, on Monkey Island.
KID AND FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN
Friday, Oct. 26 through Sunday, Oct. 28, scary fun will be crawling all over Disney Island as Copperwood Lodge hosts the first annual Crawl-O-Ween, near Pensacola Dam. Times will vary.
The three-day, off-road Halloween bash is a free event. On Saturday, Oct. 27, the fun will also include spook trails, a Jeep or Treat, petting zoo and lots of fun and game for the kiddos. There will also be contests for best-decorated vehicle, best-dress kid and best-dress pet with cash prizes awarded to the winners.
Rock-climbing events for 2018 at Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, take place near Pensacola Dam in Disney, Okla. For more information, times and confirmation on exact dates (in case of schedule conflicts), contact Shelly at (316) 259-1050.
* * * * *
From 6 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Oct. 26 and 27, the Grand Lake State Park - Bernice Area will be transformed into a Thrill Camp Spook Trail. Before darkness falls, the trail will be full of fun spooks for children of all ages. But after dark, the trail will come alive with spookier twists and turns around every corner.
The fun will also include a campfire and members of The Grove Playmakers performing short skits for those waiting their turn down the trail. Concessions will also be sold at the event.
The admission fee is $5 per person with all proceeds going to help fund trail improvement projects at the park.
The park is located at 54101 E. Highway 85A, Bernice.
For more information, call (918) 257-8330.
* * * * *
Rocket Skating in Grove is holding its fourth annual Costume Skate from 7 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27. The costume contest will be held at 9 p.m. There will also be hourly prize drawings during the evening.
Costumes should be kid-friendly and the normal dress code does apply. For safety reasons, masks may not be worn on the skate floor and accessories may not be carried on the skate floor.
The cost is $5 for the first two hours and $1.50 for each additional hour.
Rocket Skating is located at 61805 East 315 Road, in Grove. Call (918) 787-8746 for more information.
* * * * *
Candlewyck Cove Resort is holding a Halloween Spooktacular from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Everyone is invited to attend this free community event, which will feature a variety of carnival games like balloon pop, ring toss, tin can bowling, lucky ducky, spin the wheel and more. There will also be a 30-foot inflatable obstacle course and a Halloween tattoo booth (temporary, of course).
The first 50 kids to arrive will receive a free caramel apple provided by Sugar’d Spoon Bakery. Everyone will receive a gift bag with Candlewyck souvenirs and 50 percent off rental coupons included. And, of course, there will be tons of candy given away.
Candlewyck Cove Resort is located at 59800 East 307 Lane, in Grove.
* * * * *
The First Baptist Church of Vinita is hosting its eighth annual Treat in the Street from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at 321 West Illinois Ave, in Vinita. South Smith Street will be blocked off from Illinois to Canadian for this free community event that is hosted by the First Baptist Church Vinita Children’s Ministries.
There will be hot dogs, popcorn, games and, of course, candy. In addition to receiving treat bags full of goodies, attendees can sign up for a drawing for a couple of great prizes. And, don’t forget to have your photo taken as well.
ALIVEchurchvinita.tv will be providing 10 different games with candy for prizes, as well as hot dogs, s’mores, bottled water and hot chocolate.
For more information on Treat in the Street, visit First Baptist Church of Vinita on Facebook or call (918) 256-7831.
* * * * *
Redemption House of Prayer Nazarene Church will be hosting an Indoor, Glow-in-the-Dark Halloween Carnival from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. All ghouls and goblins are invited to come to the free carnival that will feature gams, activities, prizes and lots of candy.
The carnival will be held at the church at 405 SE 2nd St., in Pryor.
* * * * *
Isaiah 58 Ministries in Vinita is holding a Hallelujah Carnival from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The carnival will include more than 20 game booths, prizes and lots of candy.
The Hallelujah Carnival is free for all ages. Everyone is invited to this fun event.
Isaiah 58 Ministries is located 2 miles north of Vinita on 4420 Road. For more information, visit the Isaiah 58 Ministries Facebook page.
* * * * *
Families will find plenty of fun activities at the annual Sweet Street / Boo Ha Ha Parade on Route 66 in downtown Miami Wednesday, Oct. 31. From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., the fun, family celebration will include inflatables, games, music, activities, lots of candy and Tuff Trucks on display.
Downtown businesses will be handing out candy. Local organizations and churches not located along Route 66 will also be set up to give out candy as well during Sweet Street.
A great alternative to traditional trick or treating in neighborhoods, the event also include the Boo Ha Ha parade across the stage at the historic Coleman Theatre. Costumed children can parade across the stage, which will be decorated by Miami Little Theater, and pose for pictures.
For more information, call (918) 542-4481.
* * * * *
On Halloween Evening the Pryor Main Street District will be packed with critters of all ages for Pryor's Annual Business Trick or Treating. The Businesses, Organizations & Churches will host Candy Stations and Trunk or Treat. Roberts Auto Center will host their Annual Costume Party that evening as well.
* * * * *
SYNC, the Spavinaw Youth & Neighborhood Center, will be holding its fourth annual SYNC Halloween Celebration from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. The celebration will include popcorn, candy, hot dogs and a hay ride. Everyone is invited to “come on down and bring the kids for a fun Halloween evening.”
SYNC is located at 100 North Main St., in Spavinaw.
* * * * *
Looking to be scared this Halloween? Visit Twisted Roots Haunted Hills in Chelsea, Oklahoma’s newest haunt for 2018, as it presents GodSpeed.
GodSpeed is a new drug running rampant in Green County. Originally designed to fuel a social experiment, GodSpeed is a powerful synthetic opiate that quickly deteriorates the mind and body. The result, either complete insanity or uncontrollable, violent rage. Twisted Roots promises a safe-house where abusers and addicts can go for a quick hit … but they can never leave.
The indoor haunt is open every Friday and Saturday through October 31. It will also be open Halloween night. Each haunt can last between 15 and 25 minutes depending on your survival instincts!
There is no age limit at Twisted Roots, but parental discretion is advised. Due to the graphic nature of the haunt, it is recommended that anyone under the age of 13 by accompanied by an adult.
Twisted Roots Haunted Hills is located at 24612 East Route 66, two miles northeast of Chelsea.
The ticket booth opens at 7 p.m. and the last ticket will be sold at 11:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $18 and a VIP ScarePass is $28.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit www.twistedrootshh.com.
* * * * *
Do you feel brave? Now through October 28, you’re invited to come test that bravery at Oklahoma Asylum at The Asylum Haunted Attraction in Nowata.
An immersive actor-driven haunted house, The Asylum Haunted Attraction promises to attack all the senses by offering “a little bit of a lot of different types of scares that aren’t just people jumping out and screaming at you.” The haunted attraction won the Oklahoma People’s Choice Award 2017 and 2016, and was ranked No. 1 by local critics from Oklahoma Haunted House Reviews and Tulsa Haunt Review for the past four years.
Oklahoma Asylum is an isolated experience in a high-security mental research facility serving as a guise for the cruel and unusual experiments being performed on perfectly sane people. According to organizers, “you’ll find yourself performing surgery, hiding from monsters, trying not to get separated and, depending on which ticket you buy, getting bloody!”
The Asylum Haunted Attraction is open from 7 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and from 7 to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Parental discretion is advised because the horror is not toned down for anyone, so the show could potentially be traumatizing to smaller children.
Oklahoma Asylum can last between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your participation and afraid or unafraid you may be.
The Asylum Haunted Attraction is located at 304 Wets Cherokee Ave., in Nowata, right off Highway 169.
Tickets can be purchased online or on site at the ticket window.
TRICK OR TREAT
Little monsters are invited to come Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Grove Saturday, Oct. 27, Several participating merchants will be giving out treats to all the little ghouls and boys who stop by from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
After making the rounds in downtown Grove, be sure and stop by the Annie’s Galleria location at 414 East 3rd St. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Muddy Pearl will have a fall photo booth where you can take a picture of your little monsters. They will also be handing out candy to trick-or-treaters.
Be sure to visit the other participating merchants at Annie's Galleria, including Raggedy’s Cafe and Illusions Day Spa, who will be giving out candy from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
* * * * *
Children will also be out trick or treating in Grove neighborhoods on Wednesday, Oct. 31.
* * * * *
Bring your ghost and ghouls to the OHP Troop L Headquarters on October 31 from 4:30 to 6:30 for our first ever Trick-or-Treat with OHP. The kiddos will enjoy safe trick or treating and a tour of our headquarters.
* * * * *
Everyone is invited to come and join in the fun of the Downtown Halloween Celebration in Pryor. Businesses in downtown Pryor will be passing out candy from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. For more information, contact the Pryor Chamber of Commerce at (918) 825-0157.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT EVENTS
Trunk-or-Treat events bring Halloween to parking lots where costumed kids go from decorated car to decorated car and get candy. Several Grand Lake area communities and organizations will be hosting trunk or treat events this Halloween.
Come and join in some “spooky” fun at Trunk or Treat at Honey Creek Plaza Saturday, Oct. 27. From 5 to 7 p.m., you’re invited to dress up and come by for candy treats.
Kids can jump in the bouncy house, try to throw a strike to sink the person in the dunk tank and so much more.
Honey Creek Plaza is located at 2530 South Main in Grove, next to Honey Creek Bridge.
The event is hosted by Shop Grove and the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce.
* * * * *
The Jay Trunk or Treat will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31, at the Delaware County Courthouse Square, 327 South 5th St.
Free to the public, the event will include candy, games, prizes and lots of family fun. A costume contest will be held at the gazebo, beginning at 6 p.m.
Trunk-or-treaters should wait to enter by the Delaware County Museum. No one will be allowed before 5:30 p.m.
For more information or to sign up to distribute candy, contact Camrine Thompson at (918) 705-1898 or email cityofjay4@gmail.com.
* * * * *
Project Chelsea will host the Chelsea Main Street Trunk-or-Treat Wednesday, Oct. 31. Starting at 6 p.m., the event will include candy, games, food and fun, as well as pumpkin, trunk and costume contests. Bring the kiddos out for a night of spooky fun!
Pumpkins for the pumpkin contest must be dropped of by 6 p.m. Winners will be announced at 7 p.m. To enter the trunk contest, decorate your trunk and be at 6th and Olive before 6 p.m. in order to park on Main Street.
Ages for the costume contest are 0-4, 5-10, 11-15 and 16 and up. Contestants must be at 6th and Pine by 6:45 p.m. The contest begins at 7 p.m.
* * * * *
Come join the Pryor Church of Christ for Trunk or Treat from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31. Everyone is invited. The church will also be having Bible classes for all ages at 6 p.m. and they would love for everyone to join them.
The church is located at 605 S. Coo-Y-Yah St., in Pryor.
GROWN-UP HALLOWEEN FUN
These events prove that Halloween is not just for kids anymore:
Halloween is a special night in which the veil is lifted between the living and the dead. Don’t be afraid. Don your best costume and trick or treat at the annual Halloween Costume Party at Monkey Island Pub on Saturday, Oct. 27, from 9 p.m. to midnight.
Come join the Monkey Island Pub for the ultimate Grand Lake Halloween costume party. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed. So put on your best costume, bring all your friends and get ready to have a hauntingly good time.
There is no cover charge for the Halloween Costume Party at the Monkey Island Pub, which is located at 55950 East 290 Road on Monkey Island. For more information, call (918) 257-8791 or visit the Monkey Island Pub Facebook page.
* * * * *
Don’t miss Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill’s Halloween Costume Party on Saturday, Oct. 27. This is the biggest party of the year at the Disney bar and grill. DJ Wade will provide the music and keep the party rocking.
The spooktacular party starts at 8 p.m. and there’s no cover charge. Come let your freak flag fly and get free goodies for being the freakiest one of them all.
The costume contest begins at 11:30 p.m. Prizes will be awarded for best dressed. There will also be hot seat drawings all night for free goodies. Enjoy gummy jello shots for $2.
Mooney’s Sunset Bar & Grill is located at 330 Lake Front St., in Disney. For more information, call (918) 435-5200 or visit Mooney’s Sunset Bar and Grill Facebook page.
* * * * *
Join us Saturday, October 27 for out 2nd Annual South Grand Lake Halloween Bar Crawl. The stops will include Mooney's Sunset Bar & Grill, Pickles & Michelle's Bar. The limo shuttle guest to and from each bar starting at 8 pm
* * * * *
If your Halloween event or activity isn’t listed above and you would like to it included, email the details to Martha J. Henderson at marthaj@grandsplashmarketing or call 360GrandLake.com at (918) 782-9546.