Boocoda - 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

Boo-coda Haunted House

September 27 -28 | October 4, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 | 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.

Step into the Boo-coda Haunted House, if you dare, and prepare yourself for a night of thrills. Here, spine-tingling fun can be found around every nook and cranny of this iconic attraction.

Trick-or-Treat Activities

Enjoy month-long trick-or-treating by Joe's Place, and receive sweet treats with friendly services!

Boo-Coda Dark Market

September 27 - 28 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

Make your way to the Bucoda Community Center and marvel at a variety of eye-catching Halloween artworks, from acrylic-resin items to crystal creepy crawlers. Don't miss having your fortune told at this family-friendly event!

Pancake Breakfast

October 5 | 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

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

Hearse Procession & Viewing

October 5 | 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 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 5, 12, 19 & 26 | 3:00 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.

Haunted Market

Every Saturday (starting October 5) | 3:00 p.m.

Shop 'til you drop at the weekly Haunted Market, where scrumptious eats and artisanal items abound at Bucoda Town Square.

Family Fun Day Harvest Festival

October 12 | 12:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Organized by the Bucoda Improvement Club, this free festival features a pumpkin decorating competition, Halloween-themed games, and face painting at Bucoda Town Square.

Casket Races

October 19 | 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.

Family-Friendly Haunted House

October 25 & 26 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

This kid-friendly version of the Spook-tacular Haunted House 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.

Thrill the World Dance

October 26 | 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.

For additional details, dates, and times, visit the official Boo-Coda Spook-Tacular site.