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Grab your sweater and get ready for a fall season full of fun in Wenatchee. October brings everything from a smoky BBQ competition and golden mountain adventures to festive Halloween celebrations. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, live music or a reason to get outside, you’ll find plenty happening around the valley.
October 2
Head downtown during First Fridays for a monthly celebration of Wenatchee’s local arts, music, food and community. October’s event features MusicBox, a special NCW Arts fundraiser bringing more than 10 bands to Warehouse 3 Design Centre, along with First Friday’s usual showcasing of local artists, fun activities and food and beverage specials at downtown eateries.
Smoke in the Valley BBQ Competition
October 3–4 | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Follow the smell of BBQ to the Smoke in the Valley BBQ Competition, where pitmasters from across the Pacific Northwest will fire up their grills and smokers for a weekend of seriously good food and friendly competition. Watch teams compete for a share of a $10,000 prize pool while sampling their creations, and stick around for the Kids Burger Cook Off, Community Chili Cook Off, cornhole tournament, live music, kids’ activities and a beer garden from Hellbent Brewing.
October 3, 10 & 17 | 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Experience the golden side of the mountains during the annual Tamarack Festival at Mission Ridge. With extra dates added this year, the festival spans across three Saturdays in October, celebrating the changing season with guided hikes, live music, family activities, food and drinks at Chair 5 Pub, and a behind-the-scenes look at the mountain’s snowcats and snowmaking equipment. Come for one Saturday or make a fall tradition out of all three.
October 31 | 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Put on your favorite costume and head downtown for a classic Halloween afternoon during Trick or Treat on the Ave. Wenatchee Avenue will close between 2nd Street and Orondo Avenue, creating a festive space for families to trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses. The event is free and open to everyone, so bring the whole crew and get ready for plenty of Halloween fun.
Witch & Warlock Community Costume Paddle
October 31 | 2 p.m.
Take Halloween to the water during Wenatchee’s annual Witch & Warlock Community Costume Paddle. Grab your SUP, kayak, or canoe, put on your witch or warlock themed costume and join fellow paddlers for a festive trip down the Columbia River from Confluence State Park to Pybus Market. Once you arrive, warm up with complimentary donuts and hot chocolate before catching a free shuttle back to the park. Witch or warlock themed costumes are encouraged, but any costume will do!
