Downtown Olympia Opens Its Doors to Trick-or-Treaters on Halloween, Plus a Pet Costume Contest and Boo Bash

Downtown Olympia shops and restaurants will open their doors to trick-or-treaters of all ages from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, during the Olympia Downtown Alliance's LoveOly Downtown for Halloween, according to the alliance.

The event, presented by the alliance and Captain Little, also includes a pet costume contest and a downtown scavenger hunt. A trick-or-treat map of participating businesses is posted on the alliance's website, loveolydowntown.com.

Pet costume contest

Pets in costume can compete from 4 to 5 p.m. Oct. 31 at Fifth Avenue and Washington Street. First- and second-place prizes will be awarded on site, and an online People's Choice vote runs Nov. 1-2, the alliance said. Owners can register through the alliance's website; spectators are welcome.

From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the same corner, community booths will offer free kids' crafts and pet freebies. The alliance lists the Hands On Children's Museum, Concern for Animals, Oly Camp Kitties, The Pet Works, Oly Paws and The Washington Center, which will run a photo booth.

Last chance for the duck hunt

The scavenger hunt, which began Oct. 17, sends families looking for costumed rubber ducks hidden in participating shops and restaurants, collecting a sticker for each one on a paper passport. Visiting at least 10 businesses earns an entry in a drawing for downtown gift card packages, and visiting 20 earns two chances, including a shot at the grand prize. Completed passports must be turned in by 6 p.m. Oct. 31 at Lolli Llama Candy Company, The Box Office at The Center or Captain Little.

Boo Bash

Earlier that day, the Hands On Children's Museum, 414 Jefferson St. NE, wraps up its weeklong Boo Bash from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The museum bills it as Halloween fun "without the fright," with activities such as a costume parade, cider pressing and science demonstrations that vary by day. The alliance's listing does not give prices; check with the museum before you go.