Trick-or-Treating in the Rain: Halloween in Gig Harbor 🎃

by Eddie Izumizaki

Halloween in Gig Harbor is always one of those small-town events that just feels special. Every year, downtown closes off Harborview Drive so kids can safely trick-or-treat from business to business in the early afternoon. The sidewalks and streets are packed with families, costumes, and candy. It’s a great way for the community to come together, and get a head start on the sugar rush.

Uptown gets in on the fun too, with its own trick-or-treating event where local businesses hand out candy. It’s another great option for families, very easy to walk, no traffic to worry about, and plenty of treats in a short amount of time.

This year, my son and daughter made the most of it. My son started downtown, then they braved the rainy evening to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood, even in stormy weather and all. Afterward, they wrapped up the night the best way possible with a full-on candy trade session at home. It’s amazing how much strategy goes into deciding whether a Reese’s is worth two Kit Kats or how many Sour Patch Kids?
As fun as the night is, it’s also a good reminder about staying safe while out and about — especially with our darker, wetter PNW evenings. Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind for next year:

🎃 Be visible: Bring a flashlight, glow sticks, or wear reflective gear so drivers and other trick-or-treaters can see you.
🍬 Stick together: Trick-or-treating with friends or family is always safer (and way more fun).
🌧 Dress for the weather: It’s the PNW — rain happens. Costumes that fit over a raincoat or layer up make the night much more enjoyable.
🚶‍♀️ Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Excitement can make anyone sprint for candy, but staying on sidewalks keeps everyone safe.
🍫 Check your candy: As tempting as it is to dive in right away, wait until you’re home to make sure everything’s safe to eat.

Gig Harbor really knows how to make Halloween feel like a community event, even when the weather tries its best to dampen the fun. Here’s to another year of rain, candy, and memories!