With Halloween landing on a Saturday this year, Jefferson County has a full week of events to celebrate — and something for just about everyone, from families with young kids to history buffs willing to make the drive to Shaniko. Here is what is happening across the county between now and All Hallows' Eve.
Wednesday, October 28
Team Trivia Fundraiser — New Basin Distillery, 6 p.m.
New Basin Distillery hosts its monthly Team Trivia Fundraiser on the last Wednesday of October, with a Halloween twist — costumes encouraged. Entry is $5 per person, solo or with a team. Prizes and a 50/50 drawing are on offer, and food and beverages are available on-site. All proceeds benefit the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Thursday, October 29
Coffee Cuppers — Madras JC Chamber of Commerce, 8 a.m.
The monthly Coffee Cuppers networking gathering kicks off the day at 8 a.m. Call the Madras JC Chamber of Commerce for location details.
Bingo Night — Jefferson County Community and Senior Center, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
All ages are welcome at Bingo Night at the Jefferson County Community and Senior Center. Bring small bills, enjoy food and beverages on-site, and compete for prizes in a casual, all-ages setting.
Friday, October 30
Merchant Halloween Costume Contest — Downtown Madras, 9 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Local businesses are invited to decorate their storefronts and dress their teams for the downtown Merchant Halloween Costume Contest. Sign up online at MadrasChamber.com before the event.
Free Youth Open Gym Basketball — Bridges High School, 6–8 p.m.
The weekly free youth open gym basketball session runs every Friday at Bridges High School, following the 509J school calendar. Gym shoes are required. For more information, call Jefferson County Public Health at 541-475-4456.
Saturday, October 31
Bike-O-Ween — LINC, Noon–2 p.m.
LINC hosts its annual Bike-O-Ween with more than 35 free bikes available for kids, along with food, beverages, and on-site bike repairs. A family-friendly way to start Halloween afternoon.
Elks Lodge Trunk-or-Treat — Madras, 4–7 p.m.
The Madras Elks Lodge holds its annual Trunk-or-Treat from 4 to 7 p.m. in the north parking lot. It is a Drug Awareness Program (DAP) event featuring free hot chocolate, popcorn, coloring books, stickers, and bookmarks — plus candy supplied by Elks volunteers. Free to attend.
Halloween Costume Party — Shaniko Hotel, Dinner at 6 p.m.
For those willing to make the scenic drive to Shaniko, the historic Shaniko Hotel is hosting a Halloween Costume Party with dinner served at 6 p.m. It is a potluck-style gathering — bring a dish, wear a costume, and enjoy an evening in one of Central Oregon's most atmospheric historic buildings. As the hotel notes: history lives here, and some guests never left. All are welcome.
Mark Your Calendars: November 11
Looking ahead, St. Charles Madras will host a Native Market and Community Meal on Veterans Day, November 11, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Local vendors will offer jewelry, traditional foods, clothing, and more inside the main entrance, while St. Charles hosts a free Together at the Table community meal featuring fry bread tacos and cultural foods. More details to come.