As October approaches and the air begins to carry a hint of autumn’s change, community spirit ushers in one of the most playful traditions of the season—Halloween celebrations. In and around Tehaleh, WA, families are looking forward to parades, costumed performances, and festive gatherings that bring neighbors, businesses, and kids together. The fun is as much about community connection as it is about candy and costumes.

For families seeking more than just trick-or-treating at home, the 2025 lineup of local Halloween-themed events offers lively options nearby. These events invite participants of all ages to be part of something bigger—marching in a parade, strolling among floats, and seeing how local businesses turn streets and storefronts into seasonal delights. With this in mind, here’s a guide to where the action is happening, how families can join in, how local shops and vendors contribute, and what to bring to make the day smooth and memorable.

Where They’re Happening

In the south Puget Sound region near Tehaleh, WA, three standout Halloween celebrations for 2025 are drawing attention. First, the 2nd Annual Tacoma Halloween Parade and Street Fair took place in the Proctor District of Tacoma last October 18, from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The parade portion begins at 7:30 pm and will feature glowing floats, costumed participants, music, and food trucks.

Next, the Halloween Town is scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Sunrise Village (10507 156th St E, Puyallup) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This festival includes a trunk-or-treat, costume contests, and vendor booths. Finally, on Friday, October 31, 2025, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm, downtown Puyallup hosts BOO‑allup in Puyallup, a trick-or-treat style event across more than 80 participating businesses in the Main Street area.

These events are all within easy driving distance from Tehaleh and offer community-wide participation, making them ideal for families looking to make Halloween a local festivity rather than a solo house-to-house excursion.

How Families Can Get Involved

Families in the Tehaleh, WA, area are encouraged to participate both as spectators and as active contributors. In the Tacoma parade, arriving early gives families a chance to secure a good spot along the route, enjoy the street fair before the parade begins, and perhaps join in a group costume. The “all ages” and even “all humans and dogs” invitation in the event description underscore how inclusive the activity is.

At Halloween Town at Sunrise Village, families can stroll together through trunk-or-treat booths, register for costume contests (for kids, siblings, pets, and entire families), and enjoy the community atmosphere. Local vendors and tenants provide candy and prizes, making it a safe and interactive way to trick-or-treat without relying purely on street houses. The BOO-allup event in downtown Puyallup invites families to visit participating businesses, collect treats, and enjoy entertainment—turning a regular shopping district into a safe, walkable Halloween zone.

In each case, families can coordinate costumes (matching themes, parent-child duos, pet costumes), plan arrival times (before main parade or treat hours begin), and carve out time to mingle with other families rather than just observing. The emphasis is on being part of a community experience, not just taking pictures.

How Local Businesses and Vendors Contribute

Local businesses play a key role in creating the Halloween atmosphere in these events. At the Tacoma parade and street fair, food trucks, decorated floats sponsored by local organizations, and vendor booths contribute to the festive scene—turning city streets into a self-contained Halloween celebration.

At Sunrise Village, the trunk-or-treat setup is powered by the shopping center’s tenants and nearby vendors. These businesses decorate booths, hand out candy and prizes, and participate in the costume contest. Such involvement allows them to engage the community and create goodwill while families enjoy the festivities. In downtown Puyallup’s BOO-allup event, over eighty businesses participate—each offering treats, entertainment, or themed décor—making the entire Main Street area a unified Halloween zone.

Businesses benefit from increased foot traffic and community engagement, while families benefit from a safe, curated environment. Such collaboration elevates the event beyond simple trick-or-treating by integrating local commerce, creativity, and celebration into the mix.

Tips for Parade Day Preparation

To fully enjoy one of these Halloween parades or festivals near Tehaleh, WA, preparation helps make the outing smoother. Arrive early: for the Tacoma parade, the street fair opens at 4:00 pm and the parade at 7:30 pm. This means families can take advantage of the fair, food trucks, and vendor displays before the procession begins. Bring chairs or folding stools so that children (and adults) can rest while waiting for the parade or event to start. A blanket can also serve as a comfortable place to relax together and keep warm as the evening cools.

A candy bag or bucket for each child is essential, especially for trunk-or-treat style events like Sunrise Village and BOO-allup. Some events include extra features—costume contests, pet participation, decorated trunks—so encourage kids (and parents) to dress in theme, coordinate with other families, or include the family pet for extra fun.

At events where local businesses are involved, maps or sign-in venues might be offered: obtaining any event map or schedule upon arrival helps families plan the most efficient route to booths or specialist attractions (haunted houses, costume judging, etc.). For night events like the Tacoma parade, consider a small flashlight (or phone lighting), layers for warmth, and a fully charged phone for meeting up or coordinating with other family members.

Making Memories and Encouraging Participation

When families step into one of these Halloween parades or festivals, the goal is not only to watch but to engage. Encourage kids to wave at the floats, interact with friendly vendors, and cheer on performers. Parents can take the lead by helping kids pick out costumes that suit their personalities, providing props or theme ideas, and guiding them to participate in contests or photo-ops. When local businesses are so intimately involved, point out to children that the event is more than fun—it’s a moment where shops in their community reach out and create a shared experience.

Further, families can plan by selecting matching costumes—such as sibling or parent-child sets, or themed pets—or by preparing handmade signs or props to bring along. Taking photos at designated “photo zones” or using the event as an opportunity for a family Halloween portrait helps anchor the memory. Celebrating together in a public space builds a sense of community belonging, especially for neighborhoods like Tehaleh, where residents may be seeking connections beyond their immediate homes.

Halloween parades and festivals near Tehaleh, WA, for 2025 present an excellent opportunity for families to gather, celebrate creativity, and participate in community-wide fun. From the glowing floats and street fair atmosphere in Tacoma to the trunk-or-treat booths and contest zones at Sunrise Village, and the business-driven treat stroll downtown Puyallup, there is a festive option to suit every family dynamic. These events are designed not simply for looking on, but for joining in.

By preparing well—arriving early, packing chairs or blankets, bringing candy bags, and planning costumes—families can make their outing smooth and memorable. Local businesses help to amplify the fun and connect purposefully with residents, turning the holiday into a shared experience rather than a solo home-based activity. In the process, children and parents alike become part of something larger: a community-wide celebration of Halloween spirit.

So mark your calendar, coordinate your costume, rally the family (and the pet if you have one), and venture out with the mindset of participation. Whether you’re riding the floats, greeting the vendors, or simply enjoying the parade route from a comfortable chair, this Halloween near Tehaleh promises playful moments, community engagement, and memories that will last long after the candy is gone.

Sources: allevents.in, puyallupmainstreet.com, eventbrite.com, patch.com
Header Image Source: pexels.com