Spooky streets and sweet treats: Halloween comes to downtown Hillsboro

Break out the costumes and get ready to gorge on candy in the heart of Hillsboro this spooky season.

Halloween in Downtown Hillsboro is back for another year of haunting fun, dressing up Main Street for a celebration featuring live performances, costume contests and more holiday spirit from 3-7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26.

A tradition dating back more than three decades, the festivities began when downtown businesses banded together to host the nation’s first business district trick-or-treat event. Ever since, local businesses have continued to invite families for a safe, festive night, organized by the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership. Families can stroll through the well-lit shopping district, enjoying fun in a traffic-free zone.

Trunk or Treat on Main Street also makes it return, organized by clothing brand Brown Sueños. Costumed trick-or-treaters roaming the streets will encounter an array of Halloween-themed vehicles, from spooky lowriders and hot rods to creatively decorated family cars — all lined up for a one-of-a-kind candy haul.

Taking the “spooky stage” at Third Avenue and Main Street, Hillsboro musical school Bach 2 Rock will blast tunes performed by up-and-coming musicians, while DJ Traviezo will be on Second Avenue “spinning dance hits for you to get the monsters grooving,” according to the Hillsboro Downtown Partnership.

As the night draws to a close, a Flash Mob sponsored by Back to Balance LLC will perform the "Time Warp" dance from “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” for a thrilling end to the event at 7 p.m. on Main Street and Third Avenue. Free classes are available ahead of time for anyone who wants to join.

Want to help behind the scenes? The Hillsboro Downtown Partnership is in search of volunteers to assist with everything from decorating to handing out candy. And if you can’t be there, organizers are accepting bulk candy donations to help feed the over 1,500 trick-or-treaters with sacks ready to fill.

Donations must be in original sealed packaging and can be dropped by The Downtown Hive at 233 S.E. Washington St.

For more information on volunteering, joining the flash mob or donating candy, visit https://www.downtownhillsboro.org/halloween/ or email info@downtownhillsboro.org .