As Halloween comes knocking on the door, it may feel like fall has passed by far too quickly. While keeping up with the responsibilities of being college students, it can be easy to let the season pass without celebrating.
With one week left in October, here’s a list of some of my favorite spooky date ideas for couples hoping to make the most out of the fall season before it ends.
Pumpkin Patch
Visiting a pumpkin patch ranks high among my favorite seasonal date ideas. There’s something romantic and sweet about picking out pumpkins to carve together right before Halloween.
One great spot is Johnson Farms, located just North of Eugene. This charming farm offers an array of fall activities beyond the pumpkin patch, including hayrides and apple picking. Couples can make a day out of it, switching between the activities and carving pumpkins together after they’ve been picked. This classic fall tradition makes a great date activity.
Art House Frights
For a thrilling date night, consider a trip to the Art House movie theater in Eugene, just several blocks from campus. It’s a great local alternative to mainstream cinema chains like AMC, and allows couples to support a local business while enjoying a spooky date night.
Grab dinner at a cozy spot like McMenamins and then head to Art House for their Halloween screenings of Donnie Darko at 6:20 p.m. and Halloween at 9:00. p.m. from Oct. 29-31. What’s better than cozying up with your partner and celebrating the Halloween spirit? And for those first date nerves, what’s better than a jump scare to help you make the first move?
Cozy Night In
If you and your partner prefer a cozier option, why not have a date night at home? Pick up the Halloween special at Papa Murphy’s — for $14, you can get a Jack-O-Pizza, which is a a Jack-o-lantern shaped pizza, and a tub of cookie dough.
This makes the perfect Halloween date night for homebody couples. Papa Murphy’s is a take-and-bake pizza shop, so customers can take home a pizza, make it, and bake cookies as a fun, do-it-yourself date night. Get in the Halloween spirit with the It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown soundtrack and spend quality time with your partner decorating cookies and celebrating the holiday.
Thrift for Costumes
As Halloween quickly approaches, many may find themselves scrambling for a costume. Why not make a date out of it? Head to local thrift spots like Goodwill or St. Vinnie’s with your significant other and pick out Halloween costumes together. They have a large section of inexpensive costumes to pick from, and it’s more sustainable than shopping online.
Couples can also make costumes together. Making costumes is a fun Halloween tradition that allows people to get creative and make something unique for the upcoming Halloweekend. Pick your favorite couple’s costume idea and get to work.