Powell’s After Hours Halloween Event in Portland

Photo from Powell’s City of Books.

Powell’s City of Books is keeping the lights on after closing time for a Halloween party built around magicians, fortune tellers, carnival games and plenty of literary weirdness.

Powell’s After Hours: A Most Peculiar Evening takes over the downtown Portland bookstore on Saturday, October 24, from 6-9 p.m. The one-night-only event is for ages 18 and older.

For a special event inside one of Portland’s most famous landmarks, the $35 general admission ticket is relatively approachable compared with many Halloween nights out—and this is the kind of limited-capacity event that can sell out. If you want to go, I wouldn’t wait until the last minute to buy a ticket.

Powell’s After Hours: A Most Peculiar Evening

For three hours, Powell’s City of Books becomes part bookstore, part carnival and part Halloween party.

Throughout the store, expect magicians, poets, costumed characters, performers and other oddities tucked among the shelves. You can have your fortune told, try your luck at carnival games and enter the night’s costume contest for a chance to win prizes.

Food and drinks will also be available from local vendors, including cocktails, zero-proof drinks, savory food and sweets. These are available for purchase, so you can keep your night closer to the ticket price or spend a little more once you’re inside.

Tickets

General admission is $35, plus ticketing fees.

Your ticket includes:

• After-hours access to Powell’s City of Books.
• Entertainment and themed activities throughout the store.
• Entry into the costume contest.
• Access to local food, beverage and lifestyle vendors.
• The chance to shop Powell’s after normal hours.

Carnival games cost extra, with proceeds benefiting Street Books.

I’m letting you know about this event early because it is likely to sell out. Powell’s is already a destination on an ordinary Saturday; add Halloween, after-hours access and a one-night-only theme, and tickets could go quickly.

If you’re trying to keep costs down, the easiest move is to stick with the $35 admission and skip the extras. You’ll still get the after-hours experience, entertainment and costume contest without turning it into an expensive night out.

What to Know Before You Go

This event is 18 and older, and doors open at 6 p.m.

Date: Saturday, October 24, 2026
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Cost: $35 general admission, plus fees
Age: 18+
Location: Powell’s City of Books, 1005 W Burnside St., Portland, OR 97209

For full event details and tickets, visit the Powell’s After Hours Eventbrite page.

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