It’s the haunting season once again, and let’s get real: Nobody does Halloween like Portland! We have the most creative costumes, the most ghoulish events, and—if you want to get really scared—another very important election coming up! But fear not… regardless of what the month has in store for you, the Mercury is here with the fun and information you need to make this the best Halloween ever. Check out the awesome stories we have in this month’s print edition, and pick it up in more than 500 spots around the city!

Edited by Wm. Steven Humphrey, Katherine Chew Hamilton, and Courtney Vaughn.

• Halloween Costume Ideas for the Undecided

Eight ways to raid your closet for a free and frightening Halloween costume.

• Money Talks. It Also Lies.

Wealthy political activists are paying to prevent progressive city councilors from winning a second term. By Jeremiah Hayden and Katherine Chew Hamilton.

• Second Run Portland: Eight Gorgeous Horror Films to Catch This Month

Break up your slasher marathons with haunting beauty revived on the big screen.

• The Mercury’s 2026 November Election Endorsements!

We did the research so you don’t have to. Grab those ballots and vote! By the Mercury Election Strike Force.

• The Mercury’s 2026 November Endorsement Cheat Sheet!

Cast your vote lickety-split with our quick ‘n’ easy ballot roadmap. By the Mercury Election Strike Force.

• Match Your Halloween Costume to the Bar

Forget themed parties—dress for the destination instead. By Ben Coleman.

• Spreading the Good Word of Chisme

Chef Francisco Leyva’s pop-up inside Duality Brewing showcases his take on Comida Chicana. By Andrea Damewood.

• On Linda’s Head, Helen Returns to the Ocean

The Oregon shoegaze band’s first album in 11 years deepens their musical language. By Lindsay Costello.

• Do This, Do That: September-November 2026

A selection of the city’s coolest fall events. By Mercury Staff, compiled by Lindsay Costello.