It’s that time of year again: Halloween is around the corner, and you still don’t have a costume. No worries! You don’t need to be a DIY wizard to pull together a great outfit at the last minute.
Grab a few things from your closet, add a splash of creativity, and you’ll be the star of any Halloween bash!
Let’s explore 8 easy, no-sew, no-stress costumes that are sure to impress, plus the TOP parties to wear them to across the Lake Chelan Valley!
1. The Classic Ghost (But Make It Fashion)
It’s a tried-and-true favorite but with a little twist. The classic ghost is Halloween 101, and you can put your own spin on it.
What you need:
- White sheet or fabric
- Scissors
- Sunglasses (yes, we’re elevating this look!)
How to:
- Drape the sheet over yourself and cut out holes for your eyes.
- Want to take it up a notch? Wear some oversized sunglasses over the sheet for that chic, incognito ghost look. Maybe even throw on a hat or belt for extra style!
2. Error 404: Costume Not Found
Perfect for anyone who loves irony, this costume is both clever and simple.
What you need:
- A plain white T-shirt
- A marker or printer and paper
How to:
- Write “Error 404: Costume Not Found” across your T-shirt. That’s it. You’re done.
- Bonus points if you really lean into the vibe and act totally clueless when people ask what you are. Low effort, high reward.
3. Cereal Killer
Ready to get punny? This quirky costume will give everyone a good laugh!
What you need:
- Empty mini cereal boxes
- Plastic knives
- Red paint or ketchup
- Tape or string
How to:
- Tape or string the mini cereal boxes to your outfit.
- Add plastic knives poking out from the boxes and drizzle a bit of red paint or ketchup around them for some faux blood.
- Now you’re a “cereal” killer—get it?
4. Rosie the Riveter
Channel your inner icon with this simple, strong, and instantly recognizable costume.
What you need:
- A denim shirt or blue button-up
- Red bandana
- Jeans or trousers
- Red lipstick (optional, but why not go all in?)
How to:
- Roll up the sleeves of your denim shirt and tie the red bandana around your hair.
- Finish off with a swipe of red lipstick and flex those muscles—Rosie-style!
5. Smarty Pants
We know you’re clever—so why not show it off with this playful costume?
What you need:
- A pack of Smarties candies
- Tape or glue
- A pair of pants
How to:
- Tape or glue Smarties all over your pants. Yup, it’s that easy.
- Strut around in your candy-covered trousers and let everyone know just how “smart” you really are.
6. Tourist Extraordinaire
Let’s face it, we all love to people-watch tourists, so why not be one for a night?
What you need:
- A Hawaiian shirt or bright top
- Khaki shorts or pants
- A floppy hat or visor
- Sunglasses, camera, and a map (optional, but they add to the fun!)
How to:
- Throw on your Hawaiian shirt and khakis.
- Hang a camera around your neck, slap on that visor, and carry around a folded map.
- Bonus points if you snap pictures of everything and tell people you’re “on vacation.”
7. A Literal Bookworm
This one is for the book lovers who want something clever yet simple.
What you need:
- Small Books (you could even craft your own with construction paper, staples, and markers!)
- Tape or string
- A headband with pipe cleaners (to make antennas)
How to:
- Attach small books to your outfit using tape or string.
- Fashion some “worm” antennas by attaching pipe cleaners to a headband, and voilà—you’re a bookworm!
8. Black Cat
Sometimes, the classics just work. The black cat costume is easy to pull together, cute, and always in style.
What you need:
- Black clothes (leggings and a top)
- Black eyeliner
- Cat ears
- A piece of string or ribbon for the tail
How to:
- Dress in black from head to toe.
- Use eyeliner to draw on a nose and whiskers.
- Pop on some cat ears, and if you’re feeling extra, tie a piece of black string or ribbon to the back of your outfit for a tail.
- Boom! You’re a purr-fectly spooky black cat.
Halloween Activities in Chelan & Manson
Now that you’re costumed up, it’s time to hit the town! Check out these can’t-miss Halloween activities across the Lake Chelan Valley!
Haunted Manson – All October
Throughout October, Haunted Manson brings a variety of spooky delights for ghouls of all ages! Enjoy the “Find Jack” scavenger hunt, vote for your favorite scarecrow in the scarecrow contest, and puzzle your way through the Secret Lair’s Escape Room before heading out to your Halloween party of choice!
See the complete list of Haunted Manson activities.
Siren Song Halloween Costume & Dance Party – Friday, October 25th
Photo credit: Siren Song Wines
The Friday before Halloween, head to Siren Song Winery for their annual Costume & Dance Party! The event takes place from 7 – 10 pm and has NO cover charge. Siren Song’s award-winning wines, curated cocktails, and Neopolitan-style pizzas will be available for purchase throughout the evening.
Grab your friends and get ready to dance with DJ Jordan Lehman, aka Baseline Northwest!
Adult Trick R’ Treat & Wine Walk – Saturday, October 26th
Photo credit: Historic Downtown Chelan
Hit Historic Downtown Chelan on Saturday, October 26th, for an adults-only trick-or-treat extravaganza!
Put on your best (or easiest!) costume, grab your pals, and enjoy an evening of live music and wine tasting across downtown Chelan’s charming boutiques. While most activities are free, and food and drink specials abound in downtown restaurants, the wine walk is a ticketed 21+ event.
Learn more and purchase wine walk tickets.
Freak Fest at The Cove Wine & Games – Saturday, October 26th
Once you’ve had your fun downtown, it’s time to BOOgie down! Head to The Cove Wine & Games for Freak Fest featuring DJ Shaigrr!
Get ready for a ghoulish dance party from 7:30 – 10 pm, complete with drinks, a costume contest, and more!
This is a free, 21+ event, but RSVP is required as space is limited.
Family Fall Festival – Thursday, October 31st
Head to North Shore Bible Church on Halloween for the Family Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat!
From 4 – 6 pm, enjoy a fantastic evening of Trunk or Treating, fun games, amazing prizes, delicious food, a photo booth, music, and, of course, heaps of candy!
Don’t miss out on this FREE event!
Downtown Chelan Trick-or-Treat – Thursday, October 31st
One of the most anticipated events of the year, the Historic Downtown Chelan Trick-or-Treat is a treasured celebration!
The main streets close down to make way for hordes of costumed littles as the downtown boutiques hand out a variety of delicious treats! Don’t miss out on all the excitement from 5 – 7 pm on Halloween night.
Book Your Autumn Stay at The Lodge
Make Mountain View Lodge & Resort your headquarters for all things Halloween!! We’re located in the charming Village of Manson and a short drive along the lake from Chelan.
With proximity to boutiques, restaurants, and the lake, it’s the perfect space to make your home base while you explore all the local activities that the Lake Chelan Valley has to offer!
Book online or give us a call today to book your autumn stay in the Lake Chelan Valley. We look forward to hosting you!