By Joshuah Albert
The Dalles, Ore., Oct. 22, 2026 — From a haunted house inspired by Grimm's fairy tales to a piñata-making contest, The Dalles Public Library has a full lineup of activities planned for the final week of October, offering children, teens and families opportunities for creativity, learning and Halloween fun.
The library's upcoming schedule includes arts and crafts, chess, Minecraft, reading assistance, family activities, and a Halloween performance by professional storyteller Will Hornyak.
Here's what's happening at The Dalles Public Library from Oct. 26-31.
Monday, Oct. 26, through Monday, Nov. 2
Piñata Design Contest — All day
School-age children can pick up a free Design Your Own Piñata Take & Make kit and create a one-of-a-kind piñata using provided supplies. Participants are encouraged to get creative with decorations, including glitter, sequins and googly eyes.
Completed piñatas can be returned to the library for entry into the Best Piñata competition. Kits are available while supplies last.
Tuesday, Oct. 27
Phonics Tutoring — 2-6 p.m.
Free, individual 30-minute tutoring sessions are available for students in second through eighth grades who are reading significantly below grade level and need additional help with phonics, decoding, spelling and reading skills.
Registration is required for each appointment. Students may attend Tuesday or Friday sessions, but not both during the same week. Friday appointments begin in November.
The program is designed to supplement classroom instruction and reading practice at home. Families can register through the library's online calendar.
3D Doodler Open Studio — 4-5 p.m.
School-age children can explore three-dimensional art using 3D Doodler pens provided by the Columbia Gorge STEM Hub.
Participants can create projects of their choosing during the open studio, held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month.
Wednesday, Oct. 28
Chess Club — 2-3:30 p.m.
Chess enthusiasts ages 8 and older are invited to learn the fundamentals of the game and develop their strategic thinking skills.
Instructors Vanessa and Payten guide participants through lessons, practice games and techniques designed to strengthen problem-solving and decision-making skills.
The club meets twice monthly and welcomes beginners and experienced players.
Hot Chocolate Wednesdays — 2-4 p.m.
Teens can stop by the library's Teen Room for a warm cup of hot chocolate and an opportunity to relax.
The activity is part of the library's recurring Wednesday programming for teens.
Minecraft Club — 3-5 p.m.
Young gamers ages 11-17 can join fellow Minecraft enthusiasts in the Teen Room for collaborative challenges and creative building activities.
Participants use library iPads and a dedicated Minecraft server to explore, build and test their skills. Light snacks will be provided.
Registration is required because the number of available iPads is limited. Each participant, including siblings, must register separately.
Black Forest Haunted House — 3-7 p.m.
The library's Makerspace transforms into the Black Forest Haunted House as part of its Grimm's Fairy Tales Community Read celebration.
The Halloween attraction continues through Oct. 31, with varying hours each day.
Halloween Lighted Bracelet Craft — 3-7 p.m.
Children, teens and adults can drop in to create lighted bracelets for Halloween trick-or-treating.
The activity is part of the library's Grimm's Fairy Tales Community Read celebration.
Ceramic Magical Door Bookends, Part 2 — 4-7 p.m.
The library will host the second part of its ceramic magical door bookends activity in the Meeting Room.
The arts and crafts program is open to school-age children, teens and adults and is part of the Grimm's Fairy Tales Community Read celebration.
Thursday, Oct. 29
Black Forest Haunted House — 3-7 p.m.
The Grimm's Fairy Tales-themed haunted house continues in the library's Makerspace.
Family Lego Pizza Night — 5:30-7 p.m.
Families are invited to gather in the library's Meeting Room for an evening of Lego building and pizza.
The family-friendly event is held on the last Thursday of each month and welcomes participants of all ages.
Friday, Oct. 30
Black Forest Haunted House — 3-5:30 p.m.
The library's Halloween haunted house continues in the Makerspace.
Fun Friday for Teens: Horror Books and Raffle — 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Teens are invited to check out a horror book or graphic novel and participate in a raffle prize activity as part of the library's weekly Fun Friday programming.
Fun Friday: Pumpkin Potions — 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Children can celebrate Halloween with a Pumpkin Potions-themed activity in the Children's Wing.
The weekly Fun Friday program features changing activities, including crafts, art, games and hands-on learning experiences.
The program is designed primarily for children ages 5-10, although all ages are welcome.
Saturday, Oct. 31 — Halloween
Black Forest Haunted House — Noon-4:30 p.m.
The Black Forest Haunted House wraps up its four-day run in the library's Makerspace.
The attraction is part of the library's Grimm's Fairy Tales Community Read celebration.
Will Hornyak: Grimm's Fairy Tales — 2-3 p.m.
Professional storyteller Will Hornyak will bring Grimm's fairy tales to life during a Halloween performance in the Main Library.
Hornyak combines world mythology, traditional folklore, original stories, poetry and songs in his performances.
A lifelong traveler and former newspaperman, fisherman, carpenter and university instructor, Hornyak draws inspiration from Irish mythology, Mexican fables, Oregon tall tales and traditional fairy tales.
The performance is open to all ages and is part of the library's Grimm's Fairy Tales Community Read celebration.
More information
All events take place at The Dalles Public Library. Some activities require advance registration, and supplies or available spaces may be limited.
For registration, additional program information and the complete event calendar, visit www.wascocountylibrary.com.
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