Looking for a fun way to make extra cash this fall? Halloween is one of the best times of year to tap into your creative side—and earn some serious side income. Whether you’re crafty, social, or just love spooky season, there’s a business idea here for you!
In this blog post, I’m sharing simple business ideas you can start in time for the spookiest holiday of the year. From costumes and decorations to party planning and catering, there’s something for everyone on this list.
17 Halloween Business Ideas to Make Money
- Make Up Artist (AKA Face Painting!)
- Costume Creator
- Mask Designer
- Party Planner
- Spooky Baker
- Haunted House
- Spooky Scavenger Hunt
- Store Window Painter
- Lawn Decorator
- Social Media Content Creator
- Flyer Creator
- Pumpkin Carver/Painter
- Decoration Clean-Up Crew
- Themed Bartender
- Arts & Crafts for Kids
- Trick or Treat Tour Guide
- Babysitter
Halloween Make-Up Artist (AKA Face Painting!)
Face painting is one of the most lucrative Halloween business ideas because it’s something both kids and adults enjoy. It’s affordable for party hosts and super popular at events all month long.
The best part? It’s easy to start. You can learn from online tutorials and build your skills over time. I started by practicing on friends and family using this list of 17 creative face painting ideas.
Venues like zoos, private parties, schools, and even supermarkets often hire face painters for October events. If you’re looking for a flexible, festive way to earn money this fall, face painting is a great place to start.
Halloween Costume Creator
As a costume creator, you’d design and build unique Halloween outfits. This is one of the more useful Halloween business ideas because custom costumes help people stand out from the crowd.
You don’t need to be a master seamstress to get started! Plenty of viral costumes use glue guns, cardboard, or thrifted pieces. Check out these no-sew Starbucks cup and Pac-Man costumes for inspiration.
Since this business is labor-intensive, you may only be able to work with a few clients. Be sure to charge accordingly and brush up on materials knowledge so you can create a wide range of looks.
Halloween Mask Designer
If you love crafting but want a simpler project than full costumes, designing masks might be the perfect Halloween side hustle. They’re fun to make, budget-friendly for buyers, and easy to personalize.
Plus, not everyone wants to wear a full costume—a great mask can be the main attraction! Many store-bought masks are uncomfortable or overpriced, so your handmade versions can stand out.
To help you get started, check out this list of 20 easy Halloween mask ideas for adults and kids!
Halloween Party Planner
Helping people throw Halloween parties can be a spooky good time—and a great way to make extra money! From kids’ parties to adult costume bashes, there’s demand for creative planners.
To do well as a party planner, you’ll need strong organizational skills and a flair for festive details. Think: themed invites, games, decor, and playlists.
Customer service is also key since your clients will expect a stress-free experience. If you’re the go-to host in your friend group, this could be a natural fit.
Spooky Baker
Love baking? Halloween treats are always in demand. Whether you’re making creepy cupcakes or haunted hors d’oeuvres, themed snacks are a big hit.
For example, you could make cupcakes filled with fake blood or spider cupcakes. You could even make Halloween-themed hours-devours for the adults!
You could sell at local markets, take custom orders, or even offer spooky treat boxes for delivery. Just be sure to follow local food safety rules and consider using a commercial kitchen.
To keep costs low and ideas flowing, start with what you already know how to bake—and then brainstorm how to give it a Halloween twist.
Start a Haunted House
If you have access to a large space (even a garage or backyard), setting up a haunted house can be a thrilling business idea. It’s a classic fall attraction and always in demand.
You’ll need some props, volunteers, and creativity to build scares that feel fresh each year. Want to keep it simple? Offer a “what’s in the box” sensory game with creepy items like peeled grapes or cold noodles.
Haunted houses are great for school fundraisers, community events, or even ticketed private parties. Just make sure your setup is safe and age-appropriate.
Run a Spooky Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Scavenger hunts are another fun and interactive Halloween business idea. You can organize one in a neighborhood, local park, or even inside someone’s house.
Create spooky clues, hide creepy items, and theme your hunt for kids or adults. It’s great for birthday parties, community centers, or corporate team-building events.
To succeed, focus on creating a smooth experience—from clear instructions to fun surprises at the end. And don’t forget to advertise early so families can plan ahead!
Halloween Store Window Painter
Love to draw or paint? Offer Halloween window painting services to local businesses. It’s an eye-catching way for stores to stand out, and a fun way for you to earn extra cash.
Use washable paints and consider creating reusable stencils to save time. Want to take it up a notch? Offer a clean-up add-on service and pitch other seasonal decor ideas.
Painting your own windows first can be a great way to showcase your style when pitching to business owners.
Halloween Themed Lawn Decorator
Help your neighbors transform their yards into haunted masterpieces! This business is perfect for creative types who love Halloween visuals.
You can offer packages ranging from simple setups to elaborate displays. Many people want their lawns decorated by early October, so start marketing in September.
Bonus tip: offer a tear-down and storage service for even more income and repeat clients next year.
Seasonal Social Media Content Creator
Got an eye for content? Seasonal trends dominate social media in October, and there’s room to shine with Halloween-themed posts.
You could create content for small businesses, influencers, or even build your own holiday-themed account. Reels, tutorials, costume inspo, and spooky DIYs perform well.
Good writing and visual storytelling skills help, but your personality is your biggest asset here. Have fun with it!
Flyer Creator
If you’re good with design tools like Canva, creating Halloween flyers can be a fast, easy gig. Businesses hosting events and neighbors throwing parties are both potential clients.
Start by designing a few templates and sharing them in local Facebook groups or community boards. You can also team up with other Halloween businesses (like party planners or bakers) to offer bundled services.
Print flyers at a local shop to keep upfront costs low, and consider expanding into invites or signage too.
Pumpkin carver/painter
Carving and painting pumpkins is a timeless Halloween activity—and one you can turn into a business! Offer pre-made designs or host workshops for kids and adults.
Not a carver? No problem. Painting is easier, less messy, and safer for little ones. You can even use gourds and other produce for creative variations.
For adults, consider a paint-and-sip night with wine and Halloween music. It’s festive, fun, and Instagram-worthy.
Halloween Decoration Clean-Up Service
When Halloween ends, no one wants to deal with taking down fake cobwebs and storing skeletons. That’s where you come in!
Offer post-Halloween clean-up services. Focus on efficiency, organization, and care, especially with reusable decor. You could even bundle this with a lawn decor setup for added value.
Marketing this service ahead of Halloween ensures you’re booked up before the holiday even ends.
Themed Bartender
If you’re a certified bartender or just love mixing drinks, Halloween events are a goldmine. Party hosts love hiring someone who can mix spooky cocktails and dress the part.
Themed drinks like “Witch’s Brew” or “Vampire Sangria” are always a hit. Check out this list of 45 Halloween Cocktails to help you get started. This is one of the most fun Halloween gigs out there—especially with the potential for big tips!
Arts & Crafts for Kids
Running a Halloween arts and crafts table is a hit with families, and a great business idea if you want low startup costs.
You can offer this service at events, birthday parties, or community fairs. Supplies like googly eyes, cotton balls, and orange paper are cheap and easy to transport. Keep activities simple and safe, like ghost handprints or spider paper plates.
Bonus: Cleanup is quick if you stick to water-based supplies.
Trick or Treat Tour Guide
Some parents want to enjoy Halloween without walking the neighborhood. That’s where you come in!
Offer to chaperone local trick-or-treat routes. You can group kids by age and keep outings short, safe, and sweet. Send out a flyer or post on neighborhood forums to find families in need.
It’s a fun way to spend Halloween, and yes, you’ll probably get candy too.
Babysitter
Halloween events can be chaotic, and parents often need a hand. Babysitting is always in demand, especially for families with younger kids who aren’t trick-or-treating yet.
Make sure you’re CPR-certified and have experience working with children. You can offer one-on-one services or host a small Halloween pajama party for multiple kids while parents go out.
This is also a great way to build long-term relationships with families who might need sitters during the holiday season.
Final thoughts on these spooky Halloween business ideas
Halloween is a great time to make money by providing festive services. You will also find that this is the most fun time of the year to start a business! Check out this article by NerdWallet for ways to market your Halloween business.
If you want help promoting your new business, check out this guide from NerdWallet on how to market your seasonal hustle. Now grab your planner and start mapping out your Halloween game plan!
Have you run a Halloween-related business before? If so, we’d love to hear about it in the comments!
