Hi Oddies,
Buckle up, because we're about to dive into the wild world of Halloween hustle.
From pumpkin patch proprietor to ghostly tour guide, we've put together 50 frighteningly fun ways to make some extra bones this Halloween. So grab your broomstick (or your laptop), and let's turn those Halloween horrors into cold, hard cash!
Ps. My favorite ways to make side hustle money on a chilly weekend:
Make Money Stack:
Poshmark: I sell clothes and other items around the house
Etsy: Dreaming up what to sell on this platform.
Survey Junkie: Get paid to take surveys
Howl: How I get affiliate/brand deals as a creator
Halloween: 50 Odd Ways to Make $$$
1. Pumpkin Patch Operator
Start a seasonal pumpkin patch on available land. Begin by sourcing pumpkin seeds and planting in late spring or early summer. Skills needed include basic farming knowledge, customer service, and business management. Earnings can range from $5,000 to $25,000 for the season, depending on location and scale. Potential profits increase with additional attractions like hayrides or corn mazes. Learn more about starting a pumpkin patch business at The Spruce.
2. Custom Halloween Costume Designer
Create and sell unique, handmade Halloween costumes. Start by honing your sewing and design skills, then set up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or create a personal website. Required skills include sewing, creativity, and basic marketing. Earnings potential varies widely, from $500 to $10,000+ for the season, depending on the complexity of designs and number of orders. High-quality, elaborate costumes can command premium prices. For tips on starting a costume design business, visit The Balance Small Business.
3. Halloween Home Decorator
Offer professional Halloween decorating services for homes and businesses. Begin by building a portfolio of your work and marketing your services locally. Skills needed include creativity, attention to detail, and knowledge of current Halloween trends. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, depending on the number and scale of projects. Consider offering packages at different price points to attract a variety of clients. Learn more about starting a seasonal decorating business at Entrepreneur.
4. Haunted House Actor
Work as a scare actor in a local haunted house attraction. Start by auditioning at nearby haunted attractions or theme parks. Skills required include acting, improvisation, and the ability to stay in character for extended periods. Pay typically ranges from minimum wage to $20 per hour, with potential earnings of $1,000 to $3,000 for the season, depending on hours worked and location. Some haunted attractions offer bonuses for consistent performance. Find haunted house job opportunities at HauntWorld.
5. Halloween-Themed Treat Baker
Create and sell Halloween-themed baked goods. Begin by perfecting your recipes and obtaining necessary permits for home-based food businesses. Skills needed include baking, decorating, and food safety knowledge. Earnings potential ranges from $1,000 to $8,000 for the season, depending on pricing, volume, and local demand. Consider selling at farmers' markets, online, or partnering with local cafes. Learn about starting a home-based baking business at The Balance Small Business.
6. Halloween Makeup Artist
Offer professional Halloween makeup services for parties, events, or photoshoots. Start by building a portfolio of your work on social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok. Skills required include makeup application techniques, creativity, and knowledge of special effects makeup. Earnings can range from $50 to $300 per client, with potential seasonal earnings of $2,000 to $10,000, depending on the number of bookings and complexity of designs. Consider offering group discounts for larger parties. Learn more about becoming a special effects makeup artist at The Art Career Project.
7. Halloween Pop-Up Shop Owner
Open a temporary retail store selling Halloween costumes, decorations, and accessories. Begin by securing a short-term lease for a vacant storefront and sourcing inventory from wholesalers. Skills needed include retail management, inventory control, and customer service. Potential earnings range from $10,000 to $50,000 for the season, depending on location, inventory selection, and marketing efforts. Start planning several months in advance to ensure prime locations and stock availability. Find tips on running a successful pop-up shop at Shopify.
8. Halloween-Themed Photoshoot Organizer
Arrange and conduct Halloween-themed photo sessions for families, couples, or individuals. Start by investing in quality camera equipment and Halloween props, and create sample portfolios to showcase your work. Skills required include photography, photo editing, and client management. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with sessions priced between $100 to $500 depending on duration and deliverables. Consider partnering with local costume shops or makeup artists for cross-promotion. Learn more about starting a photography business at Digital Photography School.
9. Halloween Event Planner
Organize and manage Halloween parties, corporate events, or community celebrations. Begin by networking with local businesses and building a portfolio of themed event ideas. Skills needed include event planning, budgeting, and vendor management. Earnings can range from $5,000 to $20,000 for the season, depending on the number and scale of events. Consider offering packages for different event sizes and budgets. Find resources for starting an event planning business at Event Planning Blueprint.
10. Pumpkin Carving Artist
Offer professional pumpkin carving services for homes, businesses, or events. Start by perfecting your carving techniques and creating a portfolio of your designs. Skills required include artistic ability, attention to detail, and knowledge of pumpkin preservation techniques. Earnings potential ranges from $1,000 to $7,000 for the season, with intricate designs commanding higher prices. Consider offering pumpkin carving workshops for additional income. Learn more about becoming a professional pumpkin carver at The Spruce Crafts.
11. Halloween Costume Rental Business
Start a costume rental service for those who want to dress up without purchasing a costume. Begin by building an inventory of high-quality, diverse costumes in various sizes. Skills needed include inventory management, customer service, and basic sewing for repairs. Earnings potential ranges from $3,000 to $20,000 for the season, depending on the size of your inventory and local demand. Consider offering accessories and makeup kits as add-ons. Learn more about starting a costume rental business at Startup Jungle.
12. Halloween-Themed Food Truck Operator
Operate a food truck serving spooky-themed treats and meals during Halloween events. Start by obtaining necessary permits and developing a unique menu of Halloween-inspired dishes. Skills required include cooking, food safety knowledge, and mobile business management. Potential earnings range from $5,000 to $30,000 for the season, depending on the number of events attended and menu pricing. Consider partnering with local Halloween events or setting up near popular trick-or-treating areas. Find tips on starting a food truck business at Toast.
13. Halloween Scavenger Hunt Organizer
Create and run Halloween-themed scavenger hunts for families, companies, or community groups. Begin by designing engaging hunts with spooky clues and prizes. Skills needed include event planning, puzzle creation, and marketing. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, depending on the number and scale of events. Consider offering both physical and virtual hunt options to cater to different preferences. Learn about organizing scavenger hunts at Eventbrite.
14. Halloween Prop and Decoration Maker
Design and create unique Halloween props and decorations for sale. Start by developing a line of handmade items and setting up an online shop on platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs. Skills required include crafting, creativity, and basic marketing. Potential earnings range from $2,000 to $25,000 for the season, depending on the complexity of your creations and sales volume. Consider offering custom orders for higher-end clients. Find tips on selling handmade items at The Spruce Crafts.
15. Halloween Safety Consultant
Offer consulting services to help families, neighborhoods, or event organizers ensure safe Halloween celebrations. Begin by researching current safety guidelines and developing a comprehensive safety checklist. Skills needed include risk assessment, communication, and knowledge of local regulations. Earnings potential ranges from $1,500 to $10,000 for the season, with consultations priced between $100 to $500 depending on the scope. Consider partnering with local police departments or community organizations for credibility. Learn about becoming a safety consultant at Safety and Health Magazine.
16. Halloween-Themed Escape Room Designer
Create and operate a seasonal Halloween-themed escape room experience. Start by securing a temporary location and designing puzzles and challenges with a spooky theme. Skills required include puzzle design, set decoration, and business management. Potential earnings range from $10,000 to $50,000 for the season, depending on location, pricing, and number of participants. Consider offering different difficulty levels to attract a wider audience. Find tips on starting an escape room business at Escape Room Start.
17. Halloween Pet Costume Designer
Specialize in creating unique Halloween costumes for pets. Begin by designing a range of pet-friendly costumes and setting up an online store or partnering with local pet shops. Skills needed include sewing, animal safety knowledge, and marketing. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with custom designs commanding higher prices. Consider offering matching pet-and-owner costume sets for added appeal. Learn about starting a pet clothing business at Pet Business.
18. Halloween-Themed Virtual Reality Experience Creator
Develop and offer Halloween-themed virtual reality experiences for home users or VR arcades. Start by learning VR development and creating immersive, spooky environments. Skills required include 3D modeling, programming, and storytelling. Potential earnings range from $5,000 to $50,000 for the season, depending on the complexity of your creations and distribution channels. Consider offering both individual and multi-player experiences. Find resources on VR development at Unity.
19. Halloween Ghost Tour Guide
Conduct spooky walking tours highlighting local ghost stories and haunted locations. Begin by researching local legends and creating engaging tour scripts. Skills needed include storytelling, local history knowledge, and group management. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $20,000 for the season, with tours priced between $20 to $50 per person. Consider offering private tours or partnering with local hotels for tourist packages. Learn about starting a ghost tour business at TourismTiger.
20. Halloween-Themed Fitness Instructor
Offer Halloween-themed fitness classes or boot camps. Start by creating workout routines incorporating Halloween elements and securing a suitable outdoor or indoor space. Skills required include fitness instruction, creativity, and marketing. Potential earnings range from $1,500 to $10,000 for the season, depending on class sizes and frequency. Consider themed classes like "Zombie Survival Workout" or "Witches' Brew Yoga." Find tips on starting a fitness business at ACE Fitness.
21. Halloween Face Painting Artist
Offer professional face painting services at Halloween events, parties, or festivals. Start by perfecting various Halloween-themed designs and building a portfolio. Skills needed include artistic ability, knowledge of skin-safe paints, and time management. Earnings can range from $500 to $5,000 for the season, with rates typically between $60 to $150 per hour. Consider offering group discounts for large events or parties. Learn more about becoming a face painter at Face Paint Forum.
22. Halloween Candy Reviewer
Create content reviewing and ranking Halloween candies for blogs, YouTube, or social media. Begin by sourcing a wide variety of Halloween candies and developing a rating system. Skills required include content creation, video editing (if applicable), and social media management. Potential earnings range from $500 to $5,000 for the season through sponsorships, ad revenue, or affiliate marketing. Consider collaborating with dentists or nutritionists for added credibility. Find tips on becoming a food reviewer at The Recipe.
23. Halloween Window Painter
Offer temporary Halloween-themed window painting services for businesses or homes. Start by creating a portfolio of design options and investing in quality, washable paints. Skills needed include artistic ability, customer service, and time management. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with prices varying based on window size and design complexity. Consider offering removal services after Halloween for an additional fee. Learn about window painting techniques at Window Painting.
24. Halloween Trivia Host
Organize and host Halloween-themed trivia nights at local bars, restaurants, or online. Begin by creating a database of Halloween-related questions across various categories. Skills required include public speaking, event management, and knowledge of Halloween lore and pop culture. Potential earnings range from $1,000 to $7,000 for the season, with earnings coming from event fees or a percentage of increased business for venues. Consider offering themed prizes for winners. Find tips on hosting trivia nights at Trivia Night Hosts.
25. Halloween Costume Stylist
Provide personal styling services for individuals or groups seeking the perfect Halloween look. Start by building a portfolio of various costume styles and creating relationships with local costume shops. Skills needed include fashion knowledge, creativity, and personal shopping experience. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $12,000 for the season, with rates typically between $50 to $200 per styling session. Consider offering package deals for families or groups. Learn about becoming a personal stylist at The Art Career Project.
26. Halloween-Themed Food Blogger
Create and share Halloween-inspired recipes and food presentations on a blog or social media platforms. Start by developing unique, visually appealing Halloween recipes and photographing them. Skills required include cooking, food styling, photography, and content creation. Potential earnings range from $1,000 to $10,000 for the season through sponsored content, ad revenue, or product sales. Consider collaborating with kitchenware brands for additional income. Find tips on starting a food blog at Foodie Blogroll.
27. Halloween Costume Repair Service
Offer last-minute costume repairs and alterations during the Halloween season. Begin by setting up a mobile repair kit and marketing your services to local costume shops and party stores. Skills needed include sewing, problem-solving, and customer service. Earnings potential ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 for the season, with rates varying based on the complexity of repairs. Consider offering rush services for higher fees. Learn about starting a clothing alteration business at Sew and So.
28. Halloween Sound Effects Designer
Create and sell custom spooky sound effects or ambient tracks for haunted houses, parties, or personal use. Start by investing in quality audio equipment and learning sound design software. Skills required include audio engineering, creativity, and marketing. Potential earnings range from $1,500 to $10,000 for the season, depending on the number and complexity of tracks sold. Consider offering personalized sound design services for events. Find resources on sound design at Sound Design Academy.
29. Halloween-Themed Florist
Specialize in creating spooky floral arrangements and decorations using seasonal flowers and props. Begin by developing a portfolio of unique Halloween-inspired designs and partnering with local event planners. Skills needed include floral design, creativity, and knowledge of seasonal flowers. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with prices varying based on arrangement size and complexity. Consider offering workshops on creating Halloween centerpieces. Learn about becoming a florist at American Institute of Floral Designers.
30. Halloween Story Time Reader
Offer spooky (but age-appropriate) story time sessions for children at libraries, schools, or private events. Start by curating a selection of Halloween-themed books and practicing engaging reading techniques. Skills required include public speaking, working with children, and time management. Potential earnings range from $500 to $3,000 for the season, with rates typically between $50 to $150 per session. Consider offering virtual story time options for broader reach. Find tips on becoming a professional storyteller at National Storytelling Network.
31. Halloween Yard Haunt Designer
Create elaborate Halloween yard displays for homeowners. Start by designing a portfolio of different themed displays and sourcing props and decorations. Skills needed include set design, lighting techniques, and project management. Earnings potential ranges from $5,000 to $30,000 for the season, with prices varying based on the complexity and size of the display. Consider offering maintenance services throughout the Halloween season. Learn about creating yard haunts at Haunted Attraction Network.
32. Halloween-Themed Cocktail Mixologist
Develop and offer Halloween-inspired cocktail recipes and mixology services for parties and events. Begin by creating a menu of unique, visually striking cocktails with spooky themes. Skills required include bartending, creativity, and knowledge of flavor combinations. Potential earnings range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with rates typically between $200 to $500 per event. Consider offering mocktail options for family-friendly events. Find tips on becoming a professional mixologist at A Bar Above.
33. Halloween Prank Service Operator
Offer professional, harmless prank services for Halloween parties or events. Start by developing a range of safe, fun pranks and establishing clear guidelines and waivers. Skills needed include acting, creativity, and discretion. Earnings can range from $1,000 to $7,000 for the season, with prices varying based on the complexity of the prank. Consider partnering with event planners for larger gigs. Learn about the art of pranking (responsibly) at Art of Manliness.
34. Halloween-Themed Escape Box Creator
Design and sell portable, Halloween-themed escape room experiences in a box. Begin by creating puzzles and challenges that can be solved at home or in small groups. Skills required include puzzle design, packaging, and marketing. Potential earnings range from $3,000 to $20,000 for the season, depending on sales volume and pricing. Consider offering different difficulty levels or themed series. Find resources on creating escape room puzzles at Lock Paper Scissors.
35. Halloween Pet Photographer
Specialize in taking Halloween-themed portraits of pets in costumes. Start by creating a portable studio setup and developing a portfolio of sample images. Skills needed include photography, animal handling, and photo editing. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 for the season, with session prices typically between $100 to $300. Consider offering digital and print packages. Learn about pet photography at Professional Photographers of America.
36. Halloween Themed Mini-Golf Course Designer
Create a temporary Halloween-themed mini-golf course for local events or as a standalone attraction. Start by designing spooky obstacles and securing a suitable location. Skills required include course design, construction, and event management. Potential earnings range from $5,000 to $30,000 for the season, depending on location and number of visitors. Consider offering glow-in-the-dark night sessions for added appeal. Find tips on starting a mini-golf business at Startup Jungle.
37. Halloween Costume Contest Judge
Offer your services as a professional judge for Halloween costume contests at bars, community events, or online competitions. Begin by establishing judging criteria and building a reputation in your local community. Skills needed include fashion knowledge, impartiality, and public speaking. Earnings can range from $500 to $5,000 for the season, with rates typically between $100 to $500 per event. Consider partnering with local businesses to sponsor prizes. Learn about judging competitions at National Association of Judges.
38. Halloween-Themed Caricature Artist
Create spooky or monster-themed caricatures at Halloween events or parties. Start by developing your unique style of Halloween caricatures and investing in portable drawing equipment. Skills required include artistic ability, quick sketching, and customer interaction. Potential earnings range from $1,500 to $8,000 for the season, with prices typically between $20 to $50 per caricature. Consider offering digital versions for easy sharing on social media. Find tips on becoming a caricature artist at Learn-To-Draw-Cartoons.
39. Halloween Themed Subscription Box Curator
Create and sell monthly Halloween-themed subscription boxes leading up to the holiday. Start by sourcing unique Halloween items, treats, and decorations to include in each box. Skills needed include product curation, packaging design, and subscription management. Earnings potential ranges from $3,000 to $25,000 for the season, depending on the number of subscribers and box pricing. Consider offering different tiers of boxes to cater to various budgets. Learn about starting a subscription box business at Cratejoy.
40. Halloween Themed Graphic Designer
Offer specialized graphic design services for Halloween-related businesses and events. Begin by creating a portfolio of Halloween-themed designs such as logos, posters, and social media graphics. Skills required include proficiency in design software, creativity, and marketing knowledge. Potential earnings range from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, with project rates varying based on complexity. Consider offering package deals for comprehensive Halloween branding. Find resources on graphic design at AIGA.
41. Halloween Themed Audio Book Narrator
Record and produce spooky audiobooks or Halloween stories for children and adults. Start by practicing your narration skills and investing in quality recording equipment. Skills needed include voice acting, audio editing, and storytelling. Earnings can range from $1,000 to $10,000 for the season, depending on the number and length of projects. Consider specializing in classic horror literature or original Halloween tales. Learn about becoming an audiobook narrator at ACX.
42. Halloween Themed Virtual Assistant
Provide specialized virtual assistance to Halloween-related businesses during their busy season. Begin by familiarizing yourself with the Halloween industry and offering services such as customer service, order processing, and social media management. Skills required include organization, communication, and multitasking. Potential earnings range from $2,000 to $8,000 for the season, with hourly rates typically between $15 to $40. Consider offering packages tailored to specific Halloween business types. Find tips on becoming a virtual assistant at VA Networking.
43. Halloween Themed Balloon Artist
Create elaborate Halloween-inspired balloon decorations and sculptures for events and parties. Start by learning advanced balloon twisting techniques and developing a portfolio of spooky designs. Skills needed include dexterity, creativity, and time management. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $12,000 for the season, with rates varying based on the complexity of designs. Consider offering balloon delivery services for at-home celebrations. Learn about becoming a balloon artist at Balloon Artist Training.
44. Halloween Themed Airbnb Experience Host
Design and host unique Halloween-themed experiences through Airbnb or similar platforms. Begin by creating an engaging, locally-focused Halloween activity such as a ghost tour, pumpkin carving workshop, or spooky cooking class. Skills required include event planning, storytelling, and customer service. Potential earnings range from $1,500 to $10,000 for the season, depending on the frequency of experiences and number of participants. Consider offering both in-person and virtual experiences. Find guidelines on becoming an Airbnb experience host at Airbnb.
45. Halloween Costume Authenticator
Offer authentication and valuation services for collectible or vintage Halloween costumes. Start by building expertise in costume history and materials, and establishing connections with collectors and costume museums. Skills needed include research, attention to detail, and knowledge of fashion history. Earnings can range from $1,000 to $7,000 for the season, with fees typically between $50 to $200 per authentication. Consider offering written certificates of authenticity for verified items. Learn about authentication processes at IARA.
46. Halloween Themed Language Tutor
Provide specialized language lessons focused on Halloween vocabulary and traditions for language learners. Begin by creating lesson plans and materials centered around Halloween themes in your target language(s). Skills required include language proficiency, teaching ability, and cultural knowledge. Potential earnings range from $1,000 to $6,000 for the season, with hourly rates typically between $20 to $50. Consider offering group classes or intensive Halloween language workshops. Find resources on becoming a language tutor at ACTFL.
47. Halloween Themed 3D Printing Service
Create and sell custom 3D-printed Halloween decorations, costume accessories, or props. Start by designing a range of Halloween-themed 3D models and investing in quality 3D printing equipment. Skills needed include 3D modeling, printer operation, and basic marketing. Earnings potential ranges from $2,000 to $15,000 for the season, depending on the complexity of designs and sales volume. Consider offering customization options for unique pieces. Learn about starting a 3D printing business at 3D Insider.
48. Halloween Themed Social Media Content Creator
Produce and manage Halloween-focused content for businesses or personal brands on social media platforms. Begin by developing a content calendar filled with Halloween ideas, trends, and engaging posts. Skills required include social media management, content creation, and knowledge of current Halloween trends. Potential earnings range from $2,000 to $10,000 for the season, with rates varying based on the scope of work and platform reach. Consider offering package deals for comprehensive Halloween social media campaigns. Find tips on becoming a social media content creator at Hootsuite.
49. Halloween Themed Fitness Challenge Organizer
Create and run a Halloween-themed fitness challenge or virtual race. Start by designing a spooky-themed workout program or race course (virtual or physical) and developing a marketing strategy. Skills needed include fitness knowledge, event planning, and digital marketing. Earnings can range from $2,000 to $20,000 for the season, depending on the number of participants and entry fees. Consider offering themed merchandise or medals as incentives. Learn about organizing virtual races at Run Sign Up.
50. Halloween Themed Voice Actor
Provide voice-over services for Halloween-related projects such as haunted house narrations, spooky apps, or Halloween-themed commercials. Begin by creating a demo reel showcasing various spooky voices and characters. Skills required include voice acting, audio recording, and versatility in creating different character voices. Potential earnings range from $1,500 to $10,000 for the season, with rates typically between $100 to $500 per hour of finished audio. Consider specializing in specific types of Halloween characters or narratives. Find resources on becoming a voice actor at Voice Acting Club.
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