Fall festivals, family fun, and Halloween events for a month filled with good times. Check back frequently as we add new events. NOTE: We're adding a little "NEW" next to events that are being added after the original publication so you can scroll down for the new stuff.
BOO ALLEY AT GILROY GARDENS
The heart of BOO Alley is the bustling Halloween festival in the town center. See the pumpkin pyramid and make your way through the hay maze. You’ll also find tasty treats, spooky drinks, and fun souvenirs from festive vendor carts. There will be themed shows throughout. Kids can trick or treat around the Boo Trail. Family-friendly costumes a must, no toy weapons or full-face masks.
WHEN: Oct. 1-31 Fridays: 5 pm-10 pm; Saturdays: 1 pm-9 pm; Sundays: 1 pm-9 pm; Monday-Thursday, Oct. 24-28: 5pm -10pm
WHERE: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy, 95020
INFO: gilroygardens.org
HAUNTED HOUSE AT MONTEREY FAIRGROUNDS
Age 12 and up will enjoy the all new hair raising, skin crawling thrills of their worst Halloween nightmares. Tickets will be sold online and at the gate.
WHEN: Oct. 1-30 (Weekends plus Sunday, Oct. 30) 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
WHERE: Monterey Fairgrounds, 2004 Fairground Rd. Monterey, 93940
INFO: artichokefestival.org
NORTHERN CALIFORNIA RENAISSANCE FAIRE
The streets and stages are filled with music and dance. Petting Zoo and other activities for children. Food, crafts, shows and much more. Tickets are available online.
WHEN: Weekends through Oct. 23 (10 am-6 pm)
WHERE: 10031 Pacheco Pass, Hollister, 95023
INFO: norcalrenfaire.com
NEW: MARINA LIBRARY TRUNK OR TREAT
Friends of the Marina Library present Dads Read plus a costume exchange.
WHEN: Oct. 8 10 am-12 pm
WHERE: Marina Library, 190 Seaside Cir, Marina, 93933
INFO: https://www.co.monterey.ca.us/government/departments-i-z/library/locations/marina-branch
PUMPKIN FESTIVAL
Pumpkin carving, flower vases, tractor rides, food truck, and much more.
WHEN: Oct. 8 (call for time)
WHERE: The Farm, Exit off Hwy 68, Spreckels Blvd, Salinas, 93908
INFO: thefarm-salinasvalley.com
CALIFORNIA INT’L AIRSHOW
Highlights include the Canadian Forces Snowbirds Military Jet Team and the United States Air Force F-35 A Lightning II.
WHEN: Oct. 8 & 9
WHERE: Salinas Municipal Airport, 37 Mortensen, Salinas, 93902
POP-UP FARMER’S MARKET
Live music, vendors, food trucks, pumpkin patch, family photo area, face painter.
WHEN: Oct. 9 11 am-3 pm
WHERE: Rustiqué Wines 1010 River Rd, Salinas, 93908
INFO: rustiquewines.com
PUMPKIN PATCH DAY
Cider and cookies for the kids. Pumpkins are available for sale.
WHEN: Oct. 15, 11 am-3 pm
WHERE: Grove Garden Shoppe, 472 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove 93950
INFO: (831) 658-0488
FALL ROUNDUP
The California Rodeo Salinas will host the first annual Fall Round Up at the Salinas Sports Complex. Join the fun at a carnival, pumpkin patch, food, games and more fall fun.
WHEN: Oct. 13: 4 pm to 10 pm, Oct. 14: 4 pm to 10 pm, Oct. 15: 12 pm to 10 pm, Oct. 16: 12 pm to 6 pm
WHERE: Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main Street Salinas, 93906
INFO: carodeo.com
NEW: THOMAS & PERCY'S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Dress up for Halloween with favorites, Thomas and Percy, for a 20-minute train ride, entertainment, and fun-filled activities for the entire family. Your ticket includes a day of nonstop fun: a train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy, Thomas & Friends themed entertainment, and an Imagination Station with tons of activities sure to excite the kids. Guests will also have the opportunity to meet Sir Topham Hatt, the Controller of the Railway on the Island of Sodor.
WHEN: Oct. 15: 9 am-5 pm (multiple other dates-check website for all dates)
WHERE: Roparing Camp Railroad
INFO: http://www.roaringcamp.com/
NEW: ANTHEM CHRISTIAN ANNUAL FALL FESTIVAL
It is going to be a fantastic day of fun! There will be...
Cake Walk, Produce Market, Tri Tip Barbecue, Carnival Games, Bounce Houses, Face Painting, Arts & Crafts and more.
WHEN: Oct. 15: 11 am-3 pm
WHERE: Anthem Christian School, 345 E Alvin Dr, Salinas, 93906
INFO: www.anthemschool.net
NEW: FLOATING PUMPKIN PATCH
Floating Pumpkins. Raffle. Games & Prizes. Sweet Treats. Stand Up Paddle Board. This is a drop-in, rain or shine event, pre-registrations are not required.
WHEN: Oct. 15, 1 PM
WHERE: Simpkins Swim Center, 979 17th Ave., Santa Cruz
INFO: https://scparks.com
NEW: GREENFIELD HARVEST FESTIVAL
The day is filled with live music, arts and crafts, traditional faire featuring local food vendors, special art exhibition and artisans selling their wares. Come relax at the Beer & Wine Garden located near the main stage. Bring your kids along and let them explore their creativity at the Kids’ Zone, several interactive science and art activities, ride a pony, pet a bunny and make maracas!
WHEN: Oct. 16, 11 AM-5 PM
WHERE: Downtown Greenfield on El Camino Real between Apple and Oak
INFO: http://www.greenfieldartscenter.org
13 DAYS OF HALLOWEEN ON THE WHARF
Take part in the Great Pumpkin Bingo Hunt, snap a photo at the scenic photo booth, dance to Thriller at Zombie Night and enjoy festive Wharf specials all 12 days.
WHEN: Oct. 19-31
WHERE: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
INFO: cityofsantacruz.com
SPOOKTACULAR
Free event for the entire family and open to all. Halloween festivities, games, haunted houses, treats, costume contests and more
WHEN: Oct. 21 6:30-8:00 pm
WHERE: All locations of Central Coast YMCA: 117 Clay Street, Salinas 93901; 27 Sudden Street, Watsonville, 95076; 351 Tres Pinos Road, Suite A-201, Hollister, 95023; 600 Camino El Estero, Monterey, 93940
INFO: centralcoastymca.org
HAUNTED HOUSE AND MASK MAKING FESTIVAL
Traditional Halloween Festival, including mask-making, the Thrill the World dance and a child-friendly tour of the Haunted House. Free event.
WHEN: Oct. 22, 12-4 pm
WHERE: London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, 95060
INFO: cityofsantacruz.com
NEW: PUMPKIN PLUNGE
Do pumpkins sink or float? Come to the pumpkin plunge to find out! Pumpkin decoration station available. Free admission. $7 to plunge for a pumpkin.
WHEN: Oct. 22, 1-3 pm
WHERE: Pattulo Swim Center, 1148 Wheeler St, Seaside, 93955
INFO: http://www.ci.seaside.ca.us/344/Pattullo-Swim-Center
FALL FESTIVAL AT CHAMINADE
Trick or Treat stations, costume contest with prizes, face painting, DJ, beer & wine vendors, Sandbox Food Truck, and more. Admission fee applies for everyone over the age of 4.
WHEN: Oct. 22, 4-8 pm
WHERE: Chaminade Resort & Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane, Santa Cruz, 95065
INFO: chaminade.com
NEW: TRUNK OR TREAT & MOVIE IN THE PARK
Join Monterey recreation, Monterey Firefighters, Monterey Police, and many more for a Halloween-themed walk-thru Trunk or Treat. Movie afterward. Come dressed in costume to trick or treat. Food trucks are available plus free popcorn. Fire engines and other activities for kids.
WHEN: Oct. 22, 5 pm
WHERE: Colton Hall, 570 Pacific Street, Monterey
NEW: HALLOWEEN STORYTIME AND COSTUME PARADE
Wear your costumes and join in on the fun at the Monterey Public Library.
WHEN: Oct. 27, 10:15 am
WHERE: 625 Pacific St, Monterey, 93940
INFO: https://monterey.org/services/library/index.php
NEW: HAUNTED LIBRARY
Wear your costumes and enjoy a witching good time at the Pacific Grove Library.
WHEN: Oct. 27, 3:30-5:30 pm
WHERE: 550 Central Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950
INFO: https://pacificgrovelibrary.org/calendar.php?view=day&month=10&day=27&year=2022&calendar=&id=254
NEW: TRUNK OR TREAT
Candy, games, decorated trunks, food vendors, and more. Free parking and shuttle service from Capitola Mall.
WHEN: Oct. 28, 5-8 pm
WHERE: Sheriff's Office Headquarters, 5200 Sequel Ave., Santa Cruz
INFO: https://www.scparks.com
SCIENCE SATURDAY
Slither into the magical world of spiders, snakes and bats. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet a live animal up close, take home a creepy craft and more. Free. Masks are required at this event.
WHEN: Oct. 29: 10 am
WHERE: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950
INFO: pgmuseum.org
PEBBLE BEACH ZOMBIE RUN
Two running courses: the challenging 5K Zombie Crawl and the 2K Survivor Stroll (a flat mile that is perfect for strollers and youngsters). After you complete your run, grab a post race taco or two and visit with the firefighters on the fire engines. You might learn something that could help you survive the next zombie apocalypse, or other disasters.
WHEN: Oct. 29: 9:00 am to noon
WHERE: 4005 Sunridge Road, Pebble Beach, 93953
INFO: pbcsd.org
NEW: GARDEN ROAD HALLOWEEN FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES
Breakthrough Behavior, Special Kids Connect, and TheraSens Occupational Therapy are joining forces to make this a very special Halloween for special needs families. Carnival games, face painting, crafts, and a costume parade will make this a fun jam-packed two hours. Register online.
WHEN: Oct. 29 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Special Kids Connect, 1900 Garden Road Suite 230, Monterey
INFO: www.SpecialKidsConnect.org
HOWL-O-WEEN AT THE PLAZA
This is the place to show off your pup’s Halloween or Poodle Day Costume. Judging categories include Lookalike Dog and Owner,
Scariest Costume. Best Handmade Costume. and Most Unique Costume.
WHEN: Oct. 29 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Carmel Plaza Main Courtyard, Ocean Avenue & Mission Street, Carmel, 93923
INFO: carmelplaza.com
FALL FAMILY FESTIVAL
Kid-friendly games, trunk-or-Treat, crafts, food trucks, inflatable slides and more. make it even more fun by wearing a family-friendly costume.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 1-4 pm
WHERE: Shoreline Church, 2500 Garden Road, Monterey, 93940
INFO: shoreline.church
MINI-MAKERSPACE FAIR: IT’S SPOOKY!
This craft-based Mini-Makerspace will have four hands-on stations related to Halloween and Día de los Muertos. You can make your craft and take it home. Free.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 11 am
WHERE: Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Vally, 93924
INFO: co.monterey.ca.us
NEW: TRUNK OR TREAT AT VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH
Bring the kids with their treat bags and costumes for a fun and safe trunk or treat.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 2:00 pm
WHERE: Valley Baptist Church, 345 East Alvin Drive, Salinas, 93906
INFO: https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200023330343600
NEW: FALL FESTIVAL
Carnival games, bounce houses, trunk or treat, food to buy, and more. Costumes welcome.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 3:00-6:00 pm
WHERE: Salinas Valley Community Church, 368 San Juan Grade Road, Salinas
INFO: 831-449-2500, candicb@svcc.net
NEW: PUMPKIN PLUNGE
Face painting, waterslide, photo booth, water course, and more. $15 per participant. Ages 5 and under must be accompanied by adult in pool.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 4:30-6:30 pm
WHERE: Monterey Sports Center, 301 E Franklin St, Monterey, 93940
INFO: https://files.monterey.org/Document%20Center/Monterey%20Sports%20Center/Pumpkin-Plunge-22.10.pdf
HAUNTED TRAIL AT WONDER WOOD RANCH
Enjoy a hay ride around the decorated half-mile trail through the woods. Plus, pumpkin painting, snacks and hot cider, pictures with the horses, games with prizes, and more. Tickets can be purchased online.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 6-8:30 pm
WHERE: Wonder Wood Ranch, 8100 Wild Horse Road, Salinas, 93907
INFO: wonderwoodranch.org
NEW: FUNDAY AT HACIENDA
Arts. craft, games and fall fun.
WHEN: Oct. 30: 10:30 am-3:00 pm
WHERE: Hacienda Hay & Feed, 7180 Carmel Valley Rd. Carmel, 93923
INFO: https://haciendacv.store/pages/contact-us-1
NEW: HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
Pumpkins, monster walk, games, and more. For ages 12 and under. Wear a costume!
WHEN: Oct. 30: 12-2 pm
WHERE: Sherwood Park, 940 N. Main Street, Salinas, 93906
INFO: 831-758-7306
NEW: BMX Halloween Jam
Gates open at 10 am. Practice from 10-11 am with racing to immediately follow. Pre-Signs and registration at the window closes at 10:45 am. Come in costume for $6 racing (not available through pre-signs; must register at the window). Trunk-or-Treating, costume contest, pumpkin contest and more.
WHEN: Oct. 30: 10:00 am
WHERE: Manzanita Skare Park, 17100 Castroville Blvd, Prunedale
INFO: https://www.facebook.com/ManzanitaParkBMX
HALLOWEEN ON THE BOARDWALK
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating and spooktacular Boardwalk fun. Costume contest, Fright Walk and more. To participate in trick-or-treating, you must buy a $12 Trick-or-Treat Package. Cards do not expire, you can save the card for a later. Packages can be purchased online.
WHEN: Oct. 30: 12-7 pm
WHERE: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz, 95060
INFO: beachboardwalk.com
CAPITOLA VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE
Parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade, ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat bags and refreshments will be waiting. Trick-or-treating at Capitola Village shops following parade.
WHEN: Oct. 30: 2:00 pm (Lineup begins at 1:30 pm)
WHERE: Beach & Village Parking Lot, Capitola
INFO: capitolavillage.com
PUMPKIN PANDEMONIUM
Trick-or-Treat event is fun for all ages. Candy and glow sticks will be handed out at treat stations, plus pumpkins at the Pumpkin Patch. Rewards Club members can receive a volleyball-size pumpkin at the Guest Services Center.
WHEN: Oct. 31 2:30-4:30 pm
WHERE: Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 93940
INFO: delmontecenter.com
NEW: DEL MONTE ASSISTED CARE TRICK OR TREATING
Residents of the senior care community will be passing out candy to kids in costume.
WHEN: Oct. 31 3:00-6:00 pm
WHERE: 1229 David Ave, Pacific Grove
106TH CITY BIRTHDAY PARTY & PARADE
Costume-and-candy parade at 4 p.m. through downtown. City dignitaries, VIPs, costumed dogs and kids, and residents and visitors alike gather for this fun event. Following the parade, the village’s charming shops will be open for trick-or-treating and other fun fall festivites.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 4:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Carmel
INFO: carmelcalifornia.com
MARINE MASQUERADE
For an educational Halloween night, venture to the Seymour Discovery Center for a magical mystery marine masquerade adventure that includes scavenger hunts, creature crafts, flashlight tours to a whale skeleton, costume parade, and more. Tickets are $8 Adults, $6 Students/Seniors, Children 2 and under free.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 6:00 pm
WHERE: 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz
INFO: 831-459-3799
TRICK OR TREATING
TRICK OR TREATING IN DOWNTOWN PACIFIC GROVE
Free candy & goodies for ghosts & goblins of all ages. Just look for the Halloween ribbons outside participating downtown businesses. DJ entertainment.
WHEN: Oct 29, 10 am-3 pm
WHERE: Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove
INFO: downtownpacificgrove.com
DOWNTOWN SALINAS TRICK OR TREATING
Bring your kids for this family-friendly event and enjoy the ease of trick or treating at your local businesses. Costume contests, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunt, and more.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 11am-2pm
WHERE: Oldtown Salinas
INFO: DowntownSalinas.org
NEW: HALLOWEEN ON LIGHTHOUSE
Lighthouse District shops, restaurants, and boutiques will be open and welcoming little goblins with special treats, Rain or shine. So dress up the kids, get in the spirit, and come on down with your family to enjoy a fun and safe time in the community. All businesses handing out candy will be located on Lighthouse Avenue in New Monterey between Reeside and David and will have a Lighthouse Halloween poster displayed in the window.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 2-5 pm
WHERE: Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey
INFO: https://www.lighthousedistrict.net
NEW: WATSONVILLE DOWNTOWN CANDY CRAWL
Trick or treat in downtown Watsonville. Many downtown businesses will be participating. Check-in at the City Plaza to begin. Preregistration required.
WHEN: Oct. 29, 2 pm - 6 pm
WHERE: Downtown Watsonville
INFO: https://qrco.de/bdIGfx
TRICK-OR-TREATING AT THE SANTA CRUZ WHARF
Meet and take photos with Spiderman and Woodie and get treats from Wharf businesses.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2:30-4:30 pm
WHERE: Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
INFO: cityofsantacruz.com
TRICK OR TREAT IN DOWNTOWN SANTA CRUZ
Bring your gals and ghouls to downtown Santa Cruz for trick-or-treating at local shops Pacific Avenue will be closed to traffic. Get there early if you want all the candy.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2:30-5:30 pm
WHERE: Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
NEW: HALLOWEEN AT GILROY OUTLETS
Bring the family down in their favorite spooky costumes and snap pics at a Halloween photo station set up on property. From little ghosts and goblins to vampires and pirates, children have the chance to complete their costumes with face painting activities and help design a fun balloon with a talented balloon twister. And, make sure to pick up a goodie bag filled with fun items as you head home.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 2:30-5:00 pm
WHERE: Gilroy Premium Outlets 681 Leavesley Rd, Gilroy, California 95020
NEW: TRICK OR TREAT IN BOULDER CREEK
Mask up in your scariest finery and join the fun in Boulder Creek this Halloween. Thriller flash mob expected, too. After collecting your treats, head to the Boulder Creek Recreation and Parks District “afterparty.”
WHEN: Oct. 31, 5:00 pm
WHERE: Main St, Boulder Creek
INFO: https://www.facebook.com/BCRPD
HALLOWEEN ON THE WHARF
Come in costume and enjoy this free family-friendly event on Halloween. Trick or Treat and receive sweet treats at participating merchants on the Wharf. Lots of photo opportunities.
WHEN: Oct 31., 4-7 pm
WHERE: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, 1 Old Fishermans Wharf, Monterey, 93940
INFO: montereywharf.com
HARVEST CARNIVAL
Come in costume and enjoy this free family-friendly event on Halloween.
WHEN: Oct 31., 5:30 pm
WHERE: Peninsula Church, 520 Pine Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950