Halloween is just around the corner, and for some families, traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating at night isn’t the best fit. Whether you’re looking for a safer, daylight option for younger children or simply want to enjoy the festivities in a fun, community setting, there are plenty of family-friendly events happening across Monterey, Santa Cruz, and Salinas this October.
From trunk-or-treats to downtown candy crawls, these local celebrations offer all the treats—without the late-night streets.
Trunk or Treat at Northridge Mall
Date: October 17, 4–7 PM
Location: Northridge Mall Parking Lot, Salinas
Sponsored by Sun Street Centers, this community event includes treats, music, games, and a costume contest. Families can enjoy a festive afternoon filled with fun and safe trick-or-treating in one convenient location.
Info: 831-682-3638
City of Monterey Trunk or Treat and Movie on the Lawn
Date: October 18, 5–6:30 PM (movie at 6:30 PM)
Location: Colton Hall Lawn, Monterey
Pacific Street between Madison and Jefferson transforms into a family Halloween zone, with nonprofits and city partners handing out candy and hosting activities. Afterward, families can spread out on the grass for a free outdoor movie under the stars.
Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Trunk or Treat
Date: October 24, 5–8 PM
Location: Shuttle from Capitola Mall
The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office hosts this popular trunk-or-treat featuring decorated vehicles, candy stations, games, and food vendors. Free parking and a shuttle service from Capitola Mall make it easy for families to attend this festive community event.
Downtown Pacific Grove Trick-or-Treat
Date: October 25, 10 AM–2 PM
Location: Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove
Pacific Grove’s downtown businesses invite families to a morning of trick-or-treating, music, and giveaways. A designated safety zone ensures kids can explore and enjoy the fun with peace of mind. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Downtown Salinas Trick-or-Treat
Date: October 25, 11 AM–2 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas
Downtown Salinas gets into the spirit with costume contests, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunts, and more. This is a great way for families to enjoy Halloween fun in a festive daytime environment.
North County Recreation Halloween Fun Day
Date: October 25, 1–5 PM
Location: North County Recreation Center, Castroville
This event features a trunk-or-treat, haunted house, games, and a costume contest—all under one roof. Perfect for families looking for a lively and inclusive community celebration.
Halloween Family Festival at Del Monte Center
Date: October 25, 1–3 PM
Location: Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
A local favorite, the Del Monte Center’s Halloween Family Festival offers entertainment, arts and crafts, and character meet-and-greets. Families are encouraged to come in costume for a cheerful afternoon of safe, mall-wide trick-or-treating.
Halloween on Lighthouse
Date: October 25, 2–5 PM
Location: Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey
Local businesses in New Monterey open their doors to trick-or-treaters for this beloved community event. Costumes are encouraged, and families can enjoy the welcoming, walkable atmosphere of Lighthouse Avenue.
Shoreline Fall Family Festival
Date: October 25, 2–4 PM
Location: Shoreline Church, Monterey
This family festival combines trunk-or-treating with games, crafts, inflatables, and more. Costumes are encouraged, and the event offers a safe, festive way to celebrate Halloween with younger children.
Watsonville Downtown Candy Crawl
Date: October 26, 2–6 PM
Location: City Plaza, Watsonville
Families with children ages 13 and under can enjoy a downtown candy crawl and costume parade. The event celebrates community and creativity, offering a fun and welcoming alternative to nighttime trick-or-treating.
Halloween on the Wharf
Date: October 31, 4–7 PM
Location: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Bring the kids for trick-or-treating along the Wharf with participating merchants. This seaside Halloween tradition provides a scenic and spirited way to spend the evening.
Malloween at Northridge Mall
Date: October 31, 4–8 PM
Location: Northridge Mall, Salinas
The mall’s annual Halloween celebration features trick-or-treating, a science show, costume contests, and meet-and-greets. It’s a perfect indoor option for families looking for a fun and easy Halloween experience.
Seaside Halloween Bonanza
Date: October 31, 6–9 PM
Location: Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
End the Halloween season with Seaside’s community bonanza featuring games, crafts, a haunted house, and costume contests. The event offers something for all ages in a festive and safe setting.
A Fun, Safe, and Inclusive Way to Celebrate
These events across Monterey Bay make it easy for families to enjoy Halloween without the stress of late-night trick-or-treating or navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods. From lively mall gatherings to community festivals and downtown candy crawls, there’s something for every family looking to celebrate safely, locally, and with plenty of treats.
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