October is full of eerie events in Santa Cruz County, including Halloween, which is coming up soon! There is something for everyone, from exciting Halloween Parades and beautiful Pumpkin Patches to Trick-or-Treating on the Wharf. Dive into the best Halloween events throughout the county and prepare to be spooked!
Pumpkin Patches Throughout October
Santa Cruz County has it all, whether you’re in the mood for pumpkin picking with ocean views or patches decked with eerie decor. Get into the fall spirit by visiting some of the best pumpkin patches in the area. You’ll find the perfect pumpkin to bring a touch of autumn to your home.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Fright Flicks “Us” October 2, 2024
Gather your friends for a night of fun and fright with the chilling movie “Us,” filmed in Santa Cruz. Sip on signature cocktails while lounging in inflatable chairs, available on a first-come-first-served basis. You won’t want to miss a night of horror and entertainment!
Downtown Boulder Creek Treat Walk October 4, 2024
Head to Downtown Boulder Creek for the Annual Treat Walk, where artists and merchants will hand out candy and treats. While Halloween costumes are optional, it’s a great chance to get into the spirit early. Bring the kiddos for an evening of sweet delights!
Roaring Camp Railroads Harvest Faire October 7-8, 2024
Celebrate fall at the Roaring Camp Railroads Harvest Faire! Ride the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain and pick your perfect pumpkin. Enjoy a day filled with harvest-themed crafts, blacksmithing, and live entertainment. It’s a family-friendly event not to be missed.
Museum of Natural History Creepy Crawly Watercolor Class – October 8, 2024
Explore the world of insects at the Museum of Natural History’s Creepy Crawly Watercolor Class. Learn from a professional entomological illustrator and get hands-on with insect taxidermy. This class is perfect for aspiring artists and insect enthusiasts alike.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk “Dawn of the Dead” Fright Flick – October 9, 2024
Get ready for another night of chills with “Dawn of the Dead” at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. With a cocktail, settle into a cozy inflatable chair and immerse yourself in this classic horror film. Remember to grab some snacks to complete the experience!
UCSC Festival of Monsters – October 11-12, 2024
The Festival of Monsters at UCSC is back with two days of free public events! Dive deep into the world of your favorite ghouls by engaging in research discussions and monster-themed activities. It’s a must-visit for anyone who loves all things spooky and scientific.
Roaring Camp Railroads Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party – October 12-27, 2024
Join Thomas the Tank Engine and Percy for a Halloween adventure at Roaring Camp Railroads! This family-friendly event includes a 20-minute train ride, face painting, pumpkin picking, and more. Little engineers will be thrilled by the spooky fun that awaits them.
Tractor or Treat at the Agriculture History Project – October 12, 2024
Bring the whole family to the farm for a day of Tractor or Treat fun! Enjoy trick-or-treating, fall crafts, tractor rides, and hay wagon tours. It’s the perfect way to remember the occasion and make treasured memories with the people you care about.
Scarecrow Sip and Stroll in Downtown Felton – October 12, 2024
Stroll through Downtown Felton while sipping apple cider and voting for your favorite scarecrow display. This charming event is a great way to enjoy the fall weather and explore the local shops. Don’t miss out on this delightful community gathering!
Felton Farmer’sMarket Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza – October 15, 2024
Celebrate the harvest season at the Felton Farmer’sMarket Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza. Kids and adults can get creative with pumpkins, transforming them with veggies, string, and googly eyes. It’s A fun and festive way to welcome the fall.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk “Iller Clowns from Outer Space” Fright Flick – October 16, 2024
Get ready for a night of horror with “Iller Clowns from Outer Space” at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy signature drinks and spooky snacks while watching this creepy classic. Inflatable chairs are available on a first-come-first-served basis, so arrive early!
Actors Theatre Lucky Time Spooky Play – October 17-27, 2024
Actors Theatre presents “Lucky Time,” a spooky new play by local playwright John Chandler. The story unfolds in a remote cabin with dangerous confessions and visitations from past misdeeds. Gather your courage and enjoy a night of thrilling theater.
Heritage Harvest Festival at Wilder Ranch State Park – October 19, 2024
Celebrate the harvest season at Wilder Ranch State Heritage Harvest Festival. Participate in historical activities, enjoy live old-time music, and taste hand-cranked pumpkin ice cream. There are plenty of kids’ crafts and games to keep everyone entertained.
Downtown Santa Cruz Halloween Mask Making Festival – October 19, 2024
Join the fun at the Downtown Santa Cruz Halloween Mask-Making Festival! Enjoy mask-making, carnival games, and live performances. It’s A perfect event for families looking to get creative and immerse themselves in Halloween.
13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf – October 19-31, 2024
Experience 13 days of frightful fun at the Santa Cruz Wharf! Participate in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap photos at the scenic photo booth, and enjoy Halloween-themed specials at Wharf businesses. The festivities culminate with Trick-or-Treating on October 31.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off – October 26, 2024
Bring your appetite to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk Chili Cook-Off! Taste delicious chili from amateur and professional chefs, and vote for your favorite. While not Halloween-specific, this event has a festive spirit and plenty of tasty treats.
Pleasure Point Fall Sip and Scare – October 26, 2024
Dress in your spookiest costume and join the Fall Sip and Scare in Pleasure Point. Sip on your favorite beer and wine as you stroll through local shops. This event is perfect for those looking to enjoy a festive day with friends.
Evergreen Cemetery Dia De Los Muertos – October 26, 2024
Celebrate Dia De Los Muertos at Evergreen Cemetery with traditional music, dance, and art. Stroll through community altars and learn about the significance of this beautiful celebration. It’s A vibrant gathering that honors life and death meaningfully.
Natural History Museum Macabre Halloween Party – October 26, 2024
Come in costume and explore the spooky side of the Natural History Museum at the Macabre Halloween Party. Enjoy cauldron-concocted cocktails and special exhibits, both indoors and out. It’s an evening of freakish festivities you won’t want to miss!
Candlelight A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics at Cabrillo College – October 26, 2024
Experience the magic of Halloween-inspired music at Cabrillo CCollege’sCandlelight concert. Under the gentle glow of candlelight, enjoy a multi-sensory musical experience like no other. Get your tickets now for this enchanting event.
Witches Ball at the Brookdale Lodge – October 26, 2024
Dress in your most fabulous frock for the Witches Ball at the Brookdale Lodge, known as the most haunted place in California. Enjoy vendors, bars, and a witch-hat contest as you dance the night away. It is The ultimate Halloween party for those who dare to attend!
Downtown Santa Cruz Halloween Bar Crawl – October 26 & 31, 2024
Join the Halloween Bar Crawl in Downtown Santa Cruz for a night of haunted fun. Explore iconic bars and pubs, each offering exclusive food and drink specials. It’s A spine-chilling experience perfect for those who love a good scare with their drinks.
Capitola Village Halloween Parade and Trick or Treating – October 27, 2024
Don’t miss the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up in your best costume and join the parade through Capitola Village. The fun continues with trick-or-treating at local shops, making it a perfect family-friendly event.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk “Rick‘’ Treat” Fright Flick – October 30, 2024
Wrap up the Halloween season with a “Rick ” Treat” screening at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy signature drinks and snacks as you watch this spooky film in a festive atmosphere. It’s a great way to get in the Halloween spirit one last time!
Downtown Santa Cruz Trick or Treat – October 31, 2024
Celebrate Halloween in Downtown Santa Cruz with a Trick or Treat event that takes over Pacific Avenue. Watch for participating businesses and let the kids enjoy a safe, fun trick-or-treating experience. It’s A festive way to enjoy Halloween with the whole family.
Aptos Village Halloween Parade – October 31, 2024
Join the spookiest event of the year at the Aptos Village Halloween Parade! Dress in your most creative costume and enjoy a thrilling parade through the streets—it’s A fantastic time for everyone in the community.
Trick-Or-Treat on the Santa Cruz Wharf – October 31, 2024
Celebrate Halloween at the Santa Cruz Wharf from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM! Enjoy trick-or-treating at Wharf businesses, snap festive photos with a scenic backdrop, and savor Halloween treats from local shops. It’s a fun, family-friendly event with a spooky seaside twist.
Conclusion
The Trick-Or-Treat on the Santa Cruz Wharf on October 31, 2024, stands out as a top Halloween event that promises fun for the entire family. This event creates a safe and festive atmosphere where kids can trick-or-treat at various Wharf businesses, enjoy a scenic photo booth to capture Halloween memories, and indulge in delightful treats from local vendors.
The stunning waterfront setting adds a magical touch to the celebration, ensuring a memorable experience. Be sure not to miss this enchanting seaside event and make the most of this Halloween season with a visit to the Santa Cruz Wharf!