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: 5 pm -10 pm
WHERE: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy.,Gilroy, 95020
INFO: gilroygardens.org
HAUNTED HOUSE AT MONTEREY FAIRGROUNDS
Ages 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. Just when you thought it was safe to go to the movies, our haunted tour of Hollywood’s scariest movies will send your head spinning! Running Fridays & Saturdays, the last four weekends in October.
WHEN: 6:00 pm on Friday and Saturday the last four weekends in October
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. Kids 12 and under are free every weekend.
WHEN: Weekends through Oct. 22 (10 am-6 pm)
WHERE: 10031 Pacheco Pass, Hollister, 95023
INFO: norcalrenfaire.com
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS
In celebration of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we will give thanks for our pets, for those who take care of them and for all creatures. St.Francis’ love for all creatures inspires these pet blessing services. This annual event occurs on Wednesday, October 4th at 5:30 pm in the front yard of St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church.
WHEN: Oct. 4, 5:30 pm
WHERE: St. Mary’s by-the-Sea Episcopal Church, 146 12th St., Pacific Grove
IINFO: 831-373-4441
REBELS & RENEGADES MUSIC FESTIVAL
Rebels & Renegades Music Festival weaves together a multidimensional festival experience for music lovers at an iconic venue in the Monterey Bay. Bringing the hippies and the cowboys together with some killer music, interactive art stations, a local makers marketplace and delicious food peddlers.
WHEN: October 6-8
WHERE: Monterey County Fair & Event Center
INFO: rebelsandrenegadesfest.com
CALIFORNIA INT’L AIRSHOW
Features the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, US Navy F35 C Lightning II, Red Bull Air Force, Michael Goulian Aerosports, Vicky Benzing Aerosports, Kent Pietsch Comedy Aerobatics, Hot Streak Jet Pick Up Truck, Wicked Strong Playing for Keeps Monster Trucks
WHEN: Oct. 6-8
WHERE: Salinas Municipal Airport, 37 Mortensen, Salinas, 93902
INFO: salinasairshow.com
ALBA’S FAMILY FARM DAY
The community is invited to visit the 100-acre training facility in the heart of the Salinas Valley. With impressive views of the local farmland and mountain ranges, guests will be able to purchase a bounty of freshly harvested organic produce from family farms while also learning about sustainable agricultural practices. Families will enjoy activities like tractor rides, face painting, pumpkin decoration, and a bouncy house. Lunch will be available to purchase.
WHEN: Oct. 7 11 am
WHERE: 1700 Old Stage Road, Salinas, 93908
IINFO: albafarmers.org
FREE FAMILY FUN DAY AT MONTEREY MUSEUM
Drop by the Museum for a fun-filled afternoon of art-making inspired by our fall exhibitions. Featured art activities: Nightscapes using oil pastels, light exploration in photography, and thangka mandalas using gold and colored paper. Enjoy free admission to the Museum and experience the current exhibitions with the whole family.
WHEN: Oct. 7 11:00 am
WHERE: 559 Pacific Street Monterey, 93940
INFO: montereyart.org
HARVEST FAIRE
Welcome Fall with the Harvest Faire at Roaring Camp. Take the Redwood Forest Steam Train to Bear Mountain. Pick a pumpkin from the town pumpkin patch. Harvest-themed kids crafts, blacksmith, gold panning, live entertainment.
WHEN: October 7 & 8
WHERE: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
INFO: roaringcamp.com/events
OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF BIRTHDAY PARTY
There will be the first-ever Candy Crawl on the Wharf, among many other fun activities and live music. The first 178 visitors can get a free piece of candy at the three CANDY shops on the Wharf. Free family-friendly activities all day.
WHEN: Oct. 8 1-4 pm
WHERE: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
INFO: montereywharf.com
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
IINFO: thefarm-salinasvalley.com
CA RODEO’S FALL ROUNDUP
The California Rodeo Salinas will host the second annual Fall Round Up at the Salinas Sports Complex. Oct.12- Oct. 15 Join the fun at a carnival, pumpkin patch, food, games and more fall fun. Join us for a carnival, pumpkin patch, food, drinks, live music, games, and more fall fun.
WHEN: Oct. 12 4 pm-10 pm; Oct. 13 4 pm-10 pm; Oct. 14 12 pm-10 pm; Oct. 15 12 pm-6 pm
WHERE: Salinas Sports Complex, 1034 N. Main Street Salinas, 93906
INFO: carodeo.com
COASTAL KIDS FALL HARVEST
Face painting, pumpkin decorating, costume contest, and more.
WHEN: October 13, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
WHERE: Borchard Farms,142 Rodgers Rd, Salinas, 93907
INFO: www.coastalkidshomecare.org
THOMAS AND 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. Photos with Thomas, Percy & Sir Topham Hatt, Thomas Train play tables, pick-a-pumpkin, pumpkin decorating, and live music with Peter Apel. Mr. Miraculous the Magician
WHEN: October 14-15; 21-22; 28-29
WHERE: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
INFO: roaringcamp.com/events
DADS READ HALLOWEEN
Matthew Lewis of Whitson Engineers will do a drone demonstration. Shea’s gymnastics, rock painting with Mia, clothing exchange, costume exchange, and trunk or treat.
WHEN: Oct. 14, 10 am
WHERE: Marina Public Library, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina
INFO: co.monterey.ca.us/library/#
NEW AUTUMN VINTAGE AND MAKERS MARKET
A variety of artisan goods. Support local small businesses and get a head start on the holiday rush.
WHEN: Oct. 14, 11 am
WHERE: Earthbound Farms, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: https://www.earthboundfarm.com
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. 14, 4-8 pm
WHERE: Chaminade Resort & Spa, 1 Chaminade Lane Santa Cruz, 95065
INFO: chaminade.com
KIDS NIGHT OUT
Participants will enjoy Halloween-themed crafts, activities, pumpkin decorating, and more. All supplies will be included along with a kid-friendly dinner. Participants are encouraged but not required to wear a costume. Open to ages 3-12. $22 for residents of PG, $26 for others.
WHEN: Oct. 14, 5-8 pm
WHERE: Pacific Grove Youth Center, 302 16th Street, Pacific Grove
INFO: cityofpg.org/recreation
DREAM IT, DESIGN IT, CREATE IT: FAB LAB STEM EVENT
Join Chevron, MCOE and the Fab Foundation for an afternoon of dreaming, designing, and creating at the official launch of the Central Coast Mobile Fab Lab. Enjoy hands-on learning and play activities, food trucks, jump houses and a live broadcast from KDON radio. The whole family will be inspired by the Chevron STEM Zone, an interactive space for kids and parents to learn how science, technology, engineering and math are connected to everyday life.
WHEN: Oct. 15, 12 – 3 pm
WHERE: Salinas Recreational Soccer Complex, 1440 Constitution Blvd Salinas
INFO: montereycoe.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
NEW HARVEST FESTIVAL
Fall activities for all ages, including a pumpkin relay race, pumpkin stacking scramble guessing games, pumpkin carving demo, and more. Purchase tickets for each activity day of the event.
WHEN: Oct. 21, 11 am
WHERE: Earthbound Farms, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: https://www.earthboundfarm.com
NEWALL SAINTS FALLFESTIVAL
Food, rides, entertainment, and fun surprises.
WHEN: Oct. 21, 11 am – 3 pm
WHERE: All Saints Day School, 8060 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: asds.org
CITY OF MONTEREY PARKS & RECREATION TRUNK OR TREAT
Come dressed in costume to trunk-or-treat, 5 pm-6:30 pm. We’ll have fire engines, activities for kids, and more. The screening of the Disney filmNightmare Before Christmaswill begin at 7pm. There will be free popcorn and cotton candy available at the show, while food trucks will be selling food and drinks.
WHEN: Oct. 21, 5-6:30 pm; movie starts at 7 pm on Colton Hall lawn
WHERE: Pacific St. between MadisonandJefferson, Monterey, 93940
INFO: www.monterey.org/rec
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. Bring the family for a creative day of mask making, Halloween carnival games, a frightening photo booth, Thriller performance in Laurel Park plus special theatrical performances in the Auditorium.
WHEN: Oct. 21, 12-4 pm
WHERE: London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz, 95060
INFO: cityofsantacruz.com
HALLOWEEN BONANZA
Free admission, $7 to plunge for a pumpkin.
WHEN: Oct. 21, 1:15-3 pm
WHERE: Patullo Swim Center, 1148 Wheeler Street, Seaside
INFO: ci.seaside.ca.us/512/Special-Events
HALLOWEEN COOKIE DECORATING PARTY
Explore the styles and techniques of cookie decorating led by Chef Philippe Costa of Holiday Baking Championship.
WHEN: Oct. 22
WHERE: Oscar’s Playground, 685 Cannery Row, 3rd Floor, Monterey
INFO: oscarsplayground.com
COSTUME SWAP
It’s time to dig out those old costumes and give them a new life. Bring your gently used costumes and accessories to swap with fellow partygoers. Local vendors, games, and more.
WHEN: Oct. 22, 11-3 pm
WHERE: Green Directive, 77 Soleded Drive, Monterey
INFO: thegreendirective.com
NOT SO SPOOKY STORYTIME
Halloween Storytime, complete with Halloween-themed songs. There will also be a “practice” trick or treat around the branch, mini pumpkin patch, pumpkin decorating, and other activities. Families are encouraged to come and show off their costumes.
WHEN: Oct. 25, 10:30-1 pm
WHERE: Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Vally, 93924
INFO: co.monterey.ca.us
NEW HALLOWEEN STORYTIME & COSTUME PARADE
Join Monterey Public Library staff for a spooky story time and costume parade on the lawn in front of Colton Hall.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 10:15-11:15 AM
WHERE: Colton Hall Lawn, 570 Pacific Street, Monterey
INFO:Monterey.org/library
NEW HAUNTED LIBRARY
Drop by the library in costume for a fun Haunted House event.
WHEN: Oct. 26, 3:30-5:30 PM
WHERE: Pacific Grove Public Library,550 Central Avenue, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, (831) 648-5760
INFO:https://www.pacificgrovelibrary.org/calendar.php?view=day&month=10&day=26&year=2023&calendar
SPOOKTACULAR
Free event for the entire family and open to all. Halloween festivities, games, haunted houses, treats, costume contests and more
WHEN: Oct. 27 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
PEBBLE BEACH ZOMBIE RUN
Two running courses are the challenging 5K Zombie Crawl and the 2K Survivor Stroll (a flat mile 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 to help you survive the next zombie apocalypse or other disasters.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 9:00 am to noon
WHERE: 4005 Sunridge Road, Pebble Beach, 93953
INFO: pbcsd.org
SPOOKY 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.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 10 am
WHERE: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove, 93950
INFO: pgmuseum.org
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. 28, 11 am
WHERE: Carmel Valley Library, 65 W. Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Vally, 93924
INFO: co.monterey.ca.us
CARNIVAL & RESOURCE FAIR FOR SPECIAL NEEDS FAMILIES
Special Kids Connect’s Halloween Carnival & Resource Fair will be an opportunity for families who have children with special needs to celebrate Halloween in a welcoming environment (costumes are optional but are encouraged), take part in carnival games & activities, and visit with community agencies who will be on hand to provide information to parents.
WHEN: Oct. 28, 11 am-1 pm
WHERE: Seaside High School, 2200 Noche Buena, Seaside
INFO: specialkidsconnect.com
NEW STEINBECK SPOOKTACULAR
The National Steinbeck Center, are doing our own fun and free thing as part of the Salinas Downtown Trick or Treat. Join us on Saturday, October 28, 2023 from 11am to 2 pm along our FREE Trick or Treat Trail! Our Steinbeck Spooktacular features delicious candy stops inside the museum, pumpkin painting on the patio, and spooky stories inside our theater! Costumes are encouraged. All ages are welcome.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 11 am – 2 pm
WHERE: National Steinbeck Center,1 Main Street,Salinas, 93901
INFO: https://steinbeck.org
HARVEST MOON ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR
Local artists, craftsmen, galleries, and more. Fundraiser for Animal Friends Rescue.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 11 am -4 pm
WHERE: Carmel Valley Lodge, 8 Ford Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: animalfriendsrescue.org
NEW HALLOWEEN COSTUME FASHION SHOW
Make the most of your Halloween costume by taking it for a spin and walking the runway. Enjoy a pumpkin carving demo and perhaps you’ll win a prize for best costume.
WHEN: Oct. 28, 11 am
WHERE: Earthbound Farms, 7250 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: https://www.earthboundfarm.com
MAX’S 4TH ANNUAL HOWL-O-WEEN AT THE PLAZA
Get ready for Max’s 4th Annual HOWL-O-WEEN, a spooktacular pet costume contest event happening on October 28 at a brand new location! 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. 28 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
WHERE: Forest Theatre, Santa Rita Street and Mountain View Avenue, Carmel
INFO: maxshelpingpaws.org
HALLOWEEN IN THE PARK
Join us for Halloween in the Park with lots of fun activities at Sherwood Park for kids and the family! Don’t forget your costumes.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 12-2 pm
WHERE: Sherwood Community Park 920 N Main Street, Salinas 93906
INFO: cityofsalinas.org
SHORELINE 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. 28, 1-4 pm
WHERE: Shoreline Church, 2500 Garden Road, Monterey, 93940
INFO: shoreline.church
CARMEL’S ANNUAL PUMPKIN ROLL
The official pumpkin-rolling course is right down Ocean Avenue between Santa Rita to Junipero Streets. The course will be lined with hay bales and fencing to keep pumpkins from veering off track and give spectators a front-row view of the heart-stopping action. Come join in the fun! Look for the truckload of pumpkins parked at Ocean Avenue and Santa Fe Street. Good luck with your pumpkin roll! Follow up the fun with the movie “Hocus Pocus” in Devendorf Park at about 6:15 pm.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 2-4 pm
WHERE: Ocean Avenue between Santa Rita to Junipero Streets
INFO: carmelcalifornia.com/event/annual-pumpkin-roll/
HALLOWEEN FUN NITE
North County Recreation and Park District’s Halloween Fun Nite. Costume contest, pumpkin carving, haunted house, games, trunk or treat, and much more.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 5-9 pm
WHERE: Rec Center, 11261 Crane Street, Castroville
INFO: 831-633-3084
CITY OF MONTEREY PUMPKIN PLUNGE
Plunge into the pool and pick your pumpkin from the floating pumpkin patch! Enjoy face painting, a water slide, a WIBIT aqua obstacle course and a photo booth.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 5:30-7:30 pm
WHERE: Monterey Sports Center 301 East Franklin Street, Monterey, 93940
INFO: montereysportscenter.org
TRUNK OR TREAT
Hosted by Carmel Valley Community Youth Center. Free event for families with decorated car trunks, candy, games, and fun.
WHEN: Oct. 28: 5-7 PM
WHERE: Carmel Valley Community Youth Center, 25 Ford Road, Carmel Valley
INFO: cvcyc.org
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. 28, 6-8:30 pm
WHERE: Wonder Wood Ranch, 8100 Wild Horse Road, Salinas
INFO: wonderwoodranch.org
MUSEUM OF THE MACABRE 2023
Come in costume and imbibe cauldron-concocted co*cktails while exploring the chasms of the world beneath our feet. The seventh annual Museum of the Macabre will be bigger than ever with freakish festivities and special exhibits outdoors and inside the Museum’s galleries. This year’s tricks and treats will unearth the mysteries of the underground. Ages 21 and up.
WHEN: Oct. 28, 6-9 pm
WHERE: Tyrrell Park and inside the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz
INFO: santacruzmuseum.org/museum-of-the-macabre-2023/
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. 29: 2:00 pm (Lineup begins at 1:30 pm)
WHERE: Beach & Village Parking Lot, Capitola
INFO: capitolavillage.com
NEW YOUNG BIRDERS HALLOWEEN BIRDING
Join the Monterey Audubon Society’s Young Birders Club for our spook-macular October field trip! Not for the squeamish! We’ll walk alongDel Monte Beachin Monterey starting at the wharf and we’ll search for live shorebirds and seabirds while also learning about bird anatomy, bones, and beaks by examining dry bird carcasses. [Only the trip leader will be handling carcasses!]. We’ll bring binoculars and field guides to share. It might be cool and foggy, so wear appropriate cloths and shoes for walking in the sand. Free and open to kids of all ages.
WHEN: Oct. 29: 9:00 am
WHERE: Del Monte Beach, 653 Del Monte Ave, Monterey
INFO: montereyaudubon.org/ybc
NEW MONTEREY MOOSE LODGE’S ANNUAL KID’S HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL
Special needs kids and their siblings are invited to join lodge kids for a free Halloween carnival. Please RSVP to Mark at (831) 383-1323 by October 26th to attend. Admission includes 10 carnival game tickets, a slice of pizza, and a Capri Sun. Additional tickets are 25¢ each. Costume contest for kids 12 and under.
WHEN: Oct. 29: 5:00-7:00 pm
WHERE: 555 Canyon Del Rey Blvd.,Del Rey Oaks, 93940
INFO: 831-3831323
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 3-5:00 pm
WHERE: Del Monte Shopping Center, 1410 Del Monte Center, Monterey, 93940
INFO: www.delmonte center.com
FRONT STREET’S SPOOKFEST
Spook Fest is a safe & fun Halloween festival that was founded in 2020 to promote safety & community. Games, contests, music, trunk or treat. Free event.
More info:spookfest2020@gmail.com
WHEN: Oct. 31 3-6:00 pm
WHERE: Cesar Chavez Park, Soledad
INFO: spookfest2020@gmail.com
107TH CITY OF CARMEL BIRTHDAY PARTY & PARADE
Costume-and-candy parade at 4 p.m. through downtown. City dignitaries, VIPs, costumed dogs and kids, and residents and visitors gather for this fun event. The village’s charming shops will be open after the parade for trick-or-treating and other fun fall festivities.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 4:00 pm
WHERE: Downtown Carmel
INFO: carmelcalifornia.com
MARINE MASQUERADE
Magical mystery marine masquerade adventure that includes scavenger hunts, creature crafts, flashlight tours to a whale skeleton, costume parade, and more. Tickets are $8 for Adults, $6 for Students/Seniors, and Children 2 and under free.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 6:00 pm
WHERE: 100 Shaffer Rd., Santa Cruz
INFO: 831-459-3799
HALLOWEEN MOVIE NIGHT FUNDRAISER
Two showtimes: 6 pm Hocus Pocus and 8:45 pm Beetlejuice. Trick or Treat and Costume Contest between showtimes. $10 suggested donation admittance.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 6:00 pm and 8:45 pm
WHERE: Lighthouse Cinemas, Pacific Grove
INFO: thebunnytrailrescue.org
PUMPKIN PLUNGE
This free event has a haunted house, game booths, candy, crafts, and more.
WHEN: Oct. 31, 6-9 pm
WHERE: Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave, Seaside
INFO: ci.seaside.ca.us/512/Special-Events
