It’s time to get spooky, Santa Cruz! With Halloween just around the corner, there are some great opportunities to show off your costumes this weekend.
Read on to see the rest of our picks for the best events in Santa Cruz this weekend.
Green Acres Fall Festival
When: Friday, 10/24 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Green Acres Elementary School
How Much: Free
This annual fall festival is great for families, as it will feature an all ages haunted house, costume contest, face painting, and a ‘Monster Mash’ dance party!
Haunted House Sneak Peek
When: Friday, 10/24 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson
How Much: Free
If you can’t make it to Louden Nelson on Halloween night, get a sneak peek of their haunted house this Friday night for free. Downtown Santa Cruz can be crazy on Halloween, so consider this a chance to bring your kids to a spooky downtown event without having to worry about safety.
Ghost Train
When: Friday, 10/24 through Saturday, 10/25
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
How Much: $20-$28
Lovers of folklore will have a blast on the Ghost Train, where riders can watch a reenactment of the classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman. The event is open to all ages, and there will also be a haunted house and trick or treating.
Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
When: Saturday, 10/25 & Sunday, 10/26
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads
How Much: $24
For the first time at Roaring Camp, Thomas the Tank Engine’s buddy Percy will join him on the rails to give an instructional and festive Halloween ride. The party will also include activities like face painting and storytelling, and kids and parents of all ages are welcome.
To the Ends of the Earth: The Adventures of an Expedition Photographer
When: Friday, 10/24 at 7:00 pm
Where: Rio Theatre
How Much: $20-$25
Photographer Gordon Wiltsie has made a career of traveling to parts unknown and sharing what he finds. Quench your thirst for exploration at the Rio this Friday, where the UCSC alumn will share photos and stories from his wildest adventures.
Halloween & Mask Making Festival
When: Saturday, 10/25 from 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Where: Louden Nelson
How Much: Free
If you’re the type who waits until the last minute to throw together a Halloween costume, Louden Nelson’s got you covered. Bring the whole family to this festival, where you can make masks as well as explore the haunted house and get your photo taken in the Phantom Photo Booth.
Heritage Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, 10/25 from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park
How Much: Free
Enjoy all the perks of autumn at this free festival, where you can decorate pumpkins, listen to live bluegrass, sample hand cranked pumpkin ice cream, and much more. All ages are welcome.
Gault Elementary School’s 66th Annual Community Halloween Parade and Carnival
When: Saturday, 10/25 from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Where: Gault Elementary School
How Much: Free
Seabright locals have been loving this festival since 1948, and you’re welcome to join in the fun. In addition to being a classic Halloween festival with all the expected festivities, this carnival also celebrates Dia De Los Muertos with a parade you won’t want to miss.
Live Earth Farm Harvest Festival
When: Saturday, 10/25 from 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Where: Live Earth Farm Discovery Program
How Much: $15-$20
Bring the whole family to enjoy the bounty of the Monterey Bay at the Live Earth Farm Harvest Festival, which will feature the Banana Slug String Band, a pie contest, and a pumpkin patch.
Santa Cruz Chili Cook-Off
When: Saturday, 10/25. Tasting tickets go on sale at 10:00 am. Tasting begins at 1:00 pm
Where: Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
How Much: Free
As the weather grows colder, there’s nothing better than a hearty bowl of chili to warm your spirits. The Boardwalk’s annual chili cook off is your chance to try the best from both amateur and professional chefs. While admission is free, tasting kits cost nine dollars.
Breakers Halloween Cup
When: Saturday, 10/25 through Sunday, 10/26 at 8:00 am
Where: Cabrillo College
How Much: Free
Take in the best of the best in youth soccer with The Santa Cruz County Breakers, the county’s nationally recognized soccer club. But this isn’t just any soccer tournament. Oh no. This one kicks off with a costume contest. Each team will be dressed in thematic costumes, and will play at least their first game in full costume.
Capitola Village Children’s Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, 10/26 at 2:00 pm
Where: Capitola Village
How Much: Free
Let your little ones experience the excitement of Halloween in the safe, kid friendly atmosphere of Capitola Village. Refreshments and the opportunity to trick or treat will follow the parade, which ends at Esplanade Park.
Beach & River Cleanups
- Monthly Xstream Cleanup at Panther Beach
- Public River Cleanup-Make a Difference Day
- Weekly Cowell Beach Cleanup
Additional events this weekend
Friday:
- Dead Writers Night: Costume Party Fundraiser
- Hot Buttered Rum
- “Marty O’Reilly and The Old Soul Orchestra with special guest Arann Harris plus Charlie Greene”
- Sharon & Winter in Samhain Concert
Friday & Saturday
Saturday:
- Chardonnay II Brewmaster Charter
- I-Wayne + special guests Emmanuel Selassie & DJ Spleece
- Luna Maris
- The Missing Arm of William Waddell
- Whiskies of the World – Featuring Master of Scotch Stephen Beal
- Catacomb Creeps, Dusted Angel
- The Daniel Castro Band with Gary Smith
- Toni Morrison: “Literature and the Silence of Goodness” (SOLD OUT)
Saturday & Sunday
Sunday:
Recurring Events You Can Find Every Weekend
- Free Wildlife Eco-Tours of the Santa Cruz Wharf (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Tours of the Reserve at Elkhorn Slough (weekly event – every Saturday & Sunday)
- Santa Cruz Farmers Markets (weekly events)
- Live Comedy at the Crow’s Nest (weekly event – every Sunday night)
PS – Get coverage of the best Santa Cruz events and other Santa Cruz Life content delivered straight to your inbox by signing up below…
