Saturday October 18
26TH ANNUAL HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
12 p.m. – 4 p.m., Louden Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street, Santa Cruz
Celebrate Halloween with the family at this free, long-running festival! Enjoy mask-making, carnival games, and All About Theatre performances.
Multiple showings of Nightmares – A Stage Spooktacular and Thriller dances throughout the afternoon.
Enjoy this tradition that has lasted for over 25 years.
Saturday October 25
THOMAS AND PERCY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY™
11 a.m., Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
More info: 831-335-4484.
HALLOWEEN SHOW-SPOOK HOUSE!
2 – 3:30 p.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market Street, Santa Cruz
Enjoy a spooky Halloween show with music, dancing, and costumes at the Market Street Senior Center.
$20 donation.
More info: (831) 423-6640.
ROCK & ROLL PLAYHOUSE HALLOWEEN PARTY
12 p.m., Felton Music Hall, 6275 Highway 9
A family-friendly Halloween party for kids under 10.
Dress up, enjoy games, and rock out to The Beatles and more.
Tickets $17. More info: feltonmusichall.com.
Saturday October 25 • Sunday October 26
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN SHOW
2–3:30 p.m., Market Street Senior Center, 222 Market St., Santa Cruz
Step into a frightfully fun afternoon of chills, thrills, and festive entertainment at the Market Street Senior Center’s Spooky Halloween Show.
Guests will enjoy ghostly songs, spirited dancing, and fabulous costumes in a delightfully decorated setting. Light refreshments will be served, and everyone is welcome — whether you come in costume or simply to soak up the fun.
Admission is a $20 donation, supporting the center’s programs for seniors.
For more information, call (831) 423-6640.
Sunday October 26
DOWNTOWN CANDY CRAWL
2 – 6 p.m., City Plaza Park, Main Street and Peck Street, Watsonville
Join families and kids 13 and under for trick-or-treating through downtown Watsonville.
Free event.
More information at watsonville.gov.
CAPITOLA VILLAGE HALLOWEEN PARADE
Calling all ghosts, goblins, boys, and ghouls!
Join the annual parade, led by a Central Fire Engine with music from the Soquel High Senior Band.
Parade winds through Capitola Village to Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat bags await. Kids can visit participating shops after the parade.
Hosted by the Capitola-Soquel Chamber of Commerce.
Friday October 31
CAPITOLA WHARF: WATCH THE SEA WITCHES
10 a.m. – 12 p.m. — Capitola Wharf, San Jose Ave.
Watch witches glide along Monterey Bay on stand-up paddleboards in a magical Halloween display.
Free event.
More info: Capitola Wharf or www.cityofcapitola.org/community/page/visitor-information.
TRICK OR TREAT
2 – 5 p.m., Downtown Santa Cruz, Pacific Avenue
Bring the family, including pets, for trick-or-treating at over 50 downtown businesses.
Free event.
More information at downtownsantacruz.com.
MONSTER MASH
3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Aptos Village Green, 151 Aptos Village Way
Celebrate Halloween with a festive costume parade and trick-or-treating at local businesses.
Family-friendly fun.
Hosted by the Aptos Chamber of Commerce.
More info: aptoschamber.com.
TRICK-OR-TREAT FREE FAMILY EVENT
4 p.m., Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery, 1855 41st Ave, Capitola
Join the annual free family trick-or-treat event at the museum.
Fun for all ages.
More info: Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery: www.sccmod.org.
HALLOWEEN DOG COSTUME CONTEST
5 – 6 p.m., Abbott Square Market, 725 Front St, Santa Cruz
Show off your pup’s Halloween costume on stage with prizes for the best outfits.
Free event.
More info: Abbott Square Market: www.abbottsquaremarket.com.
GHOST-NOTE HALLOWEEN BASH
Doors 8 p.m., Show 9 p.m., Moe’s Alley, 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz
Celebrate Halloween with Ghost-Note, featuring members of Snarky Puppy and collaborators of Prince, Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, and more.
Expect an electrifying night of funk, jazz, and groove.
Tickets and info available at moesalley.com.
PREACHER BOY: SOLO ACOUSTIC
6 – 8 p.m., Aptos St. BBQ, 8059 Aptos St.
Enjoy Preacher Boy’s solo acoustic performance featuring songs from his Ghost Notes album.
Free event.
More information: Aptos St. BBQ: aptosstbbq.com.
CHINA CATS GRATEFUL DEAD HALLOWEEN SPOOKEASY
8 – 11 p.m., Santa Cruz Veterans Memorial Building, 842 Front St.
Celebrate Halloween with China Cats performing Grateful Dead classics.
Costume contest and all-ages welcome.
Tickets $25. More info: mountainmusicproductions.com.
HALLOWEEN PARTY AT THE CROW’S NEST FEATURING FISHHOOK!
9 – 11:59 p.m., The Crow’s Nest, 2218 E Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz
Celebrate Halloween with live rock from FISHHOOK, a costume contest, and festive fun.
Arrive early!