Treats not Tricks
Time for our annual October round-up of spooktacular fall events.
It's our favorite time of the year! We're making it easier than ever to get out and enjoy all the best seasonal activities. Let’s get spooky Santa Cruz County. 🎃
October 15-16 is the final weekend to enjoy Open Studios 2022
Artists from the redwoods to the bay open their studios so that art lovers from near and far can discover the wide variety of art offered in this stunning county. For more information on artists and locations, go to santacruzopenstudios.com.
Painting by Marie Gabrielle
Floating Pumpkin Patch at Simpkin’s Swim Center
October 16, 1-4pm
There will be a games and treats, stand up paddle boards, and a great pumpkin raffle. Prizes include gift certificates to local businesses and attractions.
Event entry: $7 for adults, $5 for children and seniors, $5 per pumpkin, and children 3 and under are free!
979 17th Avenue, Santa Cruz 95062
Get your BINGO card from any Wharf business and join the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt. Find all the grinning ghouls and win prizes. Thrill the World Performance on October 29th and trick or treating on Halloween from 3pm-6pm.
Santa Cruz Wharf
21 Municipal Wharf
Santa Cruz, California 95060
Mask making from 12-4pm (free)
Free family-friendly haunted house from 12-3pm
Thrill the World dance from 3-3:15pm
Scary haunted house from 6-8pm ($5 admission)
(Not recommended for children under 12)
301 Center Street, Santa Cruz 95060
Bring your appetite and join the fun as both professional and amateur chefs work their culinary magic and compete for the title of Best Chili!
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach Street, Santa Cruz
The monarchs are back! Mid-October through Early-January
The Monarch Grove Trail is open for self-guided monarch tours during park hours (8am to sunset.) Parking is $10.
Natural Bridges State Beach, 2531 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz
Walking Tours for Ages 10 and Up (rain or shine because Zombies are NOT afraid of water. Are you?)
Tours available for young children October 29-30 with reservations (see website for details and to reserve a time)
(not recommended for children under 10)
555 Glenwood Drive, Scotts Valley, CA
Corazon de Mujer Community Festival Saturday, October 22nd 4:30pm-9:30pm
Celebrate Dia de Los Muertos and Halloween with a haunted trail, craft vendors, live music and dance performances. Bring photos or other special items to add to a Community Ofrenda (Dia De Muertos Altar)
All dogs in costume win a treat!
Chanticleer County Park, 1975 Chanticleer Avenue Santa Cruz 95062
See website for parking details.
Must visit Pumpkin Patches
It’s a long list because our county is blessed with many beautiful pumpkin patches.
Here’s a few of our favorites-
Rodoni Farms 444 Coast Road (Highway 1)
Post Street Farm 122 Post St., Santa Cruz
Everett Family Farm 2111 Old San Jose Road, Soquel
Crystal Bay Farm 40 Zils Road, Watsonville
And let’s not forget the trick or treating!
After looking at ALL the opportunities to trick or treat in the county, I understand why dentists do candy buybacks!
If you are looking for places to trick or treat, here are a few options available on October 31st. Other options are available earlier in the month if you need more candy:)
Downtown Santa Cruz Trick-Or-Treat
October 31 @ 2pm - 5pm
Trick or Treat Downtown Felton
October 31 @ 5pm - 9pm
Downtown Boulder Creek Trick or Treat Street
October 31 @ 6pm - 8pm
Enjoy all the things and stay safe this October.
