Annual Events

Oktoberfest at the Tyrolean Inn
The Tyrolean Inn Restaurant
Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Tyrolean Inn Restaurant with Dancing, Children's Activities, Bavarian Cuisine, and of course, beer!
Date: Every day (Sep 29-Sep 30)
Admission Fees: $6 over age 12 covers the bands

Oktoberfest at The Tyrolean Inn, September 29-30

Sat: 2-10pm, Sunday: 2-9pm

 

Tyrolean Man's "Rules"

 

* Come to Oktoberfest!
* Have fun!
* Do the Chicken Dance!
* Polka with your Sweetie!
* Dance with the Children!
* Hoist a stein of beer!
* Enjoy Bavarian cooking!
* Wear lederhosen, dirndls, jeans or swirly skirts!

 

Come and join us for a special Oktoberfest Menu and, of course, beer and Bavarian Pretzels. Contests include beer stein holding and a pretzel count. Admission is only six dollars with children under twelve free. Three bands will be providing traditional and contemporary Oktoberfest music. We also provide entertainment for the kids.

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Great Glass Pumpkin Patch
Glass pumpkins and autumnal fruits and vegetables, glass-blowing demonstrations...
Date: Every day (Sep 29-Sep 30)
Ages: Children are welcome! Admission Fees: Free

​The Annual Great Glass Pumpkin Patch® 

Sale: September 29 & 30

 

Live Glassblowing Saturday and Sunday! Our participating artists will be wowing the crowds with live glassblowing demonstrations all weekend. You'll have a chance to see your favorite artists blow pumpkins right before your eyes. So come enjoy some hot molten glass every half hour between 11am and 4pm Saturday and Sunday. 

Largest Glass Pumpkin Patch in Northern California; Sale to Benefit Arts Nonprofits

 

The Great Glass Pumpkin Patch at the Palo Alto Art Center will celebrate its 22nd consecutive year as the largest glass pumpkin patch of its kind in Northern California  with a huge selection of colorful pumpkins and gourds, glass-blowing demonstrations, and more.

During the free family-friendly autumn celebration, visitors are invited to wander through an outdoor installation of more than 10,000 unique glass pumpkins. The glass  will be available for purchase at the Palo Alto Art Center.

"This year's Great Glass Pumpkin Patch promises to be a great experience for longtime collectors and families," said Damon Gustafson, Executive Director of the Bay Area Glass Institute (BAGI). "Our participating artists will be wowing the crowds with live glassblowing demonstrations all weekend. Members of the public will have a chance to see their favorite artists blow pumpkins right before their eyes.

This is the only sale of glass pumpkins that supports the presenting local arts and nonprofit organizations: the Bay Area Glass Institute; Palo Alto Art Center; and Palo Alto Art Center Foundation, as well as participating artists.

Oktoberfest
German American Club
Date: 10/06/2018 from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Admission Fees: $10 + potluck German dish

Oktoberfest

Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018 at 1 PM - 5 PM

German American Club of Santa Cruz, 230 Plymouth St., Santa Cruz, California 95060

Hosted by German American Club of Santa Cruz:

"Join us for our annual Oktoberfest at German American Hall in Santa Cruz. Enjoy beer by New Bohemian Brewery, live music by Zicke Zacke Band and some traditional German food. 

 

"Get your ticket while you can!"

Harvest Faire & Steam Festival
Roaring Camp
Admission is FREE for the whole family October 4-5 and children with a Steam Train ticket get to pick out a free pumpkin from ou
Date: Every day (Oct 6-Oct 7)
Admission Fees: Adults: $45 ~ Children: $35 (ages 2-12)

Harvest Faire & Steam Festival

 

Step into the incredible world of steam power at the Harvest Faire & Steam Festival presented by Kinetic Steam Works and Roaring Camp Railroads. Welcome Fall with heritage children's activities like scarecrow making, pumpkin patch picking, candle making and gold panning. Behold a variety of steam and belt-powered equipment on display.

 

Admission is FREE for the whole family September 30th and October 1st and children with a Steam Train ticket get to pick out a free pumpkin from our Harvest Pumpkin Patch on Bear Mountain.

 

Harvest & Steam themed activities include 'Make & Take' Scarecrows, Blacksmith and Print Shop demonstrations, gold panning, candle making and much more.

 

Purchase Steam Train Tickets Here.

Bear Creek Octoberfest
Boulder Creek Rec & Park District
Date: 10/12/2018 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Bear Creek Octoberfest will feature tasty beers, sausages and kraut as a community mixer and fundraiser for the Bear Creek Facility and Pool.

 

Come have fun, mix and mingle!

Floating Pumpkin Patch
Santa Cruz County Parks
Catch a pumpkin, games, prizes, and a waterslide!
Date: 10/14/2018 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: all Admission Fees: $8.00 adults/$6.00 children & seniors. Swim for a pumpkin – $4.00/pumpkin

Simpkins Family Swim Center - Sunday, October 14, 1-4 PM

We're putting a fun spin on the tradition of pumpkin picking by creating a patch in the pool just for you! In addition to pumpkins, we've got plenty of other fun activities planned for the day, including games, prizes, music, popcorn, and pumpkin decorating, and the waterslide will be open!

 

Costumes are encouraged and there will be a costume contest and photo booth for those that dress up!  Bring your suit and towel, your friends and family, and make a day of it!  This is a drop-in, rain or shine event; pre-registration is not required. 

 

Please note: The floating pumpkin patch opens at 1:30. Only those picking out a pumpkin can swim in the pumpkin patch.  Don't miss this fun fall family event at the Swim Center!  Check HERE for the schedule of activities and admission information.

The Missing Arm
State Park Big Basin
Experience the haunted tale of Big Basin's last lumber mill owner and his fateful encounter with a grizzly bear!
Date: 10/20/2018 at 6:30pm

The Missing Arm
Saturday October 20, 2018; Registration begins at 6:30pm
History takes a tall tale twist as the saga of this early pioneer unfolds. The silly, slightly haunting tours around the redwood loop trail begin at 7 pm. Enjoy the redwoods on a fall night with music, storytelling and "Ranger Apples" around the campfire. All participants must register at Park Headquarters (registration opens at 6:30 pm).

 

BCUMC Harvest Festival
Boulder Creek United Methodist
Games a face painter a bounce house and a pumpkin patch, as well as good food, good people, and all around good time
Date: 10/20/2018 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm

Bring your family to the Harvest Festival at Boulder Creek United Methodist Church on Saturday October 20th.

 

There will be games a face painter a bounce house and a pumpkin patch, as well as good food, good people, and all around good times.

Heritage Harvest Festival & Rare Apple Tasting
State Park Wilder Ranch
Celebrate! The harvest is in. See tractor, draft horse and living history demonstrations, listen to music, make crafts, and ...R
Date: 10/20/2018 from 11:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: All
Special Instructions: $10 parking

Heritage Harvest Festival
Saturday October 20 from 11am to 4 pm
Celebrate! The harvest is in! See tractor, draft horse, and living history demonstrations, listen to music, make crafts, and participate in harvest-time activities. This event is appropriate for all ages.

 

 

Craft Sale in the Mountains
Made in the Mountains
Artists line the sidewalks showing of their amazing crafts.
Date: The 3rd Sa of every month (Apr 21-Dec 15) from 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Admission Fees: free

It's back!! The sidewalks will be filled with art and crafts again on the 3rd Saturday of the month. And we're adding music to the event! So, come out, enjoy the incredible spring weather and load up on art and joy!

 

I can't wait to see what creativity the winter months brought out in all of the artists' work!

We're continuing the "Spend $50, get $100" game, too! The Boulder Bucks program works like this - if you spend $50 or more at any local business during the Made in the Mountains event (buying groceries, getting a mani/pedi, buying pizza for the kids' baseball team, .... ) just take your receipt to Emelia at Air & Fire before the event is over. Your name will be added to the drawing that will happen within the week after the event. You could be the one that wins $100 in the form of a gift certificate to spend at a local business of your choice! You can also split the $100 into 2 gift certificates to different businesses.

 

So, getting the kids pizza could turn into a free necklace for yourself! Or the tools bought at the hardware store could get you a free mani/pedi for after the yardwork is done and some Chinese food for dinner! Nice, right!?

 

See ya out there!

 

HALLOWEEN DANCE!
Santa Cruz Dance
Contra dancing for beginners and experienced dancers - Make dance magic happen on the dance floor!
Date: 10/26/2018 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Ages: 7+ Admission Fees: $12 (general)($20 supporters, $8 students)
Special Instructions: Hillbillies from Mars, with Kevin Carr, Ray Bierl, Paul Kotapish, and Daniel Steinberg on a dizzying array of ghoulish instruments

COME DANCE!

 

Friday, October 26, 7:00-10:00 pM, Come help decorate! starting at 5:30

(introductory workshop at 6:30)

Admission donation for dancers is $12 (general)

($20 supporters, $8 students)

Cash or check only

This dance will feature gender-neutral dance roles (larks/ravens).

They're back, by maniacal demand!

Hillbillies from Mars, with Kevin Carr, Ray Bierl, Paul Kotapish, and Daniel Steinberg on a dizzying array of ghoulish instruments

Calling by Kelsey Hartman

 

THE SANTA CRUZ CONTRA COMMUNITY NEEDS YOUR HELP!

Running two dances per month has more than doubled our workload. This presents an opportunity for those with as little as one hour per month to contribute to the ongoing success of this endeavor. We need volunteers to help with a variety of organizational tasks. Please contact the board at volunteer@santacruzdance.org and one of us will get back to you.

 

Dances coming up:

In addition to the change in location for this Friday's dance, 

please note the change in LOCATION AND TIME for November 11.

• Sunday, November 11, 3:30-6:30 pm at Live Oak Grange!  Yoyo Zhou calls to Countercurrent from Seattle.
• Friday, November 23, 7:00-10:00 pm at Live Oak Grange.  Claire Takemori calls to a band TBD.

Please

• Bring soft-soled, non-marking shoes to help protect the floor

• Keep our dances fragrance free for the comfort of all

• Bring a snack to share if you have one.

• Help support our community -- invite a new friend to experience contra dancing!

THE SANTA CRUZ CONTRA COMMUNITY needs YOUR HELP!

Making the second monthly dance sustainable has more than doubled our workload. This presents an opportunity for those with as little as one hour per month to contribute to the ongoing success of this endeavor. We need co-managers who will help set up or close the dances with other volunteers. Please contact the board at volunteer@santacruzdance.org and one of us will get back to you.

 

Our next board meeting is Tuesday, January 8, 7-9 PM at the Louden Nelson Community Center in Santa Cruz. We invite you to visit our meeting and consider whether you would like to join us.

Nearby dances

• Monterey Contra Dance
• English Country Dancing in Santa Cruz
• Barn Dance Parties with Andy Wilson(Santa Cruz, Pescadero, and San Jose)
• San Jose Contra Dance
• Hayward Contra Dance

Contra Dances Further Afield

• Bay Area Country Dance Society
• North Bay Country Dance Society
• Sacramento Country Dance Society
• Northern Sierra Nevada Foothills
• Central Coast Country Dance Society
• Comprehensive West Coast Contradance Schedule

Hotel Transylvania 2
Valley Churches United Missions Holiday Projects
Monster comedy adventure - wicked good fun!
Date: 10/26/2018 at 4:30pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Movie & Food at the Park

Dinner & Drinks 4:30 - 7:30

Movie 6:30 - 8:00

 

Bring your family, chairs & blankets.

Come in costume and get a treat!

 

Art Factory
Includes: pizza, a pumpkin for carving and a spooky project!
Date: 10/26/2018 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Ages: 7-12 Admission Fees: PRE-REGISTER: $45 per child

Plan an evening out for yourself and leave the kiddos with us! We will explore the art of pumpkin carving with lots of fun examples and demos. Kids will have pizza, do a fun spooky project and will carve their own pumpkin! 

This event sells out quickly, so register today! Call to reserve your child's space. (831) 688-8862

Friday October 26, 2018  6:30pm-8:30pm 

PRE-REGISTER: $45 per child - Call today!

Ages: 7-12

Includes: pizza, a pumpkin for carving  and a spooky project!

Chile Cookoff - 7th!
Beach Boardwalk
Taste and vote for your favorite chile
Date: 10/27/2018 from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Ages: All Ages Admission Fees: Free
Special Instructions: $10for a tasting kit

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Chili Cook-Off

"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!

 

"Admission to the Chili Cook-Off is free. Visitors can watch chefs prepare their chili on the Boardwalk.

 

"Boardwalk admission is free! Just purchase a Tasting Kit to sample chili from dozens of competitors. Tasting Kits are $10 each and include six taste tickets, spoon, cup and a People's Choice ballot.

 

"A portion of the proceeds from Tasting Kit sales will benefit Teen Kitchen Project, a non-profit organization that brings young people into the kitchen to cook delicious and nourishing meals for individuals and families coping with life-threatening illnesses in Santa Cruz County.

 

"Boardwalk rides will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day of the event."

Cook-Off Schedule

• 9:00am-10:00am: Chef's Prep (no heat)
• 10:00am-1:00pm: Chili Cook Time
• 10:00am: Tasting Kits go on sale
• 1:00pm: Public tasting begins
• 4:00pm: Winners announced at the Beach Amphitheater

Try Some Chili!

Boardwalk admission is free! Just purchase Tasting Kits to sample chili from dozens of competitors. Tasting Kits are $10 each and include six (6) taste tickets, spoon, cup and a People's Choice ballot.

A portion of the proceeds from Tasting Kit sales will benefit
Leo's Haven - Santa Cruz County's first inclusive playground.

Scotts Valley Haunted House
Scotts Valley High School
Quite scary haunted house put on by students for ages 10+
Date: Every day (Oct 25-Oct 27) from 6:30pm to 10:00pm
Ages: 10 and up Admission Fees: Cost: $9 or $32 for group of 4

The annual Scotts Valley High School haunted house is built and run by teens.  Recommended for people ages 10 and up.

 

Proceeds benefit charities.

 

Scream for a good cause! Scotts Valley High School will raise the hair on the back of your neck while raising money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This year's theme: Area 51. Not recommended for children under 10.

 

 

 

 

Museum of the Macabre
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Definitely macabre!
Date: 10/27/2018 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm

Come in costume and explore the mysteries of the Museum after dark. Imbibe cauldron-concocted cocktails, feast on freakish foods, and tour our taxidermy collection as scientists dissect and prepare specimens before your very eyes.

Warning to the squeamish: students and staff from the Kenneth S. Norris Center for Natural History at UC Santa Cruz will perform "live" taxidermy demonstrations using specimens from their collections. If dissecting once-living creatures is not your cup of tea, rest assured, you can unwind in the company of the living in other areas of the Museum.

We are pleased to also be partnering with TMB Taxidermy for the event. From jackalope-inspired opossoms to squirrels with wings, Tracey Margaret Barrow creates surprising "fakery" out of ethically sourced roadkill. She will display her fanciful, interpretive taxidermy while inviting questions about her artful process.

----------------

Pre-sale (Before Oct. 27):
$13 General Admission
$8 Students & Museum Members

At the Door:
$15 all tickets

21+ | One free drink ticket with admission

 

7th Annual Day of the Dead Freedom Library
Library Freedom
Come together to create art, follow traditions, or create new traditions.
Date: 10/27/2018 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm
Ages: all ages Admission Fees: no cost

Children and their families move between four different stations to decorate sugar skulls, color, make paper flowers, and work on their miniature altars. This is a busy, exciting, hectic wonderful event. EVENT IS ALSO AT THE MAIN WATSONVILLE LIBRARY OCT 25 2018, 6:00-8:00

Halloween Party!
Seascape Sports Club
Date: 10/27/2018 from 3:00pm to 6:00pm
Admission Fees: $10/child, parents free

Join us for a family-friendly Halloween celebration complete with costume contest, games and prizes, treats and tricks.

 

Plenty of snacks, a fun photo booth, and crafts for all ages!

 

Members and non-members are welcome, bring a neighbor!

 

Children are $10 and adults are free!

 

We can't wait to have a spooktacular time with you!

Haunted Harbor
Santa Cruz Harbor
Come enjoy a "spooktacular" evening of trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor!
Date: 10/27/2018 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm
Ages: All Admission Fees: Free

Haunted Harbor - Saturday, October 27, 2018, 4 PM to 7 PM

 

Santa Cruz Port District is excited to announce the return of the Haunted Harbor on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from 4 PM to 7 PM. Come enjoy a "spooktacular" evening of trick-or-treating at Santa Cruz Harbor!

 

Stay tuned for more information!

Slip renters! Feeling spooky!? Help turn the harbor into a haunted Halloween spectacle. Decorate your vessel with lights and spooky decor and receive an electrical credit for the month of October.

 

Halloween Festival
Louden Nelson Center
Create masks, hang with zombies and take your costumes out on a pre-Halloween test ride. Tons of fun for the whole family.
Date: Every day (Oct 26-Oct 27)
Ages: All ages welcome Admission Fees: free

What will this year's Haunted House theme be?

 

Find out this and more at the annual Halloween Festival. Create masks, hang with zombies and take your costumes out on a pre-Halloween test ride. Tons of fun for the whole family.

Friday, October 26, 6-8:00 pm
Be the first to see the Haunted House in a special EXTRA scary tour at night. FREE!

Saturday, October 27, 12-4:00 pm
Celebrate the annual Halloween Festival & Haunted House at Louden Nelson Community Center. Watch the Thrill the World Zombie Dance, create masks, tour the Haunted House, explore our touch tanks, and take your costumes out on a pre-Halloween test ride. Tons of fun for the whole family. FREE!

Free Pumpkin Carving
Library Boulder Creek
Free Pumpkin Carving
Date: 10/27/2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: Childre of All Ages Welcomed Admission Fees: Free

Come join us for free pumpkin carving! The pumpkins are provided by the Boulder Creek Chapter of the Friends of the Library.

 

Space and tools are provided as well.

 

Refreshments provided. Free and open to the public!

Thriller Dance Mob
Boulder Creek Parks & Rec
Thriller dance 3 Saturdays and 1 Tuesday!
Date: Every Sa (Oct 13-Oct 27) at 10:15am
Ages: All ages welcome Admission Fees: Free

4 Dates · Oct 13, 20, 27 & 30

Want to learn the Thriller Dance!!!
Come on down all ages welcome.
http://www.thrilltheworld.com/

Thriller dance and dress up Halloween night to show off our zombie skills.
Free class, adults and kids welcome to join, we hope you will perform in the flash mob we do Halloween night 6:30pm in downtown Boulder Creek.

Instructor: Hallie Greene

 

Tues, Oct. 30 5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

Thrill the World Santa Cruz
Louden Nelson Center
Thriller Dancing Class!
Date: Every Sa (Sep 29-Oct 27) at 10:00am
Ages: All ages welcome Admission Fees: free

Thrill the World Santa Cruz

 

Every year, on the Saturday before Halloween, night creatures call and the dead start to walk in their masquerade. So basically, a zombie flash mob Thriller dance. There are plenty of opportunities to learn the dance all month and participate in a world-wide simultaneous Thriller Dance at various venues throughout the county. Family and zombie-friendly!

 

Ask about Performance at Louden Nelson Center

This is your chance to participate in the world-wide simultaneous Thriller Dance, which happens every year on the Saturday before Halloween!!! Zombie flash mobs gather in cities across the globe to "Thrill The World" in celebration of community, fun, friends.  Learn the dance and join the mob!!

Witches Ball
Brookdale Lodge
Date: 10/27/2018 at 9:00pm
Ages: 21+ Admission Fees: $35
Special Instructions: Free broom parking

Spooky or Not Spooky!
State Park Big Basin
A special walk for Halloween! We'll take a walk in the forest with an eye out for the weird and wonderful. Geared for young chi
Date: 10/27/2018 at 1:00pm

Spooky or Not Spooky?

 

Saturday, October 27 at 1pm

A special walk for Halloween! We'll take a walk in the forest with an eye out for the weird and wonderful. We'll examine cobwebs, burls, holes and other mysterious natural features from a different perspective, asking the question, "is it spooky or not spooky?" Depending on how you look at things, the answer may change! Come along if you dare! Geared for young children, this is a one-hour easy walk. Meet at Park Headquarters. Event is free; day-use parking is $10. Event made possible by Mountain Parks Foundation and California State Parks.

 

 

Capitola Village Halloween Parade
Chamber Capitola Village
Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls...join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade!
Date: 10/28/2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Admission Fees: Free

Capitola Village Halloween Parade
Ghosts, goblins, boys and ghouls...join us for the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade! Line up begins at 1:30pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot above Capitola City Hall.

 

Parade begins promptly at 2pm. Parade will head down Capitola Avenue, wind through Capitola Village to the Esplanade ending at Esplanade Park, where trick-or-treat bags, balloons, and refreshments will be waiting. New Leaf Community Market will be there with treats! Trick-or-treating at Capitola Village shops following parade.

Capitola Village Halloween Parade Date: October 28, 2018 Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Watsonville PAL 5K Halloween Run
Watsonville PAL
It's time to get your Halloween costume AND running shoes ready!
Date: 10/28/2018 at 8:15am

It's time to get your Halloween costume AND running shoes ready!

Watsonville PAL is hosting a 5K Halloween Run on October 28th at Pinto Lake County Park. You can join the fun for just $30! Plus, all kids under the age of 12 can participate in a FREE 1K FunRun.

 

To register, click on the following link: http://bit.ly/WatsonvillePAL5KRun

 

By signing up, you're helping PAL kids and teens better themselves and become positive role models in our community. Your help allows us to continue to offer crime prevention programs for students who are the future of tomorrow.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
-Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 28
-5K start time is at 8:30 a.m. and 1K at 8:15 a.m.
- All participants are required to turn in a registration form
- Registration form can be turned in the day of the race
-If you would like to mail the registration form, please send to:
Watsonville PAL
130 Rodriguez Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
-If you would like to hand deliver the registration form, head to:
37 Davis Avenue
Freedom, CA 95019

 

Join our cause. Register today.

The Great Big Boo!
Gilroy Gardens
Spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event
Date: Every day (Sep 21-Oct 28) from 5:00pm to 10:00pm

There are lots of fun things to "BOO" during Gardens@Night Halloween at Gilroy Gardens! As the sun sets, a mysterious glow illuminates the park for this spooky-but-not-too-scary Halloween event. Go trick-or-treating along the Boo Trail, "Do the Boo" at The Great Big Boo! live musical show, venture into the Spider's Lair (if you dare!), and enjoy your favorite rides in the dark. You'll also find fun food and Halloween treats plus craft beers and local wines at the Marketplace.

 

Buy Tickets Now: www.gilroygardens.org

 

The Great Big Boo!
Come "Do the Boo" with a charming cast of spooky characters in our all-new LIVE musical show playing nightly at Lakeside Amphitheater. Meet Vinnie the Vampire, Cranium the Mad Scientist, and Wendella the Witch on a wacky adventure to save Halloween.

 

Get your 2019 Premium Card now to enjoy Halloween@Night and all of the 2019 season: www.gilroygardens.org

Ride the Boo Train

Climb aboard for a 20-minute ride through the BOO-tiful park at night...with stops along the way to make this a very special BOO-tastic experience! Tickets available for an extra charge.

 

Open 5-10 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings, September 21 - October 28.

Zootoberfest
San Francisco Zoo
Come to SF Zoo to welcome our favorite season... FALL!
Date: Every Su and Sa (Oct 6-Oct 28) from 10:00am to 4:00pm
Admission Fees: Free (inder3) to $15

Dress up in costume for one of San Francisco Zoo & Garden's most popular

Come to SF Zoo to welcome our favorite season... FALL!

 

Every weekend in October, go on an adventure in "Harvest Hallow" for access to new and exciting attractions. Navigate through San Francisco's largest hay maze, a 5,000-square-foot structure made from 600 bales of straw and incorporates play areas within the design. Free with paid admission to San Francisco Zoo & Gardens!

For kids AND adults, SF Zoo's "Zoo Brew Haus" at The Depot Grill is pouring a great selection of brews, and cooking a full smorgasbord of German-inspired dishes, like beer-braised bratwurst with Guinness mustard and Sauerkraut! During lunch, dine to the upbeat sounds of a live band playing traditional European polka music. You might even want to get up and dance!

 

 

Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party
Roaring Camp
Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities
Date: Every Su and Sa (Oct 13-Oct 28)
Admission Fees: Adults: $45 ~ Children: $35 (ages 2-12)

Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party

OCTOBER 13 - 14, 20 - 21, 27 - 28

 

ANNOUNCING THE TOUR'S MOST EXCITING YEAR EVER AS MATTEL DEBUTS TALKING THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE AND THOMAS' BEST FRIEND PERCY!

Little engineers won't believe their eyes-or their ears! Percy will be joining Thomas the Tank Engine on the rails! Also, Thomas the Tank Engine will be able to talk to his fans!

Dress up for Halloween with favorites Thomas and Percy, for a 20 minute train ride, entertainment, and fun filled activities for the entire family.

 

Activities include: Temporary Tattoos, Face Painting, Story Telling, Videos, Train Play Tables, Pick a Pumpkin (small pumpkins for little ones), Cookie decorating, photos with Sir Topham Hatt, Thomas store and entertainment.

Purchase tickets here

Santa Cruz Glass Pumpkin Patch
Live Oak Grange
Beautiful hand-made glass pumpkins and gourds created in the glass blowing studio of local artist Cris Johnson
Date: Every day (Oct 27-Oct 28) from 10:00am to 4:00pm

Santa Cruz Glass Pumpkin Patch at Live Oak Grange Returns with golden leaves and autumn breezes! We are delighted to again be in the heirloom fruit garden at historic Live Oak Grange on 17th Ave.

Beautiful hand-made glass pumpkins and gourds created in the glass blowing studio of local glass artist Chris Johnson. A dazzling array of colors, in all sizes and for every budget.

Five percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Live Oak Grange to sustain their awesome work in the community.

Join us Saturday and Sunday, October 27 & 28, 2018, 10AM-4PM. No purchase required - all are welcome to come enjoy the beautiful art glass! One weekend only.

Sleepy Hollow, The Musical
Lua Sol Productions
A dazzling new production based on the beloved classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, just in time for Hallowe
Date: Every Su, Th, Fri and Sa (Oct 19-Oct 28)
Admission Fees: $12-25

Sleepy Hollow, The Musical Welcome to the international premiere of Sleepy Hollow the Musical, a dazzling new production based on the beloved classic tale of Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman, just in time for Halloween! Written by Santa Cruz County long-time residents, Katelyn and Sierra Laird, this innovative adaptation of Washington Irving's Headless Horseman features a new story of love and the supernatural with an all-original score.

The show begins a national tour with October performances in the newly refurbished Matthews Theater of the Santa Cruz County Veterans Memorial Building. Delight in a professional and family-friendly production featuring Broadway-style vocals, choreography, and scenic design in a whirlwind musical that is suitable for adults and children alike.

Enjoy a mysterious tale of adventure and romance, love and laughs, the dark mysteries of a seemingly sleepy town, and the strength of the human spirit. Come celebrate the Halloween Season with this fun and fabulous event that is sure to become a holiday tradition for the entire family.

Showtimes are:
Friday, Oct. 19th: Evening Performance @ 7:30
Saturday, Oct 20th: 2:00 Matinee AND 7:30 Evening Show
Sunday, Oct. 21st: 2:00 Matinee
Saturday, Oct 27th: 2:00 Matinee AND 7:30 Evening Show
Sunday, Oct. 28th: 2:00 Matinee

*Notice: Special Performance Friday, Oct. 26th. Check out our website (www.luasolproductions.com) for details and updates on this unique, one-night-only outdoor experience.

Get Tickets $12-25

Halloween Downtown Santa Cruz
Downtown Santa Cruz
Halloween fun for children downtown
Date: 10/31/2018 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm
Ages: All

Downtown Santa Cruz Trick-or-Treat

Bring the kids, the neighbors, and even the dog for this annual free family friendly event in Downtown Santa Cruz.

 

Pacific Avenue will be closed to traffic, and the downtown merchants will be handing out treats to costumed kids.

 

Whether you're spooky or sparkly, creepy and crawly, or cute and cuddly, wear your most creative costume and bring your camera to this fun, safe and free annual community celebration.

Sea Witch Meeting!
Sea Witches of Capitola
We'll gather up, and head our for some wicked festivities on the water. Costumes are required.
Date: 10/31/2018 from 11:00am to 1:00pm

Calling all Sea Witches of Capitola! This year's SUP gathering will take place on the lawn in front of the bathrooms in the Village. We'll gather up, and head our for some wicked festivities on the water.

Costumes are required. Bring your best wicked self, and if you desire, candy or ...other to share.

 

Please, only SUPers with some experience. This event is not created for those who do not know how to paddle. BUT! It's not too late to learn, then you can join in on the wicked fun.

 

**UPDATE**

Please note you are required to bring your own equipment and there are no life guards on duty. Wetsuits and life vests are recommended. This event is not sponsored. The intent is to bring paddling witches together. Hopefully, get some great photos and make new friends as well!

Let's make year 3 an event to remember and share with our family and friends.

Haunted House
City of Watsonville
Date: Every day (Oct 30-Oct 31) from 5:00pm to 7:00pm
Ages: all Admission Fees: free

"Dare to enter a maze full of suspense and darkness that may have you trembling with excitement at every turn.

 

"This maze will be so spooky and creepy that you might need hold on to your friends the entire way through. OR you can try and be brave enough to face the horrors on your own." 

 

All Ages - FREE.

 

See online rec guides for details or call  831-768-3240.

 

HALLOWEEN MAZE OF HORROR
YOUTH CENTER (All Ages)
(T/W) OCT 30 & 31
FREE - 5pm - 7pm

Fern Creek RR Invaded Halloween Night!
Fern Creek and Western Garden Railroad
Lights, fog machines, jumping spiders, the grim reaper, haunted scare crow, not to mention flying ghosts and other ghouls!
Date: 10/31/2018 at 6:00pm

The Fern Creek and Western Garden Railroad is open to the public on Halloween night.

 

All are welcome to come and watch trains run around the garden.

 

Lights, fog machines, jumping spiders, the grim reaper, haunted scare crow, not to mention flying ghosts and other ghouls!

You can join the event through the Fern Creek and Western Garden Railroad Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/359214540921968/

Tell your friends and family to join in the fun and we hope to see you there!

Redwood Monster Bash
Mindwarp Entertainment
Date: 10/31/2018 from 7:00pm to 10:00pm
Ages: 21+ Admission Fees: $40

Redwood Monster Bash

 

One General Admission Ticket:

• Live Music, R & B and California soul music
• Featuring: The Joint Chiefs
• Free appetizers and drinks*
• Find out more about the event via our event page: Upcoming Events

Show details:

• Halloween haunted walk
• Halloween costume contest with prizes
• Halloween costumes strongly encouraged
• Photo booth with pictures posted on Facebook after the show
• Very electrical intermission show
• Santa Cruz Mountain vibe community and good times
• 21 and up only, valid ID required

• In the midst of the enchanted Redwoods
• Located in the hall of the historic Roaring Camp Steam Train Railroad Station

 

Usegi Farm for Fall Fun
Uesugi Farms
Pumpkinville Railroad, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Blasters and Pumpkins for Sale
Date: Every day (Sep 25-Oct 31)
Admission Fees: free to enter, fees for ticketed rides

Ride the Pumpkinville Railroad!  Take a nostalgic ride aboard our Allan Herschell Iron Horse or our blue and yellow Arrow Streamliner trains. Visit Morgania, where our scarecrows live.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

Get Lost in Kayla's Korn Maze.  Try to find your way out of this 2 acre corn maze with interactive trivia cards.  Fun for the whole family.

 

Hay Jump  Have the kids jump on this gianormous jumper made of giant haybales. What a great way for the kids to burn some energy!

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Pete's Enchanted Hayride  Meet Pumpkin Pete and travel through some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring lands of Uesugi Farms. Visit Pumpkinland, our gorgeous Sunflower Gallery, and the spectacular Marigoldland, filled with over 100,000 hand-sown flowers. This one of a kind hayride is completely narrated and complimented with charming music. It's a must see!

Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.

 

The Cow Train  This may be the silliest fun you have all year! A favorite with the kids!

Operates 9am-closing daily.

Pumpkin Blasters
Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun... at 90mph. What a blast!!  Safe for all ages.

Pumpkins for Sale

We have tons of pumpkins to choose from.  All sorts of sizes, shapes and varieties.  We also sell haybales, corstalks, indian corn, different squashes, gourds and flowers.

 

Butterfly Valley  Take a stroll along this path and learn about the fascinating lives of butterflies through interactive storyboards.

Operates 9am-6:30pm daily.

 

Bootsie The Bee  Follow the corn path to discover all of Bootsie’s colorful, textured friends, and learn fascinating ‘bee-facts’ too. Be sure to visit Bootsie at night. All the storyboards are lit up with blacklights.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Carousel  Everyone can remember riding a carousel as a youngster, and this one rivals the best.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Blasters  Come and shoot targets with mini pumpkins out of this gun… at 90mph.
What a blast!! Safe for all ages.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Pumpkin Pyramid  It takes over 4000 pumpkins to cover our pyramid. A splendiferice site of epic proportions. Have your picture taken while sitting in our king or queen thrones.

Operates 9am-closing daily.

 

Fees

Pumpkin Patch, You Pick Pumpkins
Rodoni Farms
Great local place to pick your pumpkin right from the field and have fun in the corn maze!
Date: Every day (Sep 22-Oct 31)

Special Instructions: 4 miles North of Santa Cruz, California on Hwy. 1

Pumpkins are HERE!!

Pumpkins and fun are what it's all about! Come roam through the fields of pumpkins. There are so many varieties to choose from! We have hay bales, scary cutouts, and a 5 acre corn maze! We also have fresh Brussels sprouts on the stalk, artichokes, corn stalks, and gourds.
**Pumpkins are priced by size, not weight.

 

Choosing your pumpkin:
There are two methods of choosing your pumpkin to carve. The first way is my favorite. As you stroll through the pumpkin patch a certain individual pumpkin will jump out at you! That's the ONE! The other method is to have a pattern or face in mind and look for a pumpkin that will work with your design. Usually a large stem makes a nice addition to the pumpkin.
Remember!. The more unusual the better!

 

• Bring your camera! There are many fun photo spots!
• Come spend the day by the California coastline and hand pick your Halloween pumpkin!
• We are open every daily, 9 AM - 6 PM from October 1st through Halloween. After Halloween we will remain open on the honor system until Christmas.
• We are dog friendly. We kindly ask that you keep them on a leash at all times and pick-up after them, if need be.
• CASH OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE.

To schedule Pumpkin Patch field trips click here

Directions:
Our Pumpkin Patch, U Pick Em Pumpkins, is located at 4444 Coast Rd. (Hwy 1)

4 miles North of Santa Cruz, California on Hwy. 1. Take Mission Street through the center of town and continue on to Hwy. 1 towards San Francisco/ Halfmoon Bay. We are on the right side just after Dimeo Lane.

Pumpkin Farms
Pumpkin Farmers
Pumpkin Farms and more!
Date: Every day (Sep 27-Oct 31) from 8:00am to 9:00am

Borchard Farms
142 Rodgers Road, Salinas
Find thousands of pumpkins, gourds, and squash a Ghost Town, Haunted Barn, 5 acre corn maze, and lots of farm animals.

Crystal Bay Farm
40 Zils Road, Watsonville
Great variety at this small organic farm!

The Farm
Spreckles Blvd Exit off Hwy 68, Salinas
Family friendly pumpkin patch, animals, hay rides, puppet shows and a cow train.

Rodoni Farms
4444 Coast Road, Santa Cruz
North of Santa Cruz on HWY 1.
Beautiful views, pumpkins, specialty squash, a fun corn maze and hay forts.

Arata Pumpkin Farm
185 Verde Rd
Half Moon Bay
Hay maze, haunted barn, hay rides, petting zoo and a pumpkin for everyone!

Cardinale and Wright Pumpkin Patch
Monterey Fairgrounds
2004 Fairground Road, Monterey
Great service and lots of pumpkins to choose from.

Earthbound Farms
725 Carmel Valley Road,Carmel Valley
Farm stand with organic veggies, frozen yogurt, pumpkins and a children's garden.

Hacienda Hay and Feed
7180 Carmel Valley Rd, Carmel Valley
Haunted hay maze, pumpkins,donkey, goats, turtles, an Emu, and more

Swank Farms
4751 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
Huge pumpkin patch! Giant corn maze, little kids' play areas, jumping pillows, cow train, corn cannons, hours of fun for the kids!

Lemos Farm
12320 San Mateo Rd. (Hwy 92)
Half Moon Bay
One zone for the little ones who don't want to be really scared and another scare zone with live actors who will do their best to "scare the yell out of you," train rides, hay rides, pony rides and pumpkins

Uesugi Farms
14485 Monterey Highway, San Martin
Pumpkinville Railroad, Corn Maze, Pumpkin Blasters and Pumpkins

Arata Farm Hay Maze
Arata Pumpkin Farm
Hey everyone, it's that time of year again! Come on out to the farm and enjoy the world famous Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze, or
Date: Every day (Sep 25-Oct 31) from 9:00am to 7:00pm

Welcome

You can lose yourself in our 6 acre corn field and pumpkin river. Try to challenge yourself intellectually and physically in our 2 acre world famous Minotaur's Labyrinth Hay Maze. Take a walk on the wild side and adventure into our Haunted Barn. Relax and enjoy yourself on our Hay Ride.

 

Or you can let the kid's play in our Play Land playground with Miniature Hay Maze, on the Children's Train Ride or have fun with our animals in the Petting Zoo. We also have many picnic areas throughout the farm, at Arata Pumpkin Farm we have something for everybody.

 

We also have dozens of varieties of pumpkins and sizes. We have a special pumpkin for everyone in your family! Feel free to give us a call, send us an email or just come to the farm. We would love to see you.

 

Our Hours
Monday - Friday 9am - 7pm
Saturday - Sunday 9am - 8pm

 

Family Package $15 per Adult ~ $20 per Child Attraction
A minimum of one paid adult and one paid child, age 10 and under are required to qualify for this package

Pumpkin Junction
Casa de Fruta
Date: Every day (Oct 1-Oct 31) from 8:00am to 8:00pm

Pumpkin Junction

October 1st through October 31st, 8am - 8pm

Experience Pumpkin Junction on a Field Trip or on a family outing. Your children will make lasting memories as they enjoy the Harvest season and explore all that Casa de Fruta has to offer! Come and find the perfect pumpkin, mine for gemstones at Casa de Miner's Sluice, ride Casa de Choo Choo and take a spin on Casa de Carousel! For more info call 1-800-543-1702 or email info@casadefruta.com.

Fruit Stand parking area.

To learn more click here.