FAMILY FUN
Tarantula Tricks
If you have arachnophobia best stay away from Coarsegold’s annual Tarantula Awareness Festival slated for Oct. 30th. The festival’s goal is to lessen the fear around California’s brown tarantula, but visitors will also be treated to hairy leg contests, arachnid races, scream-offs and a costume parade.
Halloween Festivities
Historic Hawes Farm in Redding has concocted a potent brew of classic Halloween activities for the entire family. The fun kicks off with the 17th Annual Pumpkin Fest on Oct. 16 with pie eating, pumpkin carving contest and more. On Halloween afternoon the farm has a socially distanced trick-or-treat featuring local vendors, and on Nov. 7 visitors can scavenge for prizes at the Pumpkin Smash.
The Great Big Boo
Join Vinnie the Vampire, Wolfgang the Werewolf, Wendella the Witch and the other wacky characters from “The Great Big BOO!” musical show as they transform Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park into a Halloween spectacle every weekend in October.
Pumpkin Patch Express
All aboard for family fun as The River Fox Train chugs into Sacramento with its Pumpkin Patch Express experience. The 2-hour vintage train ride happens every weekend in October and includes a stop at a local pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating and other themed activities.
Muppet Time
In honor of the premiere of 'Muppets Haunted Mansion' on Disney+, join Muppettiers Dave Goelz and Bill Barretta – the hands and voices behind The Great Gonzo and Pepe the King Prawn for a special evening at the Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco on Oct. 9. The in-person event is already sold out, but virtual replay of the event is available Oct. 16-17. The duo will share what it’s like to work on the Muppets, behind-the-scenes moments and introduce a surprise special guest.
Pick Your Pumpkin
Choose your perfect pumpkin at the Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch in San Joaquin Valley. Open every weekend in October, kids can find their pumpkin to carve and enjoy a classic steam train ride.
Something for Everyone
Enjoy the season of pumpkins, corn mazes and trick-or-treating in the 'True Heart of California,' Modesto. Offering everything from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to haunted houses and crafting sessions this town has what you need to enjoy the Halloween season in style.
SPOOKY HALLOWEEN
Disturbing Destination
Pack your bags for a night with the undead at San Diego’s The Disturbance at The Haunted Hotel. What happens when you relocate the dead from their final resting spot to check-in at a derelict hotel? You’ll find out as the zombie’s unleash their furry as you descend to the bowels of the hotel in the hellevator, claw your way through bodies and unsettled Zombies permanently imprisoned in the suffocating boiler room, killer kitchen, musty old luggage room, spirit-saturated hotel bar, and bloody bathrooms.
Fear Factor
If you’re after hair-raising fun, find it at Fear Grounds at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. You’ll need nerves of steel as you experience the frights awaiting at three open air haunts. With names like Fright Train, The Terror Trail and The Cage (gulp!) be prepared for a light, sound and fright spectacle like no other you’ve experienced before.
Madam Hazel’s Haunted House
Coachella Valley might be known for music, but visitors will be singing a different tune as they experience the spooky soundtrack at Madam Hazel’s Haunted House in Palm Desert. Each step taken through the haunted house leads you closer to a creepy character, unwanted sensations and rooms filled with disturbing scenes.
Hitchcocktober
Alfred Hitchcock was the master of psychological fright and throughout October the town of Murrieta pays homage to the horror master with its Wednesday Hitchcocktober Movie Nights at Reading Cinemas Cal Oaks. Grab some popcorn and settle in to see Rear Window, Vertigo, Strangers on a Train and of course Psycho.
Reign of Terror
The Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks is sure to give you more than a thousand reasons to scream as you gingerly make your way through 130 custom designed rooms in 10 interconnected sections. Expect countless special effects, terrifying characters and eerie scenes at the award-winning haunted house.
A-MAZE-ING
Mission Viejo’s Haunt Halloween maze is not for the faint of heart. The maze is designed to psychologically scare the bejesus out of you as it tests your limits to control your deepest fears. Bring a strong support system to help you navigate the 5,000 sq. ft. of mind-bending maze terror.
Halloween Events in California
Halloween is right around the corner, and what better way to set the mood than with a variety of unique and delightfully scary events friends and family can enjoy together. Remember to pack your face mask (not to be confused with your Halloween mask) because you’re in for a treat with these socially distanced and virtual Halloween festivities.
TAGS: