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There are two types of people when it comes to Halloween: those who lean into the spooky and scary side of the holiday, and those who favor the fun frivolity over frightening festivities.
Whichever side you find yourself on, there’s no shortage of ways to mark Halloween on the Peninsula, including lots of events in the leadup to Oct. 31. From “Nightfall at Filoli” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to live music, parties and a trove of trick-of-treating opportunities for kids, here’s how to celebrate Halloween with traditions new and old.
Parties and special events
‘Unhinged: Hotel’ at the Winchester Mystery House
This year’s immersive Halloween experience at the Winchester Mystery House, “Unhinged: Hotel,” promises plentiful thrills from artists bringing to life a spooky new story, themed food and drinks, a fortune teller, a Halloween museum, an “outdoor scare zone” and, of course, the haunting ambiance of the mysterious mansion. Recommended for ages 13+.
Select nights through Nov. 2, Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose; prices vary by date. winchestermysteryhouse.com/unhinged/.
Nightfall at Filoli
“Nightfall at Filoli,” the estate’s atmospheric after-dark Halloween experience, includes a candlelit walk through the historic house, a meadow adorned with flickering jack-o-lanterns, games, photo opps and seasonal food and drink.
Wednesdays-Sundays through Nov. 3, 5:30-9 p.m. at Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside; $28-$41. filoli.org/halloween.
Stanford Theatre
The theater’s fall schedule includes classic horror films and thrillers: “Isle of the Dead” and “The Spiral Staircase” (Oct. 17-18); “The Curse of the Cat People” and “The Night of the Hunter” (Oct. 24-25); “I Walked With a Zombie” and “Ministry of Fear” (Oct. 31-Nov. 1).
Showtimes vary. Stanford Theatre, 221 University Ave., Palo Alto. Tickets are $5-$7. stanfordtheatre.org.
Barks and Boos!
Springline, in collaboration with Pets in Need, hosts this event with spooky tunes spun by a DJ and a runway show costume contest, plus food from Chef Gilly’s and brews and wine from Barebottle Brewery.
Oct. 18, 5-8 p.m., Springline, 1300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, free. tinyurl.com/SpringlineBarksBooos.
Halloween Paint and Sip
Students will be painting “Van Gogh’s Starry Night – Halloween” at this paint-and-sip evening, suitable for all skill levels, 21+.
Oct. 19, 7 p.m., Pinot’s Palette, 533 San Mateo Ave., San Bruno; $42. pinotspalette.com/san-bruno/event/792947.
Redwood City’s Halloween events
Redwood City is offering a number of Halloween events, including the annual Halloween Spooktacular party, featuring carnival games, photo opps, crafts and prizes (for kids up to age 10); the Thrill-O-Ween Kids Night Out, which includes a pizza dinner and a special dessert (for ages 5-10); a tour of the (possibly haunted?) historic Union Cemetery, where visitors can learn about some “unusual” deaths; and a haunted house Lego workshop (for ages 5-10).
Halloween Spooktacular takes place Oct. 19, noon to 3 p.m., Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; $10.
Thrill-O-Ween Kids Night Out takes place Oct. 25, 6-9 p.m., Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; $33.
Halloween tour of Union Cemetery takes place Oct. 26, 10-11:30 a.m. and 1-2:30 p.m., 316 Woodside Road, Redwood City; free.
Lego workshop takes place Nov. 1, 9 a.m. to noon, Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; $65.
Information on all events can be found at redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/halloween-hub.
Scare Faire and Costume Swap
Bring old Halloween costumes for children or adults in good condition to trade with others at this event hosted by Transition Palo Alto. Stick around for the Scare Faire, a Halloween twist on the group’s Share Faire, held in partnership with Gunn High School students, in which participants can learn a new skill, find something in need of a home and meet neighbors.
Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m., Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto. transitionpaloalto.org.
Halloween Belgian Chocolate Class
Learn how to make chocolates using techniques such as tempering on a marble slab in this class presented by Palo Alto Adult School.
Oct. 23, 6:30-9 p.m., Palo Alto High School, 50 Embarcadero Road, Palo Alto. $60. paadultschool.org/classes/belgian-chocolates-galore.
Spookulele! Halloween Ukulele Jam
The Mountain View Library hosts a Halloween edition of its ukulele lesson and jam session, featuring songs with spooky themes. Beginners are welcome. Bring your own uke or borrow one on-site.
Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m., Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View; free. mountainview.libcal.com/event/12237299.
Boo-zy Book Fair
State Street Market and Linden Tree Books are pairing up for book fair fun for adults, featuring gifts, book recommendations, drinks and more.
Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m., State Street Market, 170 State St., Los Altos; free admission. statestreetmarket.com/event/boo-zy-book-fair-for-grownups-oct-4.
BraveMaker Halloween Party
Peninsula arts nonprofit BraveMaker hosts its annual costume party and fundraiser, with a costume contest, film screenings and a DJ.
Oct. 26, 7-11 p.m., 116 Stambaugh St., Redwood City; $28.52-$33.85 in advance, $44.52 at the door. tinyurl.com/BraveMakerHalloween.
Dance Through the Decades
Sound Union hosts a Halloween party (21+) with live music, featuring The Heady Vedders, playing ’90s rock, and Smokin’ Slice of Mojo, playing dance music of the 1960s and ’70s. Guests are encouraged to dress up as their favorite musical act from the 1960s-’90s.
Oct. 26, 7-10 p.m., Sound Union, 2625 Broadway, Redwood City; $17.37. tinyurl.com/DecadesRWC.
Club Fox Halloween Bash and Halloween Blues Jam
The club’s Halloween Bash on Oct. 26 features a costume party with band Pop Fiction playing favorites from the ’70s through the 2000s. On Oct. 30, the club hosts a Halloween-themed blues jam with the Daniel Castro Band.
Halloween Bash Oct. 26, 9-11 p.m., $18.78 in advance, $24.13 at the door; Halloween blues jam Oct. 30, 6 p.m., $13.38, both at Club Fox, 2209 Broadway, Redwood City. clubfoxrwc.com.
Gotham Halloween
Pure Nightclub’s annual Halloween bash features Top 40, hip-hop and EDM with DJ Sequence; Halloween costumes highly recommended.
Oct. 26, 10 p.m., Pure Nightclub, 146 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. Tickets start at $18.28. purenightclub408.com.
Trick or Trot
This annual run on the San Francisco Bay Trail offers 5K, 10K and half-marathon options, and runners can enjoy some Halloween candy at the finish line.
Oct. 26, 7:30 a.m., San Francisco Bay Trail, San Mateo. Tickets start at $41.32. bit.ly/TrickOrTrotSF.
Zohar Dance Company Open Mic and Party
The party kicks off with dancer Kayvon Kordestani teaching guests a ghoulish dance number. The festivities include open mic performances, a costume contest and beverages and snacks. Open mic limited to first 12 participants to sign up; accompanist provided.
Oct. 26, 7 p.m., Zohar Dance Company, 4000 Middlefield Road Building L, Room 4, Palo Alto; $29.58. tinyurl.com/ZoharOpenMic.
Zombied by the Bay
The Hyatt hosts a cocktail mixer and dance party with a costume contest, with music by DJ Dave X.
Oct. 26, 6 p.m., Hyatt Centric Mountain View, 409 San Antonio Road, Mountain View. $40.25-$70.14. bit.ly/ZombiedBay.
Art Workshop at Beyond Text Bookstore
Paint candles and pumpkins on canvas while sharing spooky stories at Beyond Text Bookstore’s art workshop. Bubbles and bites included; adults only.
Oct. 27, 6:30 p.m., Beyond Text Bookstore, 318 N. Santa Cruz Ave., Los Gatos; $50. tinyurl.com/beyondtextworkshop.
Classes and Events at Little Green
Little Green is hosting a number of Halloween-ish events this month, including an oddities terrarium class, at which participants can work with ethically sourced bones, creepy crawlies and dried flowers to create an eerie terrarium display, and a succulent pumpkin class for creating a unique autumn decoration using succulents.
Oddities terrarium class will be held Oct. 30 at 6 p.m.; $95. Succulent pumpkin class is Nov. 3 at 3 p.m.; $45. Both classes are at Little Green, 1101 Main St., Redwood City. More information is available at littlegreenaplantbar.com.
Kepler’s Halloween Party
Adults 21 and over are invited to Kepler’s Books in Menlo Park for drinks, games, prizes, creepy readings of works from “your favorite macabre authors” and a literary-themed costume contest.
Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m., Kepler’s Books, 1010 El Camino #100, Menlo Park. Admission is $29.34 through Oct. 30, $33.54 for any available day-of tickets. tinyurl.com/keplershalloween2024.
Halloween Walk at Hawthorns
Volunteers from Grassroots Ecology lead a casual walk around the Hawthorns Area of the Windy Hill preserve that highlights the various Halloween-themed creatures that live in the area.
Nov. 3, 1:30-4 p.m. at the Hawthorns Area at Windy Hill Open Space Preserve, 4420 Alpine Road, Portola Valley. Free admission. tinyurl.com/HawthornsHalloween.
Family-friendly events
Belmont Library Monster Mash Workshop
The Belmont Library hosts a workshop in which kids ages 8 and up can draw spooky creatures like vampires, ghosts and witches as they learn basic drawing skills.
Oct. 18, 3:30-5 p.m., Belmont Library, 1110 Alameda de las Pulgas, Belmont. smcl.bibliocommons.com.
Kids Night Out
Color Me Mine presents an evening of spooky fun for kids, where they can paint Halloween ceramics, play bingo and watch the movie “Happy Halloween, Scooby Doo.” A snack is also included.
Oct. 18, 6-9 p.m., Color Me Mine, 445 Westlake Shopping Center, Daly City. $35. dalycity.colormemine.com.
Halloween at Hiller Aviation Museum
Hiller Aviation Museum in San Carlos will be decked out with Halloween decorations for Haunted Hangar Oct. 19-31, with activities including Halloween kids’ carnivals and festivals along with the famed Helicopter Pumpkin Drop.
Haunted Hangar will be held Oct. 19-31; Halloween Kids Carnival Oct. 19-20, 10 a.m. to noon; Halloween Kid’s Festival and Pumpkin Drop Oct. 26-27, 10 a.m. to noon. All events take place at Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, and are included with museum admission. Tickets are $22 for adults, $14 for seniors 65 and up, $14 for youth ages 4-17 and free for kids under 4. hiller.org.
California’s Great America Treats and Tricks
The amusement park offers two Halloween-themed areas: creepy, crawly horror in the Land of Tricks and cozy autumn fun, complete with sweet goodies, in the Land of Treats, plus Halloween activities and entertainment. Admission includes both Halloween areas.
Through Oct. 26, California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara. Admission starts at $44.99. cagreatamerica.com.
Gamble Garden
Families are invited to come search for Pikachu and other Pokemon friends in a scavenger hunt. The event also offers tattoos, face painting, crafts, prizes and trading cards. Also, the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo will bring the great bald eagle Sequoia for a special visit.
Oct. 19, 10-11 a.m., Gamble Garden. 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto. $45-$55 nonmembers, $36-$44 members. gamblegarden.org/event/halloween-2024.
Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
The 52nd annual festival kicks off with a pancake breakfast each day (starting at 7 a.m.). Festivalgoers can enjoy live music, food and drink, and juried art by 275 artists, plus works by local artists (Sunday only); a collaborative paint temple; DJ dancing from Dancepark DJ Collective; pie-eating contests; and photo opportunities with the giant gourd that won a weigh-off held earlier in the week. Additional activities Oct. 19 include a costume contest and the Great Pumpkin Parade, and on Oct. 20 there’s pumpkin carving and the Pumpkin Run, which offers a kids’ fun run, 5K, 10K and half-marathon events.
Oct. 19-20, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Main Street, Half Moon Bay. Admission is free. hmbpumpkinfest.com.
Daly City Trunk-or-Treat
All ages are welcome at Daly City’s annual trunk-or-treat at Westlake Park. Goodie bags with small toys, glow things, tricks and treats will be sold for $5 and are available for preorder.
Oct. 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Westlake Park, 145 Lake Merced Blvd., Daly City, free. tinyurl.com/dalycityhalloween.
Halloween Book Exchange Party
The Millbrae Library invites guests to bring gently used books and discover new reads at its book exchange party. Participants should drop off their used books on Oct. 18 between 3 and 5 p.m., then return the following day for the party, where they can pick out books new to them. The event also features a costume contest and raffle.
Oct. 19, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Millbrae Library, 1 Library Ave., Millbrae. Free admission. tinyurl.com/MillbraeBookExchange.
Halloween Costume Game Night
All ages are welcome at this family-friendly game night hosted by the town of Los Altos Hills. Guests can enjoy pizza, popcorn and candy, along with some friendly competition. Costumes encouraged.
Oct. 19, 6-9 p.m., Los Altos Hills Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills. losaltoshills.ca.gov.
Monster Mash Workshop in Pacifica
Kids 8 and up can learn to draw ghosts, witches, vampires and more at an art workshop.
Oct. 22, 3:30-5 p.m., Pacifica Sharp Park Library, 104 Hilton Way, Pacifica; free. tinyurl.com/monstermashworkshop.
Atherton Spooktacular
The Atherton Police Officers Association hosts this event with festive decorations, activities, a walking costume showcase and Atherton Police Officers handing out candy. Guests can also take part in crafts and enjoy a magic show at the Atherton Library. All ages welcome; costumes encouraged.
Oct. 25, 3-5 p.m., at Atherton Town Hall, 80 Fair Oaks Lane, Atherton, Free; RSVP requested. ci.atherton.ca.us
Jack-O-Jaunt
The city of Palo Alto hosts a pumpkin carving competition and display in which members of the community can vote for the scariest, cutest and most creative jack-o’-lanterns. Participants can carve their own pumpkins ahead of time at home and bring them to the display, or carve them in a workshop at Lytton Plaza on the day of the event. All participants must use real pumpkins.
Oct. 25, display and competition takes place 6:30-8:30 p.m.; carving workshop takes place 3-5:30 p.m.. Both events take place at Lytton Plaza, University Avenue and Emerson Street, Palo Alto. $25 fee for those carving on-site (fee includes a pumpkin and carving kit, but no instructors will be present). cityofpaloalto.org.
Halloween at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo
The Junior Museum & Zoo will be transformed with Halloween decorations and treats for visitors. Proceeds benefit the Friends’ Annual Giving Fund to support programs that expand access to science education in the community. Pizza included with ticket.
Oct. 25, 5-7 p.m. at the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo, 1451 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Tickets are $40 per person, children under 1 are free. $5 tickets available for low-income families or families with members who have disabilities (email info@friendsjmz.org). friendsjmz.org/halloween.
Goblin Walk
Kids 7 and under are invited to trick-or-treat downtown Laurel Street in their costumes (accompanied by an adult) and visit the businesses displaying a Goblin Walk sign. The first 450 trick-or-treaters can pick up a Goblin Walk trick-or-treat bag at Harrington Park or from a volunteer.
Oct. 25, 4-5:30 p.m., Laurel Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo Avenue, San Carlos, free. cityofsancarlos.org/business_detail_T10_R151.php.
Trick-or-Treat Yoga
Google Visitor Experience hosts a family-friendly yoga experience. Dress up in your costumes and join in for Halloween-themed yoga poses, songs and games. No prior yoga experience is needed; adults and children ages 2 and up are welcome.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to noon, The Huddle at Google Visitor Experience, 2000 North Shoreline Blvd., Mountain View, free. rsvp.withgoogle.com/events/trickortreatyoga.
Monte Carlo Haunted House
The Mountain View nightclub hosts its 10th annual family-friendly haunted house and trick-or-treat.
Oct. 26, 2-6 p.m., Monte Carlo Restaurant & Bar, 228 Castro St., Mountain View. tinyurl.com/montecarlohauntedhouse.
Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market Trick-or-Treat
The Downtown Palo Alto Farmers Market’s Halloween celebration includes decorations, a guess-the-candy-corn competition and a scavenger hunt.
Oct. 26, 8 a.m. to noon, Gilman Street and Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto; free. instagram.com/p/DA4_j7ZRJ4g/.
Sunnyvale Halloween Crow Ride
Silicon Valley Bicycle Coalition leads a family-friendly, social bike ride showcasing crows’ favorite hangouts and residents’ Halloween decorations. Wear your best crow and Halloween attire (and don’t forget the high-visibility clothing!). All skill levels are welcome, but kids under 12 need to be accompanied by an adult and ride a bike without training wheels.
Oct. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m., meet at Plaza del Sol, 200 W. Evelyn Ave., Sunnyvale; free. eventbrite.com/e/sunnyvale-halloween-crow-ride-2024-tickets-1030393744427.
Rancho Shopping Center Trick-or-Treat
The Los Altos shopping center hosts trick-or-treaters and a pet costume contest.
Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Rancho Shopping Center, Foothill Expressway and Springer Road, Los Altos. visitrancho.com/events.html.
Frunk-or-Treat EV and E-Bike Show
Check out electric vehicles and e-bikes featuring treat-filled frunks (front trunks). Talk to electric vehicle and e-bike owners and experts, and take a test ride on an e-bike. There will also be treats and a scavenger hunt for kids. Costumes encouraged for all ages.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto, free. tinyurl.com/frunkortreat.
Foster City Halloween Spooktacular
Foster City’s Halloween festival includes a character meet-and-greet, a costume contest, a magic show, games, trick-or-treat stations and the “Spooky Boo Trail.”
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Leo J. Ryan Park, 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City; $5 entry only, $10 for entry and trick-or-treating. fostercity.org/parksrec/page/halloween-schedule-events.
Menlo Park Halloweek
The city of Menlo Park hosts a series of Halloween-themed events for families. With Halloween Hoopla, visitors can come in costume to parade through downtown Menlo Park and trick-or-treat from local merchants, then take part in crafts, games and entertainment at Fremont Park. The following day, the Pumpkin Splash event brings “floating pumpkin patches” to city pools, where guests can enjoy swim time, a pumpkin decoration and treat bag. Closing out “Halloweek,” the city hosts its first trunk-or-treat. Children can go trick-or-treating from car to car, with each vehicle’s trunk decorated in a Halloween theme.
Halloween Hoopla takes place Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive, Menlo Park; free.
Pumpkin Splash will be held Oct. 27, 11 a.m. to noon, Belle Haven Pool, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park, and 1-3 p.m. at Burgess Pool, 501 Laurel St., Menlo Park; registration required for Pumpkin Splash and admission is $12 per person.
Trunk-or-Treat takes place Oct. 29, 4:30-6:30 p.m., Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park. For more Halloweek info, visit menlopark.gov.
Mountain View’s Monster Bash
Mountain View’s annual Monster Bash returns, boasting a treat trail, spooky games, performances, an inflatable zone, a “Lil Ghouls Corral” for the youngest attendees, a bike circus (bike safety training and bike course for kids), and a “Creepy Crawly Ooey Gooey Zone,” highlighting the sometimes-spooky elements of nature and featuring live animal guests.
Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rengstorff Park, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View; free. tinyurl.com/monsterbashmv.
Peninsula Bible Church Trunk-or-Treat
Visitors can stroll through the church parking lot, visit vehicles decorated with fun themes and gather treats from each vehicle. The event also offers a scavenger hunt and photo booth. Family-friendly costumes are welcome.
Oct. 26, 10 a.m. to noon at Peninsula Bible Church, 3505 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto. Free admission. pbc.org/trunkortreat.
Boos on B Street
Downtown San Mateo hosts an afternoon of crafts, kids’ activities, pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating at local businesses and live DJ music.
Oct. 26, 3-5 p.m., B Street between 1st and 3rd avenues, San Mateo, free. tinyurl.com/boosonbstreet.
Ghostanoa
Costanoa Lodge & Camp in Pescadero will have daytime trick-or-treating, a costume parade on wheels, a spooky site decoration contest and a nighttime dance party with music curated by Santa Cruz record store Redwood Records.
Oct. 26, contact Costanoa for cost and schedule, 2001 Rossi Road at Highway 1, Pescadero. instagram.com/p/DBcL0h0TSEg/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D.
Halloween Storytime
Peninsula Book Collaborative volunteers will lead a Halloween storytime. Attendees are encouraged to wear costumes.
Oct. 27, 11 a.m., 441 Westlake Center, Daly City, free. tinyurl.com/pbcstorytime.
Fall Fest
Downtown Burlingame hosts its annual fall celebration with a Halloween costume contest, food trucks, arts and craft vendors, a beer garden and a kids’ zone with a petting zoo, pony rides and jump houses.
Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Howard Avenue, Burlingame, free admission. burlingamedowntown.org.
Los Gatos Halloween PAWlooza
Bring the whole family for trick-or-treating in downtown Los Gatos, plus kids’ activities, raffle prizes and a costume contest. All proceeds benefit The Street Dog Coalition.
Oct. 27, 2:30-5:30 p.m., Los Gatos Town Plaza Park, Montebello Way, Los Gatos. Tickets are $10-$30. tinyurl.com/lgpawlooza.
Sunnyvale Halloween Pet Parade
Head to downtown Sunnyvale Oct. 27 for a costume pet parade, pet contests with prizes and a pet talent contest. All pets under 150 pounds are welcome.
Oct. 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Murphy Avenue, Sunnyvale, free. sunnyvalepetparade.com.
Trunk-n-Treat and Twilight Organ Concert
First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto hosts a decorated trunk-n-treat event for kids in the parking lot, followed by “Twilight: A Haunted Concert and Spooky Tales” in the sanctuary.
Oct. 27, trunk-n-treat at 3:30 p.m., concert at 5:15 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. facebook.com/events/512988714838931/.
Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos Storytime at Linden Tree Books
Laura Zarrin (illustrator of the “Wallace and Grace” series) and Stephanie Wildman (author of “Ghost Writer”) come to Linden Tree for a Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos storytime.
Oct 27, 10:30 a.m., Linden Tree Books, 265 State St., Los Altos; free. lindentreebooks.com/events-calendar/.
Belmont Trunk-or-Treat Bash
The city of Belmont hosts an evening filled with decorated cars, food trucks and treats. Costumes are encouraged, and the event is open to all ages.
Oct. 30, 5:30 p.m., Twin Pines Park, 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont; free. instagram.com/p/DBb23TvA8hh/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D.
A BOO-tiful Downtown Halloween
The merchants in downtown Los Altos host a trick-or-treating event for children, sending them on a quest to find stores displaying an orange pumpkin sign in the front window. Visitors can also enjoy games, creepy crafts and a balloon artist in Veterans Plaza from 2 to 4 p.m.
Oct. 31, noon to 4 p.m., in downtown Los Altos, free. downtownlosaltos.org/event/bootiful-downtown-halloween.
Pacifica Trick-or-Treating
Pacifica shops are hosting an after school trick-or-treat on Halloween. Participating businesses will have a green balloon.
Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m., Palmetto Avenue, Beach Boulevard and Francisco Boulevard, free. tinyurl.com/pacificatrickortreating.
Spooky Science at CuriOdyssey
Hands-on science museum and zoo CuriOdyssey holds its monthly First Friday event with the theme “Spooky Science,” offering the opportunity to meet some of the museum’s resident critters. Families can also take part in science activities and crafts inspired by the theme, and enjoy live music and a lineup of local food trucks.
Nov. 1, 5-8 p.m., CuriOdyssey, 1651 Coyote Point Drive, San Mateo. $17.95 children and $21.95 adults. curiodyssey.org.
Restaurant and bar events
Dragoween Brunch and Halloween Night Party
Food, bottomless mimosas and entertainment by Chai and her fellow drag performers are on the agenda at St. Stephens Green’s “Dragoween Brunch” (attendees are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes.) Come back on Halloween for a 21-and-over party with a DJ, costume contest and drink specials.
Oct. 19, noon to 2 p.m., and Oct. 31, time to be announced, St. Stephens Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View; $12.51 for brunch, cover charge for party to be announced. tinyurl.com/StephensGreenDragoween, instagram.com/stephensgreen.
The Yard Trunk-or-Treat
The Redwood City coffee shop hosts its first ever trunk-or-treat for Halloween.
Oct. 20, 3-7 p.m., 1018 Main St., Redwood City. theyard.coffee/events.
Taplands Halloween Events
The Santa Clara taproom and brewery is hosting a week of events leading up to Halloween, including a pumpkin carving party Oct. 24 with Halloween-themed beers, music and prizes; the annual Puppies & Pints Oct. 26 with a dog adoption event, a pet costume contest, vendors and special beers; and a tap takeover by Great Notion Oct. 31, with beer discounts for those in costume.
All events take place Oct. 24-Oct. 31 at Taplands Taproom & Brewery, 1171 Homestead Road #110, Santa Clara. Check Instagram for event times to be announced. instagram.com/taplandssantaclara.
Halloween Wine & Candy Pairing
Try three wines paired with three types of Halloween candy at Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese. Reserve your spot by calling 650-726-1520.
Oct. 24, 5-8 p.m. at Half Moon Bay Wine & Cheese, 421 Main St., Half Moon Bay, $25. instagram.com/p/DBbWUKeusmK/?igsh=MTc4MmM1YmI2Ng%3D%3D.
Boo Bash
Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company will have live music, games for all ages, food trucks, craft beer, local vendors and a costume contest for its Halloween celebration.
Oct. 25, 4-10 p.m. at Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company, 935 Washington St., San Carlos, free admission. tinyurl.com/devilscanyonboobash.
Out of the Barrel Halloween Costume Party
The San Carlos taproom will have costume contests all day long for adults, kids and pets, plus candy, “blood beers” and Halloween movies and music.
Oct. 25, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., 555 El Camino Real, Suite 150, San Carlos; free admission. instagram.com/outofthebarrelsancarlos.
Halloween Drag Brunch at Roger Bar
A spooky brunch with hosts Chai Auntea, Kalypso and DJ Lady Jesus and performances by King SlayHer, ReddRum FaFilth and Kizzy Dolce.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Roger Bar, The Ameswell Hotel, 800 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View. rogerbarandrestaurant.com/happenings.
Fibbar MaGees
The Irish pub will have a Halloween party from 10 p.m. to close Oct. 26, with prizes for the best costume.
Oct. 26, 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., Fibbar MaGees, 156 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. instagram.com/fibbarmagees.
Khartoum Lounge
Khartoum Lounge in Campbell will host two events Oct. 26 and on Halloween. Check their Instagram as more details are announced.
Oct. 26 and Oct. 31, Khartoum Lounge, 300 Orchard City Drive, Suite #101, Campbell. instagram.com/khartoumlounge.
Alhambra Irish House Halloween events
Enjoy a Dragoween brunch on Oct. 26 with performances by Vicodonia Knightingale, Diamond Dior, Charity Kase and Niya La Rey, plus food, endless mimosas and a Halloween costume contest. Come back that evening for a Prohibition-era party with live music by Scott Bell and the Cool Ranchers, plus food and drink. 1920s-style costumes are encouraged, but all costumes are welcome. On Oct. 30, stop by for a Halloween edition of Extreme Music Bingo. Then, on Nov. 1, grab your best ’80s outfit for a Halloween ’80s dance party with the band On the Rocks.
Drag brunch Oct. 26, noon to 2 p.m. $12.51. tinyurl.com/AlhambraDragoween.
Halloween Prohibition Party Oct. 26, 7-11 p.m. $7.18. tinyurl.com/AlhambraProhibition.
Extreme Music Bingo Oct. 30, 8 p.m. Free admission. tinyurl.com/AlhambraExtremeMusicBingo.
’80s Halloween Dance Party Nov. 1, 7-11 p.m. $7.18. tinyurl.com/Alhambra80sDance.
All events take place at Alhambra Irish House, 831 Main St., Redwood City.
Downtown Burlingame Halloween Costume Bar Crawl
Join a costumed crawl through downtown Burlingame bars and restaurants, including Barrelhouse, Twelvemonth, Paddy Flynn’s and more. Enter a raffle at participating locations and take part in a costume contest.
Oct. 27, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., check in at Barrelhouse, 305 California Drive, Burlingame, free admission. tinyurl.com/burlingamebarcrawl.
Humble Sea Pacifica Halloween Party
Humble Sea Brewing & Kitchen will offer games, drinks and food from Haramochi Donuts, Pineapples SF and Vana Maria BBQ, plus costume contests for adults, kids and pets.
Oct. 27, Humble Sea Brewing & Kitchen, 5560 Pacific Coast Highway, Pacifica; instagram.com/humblesea.pacifica; contact for cost and schedule.
Doggoween at Fieldwork Brewing Company
The San Mateo taproom will host a dog costume contest and pup parade. Dogs will be judged based on costume creativity, originality, scarines and cuteness.
Oct. 27, noon to 2 p.m., Fieldwork Brewing, 3030 S. Delaware St., San Mateo; free admission. instagram.com/baymeadowslife.
Mountain House Halloween Extravaganza
Mountain House’s Halloween celebration includes live music, spiked “zombie blood,” hearty snacks and a costume contest with a $100 gift card prize.
Oct. 28, 6-11:30 p.m., Mountain House, 13808 Skyline Blvd., Woodside; $30. tinyurl.com/MtnHouseHalloween.
Tipsy Putt Halloween Costume Contest
The indoor mini-golf spot and sports bar is hosting a costume contest, with each winner receiving a $100 gift card and exclusive Tipsy Putt merch.
Oct. 31, 8-11 p.m., Tipsy Putt, 301 W. McKinley Ave. #150, Sunnyvale, free registration. tipsyputt.com/event/halloween-costume-competition.
Molly O’s Halloween Party
The San Carlos Irish pub hosts a Halloween night party with DJ Dibs, food and themed drinks and prizes for best costumes.
Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m., Molly O’s, 1163 San Carlos Ave., San Carlos, free admission. instagram.com/p/DBKPF99MDda/.
Feast and Floral Halloween Party
Stop by Redwood City’s new wine bar for a cheese, wine and Halloween candy pairing.
Oct. 31, 4-9 p.m., Feast and Floral, 3770 Florence St., Redwood City; contact for cost info. instagram.com/feastandfloral/?hl=en.
Halloween Dessert Party
Kiki’s Coffee Shop hosts a Halloween party with a buffet of spooky treats, including (gummi) worms in dirt, spider cupcakes, loaded candy cookies and more. A special nonalcoholic concoction, “Witch’s Brew,” will also be for sale.
Oct. 31, reservations begin at 7 p.m., Kiki’s Coffee Shop, 1000 N. Idaho St., San Mateo; $25 per child, $35 per adult. Event was waitlist only at publication time. tinyurl.com/kikisdessertparty.
Concerts and performances
Hip-Hop Halloween
Peninsula Lively Arts (formerly Peninsula Ballet Theatre) presents “Hip-Hop Halloween,” a family-friendly dance performance featuring ghouls and favorite Halloween monsters showing off their moves. Audiences are invited to wear costumes to the performance.
Oct. 25, 7 p.m., Oct. 26, 4 and 7 p.m., Oct. 27, 1 and 4 p.m. at Peninsula Lively Arts’ Studio One Theatre, 1880 S. Grant St., San Mateo. $30-$40. peninsulalivelyarts.org.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
The Bawdy Caste comes to the Guild to perform alongside two screenings of the cult classic musical film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” featuring plenty of audience participation.
Oct. 25, 7 and 10 p.m., The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; $24.92. guildtheatre.com.
Redwood Symphony Halloween Concert
Redwood Symphony’s annual Halloween concert invites attendees to come in costume, with 10 kids selected from the audience to try their hands at conducting. The performance includes John Williams’ “Hedwig’s Theme” from “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” and the premiere of “A Country Fair” by Kirke Mechem.
Oct 27, 2 p.m., Cañada College Main Theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City; $15-$35. redwoodsymphony.org/concert/musical-pictures/.
Peaches Christ UnHoly Sunday
Iconic San Francisco-based drag performer Peaches Christ hosts an evening of music, humor and more with special guest performers and an audience costume competition.
Oct. 27, 5 p.m., Bing Studio, 327 Lasuen St., Stanford. $15-$45. events.stanford.edu.
Guild-o-Ween
Comedy magician Robert Strong emcees an evening of magic, comedy and circus-inspired acts. All ages welcome.
Oct. 31, 6 p.m., at The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park. $49.83 general admission, $84.59 reserved, $191.20 VIP reserved tables. guildtheatre.com.
Stanford 2024 Halloween Concert
The Stanford Symphony Orchestra and Stanford Wind Symphony present an annual concert of spooky-season music. Audience members are invited to come in costume – one lucky winner will be chosen to conduct the last selection of the night.
Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m., Dinkelspiel Auditorium, 471 Lagunita Drive, Stanford; $22-$27 (free to Stanford students). events.stanford.edu/event/halloween-concert-2024.
Outdoor Halloween Concert
Redwood Church holds a concert in its parking lot. Guests are encouraged to bring chairs and a snack.
Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m., Redwood Church, 903 Madison Ave., Redwood City. redwoodchurch.org.
Danny Elfman
The composer and singer-songwriter with a penchant for the spooky is featured in “From Boingo to Batman to Big Mess and Beyond,” a Halloween-inspired show capturing his music from his film scores to his time as frontman with the band Oingo Boingo, as well as his solo work. With special guests Johnny Jewel x DESIRE.
Nov. 3, 7:30 p.m., Shoreline Amphitheatre, 1 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View. $62.70-$335. livenation.com.
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