Best of Santa Cruz County food & drink events, Oct. 25-31

Here, find a curated list of the best food and drink events in Santa Cruz County for the coming week. At the top, I share my picks of unmissable local happenings.

The Chili Cook-Off, one of Santa Cruz County’s most prominent food festivals, returns this Saturday to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Amateur and professional teams will flex their culinary skills and compete for the best red chili, as well as vegetarian versions. Entry into the Boardwalk is free, and tasting kits are $15. Each kit includes eight taste tickets, a cup, a spoon and a People’s Choice Ballot so you can cast your vote for your favorite. A portion of the proceeds from tasting kit sales will benefit Treasure Cove at Jade Street Park, a universally accessible playground.

Halloween is this coming Thursday, and neighborhoods and merchants in business districts throughout the county are opening their doors for trick-or-treating. Downtown Boulder Creek welcomes trick-or-treaters from 5 to 7 p.m. Downtown Santa Cruz closes Pacific Avenue every year for hordes of trick-or-treaters from 2 to 5 p.m. Businesses along the Santa Cruz Wharf will pass out candy from 3 to 6 p.m. Trick-or-treat at the Capitola Mall from 4 to 6 p.m. Aptos Village is hosting a Halloween parade with crafts and goodies from 3 to 4:30 p.m. All of the events are free. Check each event page for specific event information.