WEEKENDER
Your cheat sheet for eating well and going out in Santa Cruz County.
Oct. 29, 2026
HALLOWEEN WEEKEND STARTS TODAY
Santa Cruz County is home to plenty of spooky places, so it makes sense that Halloween weekend would span at least three days. There is no shortage of parties, parades and trick-or-treating opportunities, so grab a candy bag and some ghoulish garb to get in on the fun.
Tonight, head to Kissed By An Angel Wines in Scotts Valley for a Halloween Paint & Sip, with a costume contest and themed art. In Aptos, Seacliff Inn invites four-legged friends to compete in its annual Howl-oween Pet Costume Parade and Contest.
On Friday, Family Trick or Treat starts at 4 p.m. at the Capitola Mall. As the sun sets, head to West Cliff Drive for the annual WestEdge Witch Walk, which starts at Lighthouse Field. That night, the allegedly haunted Brookdale Lodge hosts the first night of the Freaker’s Ball, with a “Through The Looking Glass” theme. Tickets are $28.45.
Saturday is the big day, with events across the county from an all-day Scotts Valley Halloween Treasure Hunt at local businesses to a Halloween celebration on the Aptos Village Green. Arguably the largest event in the area is the Downtown Trick or Treat and unofficial Halloween parade along Pacific Avenue, which officially begins at 2 p.m. with trick-or-treating for the kiddos and stretches into the evening.
As night falls, adults-only fun begins. Mission West’s annual Halloween party starts at 5 p.m., then Rave at the Grave at The Catalyst, a two-room concert and party, starts at 7 p.m. The Vampire Ball at Chaminade Resort & Spa promises a DJ, fire dancers, fortune tellers and a costume contest. Moe’s Alley’s psychedelic Halloween Bash starts at 9 p.m. – Lily Belli
UPCOMING EVENTS YOU’LL LOVE
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FAVORITE OUTDOOR DINING EXPERIENCE
THE CRÊPE PLACE
“I love the patio with all the different plants and smell, and the food is amazing. Much more bang for the buck than the two others on the list that I have experience with. If someone wants to go to The Crêpe Place, I will always say, ‘Count me in!!'”
ICYMI: ARTS & DINING STORIES
A TREAT BEFORE YOU GO
Looking for more Halloween fun? Lookout contributor Jana Marcus teamed up with local paranormal storyteller Spooky Girl 831 to pick eight ways to eat, drink, dance and be scary. – Lily Belli
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