Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, and several Peninsula downtowns are holding their trick-or-treat events on Friday instead. These are drawn from Palo Alto Online's Silicon Valley Halloween guide and the organizers' own listings. Times can change, so check with the host before you go.
Friday, Oct. 30
Los Altos: "A Boo-Tiful Downtown Halloween" runs from noon to 4 p.m. Kids trick-or-treat at downtown businesses with orange pumpkin signs in the window. Veterans Community Plaza has crafts and balloon artists from 2 to 4 p.m. Bring your own bag.
San Carlos: The Goblin Walk runs from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Children 7 and under, with an adult, trick-or-treat along Laurel Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo Avenue at businesses with a Goblin Walk sign. The first 600 kids get bags at the Parks and Recreation tent.
Palo Alto: The city's Jack O'Jaunt pumpkin display and competition is at Lytton Plaza from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., with an on-site carving workshop from 3 to 5 p.m. The workshop costs $25 for residents and $28.75 for nonresidents.
Saturday, Oct. 31
Pulgas Ridge, Redwood City: Midpen's Halloween & Hiking Hounds is a docent-led dog hike from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Costumes are optional and dogs must be on leash. Reservations are required, and Midpen says they close Oct. 30 at 2 p.m.
Mountain View: The library at 585 Franklin St. hands out treats from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Los Altos: Rancho Shopping Center has trick-or-treating and crafts from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Stanford Shopping Center: The Halloween Spooktacular runs from 2 to 4 p.m. near the center pavilion.
Pacifica: Downtown trick-or-treating runs from 3 to 5 p.m. on Palmetto Avenue and Francisco Boulevard, organized by the Pacifica Seaside Merchants. Look for businesses with green or orange balloons.
Palo Alto: The Halloween Bray Parade with the Bol Park donkeys starts at 3:30 p.m. at Bol Park, 3590 Laguna Ave.
Menlo Park: The Dutch Goose hosts free family activities from 4 to 6 p.m., including glow sticks, balloon animals and "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown." Kepler's Books has candy for costumed customers starting at 10 a.m.