Santa Cruz County has a full slate of Halloween events this weekend, from family trick-or-treating to late-night costume parties. Here are highlights from Lookout Santa Cruz's weekend list and the Boardwalk's event page.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Oct. 31
The Boardwalk's Halloween runs 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Entry is free, and only people who plan to trick-or-treat need the $12 package. It includes a collectible candy bag with a punch card for participating food and shop locations, plus a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for games. The Boardwalk says day-of sales may be limited by candy supply. A costume contest uses a photo banner at the Main Entrance, and a walk-through attraction runs under the Boardwalk.
Free events
- WestEdge Witch Walk: 5 p.m., starting at Lighthouse Field.
- Howl-oween Pet Costume Parade and Contest: Thursday, 4:30 p.m., at Seacliff Inn.
- Scotts Valley Halloween Treasure Hunt: 10 a.m., starting at Togo's Scotts Valley.
- Halloween Celebration on Aptos Village Green: 1 p.m.
- Food Truck Friday at Skypark: Scotts Valley's season finale on Friday, Oct. 30, with food trucks, live music and a free screening of "Hocus Pocus 2" after sundown. Costumes are encouraged.
For grown-ups
- Freaker's Ball: 7:30 p.m. at Brookdale Lodge, $28.45 to $32.
- Vampire Ball: 8:30 p.m. at Chaminade Resort & Spa, $75 to $84.27.
- Halloween Bash with High Step Society and Floratura: 9 p.m. at Moe's Alley, $25 to $30.
- Mission West's Annual Halloween Party: 5 p.m. at Mission West Bar, $10, 21 and over.
Visiting the Boardwalk? Read our history of the Giant Dipper.