Santa Cruz Parent

Halloween at the Boardwalk
2025-10-26 12:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Beach Boardwalk, CA, United States
Halloween at the Boardwalk
Sunday, October 26, 12-7pm
Celebrate Halloween with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and spooktacular Boardwalk fun!

$12 Trick-or-Treat Package Includes:

Collectible Boardwalk Candy Bag: Fill your bag with candy from all participating food and shopping locations on the Boardwalk
$10 MyBoardwalk Card: Play fun outdoor midway or arcade games (Cards do not expire—staying valid for future visits!)

Buy Now

Candy Crawl Downtown Watsonville
2025-10-26 14:00 - 18:00 | Main Street and E. Beach Street, Watsonville Halloween, CA, 95076
Candy Crawl Downtown Watsonville
Sunday, October 26, 2-6pm

Attention all ghouls and ghosts! Join us on Sunday, October 26 from 2-6 PM for a hauntingly good time as we trick-or-treat our way through downtown Watsonville businesses!
Save the date and let’s fill our bags with treats and memories that will last a lifetime! No pre-registration is required — just show up!
HALLOWEEN PARADE DURING THE DOWNTOWN CANDY CRAWL!
Get ready for a spooky good time! Meet us at the Info Booth during the Downtown Candy Crawl at 2:30pm & 5pm to participate in the parade.
Show off your adorable, spooky, and fun costumes as we march around the City Plaza. No registration required!

Attention all ghouls and ghosts! Enjoy a hauntingly good time as you trick-or-treat your way through downtown Watsonville businesses! Save the date and fill your bags with treats and memories that will last a lifetime! No pre-registration is required — just show up! Please bring your own candy carrying container.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN CANDY COLLECTING CONTAINER!
If you don’t have one, visit one of the locations between now and the event to create your own candy basket!
Marinovich Park Community Center, 120 2nd St., Tue-Thurs 3:30-6:30; Fri. 2-6pm ; Sat., 11am-4pm
River Park, 100 E. Front St, Sat., 11am-pm
The Nucleus Mobile Van, Tuesday – Linscott Park 3:30-6:30pm; Thursday – Franich Park 3:30-6:30pm

Santa Cruz Wharf Trick or Treating
2025-10-27, 2025-10-28, 2025-10-29, 2025-10-30, 2025-10-31 | Santa Cruz Wharf, 21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz, 95060
Santa Cruz Wharf Trick or Treating
Friday, Oct. 31, 3 – 6pm
Trick-or-Treat your way down the Wharf.
Join us for 13 days of Spooktacular fun on the Santa Cruz Wharf October 19th – 31st!
The Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt
• Bring your bingo card to the Wharf any day during the 13 Days of Halloween or pick one up at a Wharf Establishment.

Find the hidden pumpkins on the Wharf. Match their ghoulish image on your bingo card and stamp your card.
Make a BINGO and turn your card into one of our prize centers for a Halloween theme prize! Prize Centers are Bonnie’s Gifts, Surf City Surf Shop. Noland’s and Made in Santa Cruz.
Click Here for PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS (10 to pick from!)

Photo Booth on the Wharf Stage

Snap a festive photo with your family with the scenic Monterey Bay and Lighthouse as your backdrop.
Share and Tag us! @SantaCruzWharf & #HalloweenOnTheWharf

Thrill the World Performances (10/22, 5pm and 10/25, 3pm)

Scotts Valley High students will be coming out to perform a Thrill the world Flash Mob Wednesday 10/22 at 5pm
Thrill the World Santa Cruz will be back to perform Michael Jackson’s iconic Thriller Dance Saturday 10/25 at 3pm
Location: Wharf Stage/ Commons (Between Marini’s Candies and Makai Island Kitchen)
Calling all Zombies! Want to be a part of the show, click the link for more information on PRINTABLE BINGO CARDS

Wharf Specials

Enjoy fabulous, unique specials from restaurants and gift shops perfectly catered to the Halloween theme. Offered all 13 Days except where noted.

MODs Magical Halloween
2025-10-30 11:00 - 17:00, 2025-10-31 11:00 - 17:00 | Santa Cruz Children’s Museum of Discovery MOD, 1855 41st Ave #10, Capitola, CA, 95010, United States
MODs Magical Halloween

Thursday, October 30, 11am-5pm

Friday, October 31, 11am-5pm
Enter a world of spellbinding wonder where you can send letters via Owl Post, master the art of potion making, embark on a wizardly scavenger hunt, and craft your own magical creations all free with museum admission. Themed play areas and scavenger hunts open 10:00-5:00. Additional programing listed below.Wizards, witches, and muggles welcome & costumes are encouraged!
October 29th 10:00-12:00 & 2:00-4:00 PM Potion Mixing
October 30th 11:00-12:00 & 2:00-4:00 PM Potion Mixing
October 31st 2:00-4:00 PM Potion Mixing & Pre Trick or Treating Halloween Party!

The Wicker Man (1973) Film Screening
2025-10-30 19:00 - 21:00 | Santa Cruz Musueum of Art and History (MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
The Wicker Man (1973) Film Screening

Thursday, October 30, 7 – 9pm

Join the MAH on the Eve of the Witches New Year for a special screening of the cult classic horror film The Wicker Man (1973). This screening will be prefaced by a short 20-minute lecture on the History of Folk Horror by MAH’s Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella.

$12 General; $10 MAH Member, Get Tickets Here!

Join the MAH on the Eve of the Witches New Year for a special screening of the cult classic horror film The Wicker Man (1973). This screening will be prefaced by a short 20-minute lecture on the History of Folk Horror by MAH’s Executive Director Ginger Shulick Porcella.

10th Annual Halloween Costume Ball
2025-10-31 07:00 - 22:00 | German Cultural Center, 230 Plymouth St, Santa Cruz, 95060
10th Annual Halloween Costume Ball
Friday, October 31, 7-10pm
DJs, Performance, Ritual, Art, Costume Contest, Potions & Elixirs. Dance with your darkness, be your favorite character, let your alter ego out to play!

This Halloween join us for another glorious evening of costumes, dance, ritual, performance, and other ghoulish delights. This will be our 10th year in a row offering a special community gathering during the time when the veils between the worlds are thinnest.
As always, we create a unique blend of sacredness and ceremony combined with play and celebration. We will have a Dance with the Ancestors ritual as well as an opening and closing invocation.

Your DJ and host will be Daniel Mollner with special “prayerformances” by local artists.

SCHEDULE (subject to change anytime)7:00pm Doors Open7:15pm Ritual Invocation7:30pm Dance Journey and Prayerformance9:30pm Shamanic Sound Séance10:00pm Closing Circle

Costumes highly encouraged! Take this opportunity to dress as your alter ego, let your monstrous side out, and/or become your favorite character. We will have a fun, playful costume “contest” with prizes.

​$25 Early Bat (before 10/10)
$30 Advance Online (ends 10/30)
$40 Day of Online (or at the door if available)
Only 60 tickets will be sold so grab advance tickets now. This event is for ages 18 and up and is absolutely drug and alcohol free.

Watch the Sea Witches Capitola Wharf
2025-10-31 10:00 - 12:00 | Capitola Wharf, Capitola
Watch the Sea Witches from Capitola Wharf
October 31, 10am – 12 pm
Capitola Wharf: Watch the Sea Witches

Every year on Halloween, dozens of women dress up as witches and glide along Monterey Bay on stand-up-paddleboards.
In silhouette, their paddles look like brooms as they magically glide along the water.
Head out to the Capitola Beach and Wharf to enjoy a crisp fall morning and start your Halloween right!
Free

Dog Halloween Costume Contest Abbott Square
2025-10-31 17:00 | Abbott SquareMarket, 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Dog Halloween Costume Contest

Friday, October 31, 5pm
It’s your Fur Baby’s time to shine!!
Sign up your dog to model their costume on the Abbott Square stage during the Halloween Dog Costume Contest.
Prizes for best costumes.
Check back for more details as the date gets closer.

Downtown Trick or Treat Boulder Creek
2025-10-31 17:00 - 19:00 | Boulder Creek Downtown, Boulder Creek, CA, 95018, United States
Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat

Friday, October 31, 5 – 7pm
Bring down the ghouls and goblins to trick or treat our Downtown Merchants this Halloween from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, stick around and enjoy devilish activities at the Boulder Creek Recreation Hall (behind the Firehouse)!

Put on your silliest, scariest or wackiest costume and join the Boulder Creek Downtown Trick or Treat on Halloween!
Go by the Business Association table in front of the Sheriff Substation – you might find a surprise!

Halloween Dance Party at MAH
2025-10-31 17:00 - 20:00 | Santa Cruz Musueum of Art and History (MAH, 705 Front St., Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Halloween Dance Party at MAH
Friday, October 31, 5-8pm
From 5pm-8pm, DJ Big Fun will be spinning all-spooky, all Halloween vinyl for a festive Samhain dance-party.
FREE in the MAH’s Atrium. Come dressed to impress and ready to dance!!
Drinks available for purchase at Front & Cooper.
https://www.santacruzmah.org/events/halloween-dance-2025/2025/10/31

Witches Ball Brookdale Lodge
2025-10-31 19:00 - 23:30 | Brookdale Lodge, 11570 Hwy 9, Brookdale, CA, 95007, United States
Witches Ball Brookdale Lodge
Saturday, October 25, 7-11:30pm
Enjoy a magical night of enchantment at the Brookdale Lodge.
Get ready to dance under the moonlight, mingle with fellow witches, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and of course you never know when you might see Marilyn Monroe (it could happen), and enjoy mystical cocktails.
Welcome to the Witches Ball 2025! Join us for a magical night of enchantment at the Witches Ball at the Brookdale Lodge.
Get ready to dance under the moonlight, mingle with fellow witches, werewolves, vampires, zombies, and of course you never know when you might see Marilyn Monroe (it could happen), and enjoy mystical cocktails. Don’t forget to wear your most bewitching outfit for a chance to win our costume contest.
The night will be filled with spellbinding surprises and wicked fun. Grab your broomstick and mark your calendar for this spooktacular event!
This is a 21 and up event!
Don’t forget to wear your most bewitching outfit.
Tickets: $39.19 – $44.52

If you want to stay overnight, the lodge does sell out quick so make your reservations soon. Call 831-609-6010 and tell them you want a room and are attending the Witches Ball.

Will there be midnight pancakes this year: Yes!!! Mario Ibbara has taken over ownership of the Cafe. He is thrilled to be able to offer guests the special treat of opening the cafe at midnight so you can order breakfast. FYI pancakes are not included in the picket price.

Who is the band this year? Unfinished Business is the band this year. We are thrilled to have them. They will surely rock the roof off the place. Lauri Lyon on lead, Paul Wilson on Guitar, Sue Marvin on keyboard, DeSilva on bass and Keith Graves on drums. ( of course we have graves on drums at the Witches Ball)

Day of the Dead with Senderos
2025-11-01 16:00 - 19:00 | Branciforte Middle School, 315 Poplar Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95062, United States
Day of the Dead with Senderos

Saturday, November 1, 4-7 pm
Don’t miss this wonderful Day of the Dead event at Branciforte High School – Saturday, November 1st from 4-7 pm! Come out for food, dancing, music, and community!Join us for a beautiful celebration of life, memory, and culture!

Enjoy music, dancing, and delicious food as we honor our loved ones who have departed and share this vibrant tradition with our community.

Bring a photo or memory to add to the community offering and let’s celebrate together.

Watsonville Taiko's Holiday Boutique
2025-11-02 12:00 - 16:00 | Watsonville Taiko Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St, Watsonville, CA, 95076
Watsonville Taiko’s Holiday Boutique
Sunday, November 2, 12-4pm

Get a head start on your holiday shopping at Watsonville Taiko’s Holiday Boutique, Sunday Nov 2, noon to 4 pm. Shop for creative holiday gift baskets, handmade arts and crafts by local artists, gift certificates for local businesses, succulents, delicious snacks, and much more. Some items are one-of-a-kind, so shop early for best selection. Location: Kizuka Hall, 150 Blackburn St, Watsonville. More info: email info@watsonvilletaiko.org. You won’t want to miss it!

More info here

Spread Holiday Cheer with Watsonville Fire’s Annual Toy & Gift Drive
2025-11-06 08:00 - 17:00 | Watsonville Fire Adminstration, 372 Airport Boulevard, Watsonville, CA
Spread Holiday Cheer with Watsonville Fire’s Annual Toy & Gift Drive
November 7 through Tuesday, December 16
Our annual Watsonville Fire holiday tradition is back, and our crews couldn’t be happier to kick it off!
In partnership with the Watsonville Salvation Army, we’re collecting new toys for kids and gift cards for teens now through Tuesday, December 16. This year, more than 400 local families need a little extra holiday cheer.
Drop off your donations at our Fire Administration Office, located at 372 Airport Boulevard, Monday through Friday, 8am–5pm, or call 831-768-3200 to schedule another time.
Donations may also be dropped off next door at Fire Station 2, located at 370 Airport Boulevard.
Can’t donate a toy? The Red Kettle Campaign starts Saturday, November 15, at Nob Hill and Grocery Outlet.
Help us spread some smiles and make the holidays brighter for our community!

Annie Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop
2025-11-07 13:00 - 14:30 | Annie Glass, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Annie Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop
Saturday, November 7, 1 – 2:30 pm
Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day!

Get a head start on your gift shopping this year with four handmade ornaments and a unique, unforgettable experience!
Craft four frosted glass ornaments in festive holiday shapes, hand-decorated with luxurious gold and silver accents.
We’ll provide the glass, design stencils, and metallic pens; you bring your creativity. Each ornament is yours to take home the same day, perfect for gifting or adding a handmade touch to your tree.
You’ll also receive 10% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event.
Please note: This workshop is not suitable for children under 10. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. No printed receipt is needed—we’ll have your name on our list when you arrive.

Register

Annieglass Inc, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, United States

Volunteers Needed at Hopes Closet
2025-11-15 10:00 - 17:00, 2025-11-22 10:00 - 17:00 | Hopes Closet of Santa Cruz, 2555-2557 Soquel Dr, Santa Cruz, CA, 95065, United States
Volunteers Needed at Hopes Closet
November 15 and going forward
Do you enjoy serving the community? Do you find joy in a role that is deeply rewarding and makes a difference in the lives of others? Join our committed volunteer team at Hopes Closet, Santa Cruz!
At Hopes Closet, we create “Bundles of Hope” for each child in a family that is struggling to make ends meet. Each child receives enough clothing, socks and underwear to last them a full week. Their bundle of joy also includes a toy, a backpack, an art kit and quality books to read.
We need caring English and Spanish-speaking volunteers to make the bundles, to communicate with clients, to clean and repair toys, to fold clothes and sort books. Could this be you?
Volunteer Today! https://hopesclosetsc.org/volunteer/
Hopes Closet Store is open Tuesday-Friday, 10am-5pm, Saturday 11am-pm
Hopes Closet Donation Center is open Tuesday-Friday 10am-2pm and Saturday 11am-3pm.
Hopes Closet Bundles Pickup is open Monday-Friday 10am-4pm. Please go to the back door and ring the bell.
DONATION CENTER – Donation Center Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 2 pm and Saturdays 11 am – 3 pm!
To donate, simply bring in the gently used clothes, shoes, toys and baby/toddler gear that your little ones and kids have recently outgrown and when you do, join our Loyalty Donation Program.
Hopes Closet Donation Center, Store and Services are located at
2555-2557 Soquel Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95065
Shop (831) 462-6700 | Services (831) 566-1731
info@HopesClosetsc.com

Seasonal Wreath Making Class With Jess
2025-11-15 10:30 - 11:00 | Mountain Feed & Farm Supply
Seasonal Wreath Making Class With Jess
Saturday, November 15, 10am-1pm

Join us for a Seasonal Wreath Making Class with Jess Tunis, where you’ll create a one-of-a-kind seasonal masterpiece including dried flowers, and foraged accents. We anticipate a morning of fragrant materials, artistic visions, and good times all around.

The wreath, with its circular shape, is said to represent eternity, as it is without beginning or end, like the circle of life itself. The evergreens from which it is most often crafted symbolize growth and everlasting life. It’s no wonder that we choose them, again and again, to hang on our doors, or anchor our laden tables at a time of year that calls us to remember tradition and the larger circles of seasons. The Santa Cruz mountains contain an abundance of materials from which to craft a beautiful seasonal wreath, from wild-crafted evergreen boughs, fern fronds, lichen, and branches, to the bounty of yards and gardens closer afield.
Join us for a Seasonal Wreath Making Class with Jess Tunis, where you’ll create a one-of-a-kind seasonal masterpiece including dried flowers, and foraged accents. We anticipate a morning of fragrant materials, artistic visions, and good times all around.Class Fee includes materials for base, wire, materials and a limited quantity of dried flowers, lichen, berries, et cetera for accent. Participants, please bring a sturdy pair of scissors/pruners and gardening gloves if possible, all other materials are provided.$55.00
Register Here

Tea, Coffeee, Chai & water will be provided.

We are looking forward to seeing you there!

Annie Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop
2025-11-15 11:00 - 12:30 | Annie Glass, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, CA, 95076, United States
Annie Glass Holiday Ornament Workshop
Saturday, November 15, 11am – 12:30 pm
Decorate 4 frosted glass holiday-shaped ornaments with gold & silver decorations. Take them home with you that day!

Get a head start on your gift shopping this year with four handmade ornaments and a unique, unforgettable experience!
Craft four frosted glass ornaments in festive holiday shapes, hand-decorated with luxurious gold and silver accents.
We’ll provide the glass, design stencils, and metallic pens; you bring your creativity. Each ornament is yours to take home the same day, perfect for gifting or adding a handmade touch to your tree.
You’ll also receive 10% off Annieglass first-quality pieces on the day of the event.
Please note: This workshop is not suitable for children under 10. Cancellations must be made at least 48 hours in advance for a full refund. No printed receipt is needed—we’ll have your name on our list when you arrive.

Register

Annieglass Inc, 310 Harvest Drive, Watsonville, United States

Ice Skating by the Bay
2025-11-21 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-22 11:00 - 22:00, 2025-11-23 11:00 - 22:00 | Custom House Plaza, 20 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Ice Skating by the Bay
November 21 – January 4
Join us for ice skating by the bay.
Located in the Custom House Plaza, behind the Portola Hotel and Spa
Every year from mid November through the New Year, Custom House Plaza, behind Portola Hotel and Spa, transforms into a magical winter wonderland with Ice Skating by the Bay.
Our beautiful outdoor rink overlooking Monterey Bay brings the magic of the holidays to life.
This season we ‘re open from November 21, 2025 until January 4, 2026.
BOOK NOW

REGULAR HOURS: Monday thru Saturday | 11am to 10pm (with the exception of the below dates)
Sundays and Holidays | 12pm to 8pm (Including Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, New Year’s Day)
ADJUSTED HOURS: December 1-4 & 8-11 (Monday – Thursday): 1:00pm to 10:00pm

Admission:

Adults: $15
Children 12 and under: $13 (must be accompanied by adult)
Season Pass: $225 for the entire season.
Skate Rental: $5

Cinderella 2025
2025-11-21 19:00 | Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St, Santa Cruz County, CA, 95060, United States
Cinderella 2025
Friday, November 21, 7:00pm, doors open at 6:00pm Step into the magical world of Cinderella, live on stage! The beloved fairy tale comes to life in a spectacular Broadway-style production that delights all ages, blending humor, romance, and the timeless majesty of classical ballet.World Ballet Company’s Cinderella features a dazzling cast of 40 international dancers, over 150 radiant hand-sewn costumes, exquisite hand-crafted sets, and enchanting choreography by Marina Kesler. From the mischievous evil stepsisters to the breathtaking ballroom scenes, every moment is filled with charm, wonder and everything you’ve loved about this story for years.Join us for an unforgettable journey of magic, beauty, and the promise of “happily ever after.” But remember, when the clock strikes midnight, everything will change…*About the Company: Based in Los Angeles, and led by Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick, the World Ballet Company presents the most beloved and iconic ballets of our time in cities nationwide. Driven by the belief that ballet is for everyone, performances appeal to newcomers and seasoned ballet goers alike. The company attracts many international artists and comprises renowned professional dancers representing over ten countries.Music by Johann Strauss II | The “Time” theme composed by Anna Drubich.
Tickets: https://santacruztickets.com/Online/default.asp
World Ballet Company – Ballet Everywhere, Ballet For All. https://worldballetcompany.com

Turkey Trot 2025
2025-11-22 07:30 - 10:30 | Turkey Trot 2024, 2300 Delaware Ave, Santa Cruz, CA, 95060
Turkey Trot 2025
Saturday, November 22, 7:30- 10:30am
Kids 1K 7:45am; 5K 9am; 10K 8:45am

Registration ends November 21. Register

Flat, fast out and back courses that begin & end at the back entrance of Natural Bridges State Park. A run with spectacular ocean views!
Join our 10k, 5k, and kids 1k Turkey Trot.
Signature Santa Cruz Track Club finisher socks for all 5k and 10k finishers.
*Note do to the West Cliff Construction the 10k course will be modified from previous year’s, this year to accommodate it will do two laps of the 5k.
Prizes for top three overall.
Race day registration is available starting at 7:00 on race day morning. Race headquarters will be at the intersection of Natural Bridges Drive and Delaware Ave.

If you have any questions about this race, please contact the race director at santacruztrackclub@gmail.com

UCSC Arboretum Gift & Wreath Sale Fundraiser
2025-11-22 10:00 - 16:00 | UCSC Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 120 Arboretum Rd., Santa Cruz, CA, 95064, United States
UCSC Arboretum Gift & Wreath Sale Fundraiser
Saturday, November 22, 10am-4pm
Join us for our gift and wreath sale fundraiser made from succulents and dried flowers.
Arboretum artists have been busy for months creating stunning succulent and dried flower wreaths and works of art for this enchanting Arboretum fundraiser. This is the only collection you will find that draws from the Arboretum’s rare and extraordinary collection of amazing plants!
These items make the perfect gifts and decorations that will last throughout the holidays. In addition to beautiful wreaths and fantastic centerpieces made from Arboretum blossoms and foliage, offerings will include succulent and tillandsia driftwood pieces and terrariums; stunning items created by local artisan woodworkers, dish gardens of all sizes, and more!
