As autumn settles over North San Diego County, the region gears up for Halloween and Dia de los Muertos celebrations, from haunted houses and safe trick-or-treating to costume contests and celebrations in honor of loved ones, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Mark your calendars and embrace the spirit of this part of autumn in a family-friendly atmosphere.
Click the links embedded in this story’s text for more information about the events covered. Information for this month’s Spotlight is provided by organizations and individuals in the communities covered by the North Coast Current and OsideNews.
Encinitas
Oct. 18-27: Haunted Ghost Town — The Heritage Ranch and Ovation Theatre present their annual family-friendly guided tour of the ghost town Bitter Gulch, set among restored historic buildings and featuring an all-volunteer cast spanning multiple generations. Visitors can also enjoy snacks and refreshments available for purchase from San Dieguito Academy High School’s Culinary Arts Class, professional magicians from the International Brotherhood of Magicians, photo opportunities and The Haunted Ghost Town’s Fun Zone. More information is available at hauntedtown.org.
Oct. 27: Dia de los Muertos — A Dia de los Muertos celebration, held at the MiraCosta College San Elijo campus in Cardiff, brings local and regional talent to highlight the visual and performing arts related to this significant Mexican cultural event. From noon to 4 p.m., Visitors can experience a variety of artist workshops and demonstrations, student exhibitions, live Mariachi music and other performances while having an opportunity to participate in a Community Ofrenda, which is a recognition of family and friends. The MiraCosta campus is located at 3333 Manchester Ave. More information is available at the Encinitas Friends of the Arts event page.
Oct. 31: Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat — The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association brings downtown businesses together for its annual event designed to provide a safe and enjoyable Halloween experience for families. Stretching along historic South Coast Highway 101 from 5:30 to 8 p.m., the event is a collaboration involving local businesses, community organizations and residents who come together to create a festive atmosphere. The emphasis is on offering a secure alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. Find out more at encinitas101.com/encinitas-safe-trick-or-treat.
Carlsbad
Oct. 26: Halloween Spooktacular at The Forum — The Forum Carlsbad invites families to celebrate its Halloween Spooktacular from 2 to 6 p.m. with an afternoon of fun with trick-or-treating, creepy characters, live music, carnival games and more. Visitors are invited to don their best Halloween costumes and visit participating retailers and restaurants for trick-or-treating. Guests can also head to The Garden Area for live music and spooky carnival games. Children will receive a complimentary Halloween tote bag for collecting treats while supplies last. Totes will be distributed in The Garden Area, one per child. More information is available at The Forum’s event page.
Oceanside
Oct. 25: Monster Mash Wellness Bash — TrueCare hosts its free Monster Mash Wellness Bash, a Halloween celebration and health fair in partnership with California State University San Marcos Mobile Wellness Initiative, city of Oceanside Housing & Neighborhood Services, Oceanside Unified School District and Oceanside Police Department, from 4 to 7 p.m. at John Landes Community Center, 2855 Cedar Road. Children can participate in a variety of activities, including a costume contest, face painting, an interactive Boo Mobile experience and spooky snacks. Teams from Mission Mesa Pediatrics, Oceanside Dental, Women’s Health and WIC will also host special crafts, giveaways and prizes. More information is available at TrueCar’s event page.
Oct. 26: Halloween Spooktacular Trunk or Treat — The Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department brings back its Halloween Spooktacular: Trunk or Treat to Mance Buchanon Park. Trunk hosts decorate their vehicles and pass out candy at the free community event. Trunk or Treat runs 2-5 p.m. Trunk hosts will be in the lot from 12:30 to 6 p.m., and there are no early exits. More information and rules are available at a city’s event page.
Oct. 27: Dia de los Muertos Festival — Friends of Oceanside brings its annual celebration of life, lowrider and classic car culture and festivities to the corner of Pier View Way and South Tremont Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The free family event includes entertainment, a catrin/catrina contest, vendors, food, Danza, crafts for kids, music and art. Public parking is limited, so organizers recommend using public transportation. More information is available at friendsofoceansidediadelosmuertos.org.
Oct. 31: Haunted Market — MainStreet Oceanside’s Sunset Market transforms into the Haunted Market for a night of frightful family-friendly fun along Pier View Way on Halloween from 5 to 9 p.m. Event highlights include Kids Trick-or-Treat (under 12 years old) at 5 p.m., a Haunted Market Costume Parade at 6 p.m. and an Evil Laugh and Blood-Curdling Scream Contest at 8 p.m. The Haunted Market will feature a live DJ, vendor costume contests, and a variety of food and retail vendors. Find out more at mainstreetoceanside.com.
Vista
Oct. 25-26: Fright Night — Families can enjoy a weekend of trick-or-treating, a haunted house and costume contest, among other activities, at Discover Vista’s Fright Night. The event, which has separate events each night, includes a haunted house at the Avo Playhouse, spooky tractor rides and trick-or-treating on Main Street. On Saturday, performer Cassie B’s Monster Mash will be held 8-9:30 p.m. at the Avo Playhouse. Friday’s events run 5-9 p.m. Find out more at discovervista.com.
Submit events for publication to the North Coast Current and OsideNews at currentevents[at]northcoastcurrent.com.