If you haven’t noticed, Halloween has become a month-long event. I’m not sure how this all got started, or when it actually took pole position over the Easter Bunny, but no one seems to be complaining.
I was sad to see that the Festival of Arts’ Pageant of the Monsters isn’t returning this year, but I think we have plenty of events to keep us busy. May the Monsters return next year after a nice year’s rest in their coffins and lairs.
Here’s a quick recap of what’s going on in and around our berg through next Friday (before the real craziness begins). Check out more details on my Events Calendar here
Thurs, Oct 17 thru Sat, Oct 19, 6:30 – 9:30 p.m.
Haunted Trails
Crown Valley Community Park, Laguna Niguel
For (mature) 8 years old and up, groups of 10 are escorted along haunted trails, castle hallways, haunted tunnels and more. This ain’t no happy picnic, I’ll tell you that. They’ve done a great job of scaring up some scary stuff.
Fri, Oct 18th & Sat, Oct. 19, 6:00 – 900 p.m.
Spooky Seas
Dana Point Ocean Institute
Photo credit: Dana Point Ocean Institute
Clamber on the Brig Pilgrim tall ship with ghost sailors and a haunted adventure at sea. You end the evening in the Mad Scientist lab with hands-on experiments. Suitable for all ages, tickets range from $10 to kid-size at $5.
Sat, Oct 19, 10:00 – 12:30 p.m.
Ruben Flores’ Haunted Garden Walk
Laguna Nursery, 10:00 a.m.
Always a fun and educational walk-about with Ruben Flores, this Saturday’s event heralds the haunted as Ruben and his follow-along troop visit the houses, yards and commercial places here in town that have cited true-to-life hauntings. Frankly, I can’t wait for this one.
Sat, Oct 19, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Doheny Halloween Haunt
Doheny Beach
This annual popular event is certainly family friendly with a Fun Zone, arts and crafts, face painting and plenty of treats. Please bring a non-perishable good for your entry in.
Sun, Oct 20, noon – 4:00 p.m.
Woofstock
Doheny Beach
I covered this extensive doggie event here
Mon, Oct. 21, 7:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Sister’s Halloween Catechism
Laguna Playhouse
The hilarious Sister’s Halloween Catechism is back for one night only at the Laguna Playhouse.
Tues, Oct. 22nd, 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Main Beach
Laguna Beach
Photo credit: Mary Hulrburt
Certainly a can’t-miss event, this is the annual Laguna Beach kids’ Halloween parade, and it’s hilarious. Sponsored by the Laguna Beach Parents Club, I think some parents work an entire year on some of the most creative costumes I’ve seen. The parade begins at Main Beach, tricks-and-treats its way down Forest Avenue, and ends at the Presbyterian Church for live DJ, games and more.
Yappy Howl-O-Ween
Thursday, Oct. 24, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
I’ve covered this famous doggie event and costume parade here
Friday, Oct. 25th, 4:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Halloween Spooktacular
Dana Point Community Center
Another annual event, this combines a carnival atmosphere of games, crafts, costume parade and more with the Dana Point Police also introducing you to their K-9 units, Mounted Patrols, blood hounds and even the bomb squad.
Stay tuned next week for all the BIG parties and events in my next blog entry.