Family Halloween Fun Begins In Santa Cruz: Wharf, Festival, Trick-Or-Treat, More

SANTA CRUZ, CA — The city of Santa Cruz has organized a slew of family-friendly Halloween events that kick off this week.

The city is planning to triple fines for municipal code violations such as blocking traffic, public intoxication and littering, and all available officers will be on duty from 5 p.m. Oct. 29 to 7 a.m. Nov. 1.

From the annual Halloween Festival to a downtown trick-or-treating event at local businesses, here's a roundup of events to look forward to.

13 Days Of Halloween (Oct. 19 to 31)

Tuesday marks the start of 13 Days of Halloween at the Santa Cruz Wharf. The event culminates with a Trick-o-Treating event from 3 to 6 p.m. on Halloween, but until then, you can try your hand at the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap selfies at the photo booth and get great deals at the wharf, according to the city.

Creepy Carnival At Louden Nelson (Oct. 23)

Count on a kid-friendly Big Top performance at 2 p.m. and a free mask-making event from noon to 4 p.m. at Laurel Park. Admission is free from noon to 4 p.m., and an extra-spooky Big Top performance ($5 tickets) will take place from 6 to 8 p.m., according to the city.

Costume Family Roller Party (Oct. 28)

Grab your rollerblades, skateboards, skates and scooters to the free roller party from 4 to 8 p.m., courtesy of the downtown association. The event will be held on the parking lot roof deck at the intersection of Walnut Avenue, and Cedar and Church Streets, according to the city.

Halloween Horrors Film Competition Screening (Oct. 29)

Voting closes Wednesday for the city's horror film competition. The time and location of the screening was not available Monday.

Downtown Trick-Or-Treat (Oct. 31)

Trick-or-treat at downtown Santa Cruz businesses from 2 to 5 p.m. on Halloween. Pacific Avenue will remain open to cars this year to limit crowds, the city said.