Tonight, thousands of Orange County families will take to the streets for annual Halloween trick-or-treating and celebrations.
Today, public libraries, cities, OC Parks and community centers are offering residents Halloween events and activities – funded by public tax dollars.
Halloween has roots in the Celtic festival of Samhain, an ancient religious holiday where pagans dressed in costume to ward off ghosts. All Saints Day, which designated Nov. 1 as a day to honor saints in the eighth century. As the event began incorporating pagan traditions over time, the evening before Nov. 1, All Hallows Eve, grew into the Halloween celebration
Here are a few noteworthy free events happening today.
Thursday, October 31
“Spooky” Plants Hike
Take a hike in the Red Rock Wilderness and learn about the local ecosystem.
Registration is required.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 13333 Black Star Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Irvine Ranch Conservancy at irvineranchopenspace@ocparks.com or info@irconservancy.org
Halloween at the Library
Celebrate Halloween at the Placentia Library. Go to the Information Desk in costume and receive a game and “goodies.” All ages are welcome to the program, which lasts all day.
When: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 411 E. Chapman Ave., Placentia CA 92870
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 528-1906
Candy Corn Succulent Craft
Children ages 3-12 are invited to work on a Halloween craft at the Buena Park Library. The craft is available while supplies last, anytime during the library’s open hours.
The Buena Park Library will pass out candy from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to trick-or-treaters.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 7150 La Palma Ave., Buena Park CA 90620
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 826-4100 Ext. 125
Spooky Toddler Storytime
Take your toddler to a quick Halloween storytime at the Irvine Heritage Park Library.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 10:20 a.m.
Where: 14361 Yale Ave., Irvine, CA 92604
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 936-4040
Fall Senior Spooktakular
Seniors are welcome to the Fall Senior Spooktacular at the Santa Ana Senior Center or the Southwest Senior Center.
When: 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., both locations
Where: Santa Ana Senior Center, 424 W 3rd Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701 or the Southwest Senior Center, 2201 W. McFadden Ave, Santa Ana, CA 90721
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the Santa Ana Senior Center at (714) 647-6540 or Southwest Senior Center at (714) 647-5306
Monster Storytime
Go to a Monster-themed storytime at the Costa Mesa Donald Dungan Library.
When: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 646-8845
“Monster Mash” Storytime
Take your kids to a Halloween storytime that incorporates music and movement.
When: 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Where: 345 E. Main St., Tustin, CA 92780
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 544-7725
Spooky Family Storytime
Attend a “spooky” family storytime at the Library of the Canyons. A Halloween craft will also be available.
When: 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Where: 7531 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., Silverado, CA 92676
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 649-2216
Halloween Party at the Library
Celebrate Halloween with a party at the El Toro Library. The celebration will have face painting, candy, crafts, balloon animals and coloring while supplies last.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 24672 Raymond Way, Lake Forest, CA 92630
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 855-8173
Boo Bash
Enjoy themed crafts, activities and treats at the Garfield Community Center.
Registration is required.
When: 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Where: 501 N Lacy Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the community center at (714) 571-4288
Movie at the Library
Enjoy a screening of R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps (2015) as a family at the Fountain Valley Library.
When: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 17635 Los Alamos, Fountain Valley, CA 92708
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 962-1324
Surf City Spooktacular
Enjoy trick-or-treating, a parade, a costume contest and other Halloween festivities at the Surf City Spooktacular on Main St. in Downtown Huntington Beach.
When: 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Where: 114 Main St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Cost: Free
For more details, email info@hbdowntown.com
Kids Costume Dance Party
Take the kids to a costume dance party at the Laguna Beach Library before trick-or-treating.
When: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 363 Glenneyre St., Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (949) 497-1733
Costume Candy Walk
Take the kids for a candy walk with music and Halloween treats at the Mesa Verde Library.
When: 4:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: 2969 Mesa Verde Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Cost: Free
For more details, contact the library at (714) 546-5274
Treats & Crafts at the Library
Stop by the Ponderosa Joint-Use Branch Library for a treat and a Halloween craft.
When: 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Where: 240 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, CA 92802
Cost: Free
For more details, contact Guadalupe Gomez, Branch Manager, at (714) 740-0202
If you know of a free public agency event that the Voice of OC should be aware of, send an email to etaylor@voiceofoc.org
For more events, please refer to the Voice of OC Calendar.
