Downtown Paso Robles and Atascadero come alive for Halloween weekend

By Camille DeVaul · Fri Nov 07 2025

Families flocked to safe, festive celebrations filled with costumes, candy, and community activities across North County

NORTH COUNTY — Halloween brought a festive spirit to Paso Robles and Atascadero over the weekend, as families flocked to each city's downtown for a variety of community events. Paso Robles hosted its annual Safe and Fun Halloween, presented by the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association, while Atascadero expanded its Trick or Treat Downtown celebration to include the entire downtown area. Both events offered safe, family-friendly environments filled with costumes, candy, and seasonal entertainment for all ages.

Paso Robles was alive with Halloween excitement on Friday, Oct. 31, as families flocked to Downtown for the annual Safe and Fun Halloween event, presented by the Downtown Paso Robles Main Street Association. The combination of crisp, warm weather and a Friday night created the perfect atmosphere for a night of festive fun.

Downtown merchants lined the streets, ready with generous bowls of candy for the eager trick-or-treaters, while the heart of the celebration centered around the park, where the Downtown Witches posed for photos near the Holiday House. The event offered a safe, family-friendly environment for children and adults alike to enjoy the Halloween spirit.

Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP

Among the crowd was resident Stephen Taylor, dressed as Egon Spengler from "Ghostbusters," sporting a costume that blended both homemade and store-bought elements.

"I used to do haunted houses, and now that I'm older and retired, I like to get as movie accurate as I can [with my costumes]," said Taylor. "Walk around, get the kids a thrill, so [I] bring the Halloween to them."

The Halloween fun continued in Downtown Atascadero for the city’s annual Trick or Treat Downtown and other Halloween celebrations throughout the weekend. The Trick or Treat Downtown event also offered safe, family-friendly activities for children of all ages, from hay bale mazes to costume contests and live music. This year, it was extended to include all of Downtown Atascadero rather than condensed to just Entrada Avenue.

"My family and I had such a good time at Atascadero’s downtown trunk or treat," shared resident Tess Davis Cheek. "It was my first time attending. I felt like I had stepped into a scene from the movie 'Hocus Pocus' — where there are swarms of trick-or-treaters of all ages in all sorts of bright and elaborate costumes. Honestly, my 10-year-old self’s dream come true … I love Atascadero."

The celebration was part of a larger lineup of Halloween events across the city. Earlier in the week, the Atascadero Farmers Market transformed into a festive gathering, featuring live music and magic by Andy Morris, pumpkin decorating, and trick-or-treating at market vendor booths.

Downtown shops hosted a variety of activities during Friday night’s trick-or-treating, including a Costume Contest at Gatherings Thrift, DJ and costume events at Poisoned Apple and Ancient Owl, and a Hay Bale Maze off Entrada. Local businesses also offered specials and discounts for attendees dressed in orange and grey, tying in with Atascadero High School's pre- and post-game promotions.

The weekend’s festivities continued with the Día de los Muertos event at the Central Coast Zoo on Saturday, Nov. 1, featuring cultural crafts, exhibits, and themed activities, giving families another opportunity to celebrate life and community traditions.

From Downtown Paso Robles’ holiday displays and costumed characters to Atascadero’s trunk-or-treating, costume contests, and cultural events at the Central Coast Zoo, families enjoyed a safe and memorable celebration.

Feature Image: Attendees of all ages go to show off their creative costumes during the Safe and Fun Halloween event in Downtown Paso Robles, one of multiple Halloween weekend events in the North County. Photos by Camille DeVaul/PRP