As the leaves start to change colors and the temperatures cool, harvest festivals and Halloween activities abound. While there are many events around the country happening this month related to Halloween, here are our top picks in the North County and beyond.
Cambria Scarecrow Festival
Every October, the scarecrows come out in Cambria. The festival runs from Oct. 1 through Oct. 31. Local artisans construct scarecrows and display them around the town. For more information, visit CambriasSarecrows.com.
The Haunt in Atascadero
A moderately scary haunted house will open at 5805 El Camino Real on Friday, Oct. 5 and will continue on Fridays and Saturdays in October, and starting on Sundays on Oct. 21 and daily from Friday, Oct. 26 through Wednesday, Oct. 31. There will also be lights on tour for children. For hours each day or to purchase tickets, go to TheHauntInAtascadero.com.
Nightmare on Main Street
For the sixth year, the Templeton Recreation Foundation will host its annual haunted house, Nightmare on Main Street, at 99 South Main St. in a historic home. The haunted house has both inside and outside sections with many surprises with sound and visual effects. To make the haunted house fun for people who return year after year, the haunted house’s featured are changed, save for a few exceptions. Because of the scary nature of the haunted house, it is not recommended for children under 10 years of age. The haunted house is open Fridays and Saturday in October from 7 to 10 p.m. and Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 and Tuesday, Oct. 30 and Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 7 to 11 p.m. There will also be lights on tours on Saturdays, Oct. 20 and 27 from 5 to 6 p.m. For more information, call 805-235-7593 or go to NightmareOnMain.com.
Halloween Fun at SLO Farmers Market
Trick-or-Treat in participating downtown San Luis Obispo businesses from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 25. Maps and treat bags available at the Union Bank parking lot at Higuera Street and Osos Street. A costume contest will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Get creative and compete for prizes. Age groups are 0-2 years, 3-4 years, 5-8 years, and 9-12, as well as pairs and groups, which can include older children, pets, and parents. Sign-up begins at 5 p.m. at the Union Bank parking lot at Higuera and Osos streets. For more information, go to DowntownSLO.com.
Haunted Caves at Eberle Winery
The 17,000 square feet of underground caves at Eberle Winery are turned into a frightening delight recommended for trick-or-treaters 8 years old and older at the winery’s annual Haunted Caves on Friday, Oct. 26 and Saturday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. For more info, go to EberleWinery.com.
Zoo Boo at Charles Paddock Zoo
Charles Paddock Zoo will host its annual Zoo Boo on Saturday, Oct. 27 from to 5 to 8:30 p.m. There will be carnival games, Halloween activities, haunted house and tricks and treats. Admission is $10 for general admission or $9 for zoo members. Children 2 and under are free. Go green by bringing your own trick or treat bag. For more information, go to VisitAtascadero.com.
Halloween at the Market, Atascadero
Head down to Atascadero Farmers Market in Sunken Gardens for a Trick or Treating event on Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 6 p.m. There will be trick or treating from local nonprofits and businesses, bounce houses, food and more. For more information, go to AtascaderoChamber.org.
