This year, Halloween night falls on a Tuesday. But you do not have to wait until then to enjoy the holiday. In fact, several places around Ventura offer up some Halloween fun the weekend before. Try one of these family-friendly events for a scary good time.
Halloween Fun in Ventura 2023
Witches Paddle
First up for the weekend? The Witches Paddle. Calling all witches and warlocks. Dress up in your witchy best, grab your board or kayak and head to the Ventura Harbor. Everyone gathers for a fun group photo at 3:30 pm on Friday, October 27th, at the Coastal Cone. Then, starting at 4 pm, paddle out around the harbor. If you want to join in but don’t own a board or a kayak, Ventura Boat Rentals offers some for rent. Launch from either the Harbor Cove Beach, the public launch ramp in Ventura Harbor, or from Dock C at the Village. The event lasts for approximately 90 minutes. It’s just meant to be a fun time out on the water.
Howl-O-Ween
On Saturday, October 28th, let your pooches loose at the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest on the Village Main Lawn at Ventura Harbor Village. Judging starts at noon. But they only have enough room for 75 entries. So, that means you need to sign your pup up as soon as possible. Registration opens at 11 am on October 20th. Check back in with the Ventura Harbor Village website as it gets closer to registration time for the correct link to use to enter your furry friend. It costs nothing to participate and each contestant goes home with some sweet swag.
Downtown Ventura Costume Contest & Trick-or-Treating
After you pup delights the judges with their costumes, show off yours at the Downtown Ventura Costume Contest. From 3 pm to 7 pm, Downtown Main Street fills up with Halloween lovers of all ages. The costume contest takes place on the Main Street Stage at 3 pm. Then, visit any of the downtown area businesses for some trick-or-treating at 4 pm. This event is provided free of charge to the public.
Haunted Housing 5K Run/Walk
On Sunday, October 29th, enjoy even more Halloween fun. Start your day off with a fun run/walk at the San Buenaventura State Beach Park. For the non-metric-minded, 5k equals approximately 3.1 miles. Take it at your own pace. Dress up in your favorite Halloween costumes. Help raise money for the Housing Authority of San Buenaventura Scholarship Program. It costs just $40 per person. You must sign up no later than October 28th to participate. Good luck!
Seaside Trick-or-Treat
Practice your trick-or-treating skills before the big day at the Seaside Trick-or- Treat event in Ventura Harbor Village. Several businesses will be handing out candy to all the good little ghouls and boils from noon to 2 pm on Sunday, October 29th. Plus, get your face painted or find out something about your future with the on-site fortune teller. Lots of family-friendly fun for the afternoon!
Thriller Zombie Dance
After the Seaside trick-or-treating, head back to the Village’s main lawn for an “undead” performance of Michael Jackson’s classic “Thriller”. This flash mob-style takes place around 2:15 pm. Experience the fun for free as a spectator. Or…join in as one of the zombies. For just $5 per person, Molly at FitZone will show you these sick moves. Simply text her at 805-766-4480 to learn more.
Dave & Pat Zumbrun, your Ventura County real estate specialists
