Still Looking for Something to do for Halloween and Día de los Muertos?
If you are on the hunt for something to do this weekend, there’s no shortage of events to make this spooky season memorable.
As we reach the end of October, there’s no better time to figure out holiday plans for Halloween and Día de los Muertos (translated from Spanish to “Day of the Dead”).
But there’s no need to scour the internet because Culture OC has taken care of that for our readers. Whether you’re in the mood for treats, pumpkins or holiday activities, we’ve rounded up a little bit of something for everyone, no matter where you are in Orange County.
PHOTO 1: Pick a pumpkin from an actual pumpkin patch at Tanaka Farms in Irvine. When visitors aren’t picking pumpkins, they can enjoy various activities such as wagon rides, festival games, and arts and crafts, to name a few. Photo courtesy of Tanaka Farms. PHOTO 2: Irvine Park Railroad in Orange offers train rides at one ticket per person, with 12 months or younger free of charge. Photo courtesy of Irvine Park Railroad
Pumpkin Patches
No Halloween season is complete without carving a pumpkin or two, so why not take a trip to the pumpkin patch? Though visitors won’t find the Great Pumpkin King, they will find ripe pumpkins ready to be carved (or painted) for some Halloween arts and crafts.
ANAHEIM and LAGUNA HILLS: Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Farm
When: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday through Sunday
Where: Anaheim Town Square, 2180 E. Lincoln Ave., Anaheim
Second Location: Laguna Hills Mall, 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills
Cost: Free admission Monday through Friday before 4 p.m., free admission all day Halloween, $8 for ages 2-12 and $10 for ages 13 and up
More Info: pumpkincity.com/
BREA: Enchanted Country Pumpkin Patch
When: 4-9 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday; closed Monday through Wednesday
Where: 480 N. State College Blvd., Brea
Cost: $5 for adults, $3 for ages 12 and under, free for kids under three — cash only
COSTA MESA: Tanaka Farms — The Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields
When: Closed weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Hana Field by Tanaka Farms, 427 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa
Cost: $10 per person, free for ages 2 and younger
More Info: tanakafarms.com/hana-field-pumpkin-patch
IRVINE: Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (gates close at 4:30 p.m.) Sunday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (gates close at 7:30 p.m.) Friday and Saturday, closed at 3 p.m. on Halloween
Where: Tanaka Farms, 5380 ¾ University Drive, Irvine
Cost: $20 Monday through Friday morning, $22 Friday starting at noon, Saturdays and Sundays, parking permit required for weekend
More Info: tanakafarms.com/tanaka-farms-pumpkin-patch
ORANGE: Pumpkin Patch at the Irvine Park Railroad
When: Weekdays 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Weekends 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Oct. 31
Where: Irvine Park Railroad, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Cost: Entrance to the pumpkin patch is free; activity tickets $7 each; event parking details
More Info: irvineparkrailroad.com/events/pumpkin-patch/
PLACENTIA: The Pumpkin Patch
When: Through Oct. 29
Where: 300 Yorba Linda Blvd., Placentia
Cost: $2 for adults; children and parking are free
More Info: the-pumpkin-patch.com/
SAN CLEMENTE: ABC Tree Farms Christmas Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch
When: 2-9 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Where: Outlets of San Clemente, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente
Cost: Free admission and parking; activity wristbands available for purchase
More Info: abctreefarms.net/pumpkin-patches/locations/san-clemente/
WESTMINSTER: The Pumpkin Factory at Westminster Mall
When: 5-9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4-10 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday
Where: Westminster Mall, 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster
Cost: Free Monday through Thursday; $5 per person Friday, Saturday and Sunday; ages 2 and younger free admission; free parking
More Info: thepumpkinfactory.com/westminster/
The Power of One Foundation hosts its fourth annual free Trunk or Treat in Costa Mesa where kids collect candy from decorated trunks and enjoy booths with games and activities. PHOTO 1: A decorated trunk. PHOTO 2: Children will show off their costumes during the costume parade following the costume contest at 6 p.m. Photos courtesy of Power of One Foundation
Trunk or Treat/Trick or Treat
Every year communities throughout Orange County set up trick-or-treat (sometimes referred to as trunk or treat) events for parents to bring their little ones. Some trick-or-treat events have costume contests, activities and photo ops as well. Although admission is free, these events are usually held only while supplies last.
While some trick-or-treat events are scheduled for Halloween night, several are scheduled throughout the month or days before Halloween. With Halloween on a Tuesday night this year, these trick-or-treat events are perfect for the kids to have some extra fun before Halloween, while also being able to wear their costumes for more than one night.
BREA: Brea Mall Trick or Treat
When: 4-7 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: Brea Mall, 1065 Brea Mall, Brea
Cost: Free — Check the link for participating stores
More Info: simon.com/mall/brea-mall/stream/trick-or-treat-6228055
BUENA PARK: Cops ‘N’ Goblins
When: 2-6 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: Buena Park Civic Center, 6650 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
Cost: Free
More Info: buenapark.com/city_departments/community_services/cultural___fine_arts/fall_festival.php
COSTA MESA: 4th Annual Trunk or Treat
When: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Ikea Costa Mesa, 1475 S. Coast Drive, Costa Mesa
Cost: Free
More Info: powerofonefoundation.org/boo.html
DANA POINT: Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
When: 2-6 p.m. Oct. 28, kids costume contest at 4 p.m.
Where: Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo St., Dana Point
Cost: Free
More Info: danapoint.org/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/16801/131
LAGUNA BEACH: Preschool Trick or Treat
When: 9-10:30 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: Laguna Beach Community and Susi Q Center, 380 3rd St., Laguna Beach
Cost: Free
MISSION VIEJO: Halloween Trick-or-Treating Fun!
When: 2-5 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: The Shops at Mission Viejo, 555 The Shops At Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo
Cost: Free — Click the link for participating stores
TUSTIN: Emerald CT’s Halloween Howl
When: 3:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: Columbus Tustin Recreation Center, 17522 Beneta Way, Tustin
Cost: Free
More Info: tustinca.org/1181/Halloween-Howl
WESTMINSTER: Halloween Spooktacular/Día de los Muertos
When: 4:30-8 p.m., movie at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 27
Where: Westminster Civic Center, 8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster
Cost: Free
More Info: westminster-ca.gov/Home/Components/News/News/422/
Every year the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana hosts a Mexican Day of the Dead free family festival in the Key Courtyard with art projects, face painting and treats. Aside from the activities, the event features live performances from several dance and music groups throughout the day celebrating Mexican culture. Photos courtesy of Bowers Museum
Día de los Muertos/Day of the Dead
When Halloween ends, Día de los Muertos follows right after, from Nov. 1 to Nov. 2. Día de los Muertos is a holiday originating in Latin America and celebrates life and death. On Nov. 1, the day is known as All Saints Day, Day of the Children or El Día de los Inocentes, with the day being dedicated to deceased children, while Nov. 2 honors deceased adults, sometimes called All Souls Day.
It’s believed that every year on Día de los Muertos, relatives who have passed on are able to cross back into the physical realm where living relatives come together and commemorate the lives of the deceased.
The living create ofrendas (altars), where they honor their deceased loved ones. Ofrendas are typically decorated with the personal belongings of the deceased, as well as their pictures, candles and flowers. Many ofrendas also have offerings such as the departed’s favorite foods and drinks, and calaveras de azucar (sugar skulls).
Some spend Día de los Muertos at home, in the cemetery or out in the streets at community events.
BUENA PARK: 2nd Annual Buena Park Elks Marketplace & Día de Muertos Exhibit
When: Noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Buena Park Elks Lodge, 7212 Melrose St., Buena Park
Cost: Free
More Info: eventbrite.com/e/buena-park-elks-marketplace-dia-de-muertos-exhibit-tickets-678151508417
COSTA MESA: Día de los Muertos Celebration at Hana Field
When: Noon to 6 p.m. Nov. 2 and Nov. 3, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 4
Where: Hana Field by Tanaka Farms, 427 Alton Blvd., Costa Mesa
Cost: $15
More Info:tanakafarms.com/dia-de-los-muertos
COSTA MESA: El Día de los Muertos Performance by Indigenous Mexicano Musician Martin Espino
When: 11 a.m. to noon Oct. 28
Where: Lions Park, 570 W. 18th St., Costa Mesa
Cost: Free
More Info: martinespino.com/event/5209710/649181250/free-11am-el-dia-de-los-muertos-performance-by
CYPRESS: Día de los Muertos 2023
When: Noon to 3 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Forest Lawn, 4471 Lincoln Ave., Cypress
Cost: Free
FULLERTON: Día de los Muertos Festival
When: 4-8:30 p.m., Nov. 2
Where: Fullerton Museum Center, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton
Cost: $10 for adults, $5 for ages 5 to 18, free for members and children under 5
IRVINE: Día de los Muertos 2023
When: 4-8:30 p.m. Nov. 2
Where: Irvine Barclay Theater, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine
Cost: Free
More Info: socialecology.uci.edu/event/dia-de-los-muertos-2023
LAGUNA BEACH: Day of the Dead / Día de los Muertos Celebration
When: Session 1: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Session 2: 3-5 p.m.
Where: Laguna Art Museum, 307 Cliff Drive, Laguna Beach
Cost: $12 for general admission, $9 for students (18 and up), seniors and military
More Info: lagunaartmuseum.org/events/day-of-the-dead/
LOS ALAMITOS: Día de los Muertos
When: 2-9 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: St. Isidore Historical Plaza, 10961 Reagan St., Los Alamitos
Cost: Free
More Info: stisidorehistoricalplaza.org/
MISSION VIEJO: Día de los Muertos Festival
When: 2-7 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Norman P. Murray Community and Senior Center, 24932 Veterans Way, Mission Viejo
Cost: Free
More Info: mvactivities.com/dia-de-los-muertos-fiesta/
SANTA ANA: 9th Annual Viva La Vida Día de los Muertos Festival
SANTA ANA: Mexican Day of the Dead
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 5
Where: Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana
Cost: Free
More Info: bowers.org/index.php/programs/event/3463-mexican-day-of-the-dead
Check for Events at the Local Library
Throughout the year libraries host special events and activities such as Spooky Month for the entire month of October at Orange County public libraries. While we are reaching the end of the month, there is no shortage of events and more can be found at the Spooky Month link.
BREA: Halloween Spooktacular
When: 4 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: Brea Library, 1 Civic Center Circle, Brea
COSTA MESA: Costume Candy Walk
When: 4 p.m. Oct. 31
Where: Mesa Verde Library, 2969 Mesa Verde Dr., Costa Mesa
CYPRESS: Spooky Storytime
When: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: Cypress Library, 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress
FOOTHILL RANCH: Halloween Storytime
When: 10:30 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: Foothill Ranch Library, 27002 Cabriole Way, Foothill Ranch
LAGUNA NIGUEL: Halloween Storytime
When: 11 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: Laguna Niguel Library, 30341 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
LA HABRA: Día de los Muertos Celebration
When: 11 a.m. Oct. 28
Where: La Habra Library, 221 E. La Habra Blvd., La Habra
RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA: Movie Showing “Hocus Pocus”
When: 2 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Rancho Santa Margarita Library, 30902 La Promesa, Rancho Santa Margarita
SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO: Spooktacular Storytime & Parade
When: 10 a.m. Oct. 31
Where: San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, San Juan Capistrano
STANTON: Slime Science Lab
When: 4 p.m. Oct. 30
Where: Stanton Library, 7850 Katella Ave., Stanton
More Halloween Events (festivals, haunts and events)
ANAHEIM: The Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
When: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., parade starts at 7 p.m. Oct. 28
Where: Center Street Promenade, Anaheim
Cost: Free
More Info: anaheimfallfestival.org
GARDEN GROVE: Dark Harvest Haunted Attraction
When: Through Oct. 31
Where: 10201 Garden Grove Blvd., Garden Grove
Cost: Starting at $30; purchase tickets online to reserve a date and time slot
More Info: darkharvesthaunt.com/home-new
LA PALMA: Halloween Carnival 2023
When: 3:30-6 p.m. Oct. 29
Where: Central Park, 7821 Walker St., La Palma
Cost: Free
More Info: cityoflapalma.org/365/Halloween-Carnival
NEWPORT BEACH: Boo at the Bay: Family Halloween Party
When: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Dr., Newport Beach
Cost: Free
More Info: ocparks.com/events/boo-bay-family-halloween-party
