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Writer's pictureKristina M. Garcia

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.


Live performances from dance and music groups are a part of the annual Mexican Day of the Dead festival at the Bowers Museum. Photo courtesy of Bowers Museum
 

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

COSTA MESA: Tanaka Farms — The Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields

IRVINE: Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch

ORANGE: Pumpkin Patch at the Irvine Park Railroad

PLACENTIA: The Pumpkin Patch

SAN CLEMENTE: ABC Tree Farms Christmas Tree Farm & Pumpkin Patch

WESTMINSTER: The Pumpkin Factory at Westminster Mall


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