Dana Point Times
Looking for some family-friendly Halloween fun? Here is a sampling of events going on in and around Dana Point.
Friday, October 23
Halloween Spooktacular & Moonlight Movie
3 p.m.-9 p.m. The city of Dana Point hosts its annual family-friendly Halloween event with carnival games, crafts, cookie decorating, marionette show, storytime, a costume parade and a screening of the animated film, ParaNorman. Admission is free and complimentary popcorn, treats and hot chocolate will be served. Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point, 949.248.3530, www.danapoint.org.
Friday, October 23
Boo Cruise
5 p.m.-7 p.m. Wear your Halloween costume on this 20-minute haunted harbor cruise. Trips depart every 20 minutes. $5 per person, kids 1 and under are free. A costume contest on every cruise. Dana Wharf Sportfishing and Whale Watching, 34675 Golden Lantern, Dana Point, 949.496.5794, www.danawharf.com.
Ghost & Legends Tours
7 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Get in the Halloween spirit by joining San Juan Capistrano Historical Society tour guides on a spooky walking tour of Los Rios Street, the oldest residential neighborhood in California. Guests are encouraged to arrive early to sign in and enjoy refreshments. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for kids. Reservations are required and should be made as tours fill up quickly. 31831 Los Rios Street, 949.493.8444, www.sjchistoricalsociety.com.
Saturday, October 24
Spooky Seas
11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Spooky Seas Animal Presentations with live animals. Special guests include spooky spiders and slithering snakes. Visit the Ecology Center Lab to build a vampire squid rocket. Cost is included in regular admission price. Weekend hours 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7.50 for seniors and children ages 3-12. Members and children under 2 are free. Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, 949.496.2274, www.ocean-institute.org.
Doheny Halloween Haunt
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The annual Halloween time event includes carnival games, a spooky walk, face painting, crafts and educational booths. Free admission with one can of food per person. The Doheny Boneyard Café will have food for purchase. Doheny State Beach, picnic areas A and B, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, www.dohenystatebeach.org.
Sunday, October 25
Woofstock: People and Paws for Our State Parks
Noon-4 p.m. The San Onofre Parks Foundation, Pet Project Foundation, in partnership with California State Parks, present a family-friendly Halloween-themed fundraising event for the state parks. Woofstock will include a dog and owner costume contest and parade, photo spot, raffles, animal rescue groups, free face painting, “Ask the Trainer,” demonstrations, pet product vendors, goodie bags, food and live entertainment. Tickets are $20 per family online, o $25 at the door. San Clemente State Beach Campground, 225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, www.2015woofstock.eventbrite.com.
Wednesday, October 28
Pumpkin Carving Contest
6 p.m. Carving begins at 6 p.m., Working Cowboys play at 7 p.m. and judging begins at 8 p.m. First 10 contestants get a pumpkin and tools to carve with. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
Thursday, October 29
Yappy Howl-O-Ween
4 p.m.-7 p.m. Canines and their companions are invited for tricks and treats in celebration of Howl-O-Ween. This seasonal Yappy Hour is a chance for pups to strut their stuff in a costume contest with prizes for: scariest, funniest, most glamorous and best in show. Costume contest entry is $10. Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, 1 Ritz Carlton Drive, Dana Point, www.ritz-carlton.com.
Friday, October 30
Kids Art Night
6 p.m.-9 p.m. The Arts Project of Orange County hosts an evening of art, movies and fun for kids. The event includes a screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas and painting a canvas of the famous moon scene from the movie with Jack Skellington and Sally. Open to ages 5 and older. Registration is $35 per child with a sibling discount. 1317 Calle Avanzado, San Clemente, 949.276.2787, www.theartsprojectoc.com.
Saturday, October 31
Dia de los Muertos
Noon-3 p.m. Enjoy a celebration of life and family at the San Juan Capistrano Library’s annual Day of the Dead event with children’s crafts and artwork. Admission is free.San Juan Capistrano Library, 31495 El Camino Real, 949.493.1752, www.ocpl.org/libloc/sjc.
Halloween Spooktacular at The Swallow’s Inn
2:30 p.m. Flock of 80’s performs until 6:30 p.m., followed by Three Chord Justice at 8:30 p.m. A Halloween costume contest begins at 9:30 p.m. with prizes for first, second and third place, as well as best couple. The Swallow’s Inn, 31786 Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, 949.493.3188, www.swallowsinn.com.
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