Is there anything more satisfying than the crunch of a particularly crisp leaf under your shoe? It’s that magical time of year when the leaves are falling and nighttime is getting longer. Ok, we don’t get a huge seasonal shift here in the Bay Area, but there are plenty of activities around Oakland to get you in the Halloween spirit regardless!
Get your creepy supplies
Dulceria La Rosa in Fruitvale is the perfect spot to grab candies for your party or neighborhood trick-or-treaters. You’re sure to find your favorite Mexican candies or a unique new sweet to try with their aisles fully stocked with all kinds of treats. There are plenty of party supplies available here as well.
You can stock up on all the supplies you need to create your altar for Día de los Muertos at Sagrada Sacred Arts in Temescal. This business has been serving the neighborhood for 25 years! They are more than happy to share their wealth of knowledge on all things spiritual, so feel free to ask questions and peruse their unique selection of books and spiritual goods, including crystals, jewelry, and meditation supplies.
Head to the Piedmont Ave Pumpkin Patch to pick out the perfect jack-o-lantern material and other Halloween goodies. They also have two haunted houses for guests to enjoy!
Get in the spooky spirit
Just up the street from the pumpkin patch, you can join the Oakland Sweets Spirits and The Beyond Food Tour. Wander through the Chapel of the Chimes and the Mountain View Cemetery to get your fill of creepy vibes (and delicious treats!) while taking in gorgeous panoramic views of the Bay.
If you prefer your scares in a dark room with a side of popcorn, The New Parkway is the place to go! All month, they’re offering a killer line-up of horror classics like the original Halloween (1978) and Nosferatu (with live accompaniment) culminating in a night of all-horror screenings on the 31st.
Not into scary movies? Get in touch with your creative side and learn a new skill at these bewitching classes around town:
> Mischief (Laurel) – Intro to Tarot on October 25
> Preserved (Temescal) – Autumn Jams & Chutneys on October 27
> Vetiver (Laurel) – Día de los Muertos Altar Making Workshop on October 27
> Raven’s Wing Magical Co (Grand Lake) – Witch Crafting Salon: Pentacle Wreaths on October 29
> Bay-Made (Lakeshore) – Autumnal Botanical Smudge Sticks class on October 30
Celebrate around town
Now that you’ve got your supplies and are feeling sufficiently spooky, find a party or event to attend!
Several neighborhoods will be hosting their own festivities on Halloween with local merchants handing out treats and other fun activities, including Temescal, Piedmont Avenue, and Montclair. Lakeshore Avenue will also have its annual Halloween Parade this Saturday, October 26. In West Oakland, stop by Tricks and Treats at The Crucible to hang out by their spooky caboose and have some delicious local chocolate.
On Saturday, November 2nd, head to the Unity Council’s Día de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale. It always features excellent live music, dance, and art, as well as a wide variety of goods from local vendors.
For other ideas, check out Visit Oakland’s list of fun activities around town and the East Bay Express events calendar. Be sure to read through the 510Families Halloween Guide for family-friendly activities happening around the East Bay.
