Ghosts, zombies, ghouls, oh my! That’s right folks, it’s Halloween season, and with all the spooky, scary monsters come all the fun fall festivities. Look no further for a guide to all the fall activities here in San Luis Obispo.
Avila Valley Barn at 560 Avila Beach Dr. | 805-595-2816
First on the list is the one and only Avila Valley Barn. Whether you go to find a pumpkin to carve, an apple to pick or a pie to eat, this is the place to be. You can walk the farm and find goats, cows and llamas, or if walking isn’t your thing, you can go on a hay ride or even a pony ride. And let’s not forget about the classic hay maze that you may get lost in. But, there’s no better place to be stuck than Avila Valley Barn.
Cambria Scarecrow Festival along Main Street | 805-395-2399
Another must-see this fall is Cambria’s outrageous Scarecrow Festival. Located along Cambria’s Main Street are tons of festive scarecrows. There are mermaids, pirates, baseball players, frogs, pigs and even broccoli. Of course, they aren’t real but rather set out to scare crows — or, more likely, to celebrate the fall season and the fun of Halloween. So if you fancy a walk, head out to Cambria and take a stroll down Main Street.
Emma Hughes | KCPR
Nightmare on Main Street at 828 14th St. Paso Robles | 805-423-0674
If the Scarecrow festival isn’t quite scary enough for you, perhaps you should stop by Nightmare on Main Street in Paso Robles for a classically frightening haunted house. Rated one of California’s seven scariest haunted houses, you will be in for the fright of your life. Tickets are $20 for a night walk-through and $10 for a day walk-through, with proceeds going to support youth sports teams, the SLO Sheriff K-9 unit, Paws for Cause and many other organizations.
Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival at 875 Oklahoma Ave. | 805-543-9316
After a night full of fright at Nightmare on Main Street, you can settle your heart rate with some wholesome fun at the Wiggle Waggle Fall Festival. On October 29 from 12 to 3 p.m. at Woods SLO, you can celebrate Halloween with your furry friends. Complete with a costume contest, food, carnival games and lots and lots of photos, this festival is sure to be paw-some!
Boo Bash at 2251 Meadow St.
On October 28 from 5 to 8 p.m., join the San Luis Obispo Parks and Recreation Department for this fun Halloween activity. There will be a costume party, a haunted house, games, an outdoor movie, food and music in celebration of the upcoming holiday. The event will benefit the SLO Food Bank and food donations are welcome. So whether you plan to get food or donate it, the Boo Bash is sure to be a joyous occasion.
Los Osos Oktoberfest at 2180 Palisades Ave.
For those who are looking for some Halloween fun, head out to the Los Osos Oktoberfest and annual car show on October 30. Here you will find food, live music, costume contests, arts and crafts and much more. This is a perfect pre-Halloween celebration for your Sunday.
Honorable mention:
Morro Bay’s Witches’ Paddle at Coleman Beach
Unfortunately, this event has already passed (it happened on October 22), but the fun event is a Morro Bay classic. Calling on all the witches in the area, this activity requires your best witchy outfit and any floatation device — or a flying broom if you happen to have one lying around. Once the neighborhood witches are gathered, they take to the bay by paddleboard, kayak or floaty. Then the witches cruise through the bay, giving all in sight a spooky show as they cackle from the water.
