Spooktober is here! Fall is in the air and pumpkin spice everything is everywhere. It's time to curl up with a blanket and a cup of hot tea to watch a marathon of your favorite Halloween movies. With fall festivities in full swing, there is plenty to do in and around the OC area. Orange County is known for having a diverse population and a wide range of creative industries. This makes for the perfect location to host cultural festivals that attract both locals and tourists alike. What's great about these seasonal events is that we see many diverse CCIs collaborating for a common objective of giving people enjoyable experiences, fresh perspectives, and the opportunity to try new things. If you would like to explore the abundance of festivities the county has to offer, we have a curated spooktacular list for you to experience.
By Saso Tusar on Unsplash
We are starting off scary!
Thursday, October 26, 2023
435 West Center Street Promenade Anaheim, CA 92805
This eerie farmers market will display everything Halloween-related, and all wandering ghosts and overworked zombies are welcome to attend. Farmers Markets are important to the creative industries for a variety of reasons. They help conserve the environment by reducing transportation distances of products, foods get to be grown sustainably, people get to interact with their communities, and additionally enjoy live entertainment. At this specially themed event, you'll be able to eat superb food, shop for themed items, and marvel at the extravagant decorations. By attending this Farmers Market you’ll support local small businesses that shape our community.
By Emmy Smith on Unsplash
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade – Anaheim Saturday, October 28, 2023
Downtown Anaheim | Center St Promenade, Anaheim, CA
With their yearly Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, Anaheim is known for celebrating the fall season, and this year marks their 100th anniversary. Art, cuisine, and music all come together to celebrate the arrival of autumn. Although, the festival does not end with Halloween; they also commemorate other cultural events such as Dia de los Muertos and the harvest season. This festival draws thousands of visitors and residents each year bringing the community together. Check it out!
By Geoffrey Moffett on Unsplash
Friday, September 29 – Tuesday, October 31, 2023
10201 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA 92843
Boo! Things are going to get really frightening. Enter an immersive haunted maze that offers frightful sights, terrifying sounds, and a Halloween adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the Christmas season. Due to its rising popularity this family owned business outgrew its old location in Anaheim and has now officially moved to Garden Grove, where the event collaborated with the Haungtinton Beach Manor to create new interactions along the scary mazes. Not for the faint of heart, this event combines the Halloween, entertainment, and special effects industries to create an innovate ways to keep customers coming back for bone-chilling thrills every year.
By Charlie Wollborg on Unsplash
Wednesday, October 25 – Thursday, November 2, 2023
125 Paseo de la Plaza, Los Angeles, CA
This event might be a little out of the way, so grab a friend and travel to LA. In Latin America, Dia de los Muertos is a traditional holiday especially significant in Mexico. It is not a day to dwell on the past, but rather remember those who have shaped our lives. It’s a day to celebrate others and enjoy the abundance life has to offer. Although the holiday originated in Mexico, it quickly spread its impact to a number of other countries. According to UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute, about 39% of California’s population is Latino, causing Dia De Los Muertos to be largely celebrated, flooding the streets with parades and festivities. During the holiday, shrines are made to remember those we have lost. Then, rather than representing sadness over a death, the altars are covered with marigolds, the flower of the dead that is known to draw spirits to the altar. When a person paints a skull on their face, it is seen as a significant symbol to celebrate and honor an individual who has passed. Furthermore, dancing at Dia De Los Muertos is a means to pay tribute to our ancestors, and since it’s associated with happiness and joy, dancing is performed as a way to commemorate and celebrate their lives. Finally, who could forget one of the best parts? Traditional Mexican food is also offered and enjoyed at the parade.
By Anna Sullivan on Unsplash
By Miguel Gonzalez on Unsplash
Tunnel of Terror Car Wash Thursday, October 5 – Monday, October 30, 2023
Big Wave Car Wash | 2219 Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim
Need a car wash? We've got you covered. It's the OC's first haunted car wash and there is nothing like this. This unique interactive experience uses special effects and costumed characters that appear throughout the wash keeping you engaged. This ‘car wash; is like no other as it will shake you and your car with jump scares and thrills. Go support your local businesses, keep the hands off the wheel, and enjoy a good chill.
By Nitiphonphat on Adobe Stock
Alright CCI peers, what will YOU be doing this spooky season? We hope that we have given you a bit of inspiration, and maybe a little courage, to try new and possibly thrilling things. Let us know what your up to this fall by sending your pics to ccistu01@chapman.edu or on IG @chapman_cci