Today, I'm here with Fun in the Bay: the Halloween edition! Whether you're looking for some family fun or a scary night out, we've got you covered. As usual, we'll start off with some great places for the whole family to enjoy.
- Clancy's Pumpkin Patch is the only legitimate pumpkin patch in San Francisco proper, and it's located at 1620 7th Ave. You can go there and select from a variety of different pumpkins, depending on whether you want to use them for carving, cooking, or decorating. Take a horse-drawn hayride with the kids through a corn maze full of goblins and ghouls. This is a family friendly venue, and you can still get some squeals from the kiddos.
- Potrero's Pet Parade is a lot of fun. This year actually marks the 24th annual Pet Parade. Gussy up those pups and cruise down 18th Street. If you impress the judges, you could get prizes and treats for your pet! If you don't have a pet, it's always fun to see what creative and wacky costumes people come up with for their animals.
- Now, everyone in San Francisco has heard of the Winchester Mystery House, but not everyone has been there. I have, and it's true to its name. Going to the Mystery House is a bizarre experience to say the least. It's open to kids and families all the time, but if you have some older kids who don't mind a scare, check out the midnight tour. There have been several testimonials about ghostly encounters on the midnight tour.
- Last but not least, check out the Halloween Hoopla. Go to the Yerba Buena Gardens for this great event MCed by Unique Derique, who will definitely bring life and character to the day. This event is best for kids under the age of ten. There will be clowns, costumes, arts and crafts, music -- the list goes on and on!
Now, onto some ideas for the grown-ups who don't mind a little scare:
- The Freaker's Ball celebrates its 21st anniversary this year at The Factory. You can dance until the dawn comes!
- The Ghost Ship Party is another awesome party that takes place on October 30 and 31st on Pier 70. This party is very unique; it's part art, part rave, part party! There are all kinds of entertainers! Find a crazy outfit and dance all night!
- The Spooky Halloween Extravaganza is a very colorful event at the Star Theater. The theater is transformed into a Prohibition speakeasy. If you don't want the fun to stop, you can also go to the electro swing after party.
- In my opinion, the creepiest one out there is Trapped in a Room with a Zombie. It might sound cheesy, but stop rolling your eyes! You are trapped in a room with an actor who plays a Zombie. You have 60 minutes to work with your team to escape the room. As time passes, the Zombie's chain gets looser. If you're looking for something creepy, this is the event for you!
Finally, here are some great ideas for date night:
- If you want a classy evening, go to the Davies Symphony Hall for a showing of the 1920s silent film Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. A live orchestra will accompany the movie. This is the antidote to The Rocky Horror Picture Show. You should hear the vocals that roar through those halls. This is spine-tingling, lighthearted fun.
- The San Francisco Ghost Walk is a fun, spooky evening. Go on up to the Pacific Heights neighborhood at 7:00pm. You'll walk the streets and hear stories about the ghosts that haunt these beautiful mansions. These ghost stories are based on real events, which could make this even creepier than your average haunted house!
- Go see The Rocky Horror Picture Show. I know earlier we talked about the antidote to this movie, but it's a classic. There are 7:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. showings on Halloween, but if you can't make it on Halloween, there will be other showings leading up to the big day! Sing, dance, and enjoy this cult classic.
- Finally, you can also take your significant other to the Arcane: Halloween Ballet. This is a one-act performance by the Company C Contemporary Ballet. There are performances on October 24th, 25th, 30th, and 31st. It's a bone-chilling and exhilarating event for everyone who loves dance. The choreographer, Charles Anderson, truly brings Halloween to life.
That's everything! I know I threw a lot of information at you today, and you may have a tough time deciding which event is right for you. I pretty much want to go to all of them! Click on the links in the article for more information, and if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call. Now, get out there and have some fun!
