Fun in the fall

Santa Cruz MAH

TRADITIONS A Day of the Dead celebration will return this year to Evergreen Cemetery in Santa Cruz.

Halloween, Día de los Muertos and other fall time holidays are fast approaching. After a year of Covid regulations, businesses, organizations and venues throughout Santa Cruz County and beyond are once again scheduling and planning for events.

Whether it be a fun night of live music, a party, or trick-or-treating, there are plenty of ways to celebrate the season.

Here are just a sampling of what to expect this year:

Halloween Party at El Vaquero

El Vaquero Winery, 2901 Freedom Blvd., Watsonville El Vaquero’s Halloween Party on Oct. 30 will feature live music from Michael Gaither and his Scary New Best Friends, a costume contest, a best-carved pumpkin contest, My Mom's Molé food truck, and wines for all to enjoy. For reservations, visit the winery’s Facebook page.

Live Music at Crystal Bay Farm

Crystal Bay Farm, 40 Zils Road, Watsonville This family-run organic farm offers live music every Saturday afternoon leading up to Halloween. In addition, the farm offers a U-pick pumpkin patch, fresh produce, vendors and more. Visit crystalbayfarm.com or follow on Facebook for information.

Mi Casa es Tu Casa

Pajaro Valley Arts, 37 Sudden St., Watsonville Mi Casa es Tu Casa is PVA’s annual exhibit inspired by Día de Los Muertos/ Day of the Dead. The exhibit will open Oct. 27 and run through Dec. 12. Various virtual and in-person events will be held through October and November with local organizations, artists and writers. For information, visit pvarts.org.

Día de los Muertos at the Plaza

Watsonville City Plaza, 358 Main St., Watsonville Watsonville Film Festival will host a screening of the movie “Coco,” as well as music and dance performances and Day of the Dead altars in a free family celebration at the Plaza on Oct. 29. The program also includes free online films, live Zoom events and art tutorials from Oct. 27-Nov. 2. For information, visit watsonvillefilmfest.org.

Haunted Halloween Piano Recital

Be prepared for a spooky time in the Samper Recital Hall as all areas of the music department join forces to present its annual Haunted Halloween show. Costumes are recommended. This is a free show, but donations are welcome. For information, visit cabrillo. edu/vapa.

Museum of the Macabre

Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History, 1305 E Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz Come in costume and imbibe cauldronconcocted cocktails while exploring the dark side of nature. The fifth annual Museum of the Macabre will be bigger than ever with freakish festivities and special exhibits throughout the Museum and spreading outdoors into the park. A 21-plus event. $15 resale and $20 at the door. For information, visit santacruzmuseum.org.

Día de los Muertos with the MAH

Evergreen Cemetery, 261 Evergreen St., Santa Cruz On Oct. 30, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) and Senderos invite the community to come and celebrate Día de los Muertos. Enjoy live performances starting at 2pm, by Senderos’ Centeotl Danza y Baile and Ensemble Musical de Senderos, and Evelyn Salguero. Stroll through the cemetery in a self-guided presentation of community altars. Free event. For information, visit santacruzmah.org or senderos.org.

Halloween at the Boardwalk

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz For $12 enter the Boardwalk for a Trick-or-Treat event from noon to 7pm, including a collectible Boardwalk candy bag and a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for outdoor midway or arcade games (cards do not expire). Participate in the costume contest at Neptune’s Stage for a chance to win another MyBoardwalk Card. For information, visit beachboardwalk.com/Halloween.

Halloween at Gilroy Gardens

Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Highway, Gilroy Gilroy Gardens’ “It’s a Whole New Boo!” runs Fridays-Sundays through Oct. 31. The event features light displays throughout the park, live musical shows, trick-or-treat for children and other haunted attractions. Ken Christopher of Christopher Ranch will also debut his new book, “Elephant Garlic Halloween,” with readings at the park on Oct. 23-24. For information, visit gilroygardens.org/halloween.