Halloween is just around the corner, with lots of festive fun to be enjoyed across the region, from Healdsburg to Sonoma to Santa Rosa and beyond. Annadel Builders, Inc. is proud to be a part of this community and loves sharing all the entertainment and excitement that can be soaked up across Sonoma County. Be sure to check out some of the spooktacular events below if you are looking for a unique way to enjoy the Halloween season!
For Keeping the Kids Entertained
You won’t be hard-pressed to find something for everyone in wine country, especially during the holiday seasons. The good news? There is plenty of family-friendly fun to be enjoyed as well. From festivals to farms to great food and games, Halloween in Sonoma County is always a thrill! We’ve compiled some great events below to check out with kids this festive season.
- Healdsburg Farmers Market Pumpkin Festival
Come out to the annual community festival on Saturday, October 29th to experience everything from classic pumpkin carving and decorating, competitive race, and much more. Be sure to go all out dressing up if you want a chance to win the Halloween costume! There are age brackets for each competition, ensuring younger participants and older participants alike will get a fair shot at bringing home a winning title and prize donated by local businesses! Even if you don’t want to compete, there is plenty of fun to be had and amazing pumpkin designs and costumes to enjoy. Be sure to bring the whole family to this event. The festival kicks off at 8:30 am and runs to 12:00 pm, and admission is free.
- Funtazmagoria at Children’s Museum of Sonoma County
A truly unique experience, you will see the local Children’s Museum transformed before your very eyes into Funtazmagoria — a walk-through Halloween experience designed with family fun in mind. The first lab theme is a Mad Scientist Lab, covered in everything from bubbling potions, electric exploration, crazy creatures, and even an actual mad scientist! The second lab is the Ghostly Glow-in-The-Dark-Lab, covered in all things spooky and grotesque, from ghouly shapes to slime that–of course–glows in the dark and more. Each day, there is unique themed programming to make the “spooky” experience all the more fun and engaging. You can check out these hauntingly fun labs for $20 a person, or $12 for members from October 28th-30th, 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
- Francis Ford Coppola Winery’s Annual Kids Halloween Carnival
What better way to embrace Halloween with the family in wine country than at a popular local winery like Francis Ford Coppola Winery? Come out for the Annual Kids Halloween Carnival on October 30th, held from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm! There is plenty to check out, with costumes encouraged and everything from festive games to fortune tellers and photo areas. While there will be plenty of candy around, tasty food and beverages will be offered at the Pool Cafe or snack bar. Parents get in free, while children ages 2-13 will cost $15.
For the Lovers of All Things Spooky
Looking for something a bit more spooky and spirited to add to your Halloween fun this year? Check out some of these haunted happenings across Sonoma County.
- Annual Día de los Muertos Celebration on the Windsor Town Green
This annual celebration is not to be missed, with everything from the Lowrider Car Show on Market Street to delicious local food and drinks, face painting, music, and so much more happening on October 29th from 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. You can also check out local craft and art vendors and enjoy performances paired with a traditional blessing ceremony and dance (performed by Danza Xantotl) beginning at dusk. There will be a candlelight procession around the space led by dancers, followed by live music and celebration.
- Black Hatter’s Samhain Ball
A fairly new event, this soiree of sorts will be enjoying its 2nd year of celebrations, quickly becoming a new tradition from the Russian River’s Black Hat Society (RRBHS). It’s already being hailed as the “witchiest party of the year,” with attendees encouraged to dress up in their finest black-tie attire, from steampunk suits to deliciously gothic gowns. You’ll be able to meet like-minded community members and experience culinary creations, dancing and unique aerial entertainment, fortune tellers, and even a silent auction. The event is adults only and there will be an open bar for the evening. Mark your calendar for the Black Hatter’s Samhain Ball, happening on October 29th, from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm (tickets cost $150).
For Those in Search of More Fall Festivities
Whether you are looking for a great date night activity or just want something a little less spooky but still festive fun for adults, we have you covered with some of the event options below.
- Balletto Harvest Party
With the backdrop of breathtaking vineyards and surrounding scenery, Balletto is the ideal place to enjoy autumn harvest time. There will be a delicious dinner and dancing and live music performed by Sonoma County local Nick Foxer. Guests will also be treated to a recap of the season’s bountiful harvest and a look ahead at the upcoming vintage from proprietor John Balletto, as well as Anthony Beckham, the vineyard’s winemaker. Tickets for the Harvest Party can be purchased for $75, with wine club members offered tickets for $60.
- Hallowine Run
Finally, this local favorite of the Halloween season is back after three years off. Participants can choose to run either the half marathon or 5k, enjoying the brand new course, starting in the downtown area of Healdsburg, traversing the beautiful scenery of Dry Creek Valley before wrapping up with the finish line at Orsi Family Vineyards. Following the race, runners and supporters can enjoy the festivities together, including a delicious wine tasting, awards, costume contest, and trademark music festival.
The race costs range from $50 to $160, with proceeds going towards The Hall Steps Foundation, co-founded by a Sonoma County native.
- Dutton Estate Winery’s Halloween Candy & Wine Pairing
Wish that you could still experience a bit of trick-or-treating as a sophisticated and classy adult? Dutton Estate Winery has crafted the ideal experience for you. The winery promises to “treat” guests to a unique, private-seated experience. There will be a combination of five white and red wines from Dutton, each uniquely paired with some of the most popular Halloween candies and treats. Tastings are scheduled for various times on October 28th through the 31st.
No matter what type of Halloween festivities or fun you are looking for, you can be sure to find it in Sonoma County.
