Whether you want the spooky tricks, the autumn spiced treats, or a little of both, you will find Halloween haunts here in Calaveras that will deliver on the treats while having a few tricks just to keep things interesting…
All Hallows Faire & Celtic Festival of Samhain
Samhain is a Gaelic festival marking the end of the harvest season. It is the end of the Celtic year when the Holly King defeats the Oak King “The Bringer of Light” and the beginning of winter or the “darker half” of the year. What started as a way to celebrate the Celtic festival of Samhain has now transformed to include all types of fantasy. This two-day family-friendly fantasy faire features live Celtic music, food, drink, Carpathian storytellers and a Burning of the Harvestman on Saturday night. The All Hallows Faire Costume Contest held each year focuses on craft, construction, and character. Meant to entertain the crowd, if you enter this contest, be sure to stay in character and flaunt your features for all to see to win big prizes! Find more information about purchasing tickets, contest categories, and dates and times by visiting their website www.allhallowsfaire.com.
Treats: The Parlor Ice Cream is bound to have some pumpkin-spiced something to satisfy the cravings for a special treat. Delicious hand-churned artisanal ice cream and yummy fall coffee drinks!
Tricks: Angels Camp Museum on Main Street – is it haunted or was that just your imagination?
Hotel Leger’s Halloween Party in Mokelumne Hill
The Hotel Leger has transformed their cellar into a ghostly gathering spot where local spirits are throwing a ghostly family reunion from around the world! But don’t worry, it’s all in good BOO-humor! The Moke Hill Merchants are hosting a Halloween Bash at the Hotel this year, so make sure to email the hotel and book your reservation now at hotel.leger.info@gmail.com. The bash includes crafts and candies for the kiddos, $5 haunted hotel tours, a scarecrow contest, and live music from The Kook Shifters from 6-9 pm. And, who knows?! Maybe even Mr. George Leger’s ghost will check in on his guests from time to time?! Want to know more about the ghosts at the Hotel Leger? Read about hotel guests’ run-ins with long time “residents” here.
Treats: Moke Hill Nuts & Candies will have just what you’re looking for to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, you can get your pumpkin-spice fix here, too.
Tricks: Enjoy the scarecrow design contest that EVERYONE takes part in downtown Mokelumne Hill. Scarecrows will be on everyone’s front porch from October 20th through Halloween night!
Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe Presents – “East of Oz- A New Twist on an Old Tale”
The Play – A new twist on an old tale! What might have happened if Dorothy’s house had landed on the Wicked Witch of the West?
The Theatre – Located on historic Main Street in San Andreas, the Metropolitan was originally a hotel in 1859. In 1926, fire destroyed the building and a movie theater replaced sometime in the early 1950’s. The current owners of The Metropolitan have transformed the building into an event space and the home to live theatre entertainment company, Fourth Wall Entertainment Troupe.
Interactive theatrical experiences that include music, dinner, dancing and drinks make a Fourth Wall experience special. Unique works are written and performed by local artists, and this small community comes together to celebrate its history and culture through its appreciation of the arts. And a great big plus is that they are serving amazing, local wines grown and crafted right here in Calaveras. Click here for tickets at eventbrite.com
Treats: Patio Drive In restaurant makes great burgers, but their real milkshakes are divine!
Tricks: Original Calaveras County jailhouse located at the Calaveras County Museum. Check out who used to “hang” around the gallows.
Murphys Creek Theatre Presents – “A Sign You’re Alive”
The Play – Chelsea is infected with something that looks like vampirism. Her father pulls out every trick in his dad book – and learns some new ones – to help her get through the trauma and a new life that maybe isn’t what we know of as life at all. Performances run every Friday and Saturday night starting October 11th to November 3rd starting at 7:00 PM. Get there a little early and enjoy a glass of local wine and get comfy in your seat. Tickets are Pay-What-You-Can! Sounds more like a treat than a trick, right?!
The Theatre – Nestled in the charming town of Murphys, California, the Murphys Creek Theatre is a hidden gem that has been captivating audiences for decades. A professional, regional theatre with a mission to provide high-quality, professional theatre experiences to the local community and beyond, MCT has become a beloved destination for theatre-goers and performers alike. The theatre is cozy and not a bad seat in the house. Arrive a little early and purchase a glass of amazing Calaveras wine as all proceeds go right back into the next production of excellent live theater in Calaveras County. Click here for tickets and showtimes.
Treats: Pamper yourself and stay at The Victoria Inn in midtown Murphys, a short walking distance to Murphys Creek Theatre or The Dunbar House Bed & Breakfast just a half mile away. OR
Tricks: Stay at the Murphys Historic Hotel right in downtown Murphys (also a short walk to the theatre). Maybe meet Eleanor, one of this hotel’s long time “residents”.
Ironstone Vineyards Silent Movie Night Presents – “Phantom of the Opera”
Watch this timeless story in a whole new way! Featuring Dave Moreno on the historic Alhambra pipe organ and opera singer Kerri Scott, Ironstone Vineyards elevates the experience of this classic black and white film starring the legendary Lon Chaney as the Phantom. Mr. Moreno plays the organ to accompany the silent movie thriller, and Ms. Scott will be singing the opera parts performed in the movie. Tickets include buffet dinner, popcorn, and the show. Click here to get your tickets to the 6:00 pm show on 10/25/2024 or the 12:00 pm matinee show on 10/26/2024.
Treats: Joma’s Artisan Ice Cream – Try one (or more) of their small-batch hand-crafted creations! Or, Nelsons Candy Kitchen featuring candies made by five generations of the Nelson family, delighting visitors with the finest handmade candies & confections in the Sierra Foothills.
Tricks: Mercer Caverns, located about a mile from Murphys, was where Walter J. Mercer stumbled across the cave system while prospecting for gold. It’s the perfect spooky place to get into the Halloween groove.
Halloween Parties For Little Ones (and Not-So-Little-Ones)
The Lube Room will be hosting a Halloween Party for 21+ on October 26th at 10PM with DJ Dave Metildi, costume contest, and a spooky good time!
Calavares County Library – FREE FAMILY FRIENDLY FUN ALL ARE WELCOME. GAMES PRIZES SNACKS CRAFTS MUSIC SPOOKY STORIES October 26th 5-7:30 pm in San Andreas and October 31st @ the Arnold Library from 2:00-3:30 they will have their Scarecrow Social with games, treats, and free books for children!
Tri-Dam Lions Club Halloween Bash 3654 Burson Rd., Burson, CA – Oct 26th 6pm – Costumes – DJ CHRIS Mixin’ It Up – Games – Goulicious Din Din! Get tix $25 each or $40 for 2 from Lions Members or call 209-442-8476. A free kids pumpkin painting event the same day from 3-5p courtesy of Linda C + sponsors!
TRICK OR TREATING
Angels Camp – Harvest Festival, Trunk or Treat, & Craft Fair on October 26th from 4 to7 pm at First Baptist Church in Angels Camp.
October 31st – Trick or Treat downtown Angels Camp 3:00-5:00 pm
Arnold – Trunk or Treat on October 26th from 4:00 to 6:30 pm at Chapel in the Pines
Copperopolis – Trick or Treat Street on October 31st from 6 to 8 pm in Copper Town Square
Murphys – Pumpkin Palooza on October 31st from 5 to 8 pm at Mountain Christian Fellowship. Black light maze, 100′ zip line, candy, pumpkin launching, and lots more!
San Andreas– San Andreas Merchants & San Andreas Rotary present their Halloween Carnival & Haunted House at the San Andreas Town Hall October 31st 4:00 – 7:00 Admission $1 or $5 for the whole family Haunted House, Face Painting, Costume Contest, Carnival Games, and an Old Fashioned Cake Walk!
Check out the Calaveras Visitors Bureau Calendar of Events for more great events throughout the year! Or, give us a call at 209-736-0049 for more information about things to do and places to stay in Calaveras County!