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: Lemon Tree Bakery is bound to have some pumpkin-spiced something to satisfy the cravings for a special treat.
Tricks: Angels Camp Museum on Main Street – is it haunted or is that just your imagination?
Hotel Leger’s Halloween Party
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! This will be a scream for kids and adults alike with eerie music, frightfully delicious food, and the Leger’s exclusive haunted hotel tours! On October 28th, kids will start the party at 2 PM to 5 PM, and the adults will finish things off from 7 pm until…?? 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 – “The Bad Seed”
The Play – The scene is a small Southern town where Colonel and Christine Penmark live with their daughter, Rhoda. Little Rhoda Penmark is the evil queen of the story. On the surface she is sweet, charming, full of old-fashioned graces, loved by her parents, admired by all her elders. But Rhoda’s mother has an uneasy feeling about her. When one of Rhoda’s schoolmates is mysteriously drowned at a picnic, Mrs. Penmark is alarmed. For the boy who was drowned was the one who had won the penmanship medal that Rhoda felt she deserved. Fridays and Saturdays at 7 pm / Sundays at 2 pm.
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 – “The Moors”
The Play – A governess arrives in a remote corner of the Yorkshire moors to find a household of oddballs. Two sisters, a maid with identity issues, an old hound, and a moorhen, are the only inhabitants of a house that creaks with creepy mysteries. Inspired by the letters of Charlotte Brontë, this black comedy written by Jen Silverman is an homage to the Brontës and a gothic pastiche all in one.
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 10/27/2023 or the 2:00 pm matinee show on 10/28/2023
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.
TRICK OR TREATING
Angels Camp – Harvest Festival, Trunk or Treat, & Craft Fair on October 21, 2023 from 12 to 7 pm at First Baptist Church in Angels Camp.
Arnold – Trunk or Treat on October 28, 2023 from 3:00 to 6:00 pm at Chapel in the Pines
Copperopolis – Trick or Treat Street on October 31, 2023 from 6 to 8 pm in Copper Town Square
Murphys – Pumpkin Palooza on October 31, 2023 from 5 to 8 pm at Mountain Christian Fellowship. Fun house, candy, pumpkin launching, glow maze, and lots more!
San Andreas – Trunk or Treat on October 31, 2023 from 5 to 7 pm at San Andreas Covenant Community Church
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!