Dana Point, Get In The Spooky Spirit — Halloween Events Coming Up

DANA POINT, CA — Halloween season is in full-swing, and the City of Dana Point wants to help you and your family celebrate as they host a slew of events for all ages throughout the month of October. From trick-or-treat trolleys to pumpkin-decorating contests, there's a little something for everyone in Dana Point.

Do you need a little rundown? Don't worry, we've got you covered.

The Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat

You'll want to make a day out of this one, Dana Point. The Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat combines two great events into one day. On Oct. 23 at the Dana Point Community Center, families can experience a haunted house maze, games and cookie decorating along with a hauntingly good costume parade and treats for young ones. The Trunk or Treat will be held in the parking lot of the community center as Dana Point Police Services introduces the community to the Blood Hounds, Bomb Squad, K-9 Unit, Mounted Patrol and more.

At 6:30 p.m., showtime begins. A Halloween movie will be held at the ball field near the community center, and free hot chocolate and snacks will be passed out to attendees.

“This is by far my favorite time of the year. I’ve been looking forward to Halloween since last Halloween! Dana Point Recreation is in the spirit of the season and busy working on the elaborate decorations and event planning to share with the community," Dana Point Recreation Manager Sherry Murphy said. "We invite everyone to come down to our Halloween events and share in the fun."

Spooktacular Porch Decorating Contest

Time to dig out the Halloween decorations if you haven't already. This year's Spooktacular Porch Decorating Contest invites all residents to deck out their front yards in their Halloween finest. To enter, submit a photo of your decorated porch or yard to recreation@danapoint.org by Oct. 25. The winning entry will receive $300 in gift cards to local Dana Point businesses.

The Great Pumpkin Decorating Contest for Kids

Got a pumpkin and an artistic flair? This kid's decorating contest may be right up your alley. The City of Dana Point encourages kids to get creative and submit a photo of your best decorated pumpkin. Entries do not have to be traditionally carved in order to qualify for the decorating contest. To enter, send in a photo of your pumpkin to recreation@danapoint.org by Oct. 25. The winning entry will receive a special Halloween gift basket.

Halloween Haunt Active Lifestyle Social

This Halloween-themed event at the Dana Point Community Center is for ages 50 years and older. On Oct. 21, Dana Point residents who attend the active lifestyle social will experience special entertainment and a catered buffet dinner. There will also be raffle prizes and costume prizes. To attend the event, pre-registration is required by Oct. 15 through the city's website.

Spooky Treat Trolley

Get your tricks and treats a day early, Dana Point. On Oct. 30, the Recreation Division staff will don their Halloween finest as they ride a decorated Halloween-themed trolley to pass out treats to children up to 12 years of age. Here is a list of stops the Spooky Treat Trolley will make:

4 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Pines Park, 34941 Camino Capistrano

5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. — Sunset Park, 34345 Calle Naranja

6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. — Dana Woods Park, 24900 Dana Woods

7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. — Sea Canyon Park, 33093 Santiago Dr.