Trick-or-treating in SLO County? Here are 10 free, family-friendly Halloween events
Looking to family-friendly fun this Halloween?
San Luis Obispo County has a variety of free events where kids can collect candy, jump in bounce houses and participate in costume contests.
There are plenty of things for parents to do too.
Check out these local Halloween happenings in 2024:
Pumpkins in the Park
Pismo Beach’s popular Pumpkins in the Park celebration returns for its 36th year.
Starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, children ages 12 and under can decorate pumpkins, participate in a costume contest and jump in bounce houses. The first 500 kids can pick out their own pumpkins for free.
At noon to 2 p.m., kids can collect candy from downtown Pismo Beach businesses. Grab a list of participating vendors at Pumpkins in the Park.
When: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Dinosaur Caves Park, 2701 Price St., Pismo Beach
Info: 805-773-7063 or pismobeach.org/recreation
Halloween at the Market
San Luis Obispo Public Market invites families to come out for food, live music and more on Saturday.
Children can take part in several fun activities, including trick-or-treating, face painting, a photo booth and a bounce slide.
When: 1 to 6 p.m Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: San Luis Obispo Public Market at Bonetti Ranch, 3845 South Higuera St., San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-215-3892 or slopublicmarket.com/events
Morro Bay Trick or Treat
Morro Bay is in its 10th year of hosting Halloween festivities for local families.
Kids can participate in a costume parade before heading to the City Rec booth to pick up mps of all the Morro Bay businesses handing out candy.
There will also be face painting, a photo booth, a hunted trolley and a live band.
When: 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
Where: Monterey Avenue and Morro Bay Boulvard, Morro Bay
Info: 805-772-6278 or morrobayca.gov/292/Recreation-Services
Halloween Carnival and Haunted Maze
The city of Arroyo Grande is holding a two-day festival to celebrate spooky season. Activities include carnival games, costume contests, and of course, trick-or-treating.
Children and adults can also purchase tickets to enjoy an unlimited bounce-n-play or wander through a haunted maze.
When: 4, 6 or 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, and Sunday, Oct. 27. Trick-or-treaters must arrive on the hour to participate.
Where: Elm Street Park, 1221 Ash St., Arroyo Grande
Info: 805-473-5474 or arroyogrande.org/169/Annual-Festivals-Events
Trick or Treat Downtown Atascadero
The Downtown Business Improvement District invites people and pets of all ages to join in some Halloween fun.
The free event in Atascadero will have trick-or-treating, games and pet costume contests.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: Various locations, Entrada Avenue, downtown Atascadero
Info: 805-466-2044 or visitatascadero.com
Trick or Treat at the Nipomo Library
Children in costume can get sweet treats at the Nipomo public library on Halloween.
The library will also host a spooky scavenger hunt.
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: Nipomo Library, 918 West Tefft St., Nipomo
Info: 805-929-3994 or sanluisobispo.librarycalendar.com
Halloween at Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market
Children dressed in their spookiest and silliest costumes can follow a trick-or-treat trail sponsored by the San Luis Obispo Children’s Museum.
Dozens of participating businesses will be passing out candy. Select Downtown SLO Farmers’ Market vendors will also be passing out candy.
Trick-or-treaters should bring their own bags.
The farmers’ market will also host a costume contest in Mission Plaza and scary karaoke at the intersection of Chorro and Higuera streets.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: Various locations, Higuera Street, San Luis Obispo
Info: 805-541-0286 or downtownslo.com
Templeton Trick or Treat on Main Street
Children can wander along Tempeton’s Main Street collecting candy from local merchants.
Families should stop by the shops with a pumpkin in the window for sweet treats.
When: 3:30 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: South Main Street, Templeton
Info: 805-434-1789 or pasorobleschamber.com/events
Oceano Plaza Trunk or Treat
This brand-new event will have classic cars, a DJ, games, pet costume contests, churros and more.
Costumed children can walk from vehicle to vehicle, swooping up candy.
Dogs are allowed, but they must be kept on leashes.
When: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: Oceano Plaza, 17th and Beach streets, Oceano
Info: allevents.in/oceano/oceano-plaza-1st-annual-trunk-or-treat
Safe & Fun Trick or Treat Downtown Paso Robles
Families who come in costume can walk around downtown Paso Robles for a fun trunk-or-treat event.
Kids can also collect candy from merchants in the area.
There will be photo opportunities with some spooky witches.
When: 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31
Where: Downtown City Park, Spring and 12th streets, Paso Robles
Info: 805-238-4103 or pasoroblesdowntown.org
