For some good, old-fashioned trick-or-treating fun, head to the FestiFall and Costume Contest in Historic Folsom. Vendors along the district will be dishing out treats to the little ones and there’s lots of fun to be had with jump houses and games at the Wool and Sutter Street parking lot. At 2 p.m. there will be a preview of Cinderella, performed by Cynthia’s Dance Center; at 2:30 p.m. there will be a Mad Scientist show at the amphitheater; and at 3 p.m. the costume contest will commence. historicfolsom.org/2019/10/26/1902/trick-or-treat-festifall-and-costume-contest

Get ready for some electrifying fun at Count Watts’ Spooktacular on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This free event at the Roseville Utility Exploration Center will allow kids to fight Voltage Vampires, take a thrilling walk through the Phantom Energy House, and wander through a mad scientist’s laboratory. They can find owls hidden throughout the building, play games, win exciting prizes, and get their faces painted. Don’t forget to dress in costume! roseville.ca.us/cms/One.aspx?portalId=7964922&pageId=8916670

For something a little slower-paced—but by no means, tame—sign up for Haunted Hangtown Ghost Tours in Placerville. The Cuppa Coffee & More investigation takes place October 27 and the Carey House Investigation takes place October 6, 13, 20, and 30. Both tours start at around 7 p.m. and will take you through the historic buildings. If the spirits come out to play, you might spot apparitions, mists, or orbs. You’ll get to use the latest ghost-hunting equipment and hear tales of murder, misfortune, and mayhem. hauntedhangtownghosttours.com

El Dorado Hills Town Center is hosting the community’s favorite Halloween Spooktacular on October 31 from 3-6 p.m. Featuring trick-or-treating, a costume contest for kids and dogs (5 p.m. at the Steven Young Amphitheater), photo contest, and more, this spectacular Spooktacular is not to be missed. Dress up to win “most creative,” “best hero/villain/princess,” “cutest,” “scariest,” and “best group” prizes. edhtowncenter.com/upcoming-events/halloween-spooktacular

Instead of a walk in the park, how about taking a walk in a cemetery? Living History Cemetery Tours will walk you through the headstones and crypts at Union Cemetery in Placerville on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Get acquainted with notable historical figures along the way via live action, interactive history, and tales of the deceased. Conducted by Save the Graves, funds from the event will help maintain more than 200 pioneer cemeteries in El Dorado County. visit-eldorado.com/event/living-history-cemetery-tour

If you’re looking for some thrills this Halloween, Heartstoppers Haunted House in Rancho Cordova will deliver. Beginning on October 4 every Friday and Saturday (ends November 2), you’ll get to “experience the brutality, greed, and filth that was the undead West.” Choose to traverse one of their four “haunts” and brace yourselves for a fright—or three. Scares aside, there’s also a fun carnival extravaganza, laser tag, haunted photo booths, antique saloon bar, and more. heartstoppershaunt.com

A crazy, bloody theatrical experience is coming to get you with Sutter Street Theatre’s Evil Dead The Musical. Five college students go to an abandoned cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force that turns them all into demons. It’s all up to Ash and his trusty chainsaw to save the day. Blood flies, limbs are dismembered, and demons tell bad jokes—all to music. Grab a seat in the “[blood] splatter zone” and get ready for some zany fun. sutterstreettheatre.com/evil-dead-the-musical-2019

Bring all your little ghosts and goblins in full costume for a Trick-or-Treat with the Folsom Police Department at an open house with a Halloween Twist. Kids will not only get to trick-or-treat, but also meet the K-9 Unit, Mounted Unit, check out SWAT gear, and lots more. The event is at the Folsom Police Department at Natoma Street on October 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. folsom.ca.us/police

There’s an exciting alternative to trick-or-treating this Halloween—it’s Trunk-or-Treat, put on by the Cappuccino Cruisers. On October 26 from 5-8:30 p.m. the Folsom Aquatic Center on Riley Street will come alive with Halloween music, lots of goodies, costumes contests, and many decorated classic cars. facebook.com/CappuccinoCruisers


By Tara Mendanha