Illustration of a theater show scene (The Headless Horseman + Viva La Vida)
Halloween Movies, Theater, and Entertainment

The Headless Horseman + Viva La Vida

Oceánica Ballet presents a captivating autumn double-bill featuring 'The Headless Horseman' and 'Viva La Vida.' This family-friendly production blends the spooky legend of Sleepy Hollow with a vibrant Día de los Muertos celebration of life. Experience enchanting storytelling, clever theatricality, and spooky puppetry that brings these tales to life.

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What to Expect

Dual-story ballet: Headless Horseman & Viva La Vida

Event Details

Duration

2 days

Ages

Family-friendly, but contains creepy sounds and spooky puppetry which may affect very young children.

Neighborhood

San Mateo

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Oceánica Ballet

Get Tickets

Local Insight & Ratings

Scare Factor

👻 👻 👻 👻 👻 (3/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (4/5)

Best For

Families, ballet enthusiasts, fans of halloween and día de los muertos themes

Vibe

Spooky, festive, cultural, heartwarming

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$$

Photo Friendly

Limited (during performance)

Weather Sensitivity

None (indoor event)

Location

College of San Mateo Theatre
1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
San Mateo, CA
94402

Know Before You Go

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early to secure good seats, as the venue is a theatre and seating may be first-come, first-served.
  • Consider the 'creepy sounds and spooky puppetry' warning for very young children; perhaps opt for a daytime performance if available or prepare them beforehand.
  • Check the ticket provider's website for specific showtimes on October 25th and 26th to plan your visit.
  • The event celebrates both Halloween and Día de los Muertos, so expect a blend of spooky and vibrant cultural elements.
  • This is a professional ballet production; dress comfortably but consider dressing up slightly to match the festive atmosphere.

Special Events & Promotions

  • Two-act production featuring 'The Headless Horseman' and 'Viva La Vida'
  • Celebrates both Halloween and Día de los Muertos
  • Professional-level ballet performance

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the age recommendation for this performance?

The production is described as family-friendly, but it does contain creepy sounds and spooky puppetry that may affect very young children. It's advisable to use your judgment based on your child's sensitivity.

What is the difference between 'The Headless Horseman' and 'Viva La Vida' acts?

'The Headless Horseman' is an adaptation of Washington Irving's classic tale, focusing on Ichabod Crane and the legendary horseman. 'Viva La Vida' is an original story inspired by Día de los Muertos, celebrating life and love.

Where can I purchase tickets?

Tickets can be purchased online through the provided link: https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/oceanicaballet/7592

Is there parking available at the College of San Mateo Theatre?

While specific parking details are not provided, the College of San Mateo typically has ample parking available for events. It's recommended to arrive a bit early to find a spot.

What is the overall theme of the performance?

The performance combines festive autumn vibes with themes of belonging, love, loss, resilience, and the wisdom of women, drawing inspiration from both Halloween and Día de los Muertos traditions.

Tags

halloween festivaldia de los muertosfamily friendlyhaunted theater showdancefall festivalstorytellingballet

More Halloween Events Near San Mateo

Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team