A young boy dressed as a wizard and a young girl in a polka dot dress walk along a pier at sunset, both holding Halloween candy and pumpkins, with other people and carnival stalls in the background.
family_friendly

Artistic rendering – Event may differ

Halloween at the Boardwalk

Boardwalk trick-or-treating with a $10 game card

About

Celebrate Halloween at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk with a day of festive fun. Enjoy trick-or-treating from 12-7pm, where a special package includes a candy bag and a $10 MyBoardwalk Card for games. Show off your costume in the contest for a chance to win prizes, or dare to enter the Fright Walk for a thrilling experience.

Our Take

Scare Factor

👻 👻 (2/5)

Family Friendly

👶 👶 👶 👶 👶 (5/5)

Best For

Families and children

Vibe

Festive and spooky

Energy Level

Moderate

Budget

$

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Low

Special Events & Promotions

  • Trick-or-Treat Package includes candy bag and $10 MyBoardwalk Card
  • Costume contest with prizes for multiple age categories
  • Fright Walk attraction

Tags

trick or treatcostume contestfamily friendlyhalloween festivalcommunity event

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.

Location

400 Beach Street
Santa Cruz, CA
95060

Event Details

Pricing

$12

Duration

12:00 PM - 7:00 PM (Trick-or-Treat)

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Beach area

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk

Practical Information

Parking

The Boardwalk operates two main parking lots adjacent to the park. Parking fees vary by day and season. Cashless payments are accepted. No overnight parking is allowed. Designated disabled parking spaces are available in the Main Parking Lot.

Accessibility

https://beachboardwalk.com/accessibility/

Pet Policy

Service animals only

Food & Drink

Participating food and shopping locations offer candy for trick-or-treating. Beer and wine are available on the Boardwalk, but glass containers are not allowed.

Quick Actions

Tips & Advice

  • Arrive early, especially if purchasing a trick-or-treat package on the day of the event, as candy availability may be limited.
  • Pre-purchase your trick-or-treat package to ensure availability, but remember to pick up your bag and MyBoardwalk card at the ticket booth on the event date.
  • For the costume contest, ensure your photo is taken at the Main Entrance photo op banner and submitted via the provided link to be eligible.
  • The $10 MyBoardwalk Card included with the trick-or-treat package does not expire, making it a great bonus for future visits.
  • Consider visiting the Fright Walk for an extra dose of Halloween thrills, located under the Boardwalk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be open on the Boardwalk for Halloween?

The Boardwalk is scheduled to be open from 12-7pm for the event. Arcades will remain open until 10pm.

Does everyone attending need to purchase a trick-or-treat package?

No, only those who plan to trick-or-treat need to purchase a package. They will receive a collectible Boardwalk bag and a punchcard.

How will the costume contest work?

Visit the Main Entrance photo op banner between 12-7pm to take a photo and submit it via a provided link to enter the contest. Winners will be contacted and prizes mailed.

What are the costume contest prizes?

Prizes include MyBoardwalk Cards ranging from $10 to $50, awarded to the top 3 winners in each age category (0-5, 6-10, 11-15, 16+, Group) and a Grand Prize winner.

Can you purchase trick-or-treat packages at the gate?

Yes, purchases can be made at the Main Ticket Booth on October 26, but day-of sales may be limited due to candy availability.

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Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Nov 11, 2025
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Halloween Events Near Me editorial team

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