Trick-or-treaters will have plenty to be happy about at the third annual "Great Hauntway" along the upper Great Highway on San Francisco's west side Sunday, October 29, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Produced by Friends of Great Highway Park, it's billed as the city's largest car-free trick-or-treating event, according to a news release. The free, family-friendly Halloween get-together features over a mile of trick-or-treating along the Great Highway between Judah and Taraval streets. There will be kids' activities, such as pumpkin decorating and bounce houses, and live music from Carry Nation.
Organizers noted that Halloween is one of the most dangerous days of the year for youth pedestrians. The Great Hauntway was created in 2021 to provide kids with a safe, car-free, and fun place to celebrate Halloween with a scenic coastal backdrop. That first year drew thousands of participants and is now a new San Francisco tradition, the release noted.
Gay District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the area, is a big supporter of the event. Engardio recently held a very successful inaugural night market in the Sunset.
"The future of San Francisco depends on attracting families of all definitions," Engardio wrote in a text message to the Bay Area Reporter. "The Great Hauntway is a great example of how we're making our city more family-friendly. You will see thousands of people experiencing joy with the ocean as a backdrop.
"There won't be a doom loop in sight," he added, referring to the many media accounts of how San Francisco is experiencing empty real estate in its downtown area and the closings of various businesses, leading to what outlets have referred to as a doom loop.
At the Great Hauntway, community members are invited to set up decorated tables for children to trick-or-treat. Awards will be given to the best decorated tables.
People can RSVP to greathauntway.com to sign up for a table. There is also information on the website about allergy-safe trick-or-treating and transportation to the event.
The Friends of Great Highway Park is an all-volunteer group focused on making the most of the city's beautiful coastline for all to enjoy, the release stated.
'Scaregrove' at Stern Grove
The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department will hold "Scaregrove at Stern Grove" at 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard in the city's Parkside district Friday, October 27, from 4 to 9 p.m. The event is free and billed as a "Grimm's fairy tale adventure in the woods." All ages are welcome and there will be food for sale.
Oakland LGBTQ center to hold 'Galaween'
The Oakland LGBTQ Community Center is getting into the Halloween spirit with its "Galaween" fundraiser Saturday, October 28, from 6 to 11 p.m. at Bloc 15, an event space located at 252 Second Street near Jack London Square. A nearby parking garage is available.
A flyer promoting the event noted it will celebrate the center's sixth anniversary. The center, located near Lake Merritt, has expanded its offerings over the years, including for LGBTQ seniors when it took over Lavender Seniors of the East Bay.
Galaween will feature a costume contest, a DJ spinning the best of the 1980s music, and dancing. Celebrity MC will be Dashaun Wesley, a gay man and dancer known as the "King of Vogue," according to his website. Wesley competed on the fourth season of MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" and starred in MAX's hit show "Legendary."
There will be a cash bar, mocktails, and food. The event is for those 18 and older.
General admission early "bat" tickets are $35 or $50 for VIP, as indicated on the event's website. (Those prices might increase.)
For tickets, click here.
For more information about the center, go to oaklandlgbtqcenter.org.
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