Haunted maze at Solvang Festival Theater one of many attraction for this Halloween season
The calendar says October, so it must be time for costumes and ghouls and pumpkins, oh, my.
Communities all around the Central Coast are planning their events for the season ending on Oct. 31 (which is a Friday, this year, so careful), and here are a smattering of them:
Solvang Parks & Rec Annual Haunted House: Nightmares, Oct. 24-25
Dare to enter the haunted maze at Solvang Festival Theater! This year’s theme, Nightmares, brings a mix of eerie surprises, spooky scenes, and just the right amount of fright to keep everyone on their toes. Whether you come for the chills, the thrills, or the Halloween fun, it’s an experience you won’t forget!
The Haunted Maze is at Solvang Festival Theater for the second straight year, promising a spectacular (dare we say theatrical) display.
“Things are going great,” said Candice LIbera of Solang Parks and Rec. “We’ve just started on the Haunted Maze and we have plans for a street fair along 2nd Street by the the theater, and it should be fun.”
The Haunted Maze will be open Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24-25, from 6 to 9:30 each night (with a kid-friendly version from 6 to 6:30 p.m.). Tickets will be on sale at the door — adults, $15; and 12 & under, $10.
For more information, go to www.cityofsolvang.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=360
2025 Scarecrow Fest, all month
The scarecrows are out in force again in the Santa Ynez Valley for the 2025 Scarecrow Fest.
During the monthlong Scarecrow Fest, which concludes on Halloween (Tuesday, Oct. 31), Santa Ynez Valley businesses and organizations will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation posted at their location. You can vote by using QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as using traditional paper maps and ballots.
The winner will receive (or keep, depending on the winner) the Harvest Cup and can keep it for a whole year before the contest starts up again. The Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society has won it the past two years, and look to keep it for a third straight year.
Locals, tourists, and area merchants may vote on the contest’s website (www.SYVscarecrows.com) for
Solvang scarecrow winners in six different categories: Best Scarecrow Photo Op, Best Use of Recycled Materials, Best Use of Business Theme, Most Danish, Spookiest, and Most Humorous. Scarecrow Maps will also be available on the website and inside local businesses, along with the corresponding QR codes.
Halloween Journey at SYV Botanic Gardens, Oct. 24-25
Acorn Village is partnering with the Santa Ynez Valley Botanical Garden (in Buellton’s River View Park, a local nonprofit organization, to present “Halloween Journey” — an interactive theatrical Halloween experience for families with young children. This marks the fourth annual fundraiser in support of both Acorn Village and the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden.
“Halloween Journey” is a unique, age-appropriate event designed for children ages 2-8 and their families. The Botanic Garden will be transformed into an enchanted wonderland, home to fairies, billy goats, talking trees, and the throne of the majestic Pumpkin Queen. Audiences will be guided through a magical, meandering trail, encountering six immersive story vignettes performed by local Santa Ynez Valley artists. Each tale ends with a small treasure or charm gifted to participating children. Concessions will be available for purchase at the event, offering bites and warm beverages to enjoy before or after the journey. This year’s Halloween Journey is generously sponsored by Buellton Rotary, whose support makes it possible to bring this creative, community-centered event to life.
This year’s event will take place over two evenings: Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25, from 5:30 tp 8 p.m. Guests will purchase pre-timed entry tickets to join the experience.
TO PURCHASE TICKETS, PLEASE CLICK www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-halloween-journey-fundraiser. For more information about the event, follow us on Instagram at @halloweenjourneysyv or contact us at halloweenjourneysyv@gmail.com.
Getting pumpkins
Of course, what’s Halloween without shopping for a pumpkins to take home, and the Santa Ynez Valley, there are a couple of prime spots
Summerset Farm (3450 Baseline Ave., Santa Ynez): The Summerset Farm Pumpkin Patch & Farm-stand General Store, is a destination for locals and tourists alike. Only 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and 10 minutes from the Danish town of Solvang, Summerset’s pumpkin patch offers acres upon acres of farm crops to explore. There are also many photo opportunities and charming vignettes to take advantage of and memories to be made. From September through November, you can explore our large selection of pumpkins, decorative gourds, corn and corn stalks to adorn your home and yard. Enjoy a stroll through our Sunflower Maze. Fun for all ages!
Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch (1035 Alamo Pintado Road, Solvang): Family-owned since 1985, Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch offers over 50 pumpkin varieties, a 14-acre corn maze, kids’ maze, Night Maze events, and farm-fresh popcorn. A favorite fall tradition in the Santa Ynez Valley, open late September–early November.
Other Halloween Events:
Family Halloween Party at Bethania Church
Games, prizes, candy, drinks, cotton candy, pizza, costume contest, bounce house, popcorn, adult beverages and lots of fun! Bring your family and friends! $8 per person or $30 per family — Plus a Shelf Stable Food Item. Bethania Church is located at 603 Atterdag Road in Solvang.
Spells & Sparkles: A Halloween Murder Mystery Hosted by Future Perfect at Zaca Creek Tavern
Step across the threshold of The Buellhouse at historic Zaca Creek and into a realm of spellbinding intrigue. Cloak & Dagger Mysteries invites you to an immersive, wizard-themed murder mystery where you don’t merely watch the drama unfold — you become a crucial player in it. Includes Costume Competition, raffles, and dancing to follow main event. The Buellhouse is located at 1297 Jonata Park Road in Buellton. For more info, go to https://www.tixtree.com/e/sparkles-spells-halloween-mystery-ball-at-zaca-creek-0fcd6343ea48.
