Solvang’s haunted house, now at Festival Theater, a highlight, but much more on tap through October
Halloween will be upon us in a little over two weeks, on Thursday, Oct. 31, and until — well, even beyond that — there are plenty of scary, not-so-scary, and just plain fun activities for Valley residents to enjoy.
One staple of the season has been the Haunted House put on by Solvang Parks and Recreation, which is coming back on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, with the theme “Lost Shadows.” One difference, though: Instead of happening at the Parks and Rec building, it will move across 2nd Street and be staged at the Solvang Festival Theater.
The attraction is open from 6 to 9:30 p.m., with a kid-friendlier event from 6 to 6:30 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $10 for kids 12 and under. The Festival Theater is located at 420 2nd St. in Solvang.
Also, if you’re in Solvang this month walk around and find multiple displays in front of businesses for the Scarecrow Fest. During the month-long Scarecrow Fest, which concludes on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31), Solvang businesses and organizations will participate in the contest by featuring a scarecrow of their own creation posted at their location. The 2024 festival includes the use of QR codes and a digital voting system, as well as using traditional paper maps and ballots. See SYVscarecrows.com for more information.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, get ready for a hauntingly good time at Zaca Mesa Vineyards (6893 Foxen Canyon Road, Los Olivos) for the Spooky Paella Pop-Up. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with live music from the talented Cary Park, delicious food from Vin X Food & Wine Events, Zaca Mesa & TREAD wine, spooky-themed goods from Perfectly Weird Shop, and tarot readings. Enjoy a delightful array of our wines as you relax in the atmosphere and kick off spooky season in style. Walk-ins welcome, or make a reservation! For more info, go to zacamesa.com/upcoming-events.
The SYV Humane Society & DAWG animal shelter (which won the Harvest Trophy last year for best Scarecrow Fest display BTW) is hosting a special Halloween Trunk or Treat Adoption Event and Haunted Vet Clinic from 3 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 27. The shelter on 111 Commerce Drive in Buellton invites the public to come for “trunk or treat” and maybe adopt a four-legged friend in the process.
The Humane Society also appreciates help and donations for decorations, purchasing a “trunk or treat” space, and food trucks and trailers to join in the event at no cost. For more info, call (805) 688-8224 or email info@syvhumane.org.
Still need to get a pumpkin for Halloween? The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch is back at its usual spot at 1035 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang. The patch is offering hundreds of pumpkins for sale, and while you’re looking, take a trip through the 14-acre corn maze, which has a new wrinkle this year: a scavenger hunt. There’s also a kids maze and refreshments offered while you look for that perfect gourd.
Another pumpkin-hunting option is Summerset Farm (3450 Baseline Ave, Santa Ynez). For over 18 years Summerset Farm has been providing the Santa Ynez Valley with a classic Pumpkin Patch experience. From Cinderella Pumpkins, to White, Blue, Green, traditonal Jack O Lantern, Peanut, and several other varieties. You can find mini pumpkins as well as giant statement piece pumpkins to adorn your doorstep, wowing all who visit. They also offer a general store and a sunflower maze to stroll through.
And the festivities don’t stop at Oct. 31 — the weekend after, Saturday, Nov. 2, will be a celebration of Dia de Los Muertes Day at the Flying Flags RV Park in Buellton. Join the fun for a day of festivities for Dia de Los Muertes — or “Day of the Dead” — with live music, food and activities. Also that evening, Sunstone Winery (125 N. Refugio Road, Santa Ynez) is holding a Haunted Ball, an unforgettable night of music, dancing, and hauntingly good vibes. This year’s theme is “Masquerade,” so attendees are asked to wear their best masks. Shuttle service will be available between Santa Barbara and Sunstone. For more info go to sunstonewinery.com/event/2024-haunted-ball-at-sunstone.
However, you choose to celebrate, have a happy, and safe, Halloween.
Feature image: The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch on Alamo Pintado Road is back selling pumpkins big, little, and in-between through Oct. 31. Star File Photo
