Halloween Happenings

A whole lot of All Hallows’ Eve events have already taken place last weekend and earlier this week, but there are still plenty of pickins, so put on your costume and party down.

First up, Montecito. Ghost Village Road runs from 3 to 6 p.m. on Friday, October 31. Richie’s Barbershop recreates The Wizard of Oz with a yellow brick road photo op, Lucky’s serves from “the crypt,” and Dan Encell’s Berkshire Hathaway team delights adults with his signature secret-recipe margaritas.

At the Montecito Country Mart, under the cheerful direction of manager Kristin Teufel, a costume contest and photo ops take place throughout the day, drawing families from every local school – from Montecito Union to Crane, Laguna Blanca and beyond. Thanks to the efforts of Beth Sullivan, executive director of Coast Village Improvement Association, the entire street comes alive with giggles, pumpkin buckets, and pint-sized superheroes darting between storefronts.

While the little ghosts and superheroes roam below, the San Ysidro Ranch adds its own touch of haunted sophistication. Recently named one of the 50 Best Hotels in the World, the historic 38-cottage retreat has once again placed Montecito on the global map of excellence – a recognition that honors not only its impeccable service but also the community that shapes its spirit.

To mark both Halloween and its milestone accolade, the Ranch hosts a weeklong Halloween Speakeasy (October 27–November 2), transforming its bar into a candlelit jazz hideaway complete with mezcal cocktails like the “Fruit Bat” and the “Ghosts of San Ysidro.” On October 30, the festivities culminate in a Día de los Muertos with Del Maguey celebration – an evening of Spanish guitar by Tony Ybarra, sugar-skull face painting and artisanal mezcal tastings that blend reverence, artistry and delight.

Rosewood Miramar Beach’s Manor Bar will be transformed into “The Grimm Manor,” a shadowy venue full of delightful spooks and surprises on Halloween night – a moody and mysterious setting with fantastical, Brothers Grimm–inspired cocktails to match. Rosewood’s Director of Bars Eliza Hoar will be joined by the dramatic and bewitching bar Hecate of Boston to create cocktails that blend fantasy and fright, with a backdrop of eerie beats from a vinyl DJ. 

Details at rosewoodhotels.com.

Outside Montecito

The Parks and Recreation Department partners with SBPAL for the annual free Halloween Trunk or Treat event in the Spencer Adams parking lot at 5 p.m. on October 30, where families are invited to dress up, collect candy, and vote for their favorite decorated trunk. 

Visit calendar.santabarbaraca.gov.

Parks & Rec’s Adapted Recreation Program hosts its annual all-inclusive Halloween Dance on October 31 in the decorated Carrillo Ballroom, bringing people of all abilities together for a night of music, dancing and more – including a costume contest and an interactive dance performance from World Dance for Humanity, the folks who stage Thriller pop-ups all over town. 

Visit sbparksandrec.santabarbaraca.gov.

With the kids (if you’ve got ’em) nursing sugar hangovers in the care of a babysitter, the more mature set has choices on Saturday night, including Hotel Californian’s Skulls + Skylines, which takes Día de los Muertos to new heights with a pulse-pounding DJ set, skyline views and cocktails crafted to keep the energy flowing amid an atmosphere of neon skulls and booming basslines. Costumes and painted faces are optional, but bold looks and fearless energy are essential. 

Visit hotelcalifornian.ticketsauce.com.

Also on November 1, the Alhecama Theatre serves as the site for the Happy Halloween Dead Dance from La Bohème, where ghouls, ghosts and other guests –costumes preferred – can enjoy Mexican tacos prepared on-site and beverages provided by Simply Cocktails, a cabaret show featuring Addams Family–themed La Bohème dancers performing new routines alongside aerial artists, a 3D photo booth, and a DJ dance party.  

Info at eventbrite.com.