By Ben Landis, Marketing Manager

So, you have tiny humans to entertain, friends to impress with your Halloween spirit, or perhaps you're seeking some festive fitness, or maybe you’re feeling extra daring and ready to chase some ghosts?

Well, you're in for a treat! Santa Clara is brewing up a cauldron of delights for all you spooky enthusiasts. Let's jump right in and see what tricks and treats the city has up its sleeve.

1. Children's Spooktaclara Halloween Party

Get ready to join the spooky festivities at the Children’s Spooktaclara Halloween Party! If you're looking for an event that'll keep your little ones entertained and engaged, this is the place to be. The City of Santa Clara is hosting this event on Saturday, October 28th, from 12-3 p.m. at Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara, CA 95051.

The event will be held at the Meadow Area near Bob Fatjo Field. Activities at the event include Trick or Treat Row, the Pumpkin Walk, carnival games, sponsor giveaways, crafts, music, food, and more!

Oh, and don't forget to dress up in your spookiest costumes—because let's be real, it's practically mandatory! Come check out the fun and be ready for a great afternoon of community fun.

2. Great America Tricks and Treats Event

Hold onto your broomsticks because from now until October 28, 2023, California’s Great America is bringing you their Tricks and Treats event!

Immerse yourself in two exciting lands—the Lands of Treats and the Land of Tricks! The Land of Tricks has two realms with everything slimy, sinister, and strange: Ickyville and Spooky Spires. On the flip side, the Land of Treats offers two celebratory zones: Everfall and Sweet Tooth Acres.

Whether you’re a grown-up ghoul or a little goblin, there's some spooktacular seasonal fun for all. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, and delicious fall foods. And as if that isn't enough, all your favorite rides are open for the thrill of a lifetime. Head over to www.cagreatamerica.com to find out more about these fantastic fall festivities and grab your tickets!

3. Monster Dash and Bash 5K

If you have a sudden urge to be an athletic ghost or a sporty zombie this spooky season, you just have to participate in Mission College’s Monster Dash and Bash 5K. But don’t worry; you aren’t burning calories just for the sake of it. Your enthusiastic calorie-burning extravaganza is all in the name of a truly amazing cause!
With the rising educational costs, many students find pursuing higher education more and more difficult. This 5k provides an opportunity for the community to come together and raise funds for Mission College Students. The main highlight of the event consists of a 5K Walk/Run, a children's Trick or Trot Race, a Beer Garden, a variety of Food Trucks, a costume contest, an interactive Silent Auction, and entertaining Kids Activities. The festivities start at Central Plaza at Mission College on Saturday, October 28, 2023, from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM.

Don’t miss out on this event and come support a great cause. You can register as a runner or check out sponsorship opportunities at www.missioncollege.edu/donate/5k.html.

4. Agnews State Hospital

For a chance at some paranormal activity in Santa Clara, you have to visit what is left of the Agnews State Hospital.

Agnews State Hospital, located in Santa Clara, California, was originally known as "The Great Asylum for the Insane" and was established as a psychiatric and medical care facility for individuals suffering from mental illness.

During the earthquake that struck on April 18, 1906, over 100 patients lost their lives. Post-earthquake, the hospital underwent reconstruction, adopting a low-rise, Mediterranean Revival architectural style. It officially reopened its doors in 1911 under the name Agnews State Mental Hospital, serving the community until the mid-1970s when the Lanterman Act (1971) facilitated the transfer of mental health treatment programs to local communities, aiming to enhance patient care. Consequently, several state hospitals, including Agnews, were shut down.

In April 1997, it was announced that the state would sell an 82.5-acre portion of the campus to Sun Microsystems (now Oracle) for its corporate headquarters and R&D campus. Concerns within the community about the preservation of historic buildings prompted Sun Microsystems to make a commitment to restore four historical buildings—the auditorium, the clock tower, the superintendent's villa, and the administration building—and preserve certain facilities for public accessibility. An open-air exhibition, featuring informational displays and photographs recounting the center's history, is now available to the public.

There are widespread rumors of paranormal activity at Agnews. Some have reported eerie occurrences on foggy nights. Witnesses entering the various buildings have described doors mysteriously opening, lights flickering on and off, and unsettling odors emanating from the new buildings' floors. If you're interested in a chance to witness some paranormal activity, come explore the remnants of Agnews for yourself.

On a side note, Green Day filmed their "Basket Case" music video at this location.

Location: 4000 Lafayette St., Santa Clara, California.

As October takes center stage in Santa Clara, get ready for a spine-tingling extravaganza like no other. From keeping the little ones enchanted at the Spooktaclara Halloween Party to satisfying your daredevil cravings at Great America or even breaking a sweat for a good cause at the Monster Dash and Bash 5K, Santa Clara is serving up thrills and chills. And for those who crave the supernatural, Agnews State Hospital has some spooky secrets waiting to be unraveled. So, slip into your most bewitching attire, summon your courage, and dive headfirst into the spine-tingling celebrations. This is Santa Clara's way of saying, "Trick or treat!" Let the haunting begin.