Gear up for Some Spooktacular Halloween Fun in NB
With Halloween right around the corner, things are about to get spooky in Newport Beach. From fairs to boutiques, there’s definitely something for everyone.
One of the top affairs to place on your must-do list definitely should be Rogers Gardens’ annual Children’s Halloween Festival, set for Oct. 30 at 3 p.m. Bring your children to this Corona del Mar hotspot for interactive crafts and activities and the popular trick-or-treat costume parade throughout the Gardens. While there, be sure to venture into the Grimm Tales Halloween Boutique—complete with fantastical displays representing popular bedtime stories including Cinderella, Snow White, Hansel & Gretel, Red Riding Hood and Sleeping Beauty. Think Halloween décor galore—from silver skeletons and tins of conjuring powder and black cat elixir to ceramic pumpkins and even flashing eyeballs that bounce! And why not grab a bite to eat at the new open-air Farmhouse Café at Rogers Garden? Here, Executive Chef Rich Mead (formerly of Sage Restaur
ants) serves up seasonal “field-to-fork” cuisine from roasted beet salad to burgers and more for lunch and dinner alongside exclusive wines, craft beers and signature cocktails. Adults also will enjoy the Succulent Pumpkin Workshops with Onita Castillo & Ria Ultsch Oct. 15 and 22 (10 a.m.-2 p.m.), with the garden center’s design team leading attendees in creating fabulous fall centerpieces.
In keeping with the Halloween theme, Sherman Gardens & Library in Corona del Mar hosts Creatures of the Night Oct. 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Here you’ll receive a passport to tour interactive stations that delve into the nocturnal world and its inhabitants, including wolves, carnivorous plants, scorpions and worms. Be sure to return to the horticultural retreat on Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. to hear author Claudine Burnett discussing her new book chronicling the eerie history of Long Beach’s various cemeteries.
The Environmental Nature Center presents its 42nd annual Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch, set for Oct. 16, from 10 a.m.-3 p.m., at 1601 E. 16th St. Expect a pumpkin and native plant sale; photos in the pumpkin patch; games from Funky Fishing to Ugly Duck-ring; children’s crafts; face-painting and henna tattoos; pony rides and a petting zoo; dancing; storytelling; and live animal demonstrations. The Savor OC Restaurant Showcase also will be offering up delicious food and drink from Blue Water Grill, Haute Cakes and other popular local eateries.
There’s a disco inferno Oct. 29 at 9 p.m. at this year’s Halloween party at Aqua Lounge 54. So, dust off your best pair of bell-bottoms and catch the soul train down to this event, which will include party favors, specialty cocktails and big prizes for the winners of the Halloween Costume Contest. A popular DJ also will be on deck to ensure the party keeps rolling. Haven’t partied enough? From Oct. 31 at 3 p.m. to Nov. 1 at 2 a.m., the Official Halloween Pub Crawl Newport Beach invites you to assemble a group, put on some crazy costumes and head out to some of the beach community’s best venues for a night of drink specials.
