Spooky to Spine-Tingling: Halloween Newport Beach-Style
From ghouls to ghosts, tricks to treats, Halloween lurks just around the corner… But how will you make this the spookiest All Hallows’ Eve ever? By heading to Newport Beach, of course! From magical shop displays evoking Harry Potter to macabre adults-only parties inspired by the seven deadly sins, frightening events for every age abound. Here are some of our absolute favorites…
Kid-Friendly Events
1. Watch Harry Potter and Coco Come to Life at Roger’s Gardens
Have you ever longed to wander the magical halls of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry? If so, then the Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens (2301 San Joaquin Hills Road, Corona Del Mar) gives you a chance. From the Headmaster’s Study to the Greenhouse Conservatory, each room features rare and unusual specimens, enchanted objects, and Potter-inspired memorabilia.
Photo Credit: Aimee Goodwin
2. Get in the “Spirit” at the Halloween Spooktacular at Grant Howald Park
Boo! Grant Howald Park (3000 Fifth Avenue, Corona del Mar) will get very “spirited” this year when all of the ghosts, ghouls, and zombies descend for the second annual Halloween Spooktacular. Plan on attending Saturday, October 27th, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm with your costume-clad little ones.
Activities include a haunted maze, bounce houses, and trunk-or-treating. All activities are suitable for kids 2+. And the Spooktacular will culminate in a costume contest with lots of fun prizes. Food trucks will provide the best in local fast food and beverages. So, plan on coming out hungry and ready for some Spooktacular fall fun!
3. Create Spooky Crafts at the Library
On Tuesday, October 30th, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, come out to Mariners Library (1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach) for their Happy Halloween Crafts event. Bring your kids in costume and plan to arrive early. No registrations or reservations are required. But accommodations remain first come first serve.
Then, on Wednesday, October 31st, from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm, get ready for Central Library’s (1000 Avocado Avenue, Newport Beach) Halloween Extravaganza. Make sure your little ones dress up for this awesome Halloween party. Events include listening to not-so-scary stories, enjoying yummy treats, making spooky Halloween crafts, and trick-or-treating around the library. Suitable for children ages three to eight, this activity is free. No registration is required, but children must be accompanied by an adult.
4. Check Out “Halloween” Island
From over-the-top decorations to lavish candy dispersal, Balboa Island dominates the Halloween trick-or-treating scene. Beach cottages sit nearly wall-to-wall on small lots, which means less walking for little legs. And the entire island’s circumference comes in at around two miles, conveniently looped by a broad sidewalk.
Kids from all over Orange County head here to trick-or-treat, soaking in the hometown feel complete with white picket fences. Your children will applaud the abundant collection of Halloween candy they amass. Better yet, your feet will thank you.
Adults-Only Events
1. Dance the Night Away at the Annual Halloween Yacht Party
Looking to dance the night away to the Monster Mash? Why not do it aboard a ghoulish luxury yacht? Newport Beach’s Annual Halloween Yacht Party makes its blood-curdling return on Saturday, October 27th, with a harbor cruise party like none other.
Party to top 40 tunes, Hip Hop, and your 80s favorites on the beautiful Royal Princess Yacht. Wear your most frightening ensemble for the costume contest featuring $500 for Best Costume. And don’t forget to enjoy the unlimited buffet dinner and the full bar.
Check-in begins at 6:30 pm, and the cruise will last from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm. VIP tables and group rates are available in advance. Tickets start at $84. This event is suitable for adults 21 and older.
2. Dodge Zombies, Ghosts, and Witches at the HalloWeekend Pub Crawl
The HalloWeekend Pub Crawl takes over Newport Beach this Saturday, October 27th, featuring some of the coolest hangouts in town. If you’re not a local, you’ll soon feel like one touring this awesome lineup of casual locations. And don’t forget to sport your craziest costume so that you can participate in the decked-out mayhem.
Participating bars include American Junkie, Pizza Bar, Aurora, Baja Sharkeez, and many more. Do Halloween right while basking in the relaxed SoCal vibe. Tickets start at $12 with registration at Baja Sharkeez (114 McFadden Place) from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This event is suitable for adults 21 and older.
3. Party Hardy at Aqua Lounge’s “All Hallows’ Eve” Blast
On Saturday, October 27th and 28th, from 9:00 pm to 1:00 am, head out for a night of scary sophistication as the Aqua Lounge (690 Newport Center Drive) celebrates big with an All Hallows’ Eve Party to wake the dead. Featuring signature drinks including Bat-Winged Bubbly (Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in a bat-winged flute) and Bloody Bitters (a smoked cherry Manhattan), Aqua Lounge promises to deliver a night to remember.
Come dressed in your spookiest duds and compete in the eclectic costume contest. A $20 cover charge includes admission and one of the complimentary Halloween drinks described above. VIP booths start at $250 and include admission for six guests. This event is suitable for adults 21 and older.
4. Celebrate SoCal’s Dark Side at Haunted Envy’s The Deadliest Sins Halloween Party & Costume Ball
Celebrate Halloween in true OC style at Envy Nightclub (4647 MacArthur Boulevard, Newport Beach) on October 31st and November 1st, from 9:00 pm to 2:00 am. Enjoy golden champagne and kicking cocktails, four DJs playing your favorite tunes, and a wild assortment of disguised revelers during The Deadliest Sins Halloween Party & Costume Ball.
Tickets start at $15, and you can reserve VIP tables themed by deadliest sin (lust, wrath, greed) in ascending price points up to $2,125 for Envy. The Envy VIP The Deadliest Sin Package admits 15 and supplies five premium bottles of your choice from a pre-selected list. This event is suitable for adults 21 and older.
Written By: Engrid Barnett
