WALNUT CREEK, California – Walnut Creek Arts + Rec invites the community to take part in Trunk or Treat, a “spooktacular” event at Civic Park on Oct. 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. The afternoon of free activities is themed around Halloween and Día de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, and this year’s event will include a special sensory-friendly hour and indoor space for participants looking for a reprieve.
The fifth annual event welcomes costumed families to trick-or-treat with local organizations, play games, create arts and crafts, get their faces painted, and jump in bounce houses. This year, the bounce houses are generously sponsored by Northwestern Mutual, which has a Walnut Creek office and is thrilled to be part of the event. In addition to the activities throughout the park, including giveaways and experiences with local businesses and community partners, there will be food trucks selling savory and sweet options near Civic Drive.
This year’s festivities are specially designed to welcome those with autism, disabilities or sensory issues, along with their loved ones. The first hour of the event, from 2 to 3 p.m., will be set aside as a Sensory-Friendly Hour. During this time, there will be no music or flashing decor and fewer inflatables to create a more soothing atmosphere. Our participating vendors and event volunteers have also been coached on interacting with participants to ensure a safe and fun time is had by all.
Allergy-friendly and non-food treats will be available, and a special space called the Whispering Witches Room will be open throughout the entire event inside of the Assembly Hall. This room will have touch-friendly decorations, calming activities, sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones, and will be staffed by specialists.
“Our goal is to provide a joyful, stress-free Halloween celebration where everyone can feel comfortable and included,” said Kyra Dixon, Program Coordinator of Walnut Creek Arts + Rec’s Adaptive Recreation. “Everyone deserves to take part in this fun time of the season.”
This year’s event also aims to go beyond the usual Halloween festivities and include Día de los Muertos activities. From 2 to 5 p.m., families can learn more about the holiday and honor their departed family members at a craft station and community ofrenda, or altar, located at the gazebo near the library. Families can create drawings, make tissue paper flowers, and decorate traditional sugar skulls or calaveras. There will be two dance performances to honor the holiday as well. Ballet Folklorico de Martinez will perform from 4-4:30 p.m., and Folclórico Colibrí will perform from 5:30-6 p.m. near the Civic Park Community Arts Studios (the white building near the playground).
“We’re excited to expand Trunk or Treat this year by incorporating Día de los Muertos alongside our Halloween festivities,” said Elizabeth Orcutt, Arts + Rec Community Relations Manager. “This inclusive celebration reflects our belief that there’s room for everyone, and we look forward to a vibrant, community-driven event at Civic Park!”
To learn more about Trunk or Treat or to volunteer, visit www.https://www.walnutcreekartsrec.org/halloween.
About Walnut Creek Arts + Rec
Walnut Creek Arts + Rec (www.walnutcreekartsrec.org) is a department of the City of Walnut Creek that is the main source for all things cultural in the community, including performing and visual arts, recreation, parks, wellness programs, social services and so much more. The department facilitates programs to locals and visitors to its East Bay community in a unique way to foster creativity, promote wellness and contribute significantly to Walnut Creek’s economy and reputation. The department oversees the Lesher Center for the Arts, Center Repertory Company, Bedford Gallery, Public Art, the Center for Community Arts, recreation programs, aquatics, social services and Boundary Oak Golf Course. Walnut Creek Arts + Rec prioritizes efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion to welcome all to ensure all feel invited and welcome
For more events around Contra Costa County, visit our events calendar.
