As a child (and ok, maybe once or twice as an adult), I trick or treated up and down the streets of the Richmond District. Nowadays there are just as many events going as there are homes handing out candy and ugh, raisins. Here’s a list of the Halloween events I have come across. If you know of more, please leave a comment and I will add it!
Sarah B.
Creepy Crawly 2009 @ The Academy of Sciences
If spiders freak you out, DO NOT click through to this event’s webpage! Don’t say I didn’t warn you! Are you brave enough to explore our world of creepy crawly critters? Visit the Academy during the month October to check out some of the scariest specimens in the Academy’s research collections. Specimens include such chill-inducing species as the Death’s head hawkmoth-the skull-patterned moth featured in Silence of the Lambs. Clarice? Clarice?
While you’re there, go on a special scavenger hunt to track down some of the creepiest critters in the building. Check out what you’ll be seeking here. Find at least six critters and earn one of three special buttons from our Naturalist Center.
The Academy will also have more daily events going on throughout the month. On Halloween day, celebrate with face painters, stilt walkers and special prizes for kids in costumes. Plus a live animal program with centipedes, tarantulas, scorpions, snakes and more. Get all the info here.
Halloween at The YMCA | Friday, October 23, 5-8pm | 360 18th Avenue
This year will be an Outer Space theme and the Y will have food, activities, costume contest, pumpkin carving and all children that attend will receive a goodie bag for attending. Pre-sale tickets are $5 for food and space-themed activities, while a $10 ticket includes, food, space-themed activities, s’mores, and one pumpkin for carving. Tickets will be slightly higher on the day of the event. For more information, email Raquel Espana or call 666-9605.
Halloween Fright Fest | Saturday, October 24, 10am-8pm | 1560 40th Avenue near Lawton
Ok, this one’s not technically in the Richmond but it sounds too fun to leave off the list. The Name of Jesus School presents ‘Fright Fest’, a fundraiser featuring games, crafts, bouncy houses, a haunted house, giant slide, bingo, prizes, food and more. For more information, call 731-4077.
It’s the Great Pumpkin Spider! | Sunday, October 25, 1-3:30pm | Lands End
Get ready for Halloween with a closer look at the creepy-crawlies of Lands End! Learn about a bug’s life with San Francisco State University entomology professor Dr. John Hafernik. Their role in our park and in our world is nothing short of spook-tacular! Children young and old are welcome. The event includes a moderate hike with some stairs going down to Sutro Baths. Sturdy shoes and layered clothes are recommended.
Meet at the new trailhead at the north end of the Lands End parking lot, just up the hill from the Cliff House.
Reservations are required. RSVP by Friday, October 23rd to 385-3065 or email cchristman@parksconservancy.org.
Dia de los Muertos Altar | Thursday, October 29, 3:30-4:30pm | Richmond Library, 351 9th Avenue
Join Anita De Lucio as she leads the group in creating an altar in the Richmond Children’s Room to celebrate the Day of the Dead. For ages 5 and older. Free.
Ghoulish Gala! Very Postmortem: Mummies & Medicine | Friday, October 30, 8pm – Midnight | Legion of Honor
Creatures of the night, join ArtPoint for an evening of mayhem and mischief, as the Ghoulish Gala is unveiled. This year’s most-buzzed-about Halloween spooktacular will be held at the opulent Legion of Honor with 1,500 beautiful mortal maids and beings from the night. Dance among the undead with two rooms of fiendish music provided by Pop Rocks and DJ Shissla. Hosted open bars stocked with complimentary top-shelf potions, elixirs, and witches’ brew await, along with a feast of devilishly delicious hors d’oeuvres. The exhibition Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine explores the modern scientific examination of mummies. Among the artifacts on view will be a very-well-preserved, 2,500-year-old ancient Egyptian mummy, known as Irethorrou. Tickets are $65 for members, $85 for non-members. Find out more. 21 or over only.
RDNC Harvest Festival | Saturday, October 31, 1-3:30pm | 741 30th Avenue
Bring the family to the Richmond District Neighborhood Center for their annual harvest festival. Visit the Haunted House, play festive games, make arts and crafts, get your fortune read, and join in the annual Cupcake Eating Contest. Free.
Thanks for this post – very helpful!