eLivermore.com - By Bill Nale

 

Halloween / Fall Activities 2020
for Livermore, Pleasanton, and the Tri-Valley

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Contents:
All Events in Chronological order
Special Events
Places to Visit
Religious Celebrations
See Also:
October Event Calendar   Holiday Information
See also Our Christmas Events Page Livermore History Section
This page is a community service of eLivermore.com

Halloween Trick or Treating:

There are no "Official Hours" for Trick or Treating according to both the Livermore and Pleasanton Police departments.
7:00 to 8:00 is probably the prime time.  After 9:00 should be avoided.

Sundown is at 6:09, so it will be dark for most of this time.  The moon will three days from full, so there will be a lot of moonlight.  Sun and moon information is available on our calendar pages

All Events in Chronological order
Click links for details below
     
October 3-31 every day except Mondays Joans Farm and Pumpkin Patch
  Not open due to Covid-19 G&M Farms Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
October 2 - Nov 1 See schedule below Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park
Drive Through only in 2020
  Not being held in 2020 Witches Night Out - Martini Tasting
  Not being held in 2020 Alden Lane Fall Festival
October 16,17,23,24,31 Friday, Saturday Pleasanton Virtual Ghostwalk - on ZOOM
  Not being held in 2020

Halloween Scavenger Hunt

  Not being held in 2020 Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day
  Not being held in 2020 Halloween Brew Crawl
  Not being held in 2020 Mom's Haunted Dollhouse
Oct 10,11,17,18 Steam
Oct 24,25  Halloween Diesel
Saturday, Sunday Niles Canyon Steam and Halloween Diesel Trains
October 31 Saturday Reformation Day
October 31 Saturday Halloween

 

Special Events

 

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Themed Park
 October 2 to Nov 1, 2020 (See Schedule below)
Drive Through Only in 2020

 

Pirates of Emerson - Haunted Themed Park

The award winning Pirates Of Emerson are bringing chills, thrills a cut throat terror to the Bay Area for the 29th year.

Location:  Alameda County Fairgrounds, Pleasanton
Times:  See below
Admission: $94.99 per Automobile.  See rules on their website.

More info: Pirates of Emerson website - 925-426-7600 - Alameda County Fairgrounds,

 

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Niles Canyon Steam and Halloween Diesel Trains
Oct 10, 11, 17, 18  Steam Trains
Oct 24, 25 Halloween Diesel Trains

 

Niles Canyon Railway.
Steam and Halloween Family Diesel Trains
Location:  Departs from Sunol only.
Times: Saturdays: 4:00pm and 7:00pm
    Sundays:  10:30am and 1:30pm
Admission: 
   Daytime Trains:
     Steam (Oct 10, 11, 17, 18):  $30 adults;  $20 Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)
     Diesel (Oct 24, 25):  $25 adults;  $15 Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)
   Twilight (7:00pm) Trains:
     Steam (Oct 10, 17):  $40 adults;  $30 Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)
     Diesel (Oct 24):  $35 adults;  $25 Seniors (62+) and Children (3-12)
Online Tickets only - No walkups


eLivermore Photos.
More info: Niles Canyon Railroad

 

Witches Night Out and Martini Tasting
October 2, 2019 - 6pm to 9pm
Wednesday

Not being held in 2020

Witches Night Out
Our shops will host the best of our Downtown bartenders showcasing their martini creations and special cocktail brews! Witches Hat and Cackle Contest offers opportunity to win fabulous gift certificates and prizes!

And, you won't want to miss out on the shopping deals available at participating Downtown businesses.


Gather your Witchiest of Friends for a night of Strolling, Sipping, Tasting and Shopping Downtown!

Witches Night Out Tickets have Sold Out!
If you've missed out on purchasing your ticket... never fear... you can still join the party! Our many restaurants, bars and shopping locations are ready to serve you AND you can still participate in the Hocus Pocus Flash Mob and Hat Contest!

Our shops will host the best of our Downtown bartenders showcasing their martini creations and special cocktail brews! Witches Hat and Cackle Contest offers opportunity to win fabulous gift certificates and prizes!

And, you won't want to miss out on the shopping deals available at participating Downtown businesses.

HOCUS POCUS FLASH MOB...
Again this year, we'll be having our "Hocus Pocus" Flash Mob! YES!!! You get to be in a Flash Mob!! Liz Roberts of Livermore School of Dance has choreographed a dance for us to "I Put A Spell on You" and it is fun, easy and good for all ages!!!

Watch Liz's Training Video to get ready and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE!!!
Click for Flash Mob Training Video
Flash Mob starts at 7pm at Flag Pole Plaza.

HAT CONTEST...
Time to get creative! To enter, Hats must be 70% Hand decorated. We are looking to celebrate uniqueness and creativity! Good luck!!!

I HAVE MY TICKET - WHAT'S NEXT?!
The night of the event, bring printed tickets to Flagpole Plaza, corner of First Street and Livermore Avenue, along with a valid ID to pick up your Tasting Pass and 2018 Martini Glass. NO ID... NO SERVICE .... Regardless of your age and how old you look. We require ID for ALL participants.

- Free parking structure on Railroad Ave. between Livermore Ave. and Maple Street
- Rain or shine event
- Must have valid ID to participate
- This is an indoor tasting event. No dogs please.

Sponsor: Livermore Downtown Association
Location:  Downtown Livermore
Times:  6:00pm to 9:00pm
Admission: 2018 info: Martini Tasting @ Culinary Treats is $40.  Culinary Treats only:  $20.
More info:
Livermore Downtown Association (925) 373-1795

 

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Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day
October 26, 2019
Saturday

Not being held in 2020

Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day
Downtown trick-or-treating, costume contest, games, activities, and entertainment for children in the 5th grade and younger.
Join us for the Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day – Livermore's favorite, family tradition!

The Downtown hosts Halloween fun activities for families with children in the 5th grade and younger! Kids will enjoy the costume contest, Halloween themed activities, downtown business trick-or-treat and more!
Sponsor:
Livermore Downtown Association
Location:  Downtown Livermore
Times:  1:00pm to 5:00pm
Admission:
More info:
Livermore Downtown Association (925) 373-1795

 

See Photos from: 2002 - 2003 - 2016 Photos

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Pleasanton Virtual Ghostwalk
October 16, 17, 23, 24, 31, 2020
Friday, Saturday

Ghost Walk 2020 - Museum on Main

Meet the ghosts of Pleasanton's past in this uniquely spooky annual event held by Museum on Main. This year, our popular guided walking tour is moving to Zoom! Two ghosts host will be live on Zoom to guide your virtual tour of downtown Pleasanton's most haunted locations. Ghosts will visit participants' screens and share more of their site's history and hauntings! This family-friendly tour, held for over thirteen years, is a staple of the Halloween season and we can't wait to bring it to you in the comfort of your home!

Participants will also be emailed a Ghost Walk companion e-book with recipes for spooky snacks and treats as well as Halloween themed cocktails and mocktails. The goal of the e-book is to help participants get in the Ghost Walk spirit at home. The e-book will also have more about the history of Ghost Walk and tips for ghost hunters.

Tours begin at 7:00 pm on Zoom. The cost is $15 per screen. All tickets must be purchased online and must include the email you would like us to send the Zoom invite to. Tickets are non-refundable and since it is virtual, tours happen rain or shine!

Sponsor: Museum on Main Street
Location:  Museum on Main, 603 Main Street, Pleasanton       Lynnewood Methodist Church, 4444 Black Avenue, Pleasanton
Times:  7:00pm
Admission: $15 per scream screen.
More info:  Museum on Main Street at (925) 462-2766


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Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Oct 19, 2019
Saturday

Not being held in 2020

Halloween Scavenger Hunt
Calling all little ghouls, witches, princesses and super heroes to downtown Pleasanton! The annual Halloween Scavenger Hunt will take place on Saturday, October 19th from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. while supplies last.

Children have to solve the clue in order to find the next downtown location, where they will be given a small goodie or treat. Parents will be given the clue and answer sheet to help children find the treat locations.

Thank you to our event sponsors Main Street Pediatric and Dentistry and Orthodontics and Pacific Coast Farmers' Market Association.

*Please note treats will be limited to the first 600 children.
Sponsor:
Pleasanton Downtown Association
Location:  Downtown Pleasanton
Times:  10:00am to 12:00pm, while supplies last
Admission: Free
More info:
Pleasanton Downtown Association

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Halloween Brew Crawl
Oct 26, 2019
Saturday

Not being held in 2020

Halloween Brew Crawl
Trick or Treating isn't only for kids, adults can have their fun too! Stroll (or crawl) through beautiful Downtown Pleasanton and sip on craft brews, ciders, and mead while enjoying tasty bites along the way at 30+ downtown locations on October 26th, 2019!

Tickets are only $40 each through midnight on September 30th. Prices will increase to $45 on October 1st. If not sold out, tickets will be available at the door for $50 (cash or check only).

Purchase tickets here.

The Pleasanton Downtown Association encourages everyone to enjoy downtown responsibly. To support this effort the PDA will be selling a limited number of designated driver tickets for $10 on the night of the Brew Crawl.

Thank you to our event sponsors Alameda County Fair, Goodguys, and Hacienda.
Sponsor:  
Pleasanton Downtown Association
Location:  Downtown Pleasanton
Times:  5:00pm to 8:00pm
Admission: $40 each through Sept 30.  $45 starting Oct 1.  At the door: $50 if still available, cash or check only.
More info:
Pleasanton Downtown Association,

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Mom's Haunted Dollhouse
October 26, 2019
Saturday

Not being held in 2020

Mom's Haunted Dollhouse
Mom's Haunted CarnEvil.
Everybody loves a carnival. The fun, the frivolity, the fear? We'll have ghoulish games, fancy freakshows, and everyone's favorite: CLOWNS!
Location:  At the end of Kathy Court in Livermore
Times:  7:00pm to 11:00pm
Admission: Free
More info:
https://www.facebook.com/MomsHauntedHouse

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Places to Visit

Alden Lane Fall Festival
October 12-13, 2019
Sat & Sun

Not being held in 2020 due to COVID-19

Alden Lane Fall Festival  (Some info below is from last year)
Come and enjoy these activities each weekend:

  • Build a scarecrow – Reserve a scarecrow frame & pick a category – A Free & Fun
  • Fish for apples
  • Visit our farm animals
  • Enjoy classes
  • Music

Sponsor: Alden Lane Nursery
Location:  981 Alden Lane, Livermore
Times:  11am to 4pm
Admission: Free
More info:
Alden Lane Nursery

See additional eLivermore.com photos:  Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

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Joan's Farm & Pumpkin Patch
October 3 to 31, 2020
Daily Except Mondays

30th Anniversary

A wonderful family experience on the farm never to be forgotten!

Variety of pumpkins from mini to very large and several types of fall items such as indian corn, gourds, wheat bundles. Friendly staff to help you and your family pick out the “just right” pumpkin and offer you many different and unique photo opportunities.

We offer many different and unique photo opportunities to capture these memories!

 

AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES

Snack Shack open 10/7 – 31 serving hot dogs and pumpkin pie, soda, water, nachos, etc.

Old West Town

Old farm equipment museum

Picnic areas

Portable restrooms

Many varieties of pumpkins and other fall items

 


Location:  4351 Mines Rd in Livermore
Times:  10-6.  Closed Mondays
More info:  Joan's Farm & Pumpkin Patch

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G&M Farms
Fall Pumpkin Patch
Not open in 2020 due to COVID-19

From their Website:

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, G&M Farms has made the difficult decision not to open this year. Our family has been providing Livermore and the surrounding Bay Area with pumpkins and fall entertainment for the last 25 years. It deeply saddens us to imagine an October without G&M Farms but ultimately, it is a decision we felt had to be made to ensure the safety of our staff and all of our guests. However, as a thank you to our community and to our wonderful loyal patrons, we will be holding a FREE Pumpkin Drive-Thru. We wanted to find a way to still provide the community with pumpkins and some fall cheer during this unprecedented year. We truly appreciate your business over all these years and hope next year G&M Farms is back in full swing with Cow Train rides, Kettle Corn, the Corn Maze and all the other traditions we all love every October. With gratitude and love, G&M Farms

From last year:

It’s the G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Livermore, the farm that is so fun it has been featured TWICE on the David Letterman Show! Bring the whole family – there’s harvest fun for all ages at G&M Farms, and it’s easy to find, right off I-580 at Airway Drive in Livermore.

Find your way through the maze, then enjoy G&M Farms’ huge Pumpkin Patch with pumpkins of all sizes – the kids can pick their own! For Mom, there’s fresh produce, decorative gourds and Indian corn. Your little ones will love G&M’s farm animals and the free straw bale maze, pony rides on the weekends, and don’t forget to ride G & M Farms’ famous Cow Train!

G & M Farms Cornfield Maze and Pumpkin Patch was voted “Best Seasonal Attraction” in the East Bay by Diablo Magazine, and when you see it, you’ll believe it!

2006 maze is shown.
Location:
  487 East Airway, Livermore
Times:
    Pumpkin Patch:
          Weekdays:  3pm-6pm (morning reserved for field trips)
          Weekends:  10am-6pm
    Corn Maze:
          Mon-Thurs:  4pm-8pm
          Friday: 4-9pm
          Saturday: 10am-9pm
          Sunday:  10am-8pm
Admission:
    Corn Maze:
       Monday-Thursday
          Adults: $8    6-11: $7
       Friday, Saturday, Sunday
          Adults: $10    6-11: $9
      5 and under are free.
      Coupon is available on their website.
   Pumpkin Patch:  free admission

Haunted Corn Maze: Oct 19 and 26, at Dark


More info: G&M Farms


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Religious Celebrations
 

Reformation Day
October 31

October 31 is Reformation Day!!
On Saturday, October 31, 1517, Martin Luther nailed his 95 Theses to the door of the church in Wittenberg, Germany.  This set in motion the Protestant Reformation, although Luther's intention was to reform the church.  It may have never happened if it were not for an unrelated invention at about the same time:  Guttenberg's Printing Press brought Luther's writings to a much wider audience.  The date is significant, as it was on the eve of the All Saints Festival.

Reformation Sunday is always the last Sunday of October.

For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law. (Romans 3:28)

Luther the Movie is available on VHS and DVD.  This 2003 production chronicles the life of Martin Luther.


All Saint's Day
November 1

Celebration of all Saints.  Started in 835 by the Roman Catholic Church.  Also known as "All Hallows Day".  Thus the origin of "All Hallows Eve"
All Saint's Sunday is the first Sunday in November, although this varies by denomination.  Some denominations will celebrate it on Oct 30 or 31 if they fall on a Sunday.
 

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