Apple Butter Festival | Oct 20 (9 a.m-5 p.m.)

There is apple butter canning, antique farm equipment, crafts, BBQ, fresh apples, juice pressing, bakery, antiques and much more.

Gizdich Ranch, Watsonville
831-722-1056, www.gizdich-ranch.com

Scarecrow Alley and Pumpkin Patch | Oct. 20-21

A Gilroy community event. Area businesses, organizations and other groups create one-of-a-kind scarecrows that are displayed along the park's entry path and bridge. Purchase a holiday pumpkin at the Hall's Mercantile Pumpkin Patch.

Gilroy Gardens
3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.org

Moonlight Dinner Train | Oct. 20 (6-11 p.m.)

Moonlight dinner, dancing, and train ride through a redwood forest lit by flashlight. Reservations recommended. For tickets contact Roaring Camp at 1-831-335-4484.

Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Octoberfest at the Tyrolean Inn | Oct. 20

In true Bavarian fashion, the Tyrolean Inn celebrates Octoberfest with traditional foods, music, songs, plus beers and wines from the homeland.

9600 Hwy. 9, Ben Lomond
831-336-5188, www.tyroleaninn.com

The Haunted Tail - Walk through Twin Lakes | Oct. 26-27 (7-10 p.m.)

An event evening for children. Docent led walks for children 8 years and older.

Twin Lakes State Park from the Simpkins Swim Center, Live Oak
831-454-7930, www.scparks.com

Ghost Train | Oct. 26-27

Ride the train through a haunted forest as the Legend of Sleepy Hollow is narrated. USA Today named this one of the top ten Halloween events in the U.S. Reservations required.

Roaring Camp, Felton
Tickets/Info: 831-335-4484, www.roaringcamp.com

Scarecrow Alley and Pumpkin Patch | Oct. 27-28

A Gilroy community event. Area businesses, organizations and other groups create one-of-a-kind scarecrows that are displayed along the park's entry path and bridge. Purchase a holiday pumpkin at the Hall's Mercantile Pumpkin Patch.

Gilroy Gardens
3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.org

Heritage Harvest Festival | Oct. 27 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Celebrate: the harvest is in! See tractor, drafthorse and other living history demonstrations, listen to music, do crafts, try your hand at harvest-time activities. Food available for sale, or bring a picnic lunch.

Wilder Ranch State Park
Hwy 1, 2 miles north of Santa Cruz
831-423-9703, www.santacruzstateparks.org

TREE-ker Treat! At Gilroy Gardens | Oct. 27-28 (2-4 p.m.)

Celebrate Halloween! Children 12 and under are encouraged to dress up and TREE-ker Treat their way through the Park! Visit all nine of the world-famous Circus Trees inside the Park and receive special holiday treats.

3050 Hecker Pass/Hwy 152, Gilroy
408-840-7100, www.gilroygardens.org

Mask Festival | Oct. 27 (noon - 5 p.m.)

A fun filled day for the family. Mask making and displays. Music, dance, performances and storytelling.

Louden Nelson Center
301 Center St., Santa Cruz