Here’s where walking watermelons, pirate gypsies, and Harry Potter look-alikes can go for fall fun and, of course, serious sweet loot.

Mendocino County

Ukiah: PumpkinFest This annual event draws huge crowds with its variety of fall activities, including a parade, haunted house, castle decorating contest, and 3-on-3 hoop tournament. This year’s theme is Renaissance Faire, so costumes with sword-brandishing flair are welcome. The free festival will be held on October 14, 10 a.m.–6 p.m. (parade at 10 a.m.), and October 15, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., in downtown Ukiah. The Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off, in which local hefty squash compete, will be held on October 13, 4–7 p.m., in the Safeway parking lot in Ukiah. Info: cityofukiah.com/pumpkinfest.

Calpella: Enchanted Pumpkin Path Comprising eight whimsical and humorous theatrical skits, this event aims to offer an alternative to scary, over-stimulating Halloween activities. Professional thespians will act out vignettes of a children’s tale outside on the campus of the Waldorf School of Mendocino on October 31. Choose a 15-minute time slot between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. when reserving tickets, which are $10 and go on sale October 15. Info and tickets: mendocinowaldorf.org/enchanted-pumpkin-path. 

Ukiah: Community Halloween Bash Hosted by the Boys and Girls Club of Ukiah, this free event gives kids ages 5–18 a chance to compete for prizes in a costume contest. There will be games and food, too. The fun happens October 31, 5–8 p.m. (contest at 8 p.m.), at the Alex Rorabaugh Recreation Center. Info: tinyurl.com/4h2t43rv.

Ukiah: Fall Festival Admission is free to this event, but attractions such as a rock wall, Mexican food, and hot cocoa and sweets, cost a small fee. Proceeds benefit the Ukiah Junior Academy, where the festival will happen on November 5. Info: 707.462.6350.

Ukiah: Trunk or Treat For those who would rather not go door-to-door, a trunk-or-treat in a church parking lot may be just right. Come in costume and be prepared for games and, of course, candy on October 31, 4:30–7 p.m., at the First Presbyterian Church of Ukiah. Info: 707-468-9235.

Lake County

Clearlake: Trunk or Treat and Movie The Clearlake Youth Center will be showing off its recent renovations at this event, which offers not only goodies, but also a flick. The fun happens on October 28, with candy collecting 5–8:30 p.m. in the parking lot, and Trick or Treat Scooby-Doo! screening directly after, in the center. Info: tinyurl.com/3wkm3xrx.

Middletown: Halloween Carnival If the kids like hot dogs, they can eat them for free at this Middletown Lioness Club shin-dig, which will also feature carnival games and prizes, a cookie walk, cornhole toss, preschooler activities, and on top of all that, free photo portraits. The revelry will be on October 29, 2–5 p.m., in Middletown Central Park and is free. Info: tinyurl.com/4ruvjed2. 

For more Halloween fun, check out the Calendar of Events.