Storefronts are lined with bright orange pumpkins, which means everyone’s favorite haunted holiday is on the way. Halloween falls on a Monday this year, with many local events taking place on Saturday 29th of October. So get set for a fun Halloween in Novato, and add a few dates to your diary.
First, the basics, in the distinctive, bright orange shape of a pumpkin. There are plenty of places to pick up pumpkins in Novato, from Trader Joe’s to Safeway and Whole Foods. You can carve them, you can light them, or just line a few up on your front porch for that seasonal, feels-like-Fall ambience.
For costumes, you can go ready-made, at Target or Party City, both at the Vintage Oaks shopping center, or CVS, who have stores on Grant Avenue and Novato Blvd. Alternatively, don’t forget Novato has a Goodwill Store on 7th Ave, if you’re looking to get a little more creative.
Candy? If you’re expecting a lot of trick or treaters, CostCo is a good bet, if you have a membership. Alternatively supermarkets like Safeway and Lucky’s, or drug stores like CVS, will have piles of sugary treats.
Looking for something a little more exotic? If you want to be the house that all the kids are talking about — the one with the best candy imaginable — or you want to impress a few adult friends with such oddities as bacon flavored candy, Celine’s Sweets on Grant Avenue has an unbeatable selection of connoisseur candies.
The Novato Chamber of Commerce will be presenting their third annual Scream on the Green Faire, on October 28th and 29th. Civic Hall will be transformed into a haunted house, with live entertainment on the Civic Green. Local non-profits have been invited to showcase their work at the event, and there will be food and drink available to enjoy.
Local merchants on Grant Avenue will be complimenting the Scream on the Green festivities with their own Safe Trick or Treat on Saturday afternoon, between 11am and 2pm. Costumed kids are invited to visit local merchants for a family-friendly trick or treat experience, and collect some goodies along the way, throughout Downtown Novato.
Adults can also enjoy an evening of Hollywood themed entertainment, with the Bay Area’s top pop-soul party band, Pride and Joy, who will be delivering two sets at the HopMonk Tavern on Saturday the 29th. Doors open at 8pm, with the show starting at 9. If you’re looking for a chance to show off your stylish Halloween threads and dance the night away, the HopMonk is a great option.
As noted, Halloween falls on a Monday this year, and while a lot of events will take place over the preceding weekend, Pacheco Plaza on Ignacio Blvd is throwing their Halloween Festival on the 31st, from 3:30 to 5:30pm. They promise a drum circle, face painting, a warm welcome for trick or treaters, and for the first time a pet costume show and contest. If you’re a pet lover who loves putting costumes on your four legged friend, head to Pacheco Plaza. You might win a best-Halloween-pet prize.
However you spend Halloween, don’t forget that you can fill your home with Halloween spirit without having to wander far. Novato’s friendly retailers have you covered.
