Islanders of all ages have plenty of options for celebrating Halloween this year, with a variety of events planned for the week leading up to and including Oct. 31.
On Thursday, Oct. 24, the library’s Teen Zone is the spot for an afternoon of “ghostly, eerie and even spine-chilling crafting” from 1 to 3 p.m. on an early dismissal day. Library staff explain that “paintings of classic artists such as Vincent van Gogh, Francisco Goya and many others will be provided along with various supplies to make a petrifying re-creation of a classic artwork.”
The Haunted Forest Walk continues at the Salty Bonez Shack at 606 Cusheon Lake Road on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25-26 from 6 to 9 p.m. People are invited to bring a reusable mug for hot chocolate, and cash, food and supplies for the BC SPCA. While the event is for all ages, it may be scary for some.
On Saturday, Oct. 26, the Salt Spring Island Rod and Gun Club on Long Harbour Road hosts an all-ages Halloween Spooktacular with fun events like a pumpkin smash, spectral trap shooting and a zombie shoot. It runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 27 sees craft activities for ages five to 12 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at ArtSpring when a special Halloween Party with mask-making and a costume parade takes place. A guardian must accompany kids under the age of 10. Snacks are provided but bringing a bag lunch is recommended.
The event is from the ArtSpring Roundtable Committee in partnership with StageCoach Theatre.
On Halloween night, StageCoach Theatre presents the Monsterpiece Theatre Haunted House downstairs at the Salt Spring Island Multi Space from 5 to 7:30 p.m. Entry is by donation. The event is made possible with support from the Salt Spring Island Foundation, PARC and Country Grocer.
Fireworks in downtown Ganges are on tap at 7:30 p.m. courtesy of the Salt Spring Island Firefighters’ Association, with hot dogs and hot chocolate served at the Ganges fire hall afterwards.
This year the Brinkworthy Estates community is not giving out candy to trick or treaters but is collecting some for the Maliview and Wildwood neighbourhoods. They are also having a costume-optional dance party for residents only from 2 to 4 p.m.
Country Grocer has once again set out boxes to accept donations of candy for distribution to residents in the popular Maliview and Wildwood neighbourhood trick or treat destinations.
Adults can take in costume parties at Moby’s Pub (with The Coalition) and the Legion with a Halloween Open Mic with Rough and Tumble.
On Nov. 2 at Bullock Lake Farm, the Dia de los Muertos: Community Ofrenda will take place for the fourth year between 5 and 10:30 p.m. Pre-registration is requested through dosamorestortilleria.com. Donations are not required but appreciated to offset costs.
More events or details may be announced closer to Oct. 31.