Channel Islands Harbor to Host Parade of Frights Boat Parade, Family-Friendly Activities on Halloween Weekend

If you’re looking for a family-friendly event that’ll light up your night and put a sparkle in your eye, you’re in for a treat – or should we say, a ‘trick-or-treat’?

The 2nd Annual Parade of Frights at the Channel Islands Harbor is back, and it’s going to be bigger, better, and spookier than ever! Check out the parade route:

This event, scheduled for Saturday, October 28th, will include a 7 p.m. boat parade and numerous family-friendly landside activities. This event is all about celebrating the spooky season in style, and it’s the perfect opportunity to bring the whole family together for a day of laughter, thrills, and, of course, free candy!

Here is a list of fun activities.

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. – Free Spooky Scavenger Hunt at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum & Mystic Whaler Tall Ship

Let the adventure begin! Kick off your day of Halloween fun with a spine-tingling scavenger hunt that starts at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum and ends at the Mystic Whaler Tall Ship. Gather your little pirates and mermaids and embark on a quest to solve riddles, follow clues, and uncover hidden treasures. Who knows what maritime mysteries you’ll stumble upon?

2 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Parade of Frights Marketplace

The Channel Islands Farmers’ Market will be hosting an expanded market from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Harbor View Park, located just south of Marine Emporium Landing at 3600 Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, CA 93035. At the market, the Ventura County Harbor Department will offer reusable Parade of Frights bags to children (while supplies last), each vendor will hand out candy, there will be crafts booths for children to create Halloween-themed art, and there will be a costume contest and costume parade. The costume parade starts at 5 p.m. and organizers will be handing out special Halloween-themed medals for all participants. In addition, there will be an inflatable jump zone. Radio station KBBY 95.1 will also be in attendance with a booth, playing good music and giving away prizes.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. – Free Trunk or Treat Hosted by Viejitos Car Club at Fisherman’s Wharf

Join the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, Elite Theatre Company, and the Viejitos Car Club for an unforgettable experience at Fisherman’s Wharf, located on the southwest corner of Victoria Ave. and Channel Islands Blvd. Classic cars decorated with ghoulish delights will gather in the parking lot, offering a safe and enjoyable experience for all young trick-or-treaters. At the event, there will be a variety of artisan vendors, food, roaming scare actors, a DJ, live music, and plenty of cool photo opportunities. Participants can collect delightful treats and marvel at the spooktacular car displays – no tickets are needed for this free event!

Parking and Tips

Parking can be a bit tricky, so make sure to arrive early to snag a good spot. Carpooling for ridesharing is a great way to reduce the hassle. Also, remember to bring warm clothing as the evening can get chilly!

Editor’s Note: this story was published on Sept. 27, 2023.