Halloween Happenings Bring Costumed Canines, Trick-or-Treating, a Witches Paddle and Spooky Fun To Waterside Destination
VENTURA — Halloween gets a coastal twist this October as Ventura Harbor Village welcomes families, witches, zombies, four-legged companions and Halloween enthusiasts to celebrate Fall with a festive lineup of Seaside Halloween happenings.
Set against the scenic backdrop of Ventura Harbor, this year’s Halloween festivities feature a dog costume contest, family-friendly trick-or-treating, Halloween entertainment and activities, and the colorful spectacle of costumed witches and warlocks paddling across the harbor. Visitors can also enjoy waterfront dining, shopping, harbor views and attractions throughout Ventura Harbor Village.
“Ventura Harbor Village is the perfect place to celebrate Halloween with a seaside twist,” said Marketing Manager, Jennifer Talt Lundin of Ventura Harbor Village.
Here’s what in story for the bewitching month:
Photos courtesy Ventura Harbor Village.
HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026
Saturday, October 24 | Noon–2 PM | At Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn
Halloween isn’t just for humans! Canine companions are invited to dress up for the HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest 2026 on Saturday, October 24.
The festive event celebrates creative, spooky and sea-worthy costumes, with prizes recognizing categories including Best in Show, Spookiest, Most Sea-Worthy, Most On-Trend and Most Creative.
The event is designed for dog lovers and spectators alike, making it a fun opportunity to enjoy Halloween with the entire family. Ventura Harbor Village Events (look here for online entries) There are 75 maximum entries available beginning October 16, 2026, and some available on the day of the event.
Seaside Trick or Treat 2026
Friday, October 30 | 4–6 PM | Free | At Ventura Harbor Village
Something spellbinding is brewing by the sea, as visitors put on their favorite costumes and get ready for Seaside Trick or Treat 2026 throughout Ventura Harbor Village on the eve of Halloween, Friday, October 30.
This free community Halloween celebration invites visitors of all ages to dress up and explore participating Village shops and restaurants for treats. Look for the distinctive witch hats with green twirling hair that identify participating treat stops. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own trick-or-treat bags, with treats and complimentary activities available while supplies last. New this year, a Witches Night Market will take over the lawn with vendors, curious finds, and even more treats.
The afternoon’s Halloween entertainment and activities include:
- Monster Mash Dance Party
- Village Skeleton Hunt
- Roaming magician
- Professional pumpkin carving
- Halloween hearse featuring a Día de los Muertos photo display
- Face painting/Vendors
- Halloween Crafts
- Scarlors performance – (New!)
- Witches & Warlocks Paddle – 4-5:30 PM
- Thriller Zombie Flash Mob – 5:45 PM
- Witches Night Market (New!)
Participating treat stops currently include Andria’s Seafood Restaurant & Market,
Barefoot Boutique, Baja Bay Surf N Taco, Boba by the Sea, Brophy Bros., On The Alley, Casa De Regalos, Deep Sea Wine, Frenchies Modern Nail Care, Hats Unlimited, Island Packers, Lost in Socks, Rowan Boutique, Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant, Mermaid Gallery, The Greek Mediterranean Steak & Seafood, Treasure Cove, Ventura Pottery Gallery and Ventura Swimwear. Ventura Harbor Village Events
Need a last-minute finishing touch? Stop by Hats Unlimited or Lost in Socks for costume accessories
8th Annual Ventura Harbor Witches & Warlocks Paddle 2026
Friday, October 30 | 4–5:30 PM | At Ventura Harbor
As Halloween festivities unfold throughout Ventura Harbor Village, a spellbinding spectacle will take place on the water during the 8th Annual Ventura Harbor Witches & Warlocks Paddle 2026 on Friday, October 30.
Don’t miss the group photo! Witches, warlocks and other costumed paddlers will gather at 3:30 PM on the promenade near the Ventura Harbor sign for a group photo, before launching the paddle at 4 PM.
Participants can bring their own paddleboard or kayak or arrange a rental through Ventura Boat Rentals. The paddle lasts approximately one to one-and-a-half hours. Those bringing their own equipment may launch from several locations around the Harbor, including “C” Dock in the Village courtesy area, Harbor Cove Beach or the public launch ramp. Spectators are welcome too, with plenty of prime viewing spots along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.
The Annual Witches & Warlocks Paddle began as a local tradition initiated by Christie Moorehouse and Susan Stuart and has grown into an annual Halloween attraction at Ventura Harbor. Spectators are invited to watch the costumed flotilla from the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.
Advance RSVP is required for those participating in the paddle, and witches and warlocks must register using the below link, and sign an online wavier:
https://forms.monday.com/forms/de335c3cf001b981e74f213910f74743?r=use1
All paddlers must wear a life vest, paddle with a buddy and participate at their own risk.
Visitors are encouraged to check the Ventura Harbor Village events calendar for the latest updates. Ventura Harbor Village Events
Friday, October 30, 2026 |5:45 – 6 PM | At Ventura Harbor Village
Get ready for a Halloween spectacle as a ghoulish gathering of zombies takes over the Main Lawn at Ventura Harbor Village for a special live performance of Michael Jackson’s iconic “Thriller” dance on Friday, October 30.
From 5:45 to 6:00 p.m., the Main Lawn will come alive with a spooky, high-energy performance sponsored by FitZone Ventura, bringing one of Halloween’s most recognizable dances to the waterfront as part of Ventura Harbor Village’s Spooktacular Halloween weekend.
Halloween fans of all ages are invited to watch the performance — or join in the fun. Those who want to learn the legendary “Thriller” choreography are encouraged to participate. Costumes are encouraged, making the event an opportunity for families, friends and Halloween enthusiasts to dance alongside the zombies.
Whether you’re a longtime Halloween fan or simply looking for a fun way to celebrate the season, the “Thriller” performance promises to bring plenty of spooky spirit, music and movement.
Halloween Haunted History Cruise (New!)
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 10 AM–4 PM | Ventura Harbor
This Halloween, trade the traditional haunted house for a thrilling and memorable adventure on the Santa Barbara Channel during the Halloween Haunted History Cruise, a special one-day-only, non landing cruise, departing from Island Packers in Ventura Harbor on October 31.
Visitors will remain comfortably aboard an Island Packers vessel while exploring the scenic waters of the Santa Barbara Channel. The approximately five-hour, non-landing cruise combines maritime history, dramatic coastal scenery, wildlife viewing and fascinating stories inspired by the Channel’s mysterious past with a distinctive Halloween adventure surrounded by the waters of the Santa Barbara Channel.
As the vessel travels along the Channel, guests can hear tales connected to the region’s remote islands, historic shipwrecks, seafaring legends and maritime heritage. As part of the adventure on the water, guests enjoy a five hour sightseeing experience aboard Island Packers; interpretive narration and stories inspired by Channel Islands history, scenic views of remote islands and dramatic coastal formations; opportunities to photograph marine wildlife (dolphins, whales, California sea lions, pelicans and seabirds; in addition to coastal landscapes. Space is limited for this special one-day Halloween cruise. www.islandpackers.com
From adorable pups in costume to children collecting treats and witches gliding across the harbor, Ventura Harbor Village offers a memorable way to experience Halloween against the backdrop of the Southern California coast. Visitors can make an afternoon or evening of their visit by enjoying waterfront dining, browsing Village boutiques and galleries, picking up Halloween treats and gifts, and taking in the harbor views before or after the festivities. With multiple events taking place, visitors can experience the unique combination of costumes on land and witches on the water — all within the vibrant Ventura Harbor setting. For a complete list event information and the latest schedule of Fall events and happenings, visit the Ventura Harbor Village events calendar: Ventura Harbor Village Events