Oct. 22, 2010 - The best treat this season is the continued success of the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS series. Every sports fan knows about the thrills and chills that have been unfolding at AT&T Park, a.k.a. the “House of Torture,” these past few weeks.
Nevertheless, there’s plenty of traditional Halloween fare brewing in the San Francisco Bay Area.
For more autumn fun, visit www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com or check out www.homeforhalloween.com for Halloween event updates. In all cases public transit is recommended; for information, telephone 511 (in the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties) or 510-893-8729 or visit www.511.org.
Ongoing
Tactile Dome
The Exploratorium, Palace of Fine Arts, 3601 Lyon St.
This beats the bowl of peeled grapes to simulate eyeballs. At the Exploratorium’s legendary Tactile Dome, visitors are never quite sure what's there as they feel their way through twisting passageways, chutes and rooms, guided only by their sense of touch. $17 covers admission to the Tactile Dome and the Exploratorium. For reservations, call 415-561-0362, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., or visit www.exploratorium.edu.
Ongoing, 6:10 and 6:45 p.m. until Oct. 24, 2010, 4:20 p.m. after Oct. 24, 2010
Alcatraz Night Tour (Thursday-Monday)
Alcatraz Landing, Pier 33
Limited to a few hundred visitors each evening, this tour includes fascinating stories and spine-tingling adventures to the dark corners of the island prison. Tickets range from $19.50 to $33. Reservations required. For tour times and ticket information, visit www.alcatrazcruises.com or call 415-981-7625.
Through Oct. 31, 2010
Very Postmortem: Mummies and Medicine
Legion of Honor, Lincoln Park, 34th Avenue and Clement Street The exhibition explores the modern scientific examination of mummies providing new insights into the conditions under which the Egyptians lived, bringing us closer to understanding who they were. For information visit www.famsf.org or call 415-750-3600.
Through Oct. 31, 2010 (Friday-Sunday), 7 p.m.-12 a.m.
Halloween Haunt
California’s Great America, Great America Parkway, Santa Clara
Halloween Haunt is an “in your face” scare experience complete with six mazes, four themed scare zones, four live stage shows, and one gruesome themed attraction plus the park’s collection of thrill rides. Event is rated PG-13. Full price admission is $39.99. For information call 408-988-1776 or visit www.cagreatamerica.com for additional advance savings.
Through Oct. 31, 2010 (weekends and Fridays Oct. 29)
Fright Fest Presented by Snickers®
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, 1001 Fairgrounds Dr., Vallejo
Thrills by day and chills by night – Fright Fest is back and scarier than ever before. Northern California’s original Halloween theme park event transforms Six Flags Discovery Kingdom into a shadow land of ghosts and ghouls. For kids, frightening fun is at hand with treats along the Twick or Tweet Twail. Spooky things prevail during the Bird Drop Inn bird show and the Witches Brew and Island Zoo animal show. Not for the faint of heart are Bayou Hazard, a ghoulish haunted maze, and the new Slasherville. A nominal fee is required to “enjoy” the haunted mazes. For information or to purchase tickets, visit www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom or call 707-643-6722.
Through Nov. 19, 2010, 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, special Halloween performance at 8 p.m.
Shocktoberfest-The Torture Garden
Hypnodrome, 575 10th St.
Thrillpeddlers’ 11th annual “pageant of terror” offers three one-act plays in the grand guignol tradition: Kiss of Blood, Lips of the Damned and The Empress of Colma in repertory with Pearls Over Shanghai, the Cockettes musical (extended through Dec. 19). For information visit www.brownpapertickets.com or call 800-838-3006.
Oct. 18-31, 2010
Haunted House Tours
Jelly Belly Candy Co., One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield
Candy factory tours include a Halloween-themed addition at the Jelly Belly Candy Company. For information visit www.jellybelly.com or call 800-953-5592.
Oct. 21-22, 28-29, 30-31, 2010
The Forsaken Laboratory
Hypnodrome Theatre, 575 10th St.
In association with Vigor Mortis, Brazil’s premiere grand guignol theater, Thrillpeddlers presents The Forsaken Laboratory, a 20-minute, one-act play as part of Thrillpeddlers artist-in-residency program. Performances will follow Shocktoberfest!! 2010: Kiss of Blood on dates indicated. For information visit www.thrillpeddlers.com
Oct. 22, 2010, benefactor pre-party 5-7 p.m., 7-9 p.m. main event SuperNatural Masquerade
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park.
Trick-or-treaters will be able to visit “spook-tacular” animals, creepy crawly specimens and more throughout the Academy. The fun-filled evening also includes magic shows, a giant pumpkin-carving demonstration, special dive program, self-guided scavenger hunt and other family-friendly activities. Tickets are $50 adults, $35 for children. Benefactor family ticket packages start at $500. Proceeds support the Academy’s education and research programs. For information visit www.calacademy.org/halloween or call 415-379-8000.
Oct. 22-23, 2010
Exotic Erotic Ball & Expo
Craneway Pavilion, Richmond
Called “The World’s #1 Wildest and Sexiest Party” by E! Entertainment TV. Perry Mann’s Exotic Erotic Ball, has moved across the bay to Craneway Pavilion, Richmond. The Exotic Erotic Ball and Expo offers a dazzling array of entertainment on multiple stages consisting of live headline music, top DJs, erotic performers, exotic dancers, and wild circus sideshows, plus visually dazzling sets, fantasy themed halls, BDSM demos, fetish fashions, all sorts of sexy shenanigans and the tantalizingly offbeat. Hotel packages are available at the Hilton Garden Inn and Doubletree Berkeley Marina. For information visit www.exoticeroticball.com or call 415-567-BALL (2255).
Oct. 23, 2010, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Children’s Halloween Hootenanny
Stanyan Street and Waller Street cul-de-sac next to Kezar Pavilion
A Haight-Ashbury Street Fair Production, the Children’s Halloween Hootenanny features a “Carnival” theme this year and includes a costume contest, performers, exhibitions and creative hands-on activities designed to entertain children of all ages. Since 2006, this event has been an opportunity in the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood for children to enjoy the spirit of Halloween in a safe and fun environment. Event will be strictly supervised and monitored to ensure the safety and amusement of all participants. For information visit www.haightashburystreetfair.org.
Oct. 23 and 29-31, 2010
Halloween Flashlight Tours
Winchester Mystery House, 525 S. Winchester Blvd., San Jose
This one takes the pumpkin. Special flashlight tours are offered during Halloween and every Friday the 13th. Tour the rambling mansion with only the moonlight, a souvenir flashlight and your imagination to guide you through a bewildering maze of rooms and stairways. For Halloween, there’s also special entertainment and trick-or-treating in the gardens for the whole family. For information visit www.winchestermysteryhouse.com or call 408-247-2000.
Oct. 24, 2010, registration 11 a.m.-noon, event noon–3 p.m.
Pet Pride Day
Sharon Meadow, Golden Gate Park
This full day of entertainment, education and information is fun for everyone with two, or even four, legs. There will be the Ole Mole competition for the best Mexican-themed pet costume. A parade of pets will also include the San Francisco Mounted Police Unit. For information visit www.sfgov.org/site/acc.
Oct. 24, 2010, 1:30-4 p.m.
Harvest Festival and Halloween Mask Workshop
Marin Headlands
Make masks for the season using non-native materials found around the Marin Headlands and sample heirloom apples. Meet artist Katrina Wagner at the Marin Headlands Visitor Center. For reservations (required), call 415-331-1540 or visit www.parksconservancy.org.
October 28, 2010, 5-9 p.m.
Ghosts & Golden Clouds
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St.
Master storyteller Brenda Wong Aoki, Emmy Award-winning contemporary jazz composer Mark Izu, and an ensemble of percussionists and Japanese instrumentalists will perform absorbing rich and haunting tales of Japanese ghosts. For information visit www.asianart.org.
October 28, 6-10 p.m.
A SuperNatural NightLife
California Academy of Sciences, 55 Music Concourse Dr., Golden Gate Park
This Halloween edition of the Academy’s weekly NightLife event for adults 21+ is an opportunity to get some additional mileage out of this year’s fabulous Halloween get-up. Step into the world of parapsychology with Professor Paranormal, one of the world’s leading experts on ghosts and psychic experience. Check out a giant pumpkin carving demonstration, enjoy food and cocktails and dance to some of San Francisco’s most popular DJs. Tickets $12. For information visit www.calacademy.org or call 415-379-8000.
Oct. 28, 2010, 7 p.m.
Witches!
SFMOMA, 151 Third St.
Start the Halloween weekend early at SFMOMA with this bewitching double-feature or rarely-screened 1970s horror flicks in the Phyllis Wattis Theater. For information visit www.sfmoma.org.
Oct. 29, 2010, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Halloween Blood Drive
Embarcadero Center, Drumm St. between Three Embarcadero and Four Embarcadero
Be a “Super Hero” this Halloween and give blood at the Embarcadero Center Halloween Blood Drive. Not only will blood donors contribute to saving lives, they will also be eligible to win super hero-themed prizes, including vintage Marvel Comics cover posters (framed reprints) officially licensed, hotel accommodations, restaurant gift certificates, movie tickets and much more. Enjoy treats and goodie bags while celebrating Halloween by donating much needed blood to Bay Area patients. Donor coach will be located at Drumm Street near Four Embarcadero Center. Donors can sign up for appointments at www.bloodheroes.com; enter embarcadero as the sponsor code (case sensitive). For more information call the Tenant Relations hotline at 415-772-0730.
Oct. 29, 2010, 6-8:30 p.m. Halloween Carnival
Japanese Community and Cultural Center of Northern California (JCCNC), 1840 Sutter St.
Come to JCCCNC's and the Japanese Community Youth Council's Halloween Carnival for a safe spooky scene. Games and prizes, tricks and treats, arts and crafts and goodies to eat are all part of the fun. For information call 415-567-5505 or visit http://www.jcccnc.org.
Oct. 29, 2010, 8:30 p.m.
Fake Blood
Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St.
Fake Blood, the boy wonder who sold out Mezzanine at his last San Francisco performance, returns for an all out Halloween bash. Costumes are strongly encouraged. For information visit www.mezzaninesf.com/calendar.asp.
Oct. 29-30, 2010, 8 p.m.
BATS Improv Halloween Show
Bayfront Theatre, Building B, Fort Mason
Hilariously twisted tales and surprising stories from the BATS Improv ensemble. It’s all completely improvised and inspired by suggestions from the audience. For information visit www.improv.org or call 415-474-6776.
Oct. 29-31, 2010, 6-8 p.m.
California Halloween Sunset Cruises
Red and White Fleet, Pier 43 ½
New this year, Red and White Fleet presents a series of California Halloween Sunset Cruises. On this relaxed two-hour cruise, guests of all ages will enjoy spectacular sunset views, live guitar music and hearty appetizers that include a variety of sandwiches, salads, fruit and dessert. While in costume, surrounded by holiday décor and thematic atmosphere, cruise past the infamous island of Alcatraz, around Angel Island National Park, under the majestic span of the Golden Gate and along the beautiful shorelines of Tiburon and Sausalito as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Price ranges from $36 children, $54 adults. For information visit www.redandwhite.com/california_sunset_cruise.asp.
Oct. 29-31, 2010, 6 p.m.-12 a.m.
Club Blood
Ruby Skye, 420 Mason St.
Over $20,000 in props and décor transform Ruby Skye into the dark, mysterious and sexy world of vampires. For information and details on entertainment visit www.rubyskye.com.
Oct. 30, 2010, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Family Halloween Day
Randall Museum, 199 Museum Way, off Roosevelt above 14th and Castro Streets
Come in costume and join in the kid-friendly festivities at the Randall Museum’s Family Halloween Day. The Museum will be transformed into a Halloween haunt with a gamut of ghoulish games, creepy crafts, (low sugar) treats and (non-scary) tricks, pumpkins and more. Admission is free; however, $3 donation appreciated. For information call 415-554-9600 or visit www.randallmuseum.org.
Oct. 30, 2010,10 a.m.
Munchkin Masquerade
Jelly Belly Candy Co., One Jelly Belly Lane, Fairfield
Little ghouls and goblins 10 and under will be right at home at the Jelly Belly Visitor Center; it’s everyone in costume for the Munchkin Masquerade march through the candy factory. Face painting and clowns add to the fun until noon. Goodie bags for the first 300 children in costume. For information visit www.jellybelly.com or call 800-953-5592.
Oct. 30, 2010, 7 p.m.
All Hallows Eve Theater at the Log Cabin
1299 Storey Ave, Presidio of San Francisco
Bindlestiff Studios presents Stories from a Haunted Forest: A Night of Filipino-American Experimental Theater, an alternative experience.Four family fable, each in a different theatrical format, will enlist puppets in a shadow play, the graceful movement of stilt-walkers, little monsters doing a comedic dance and Glow Theater, where sets, costumes and performers glow in the dark. For information visit
http://bindlestiffstudio.org/
Oct. 30, 2010, boarding begins at 7:30 p.m.; boat departs at 8:30 p.m. and docks at 11:30 p.m.
The KISS Screamin' Halloween Cruise,
Hornblower Cruises and Events, Pier 3, The Embarcadero
Join 98.1 KISS-FM and Hornblower Cruises for the fourth annual KISS Screamin' Halloween Cruise. Come dressed to trick or treat and then jive to KISS-FM tunes. Tasty cocktails, delicious appetizers and stunning views make for a frighteningly good time. Tickets $40. For information visit www.hornblower.com or call 415-788-8866.
Oct. 30, 2010, 7:30 p.m.-2 a.m.
Monster Bash
USS Hornet Museum, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Pier 3, Alameda Point, Alameda
All ages are welcomed aboard this National Historic Landmark, the USS Hornet. Aptly nicknamed “The Gray Ghost,” the ship is the setting for a thrilling evening of dancing and haunted happenings. The family friendly event will feature live dance music from the ‘60s to the present by The Cocktail Monkeys, prizes for best costumes, a children’s area and haunted tours. Monster Bash “after party” from midnight to 2 a.m. features music by DJ Tripp. Tickets are $20 adults, $10 children up to age 17; $25 at the gangplank. Proceeds benefit preservation of the historic aircraft carrier. For information visit www.hornetevents.com or call 510-521-8448, ext. 282.
Oct. 30-31, 2010
SuperNatural Festival
California Academy of Sciences, Golden Gate Park, 55 Music Concourse Dr.
Get into the Halloween spirit (and your costume) with some daytime SuperNatural fun at the Academy, home to thousands of slithering, crawling creatures and millions of pickled and preserved specimens. Meet cockroaches, snakes and other creepy critters during live demonstrations. The family fun continues with costume parades, music and performances including Velocity Circus. Activities are included with general admission. For information and to purchase tickets visit www.calacademy.org/tickets/ or at the door.
Oct. 30-31, 2010, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Boo at the Zoo
San Francisco Zoo, One Zoo Road, Great Highway and Sloat Blvd.
Leave the rubber masks at home so as not to frighten the animals. Come walk the Haunted Nature Trail, explore the Rainforest Maze Adventure, trick-or-treat throughout the zoo and more. Check out Puppet Art Theater and Witch Hazelnut’s spooky stories, make some scary crafts and see some creepy critters during this event. And don’t miss Zoo animals enjoying their special pumpkin treats during the “Pumpkin Stomp and Chomp.” Free with paid Zoo admission. For information visit www.sfzoo.org or call 415-753-7201.
Oct. 30-31, 2010, 6:30-8 p.m.
The Haunted Presidio: Halloween Night Walk
Join a ranger- and docent-led tour and learn about the mysteries and unexplained events of the Presidio’s 200-year history. Parental guidance suggested. Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes and bring a flashlight (optional). Meet park ranger Rik Penn and a docent at the corner of Lincoln Boulevard and Funston Avenue for a moderate, one-mile walk. Space limited. For reservations (required), visit www.parksconservancy.org or call 415-561-4323.
Oct. 31, 2010, 9 a.m.
Inaugural Barbary Coast Trail Walk
This 3.5-mile family friendly Halloween walk across San Francisco starts at the Old Mint, Fifth and Mission streets, and follows the bronze plaques that designate the route of the Barbary Coast Trail. From downtown the route goes through Chinatown, North Beach and Fisherman’s Wharf, ending with a post-walk celebration at Aquatic Park. Registered walkers receive a medallion replica of the plaques. Former Mayor Willie L. Brown is the grand marshal. To register for the walk ($45 adults, $30 13 and under) visit www.barbarycoasttrailwalk.org. The walk, produced by the San Francisco Museum and Historical Society, is a benefit for them and the San Francisco Maritime National Park Association.
October 31, 2010, 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 4:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 10:30 p.m.
HallowScreen! And Drop-in Craft Activity
Walt Disney Family Museum, 104 Montgomery St., The Presidio of San Francisco
HallowScreen! is a compilation of some of Disney's scary subjects including The Skeleton Dance and other bone-chilling shorts. Costumes welcome, so come dressed in your best! There will be a Halloween craft activity going on throughout the day 10 a.m.-5p.m. in the Learning Center so drop on by to create something spooktacular. Tickets available online at www.waltdisney.org or call 415-345-6800.
Oct. 31, 2010,11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Halloween at Zeum
Zeum, 221 Fourth St.
Throughout the day at Zeum, kids can enjoy ghoulish face painting, spooky arts and crafts, and perform Michael Jackson's "Thriller" in the Music Production Lab. Admission is $8 youth; $8 seniors and students; $10 adults; free for visitors age 2 and younger. For information www.zeum.org or call 415-820-3320.
Oct. 31, 2010, Noon–1:30 p.m. Gardens Halloween Costume Walk Children’s Garden, Rooftop, Yerba Buena Gardens, Fourth and Howard Streets
Hosted by the Unique Derique and featuring live music, children under 10 and their families are invited to parade around in Halloween finery. The Costume Walk also features performances and interactive games for kids. For information visit www.ybgf.org or call 415-543-1718.
Oct. 31, 2010, 1-1:45 p.m.
Restless Spirits
Asian Art Museum, 200 Larkin St.
Meet Japan’s most memorable demons, ghosts and goblins in this spooky storytelling program set among some of the most terrifying objects in the museum’s collection. For information visit www.asianart.org.
Oct. 31, 2010, 3-8 p.m.
Halloween Afternoon at the Exploratorium
Adults are invited to explore the ever-expanding Graveyard of Dead Science Ideas. Kids might prefer to explore a variety of creatures – including carnivorous plants, worms, tarantulas, as well as leeches. — as well as decorate sugar skulls, and generally delve into decay as befitting the season and science. All with plenty of time left for trick or treating. Halloween Afternoon at the Exploratorium is included in the price of admission to the museum. For information visit www.exploratorium.edu or call 415-EXP-LORE (397-5673).
Oct. 31, 2010, 5:15 p.m. Teatro ZinZombie - A Macabre Ball at Teatro ZinZanni
Pier 29, The Embarcadero at Battery and Lombard streets
Teatro ZinZanni will host a special Halloween evening performance full of ghoulish love and decadence. The diabolically decorated lobby is just the preamble. Diners are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes, sip irresistible Halloween cocktails and dive into a five-course gourmet meal. This promises to be a memorable evening that includes a costume parade and prizes to the top three costumes judged by Teatro ZinZanni’s spectacular cast members. For tickets visit www.zinzanni.org or call 415-438-2668.
Oct. 31, 2010, 7 p.m.
Japanese Ghost Stories and Jazz
Yoshi’s San Francisco, 1330 Fillmore St.
The haunting experience of Brenda Wong Aoki's ghost stories masterfully performed in concert with Asian jazz pioneer, Emmy Award-winning composer Mark Izu. Drums of Janet Kolke and Maze Daiko; multi-percussion of Anthony Brown; Shoko Hikage on Koto and Mas Koga on saxophone. This Halloween show is a great way to lead into Halloween night. For information visit www.yoshis.com/sanfrancisco
Oct. 31, 2010, 8 p.m.
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave.
Spend a spine-tingling Halloween at Davies Symphony Hall as the Ruffatti organ accompanies this newly restored version of the 1920 classic Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, starring legendary leading man John Barrymore. The evening’s concert also includes a lighthearted Buster Keaton short, The Haunted House. For information visit www.sfsymphony.org.
Nov. 2, 2010, 7-10:30 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and Festival of Altars,
24th and Bryant Streets
The annual procession in San Francisco’s Mission District begins at the corner of 24th and Bryant at 7 p.m. It will continue on Bryant Street, then to Mission, and will end at Garfield Park, Harrison and 26th streets. Participants are invited to bring candles, flowers, photos, food and/or drink and other mementos to place on the altars in celebration of the lives of those now gone. Dia de los Muertos is a traditional Meso-American holiday dedicated to ancestors; it honors both death and the cycle of life. This event is family friendly and free; however, donations are being solicited online to cover the cost of permits. For information visit www.dayofthedeadsf.org.
Nov. 6, 2010, 1 p.m.
Dia de los Muertos Family Concert
Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave.
The San Francisco Symphony (SFS) marks the Day of the Dead with a concert that celebrates Latino culture. Come at 1 p.m. to participate in festive traditions including demonstrations, craft activities, live music and dance. Savor complimentary Mexican hot chocolate and pan de muerto – day of the dead bread made by local artisans. Honoring the 100th anniversary of the Mexican revolution, the Symphony has partnered with SOMArts Cultural Center artists to create a 3-D altar for this occasion. At 2 p.m. the concert features a wealth of music and dance including works by Mexican composers Moncaya, Revueltas, Rosas and others, plus commissioned choreography by Arturo Fernandez of LINES Ballet. For ticket information visit www.sfsymphony.org or call 415-864-6000.
Walking Tours and Excursions
For a gambol with ghosts, check out these walking tours:
San Francisco Ghost Hunt at The Queen Anne Hotel, 7 p.m. nightly (except Tuesdays)
1590 Sutter St.
Stories of a friendly ghost at The Queen Anne Hotel come from its origin as Miss Mary Lake's Finishing School For Girls. The former head of the school, Miss Mary Lake, disappeared shortly after the school closed. Some locals believe that she never left her role as caretaker and still looks after people at the hotel today, specifically overnight guests in Room 410 where she used to live. Ghost hunters are encouraged to dress warmly. $20, $10 for ages 15 and younger; not recommended for ages eight and under. Tours meet in the lobby of The Queen Anne. For details call 415-922-5590 or visit www.sfghosthunt.com.
San Francisco Vampire Tour
Nob Hill
Friday and Saturday and Oct. 31, 2010, 8 p.m.
Mina Harker a.k.a. Kitty Nasarow leads a two-hour San Francisco Vampire Tour departing from the corner of California and Taylor streets every Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Join in the “spirit” and come in costume for stops at Grace Cathedral, Huntington Park, the Pacific-Union Club, Fairmont and Mark Hopkins hotels. $20 per mortal; $15 ages students or 60 and over. For information, call 650-279-1840 or 866-4-BITTEN (424-8836) or visit www.sfvampiretour.com.
SF Chinatown Ghost Tours, 7:30 p.m. (by reservation only) Fridays and Saturdays
Tours meet at Four Seas Restaurant, 731 Grant Ave.
Tours for people who love mystery, but aren’t afraid of the dark; 90-minute walking tours visit the haunts of the oldest Chinatown in the United States and prowl historic byways and alleys to reveal more about Chinese myths and mystery. $24 adults, $16 for ages 17 and under. To make reservations and for information, call 415-793-1183 or 877-887-3373 or visit www.sfchinatownghosttours.com.
San Francisco City Guides
Three tours with a hint of mystery are offered by San Francisco City Guides; for details on dates and times, visit www.sfcityguides.org:
Ghost Walk
City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Disinterred remains, assassinations and other ghostly lore form the focus of this free tour offered by City Guides. The history and architecture of this handsomely restored building are revealed, plus little-known facts such as the cemetery once located here. Who (or what else) might be walking beside you? Enter through Goodlett Place (formerly Polk Street) doors; meet in South Light Court. “Travel lightly,” as full security will be in force.
Ghost Walk at the Palace Hotel
Palace Hotel, 2 New Montgomery St.
Kings and presidents died here; gunshots echoed through stately corridors, romances ended tragically. Perhaps that explains enduring stories of spectral visions and mysterious occurrences
Pumpkin Picking
If your visit to San Francisco includes a trip to the nearest pumpkin patch, here are a couple of candidates: Ferry Plaza Farmer’s Market; Seventh Avenue and Lawton; Nineteenth Avenue and Sloat Boulevard.
The folks at the Sonoma County Farm Trails have a number of terrific sites for U-Pick pumpkins; for locations and directions, visit www.farmtrails.org or telephone 800-207-9464.
More Pumpkin Patch Lore
Parents looking for slightly spooking reading material to get the family in the mood for Halloween should check out the Web site of the San Francisco Public Library for suggested reading for younger readers, www.sfpl.org. Branch libraries also feature everything from Halloween sing-a-longs to magic shows.
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