Rockridge families can look forward to an afternoon of Halloween magic when the 34th Annual Rockridge Halloween Parade returns to College Avenue.
What: 34th Annual Rockridge Halloween Parade
When: Sunday, October 25, from 11 am to 2 pm
Where: College Avenue, from Broadway to Alcatraz Avenue
The free, family-friendly event will transform College Avenue from Broadway to Alcatraz into a mile-long Halloween celebration. Experience more than 40 businesses offering treats, face painting, arts and crafts, and entertainment. Children, parents and four-legged family members are invited to come in their Halloween best—with costume contests for kids (and dogs) adding to the fun.
Participants from last year's event. Photos: Anna L Marks
Canine Costume Contest
Let your canine steal the spotlight! Bring your dressed-up pup to the Rockridge Voice table outside Market Hall to enter the Canine Costume Contest. All participating puppies will be eligible to win a $100 Rockridge Gift Card, courtesy of the Rockridge District Association, to spend at participating Rockridge businesses.
Puppies enjoy dressing up in costume, too. Photos: Anna L Marks
“The Rockridge Halloween Parade is one of those wonderful Oakland traditions that brings the entire community together,” said Devan Meneses, executive director of the Rockridge District Association, “and enjoy Halloween while discovering the small businesses, restaurants, and shops that make Rockridge such a special neighborhood.”
Two Hubs with Activities for All Ages
Families can launch their Halloween adventure at Halloween Hub #1 in the Rockridge Library parking lot. Enjoy the Ricky Roo and Friends puppet show at 11am, music with Asheba at noon, and librarian story time at 1pm, plus crafts with the Museum of Children’s Art (MOCHA), bike and stroller storage, and free commemorative trick-or-treat bags courtesy of Jane Williams State Farm, while supplies last.
Halloween Hub #2 at College Avenue Presbyterian Church, 5951 College Avenue, will offer a family craft area, a photo booth, and even more entertainment—giving families and treaters another place to enjoy the celebration.
Local Businesses Join the Fun
Throughout the district, participating merchants are preparing creative ways to welcome trick-or-treaters. Activities include a painting table at Blick Art Materials, a prize-wheel at Bambino Thrift Shop, temporary tattoos at Sweat, and Halloween crafts at Bella Vita and First Federal Savings & Loan. At Phoenix Optical, visitors can take photos with the real-life Scoobie-Doo.
Local businesses add even more fun to the day with treats, face painting, and giveaways. Photos: Anna L Marks
Bring your appetite—festive bites and sweet surprises await along the way. You won’t want to miss Cactus Taqueria’s Halloween-themed treats or Starter Bakery Café’s mini cookies. Rockridge Market Hall will also be offering a special Halloween tasting experience.
At Forge Rockridge, families will enjoy face painting and live music. The restaurant will also offer its Pumpkin Pass, redeemable for a free kids’ cheese pizza with the purchase of an adult entrée through November 1.
Other participating businesses include À Côté, Preserved, Pegasus Books, Belly, Maison d’Etre, Saffron Kitchen, Planterday Plant Shop, East Bay Booksellers, Elizabeth H/the art of hair design, Tootsies and Crush on College, Crossroads Trading, The Yoni Temple, Sole Terra Shoes, In Full Swing, Re-Up Refills, and Pressed Juicery. You can also pick up candy and an activity sheet at the European Wax Center.
Gather the family, put on your favorite costumes (don’t forget your doggie!) and come celebrate Halloween Rockridge style—and, if you take BART to the Rockridge station, you’ll arrive right in the heart of the fun.
The event is free to attend. It is presented through a partnership among the Rockridge District Association, College Avenue Presbyterian Church, the Oakland Public Library–Rockridge Branch, and Rockridge Community Planning Council. More information can be found at RockridgeDistrict.com/halloween-parade.
