Long Beach will hold its annual Howl-o-ween Festival at the El Dorado Nature Center on Saturday, city officials announced.
The event from 2-6 p.m. at the center, 7550 E. Spring St., will feature trick-or-treating along the trails and a variety of family-friendly Halloween activities, according to the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, which organizes the event.
“Our Howl-o-ween Festival is celebrating its tenth year of bringing Halloween tricks, treats and activities along the frightfully fun trails of our El Dorado Nature Center,” Mayor Rex Richardson said in a statement. “This cherished event offers a unique experience — where families can celebrate the fun and creativity of Halloween while enjoying the beauty of our natural surroundings.”
Event organizers encouraged visitors to get in the spirit by dressing as their favorite ghoulish creature and experience a trick-or-treating adventure along Nature Center trails. The festival also features an animal education village where attendees can meet some creepy crawly critters, listen to spine-chilling stories from the South Coast Storytellers and bounce around in the Opossum Patch.
Face painting, crafts for all ages and food truck eats from Wetzel’s Pretzels and Summer Ice Cream Truck will also be available, organizers said.
“Howl-O-Ween at the El Dorado Nature Center is a special tradition that brings our community together to explore, play and make memories in one of the most scenic places in Long Beach,” District 4 Councilman Daryl Supernaw said in a statement. “I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween.”
The last trail entry is at 5 p.m., the last vehicle entry is 4:30 p.m. and parking is free, according to the city, which urged attendees to give $5 per person at the gate to support Friends of El Dorado Nature Center.
“While this is a family friendly event, four-legged furry friends should be left at home,” organizers said.
More information about the festival is available by calling 562-570-1745. Additional information about the El Dorado Nature Center is available at longbeach.gov/park/park-and-facilities/parks-centers-pier/el-dorado-nature-center.
