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Wheatland Sun

Local Museums Offer Fun & Festive Halloween-Related Activities

Oct 14, 2022 12:00AM ● By T-Rock Communications News Release

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - In addition to its fascinating Gold Rush past, the greater Sacramento area is rich with an amazing array of state-of-the-art museums and historic sites that offer visitors the chance to explore California’s fine art, history, science, and wildlife treasures all year long. This fall, and with safety measures in place, many members of Sacramento Area Museums (SAM) are offering fun Halloween and harvest-related events and activities. A sampling of the spirited activities is below (but please check with the various museums and/or destinations for other events and more detailed information): 

“Track or Treat” Train Rides at the Railroad Museum – October 15-16, 22-23, 29-30 

California State Parks and the California State Railroad Museum and Foundation are thrilled to offer interactive and entertaining “Track or Treat” excursion train rides at the Old Sacramento Waterfront over the course of four “fangtastic” weekends this fall. With wonderful yet wacky coach or VIP First Class train rides available, “Track or Treat” excursion trains are pulled by a historic diesel locomotive and depart at 10 a.m. 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. www.californiarailroad.museum/events/track-or-treat-train-ride 

Old City Cemetery Lantern Tours – October 14-15, 21-22 

The Old City Cemetery Committee is proud to host the always-popular Lantern Tours – Gold ‘n Consequences – Luck and Loss. Tour times are offered every half hour from 7 to 9:30 p.m. and tours last approximately one hour.  Daring guests will stroll through the cemetery by lantern light, see costumed characters play skits at different gravesites, and hear from “eternal residents” who have stories to tell of luck and loss from the Gold Rush era. www.facebook.com/oldcitycemetery/events 

Acorn Day at the California State Indian Museum – October 15 

The California State Indian Museum will be hosting Acorn Day as a free, family-focused event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fall is the best time for harvesting acorns so visitors can learn all about the process of turning acorns into food with California Native cultural practitioner, Diana Almendariz and her family. Participants will be able to grind the acorns with a mortar and pestle and see how the flour is cooked using hot stones. Plus, there will be hands-on activities and crafts for kids of all ages (regular admission applies). www.parks.ca.gov/IndianMuseum 

36th Annual Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town – October 15, 16, 17, 18 

Kids – and the young-at-heart accompanying them – can enjoy four days of family-friendly fun at the 36th Annual Safe & Super Halloween at Fairytale Town. The always popular Halloween extravaganza features treat stations, a costume parade, hands-on activities, and lots of spirited fun. www.fairytaletown.org/calendar/safe-and-super/2022-1p0-15/ 

Sacramento History Museum Ghost Tours – October 15, 22, 29

Those who dare are invited to join the “ghosts” of early Sacramento as they search for clues to solve true tales of the Capital City’s phantom past. Tour participants should beware of wronged soiled doves, misidentified remains and colorful Gold Rush characters plus will hear tantalizing tales of how folks lived – and died – in our fair city. Tours last approximately one hour and depart at 6:30, 7, 7:30 and 8 p.m.  www.sachistorymuseum.org 

Farm to Fort at Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – October 22 

The Farm to Fort includes four hours of beer, wine, and spirits tasting along with bite samples from local Midtown restaurants and food trucks. Lively entertainment will include DJ Eddie Z and a special performance by live world-renowned artist, David Garibaldi who will be on-site creating two pieces of artwork that will be up for auction. The generosity of the vendors, attendees, and partners provides 100 percent of the proceeds to the Runnin’ for Rhett Youth Fitness Program. www.farmtofort.org 

Pumpkins and Planes Halloween at the Aerospace Museum of California – October 29 

The community is invited to celebrate Halloween early with Amelia Bearhart and friends at the Aerospace Museum of California from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the huge open air outdoor Air Park. Guests can fly on by for trick-or-treating, music, Halloween-themed activities, and games for the whole family. www.aerospaceca.org/events/ 

Wee Halloween at the Crocker Art Museum – October 29 

The Crocker kicks off a thrilling Halloween weekend for little ghosts and goblins of all ages with fun-filled, family-friendly gallery experiences at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. featuring festive stores, a few tricks, and the opportunity for families to take costumed portraits. For advance tickets, please visit www.crockerart.org 

Trick-or-Treat Daytime Halloween Activities at the Children’s Museum – October 31 

Calling all boos and ghouls, visit the Sacramento Children’s Museum for a fun day of trick-or-treating featuring multiple candy stations, outside play, art activities and more! Costume dress-up is highly encouraged. The event is free, but capacity is limited and advance registration is required. https://sackids.org/trick-or-treat-at-scm/