Inclusive Trunk-Or-Treat Event Planned In Walnut Creek

Seasonal & Holidays

Inclusive Trunk-Or-Treat Event Planned In Walnut Creek Now in its fifth year, Trunk-or-Treat is free to attend and includes a sensory-friendly hour and an indoor special space.

WALNUT CREEK, CA—Walnut Creek Arts + Rec invites the community to participate in Trunk or Treat, a "spooktacular" event planned for 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at Civic Park.

The afternoon of free activities is themed around Halloween and Día de los Muertos. This year's event also includes a sensory-friendly hour and an indoor space for participants looking for a reprieve.

Trunk Or Treat!

The fifth annual event welcomes costumed families to trick or treat with local organizations, play games, create arts and crafts, get their faces painted, and jump in bounce houses. Northwestern Mutual, which has a Walnut Creek office, is sponsoring the bounce houses and is excited to be part of the event.

In addition to local businesses and community partners hosting giveaways, experiences and other activities throughout the park, the event includes a food truck section near Civic Drive where guests can buy sweet or savory options.

Sensory-Friendly Hour

This year's festivities are specially designed to welcome those with autism, disabilities or sensory issues, along with their loved ones. The first hour of the event, from 2 to 3 p.m., is set aside as a sensory-friendly hour. There will be no music or flashing decor and fewer inflatables for a more soothing atmosphere during this time.

Participating vendors and event volunteers have been coached on interacting with participants to ensure a fun time for all.

Allergy-friendly and non-food treats are available.

Special Space

Inside the Assembly Hall, a special space called The Whispering Witches Room is open throughout the event. Specialists will staff the room, offering touch-friendly devices, calming activities, and sensory tools like noise-canceling headphones.

"Our goal is to provide a joyful, stress-free Halloween celebration where everyone can feel comfortable and included," said Kyra Dixon, Walnut Creek Arts + Rec's Adaptive Recreation program coordinator. "Everyone deserves to take part in this fun time of the season."

Día de los Muertos Ofrenda + Ballet Folklorico

In addition to fall and Halloween festivities, families can take part in Día de los Muertos activities. Learn more about the holiday and honor departed family members at a craft station and community ofrenda —or altar —at the gazebo near the library. Families can create drawings, make tissue paper flowers, and decorate traditional sugar skulls or calaveras.

As part of the Día de los Muertos festivities, there will be two live dance performances near the Civic Park Community Arts Studios near the playground: Ballet Folklorico de Martinez from 4-4:30 p.m. and Folclórico Colibrí from 5:30-6 p.m.

"We're excited to expand Trunk or Treat this year by incorporating Día de los Muertos alongside our Halloween festivities," said Elizabeth Orcutt, Arts + Rec community relations manager. "This inclusive celebration reflects our belief that there's room for everyone, and we look forward to a vibrant, community-driven event at Civic Park!"

To learn more about Trunk or Treat or to volunteer, see Walnutcreekartsrec.org/halloween .