El Dorado Nature Center will receive a haunted makeover for the Long Beach Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine’s (PRM) annual Howl-O-Ween Festival on Saturday, Oct. 18.
The festival began in 2014 and acts as both a promotion of PRM’s services and resources as well as a spirited celebration for Halloween lovers of all ages.
“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,” said Mayor Rex Richardson in a public 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.”
Attendees are invited to come dressed in costume to trick-or-treat via decorative trails, as well as enjoy face painting, family-friendly crafts, and food for purchase from Wetzel’s Pretzels and Summer Ice Cream Truck. Plus, check out the animal education village, the Opossum Patch and spooky storytimes courtesy of the South Coast Storytellers.
A young Batman peeks out from his cowl to quickly grab a bag of goodies during the Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital trick-or-treating event for hospital patients on Halloween 2023. (Richard H. Grant | Signal Tribune)
“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,” said Fourth District Councilmember Daryl Supernaw in a public statement. “I look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the spirit of Halloween.”
There will be a suggested donation of $5 per person at the gate to support Friends of El Dorado Nature Center, which helps uphold the center’s environmental mission and promotes community engagement. Parking is free for visitors, credit card and tap pay will be accepted and no pets will be allowed.
The Howl-o-ween Festival will take place Saturday, Oct. 18 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at El Dorado Nature Center (7550 E. Spring St.), with vehicle entry ending at 4:30 p.m. and trail entry closing at 5 p.m. To learn more about Howl-O-Ween, call the El Dorado Nature Center at 562-570-1745 or visit their webpage.
