For more 2023 Halloween happenings, please check out our Halloween activities guide.
My midwestern parent friends made fun of me for not knowing about Trunk or Treat traditions. They accused me of living in a California bubble. In case you’re living in the same bubble — and if you’re reading 510Families.com, I’ll assume that you might be, too — here’s a quick explanation of Trunk or Treat and some local places where you can find one.

Trunk or Treat events take place in community parking lots
Participants in Trunk or Treat events are often part of a community organization such as a church, school, or recreation center. The folks who are giving out candy decorate their trunks (Get it? Trunk-or-Treating?!) with extra points for matching costumes. Young children walk around from car to car and trick or treat, just like at a house, but interact with more candy-givers in a short amount of time because the cars are all gathered in a parking lot.
Trunk-or-treating is a clever solution to traditional trick-or-treating in communities where houses are surrounded by land or on long driveways such that it would take the stamina of a long-distance runner to visit more than a few houses in one evening by foot.

Trunk or Treat events in the East Bay
Many schools and churches host trunk-or-treat events for their smaller communities. We tried really hard to only list those open to the public. Please be respectful of any of these events you attend for the first time. Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our round-up of family-friendly Halloween events in the East Bay!
Pro tip: Assume that the ones after dark are for older kids and teens. When in doubt, check with the organizer.
San Leandro’s Best Trunk or Treat
When: Saturday, Oct. 21 from 6 – 8 pm
Where: Pallen’s Martial Arts Parking Lot, 1660 Washington Ave. San Leandro
What’s great for families: Free and safe trick-or-treating, haunted house, costume contest, trunk contest, raffles, and prizes. Prizes awarded at 7:45 pm.
Website to RSVP >
Trunk or Treat at Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek
When: Friday, Oct. 27 from 3:30 pm – 6 pm
Where: Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek
What’s great for families: Little ones are invited to walk down a candy lane of decorated trunks. Non-sweets include entertainment booths, glitter art, face painting, and a bounce house. Free, and no RSVP is needed, but please bring your own treat bag. Here’s the map.
Website >
Hercules Recreation Trunk or Treat, Hercules
When: Friday, Oct. 27 at 6 pm
Where: Community Center Parking Lot, 2001 Refugio Valley Rd, Hercules
What’s great for families: Costumed kiddos can walk from car to car to collect candy, or watch the Halloween movie. Free, and no RSVP needed. Cars can also win a prize for decorating based on the year’s theme.
Website >

Trunk or Treat @ USS Hornet, Alameda
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: The pier next to the USS Hornet in Alameda
What’s great for families: A few dozen cars will be decorated for Halloween with goodies for all at this really cool location. Also, close to the point pumpkin patch if you still need your gourd.
FREE to attend, details here >
Promise Fest 2023 Trunk or Treat, Hayward
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 am to 3 pm
Where: Heritage Plaza, Downtown Hayward
What’s great for families: Live music, games, cultural performances, bubbles, a car show, costumes, and free meals.
FREE to attend, details here >
Trick or Treat Spooktacular, Martinez
When: Saturday, Oct. 28, 11 am to 2 pm
Where: Downtown Martinez
What’s great for families: Visit creatively themed and decorated car trunks, kids activity game booths and shops lining downtown Martinez to collect candy and treats. There will also be kids’ crafts and games.
FREE to attend, details here >
OrangeFest 2023 Trunk or Treat, San Ramon
When: Saturday, Oct. 28 at 3 pm
Where: Brave Church, 20801 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
What’s great for families: A variety of events including trunk-or-treating with live music and a petting zoo.
RSVP, tickets are FREE >
First Church Berkeley UCC Trunk or Treat
When: Sunday, Oct. 29 from 4pm – 5pm
Where: Church lawn and parking lot, 2330 Durant Ave, Berkeley
What’s great for families: March in a mini parade, collect candy and toys, listen to songs and stories, then enjoy mac & cheese.
Details >
Grace Free Will Baptist Church Trunk or Treat, Concord
When: Monday, Oct. 31 at 5:30pm
Where: Church parking lot, 2875 The Alameda, Concord
What’s great for families: Family friendly, not too scary trunk-or-treating
Details >

Looking for more Halloween fun? Check out our round-up of family-friendly Halloween events in the East Bay!
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3 thoughts on “9 Trunk-or-Treat Events in the East Bay”
Hi, does anyone know if there are any new additions to this list?
I just drove passed creek side church in Martinez off of morello and they have trunk or treat happening on Halloween idk what time tho
The Cherryland Community Association will be hosting a Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event this Sunday, October 29th, from 1-5:00 pm.
The event will be held in the parking lot of Meek Estate Park, at Boston and Hampton Roads in Hayward.
All are welcome to this free event.
I would like to know if I could send you our event flyer to be added to your website.
Please let me know.
Thank you,