For more 2022 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.
Trunk or Treat at The Urban Edge Farm, Brentwood
When: Saturday, Oct. 15 from 1 pm – 6 pm
Where: The Urban Edge Farm, 2017 Walnut Boulevard, Brentwood
What’s great for families: Trunk-or-treating with food, face painting, and other treats. Kids in costume will receive a free mini pumpkin.
More info on Instagram >
Trunk or Treat at Bumblebee Playspace, Newark
When: Sunday, Oct. 23 from 4 pm – 5:30 pm
Where: Bumblebee Playspace, 35500 Dumbarton Court, Newark
What’s great for families: Last year, trunk-or-treating with more than a dozen participating local businesses with the super fun playspace right there (Trunk or treat event is free, admission to playspace costs $15 per child or $10 for a sibling). Wear a costume and bring your own bucket for treats.
Website >
Facebook event >
BART Trunk or Treat, Concord
When: Thursday, Oct. 27 from 4 pm – 7 pm
Where: Concord Bart parking lot, 1451 Oakland Ave, Concord
What’s great for families: Drop in-friendly, for kids 12 and younger with adult.
Website >
Trunk or Treat at Civic Park Community Center, Walnut Creek
When: Friday, Oct. 28 from 3 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 bubble play station. Free, and no RSVP needed, but please bring your own treat bag.
Website >
Hercules Recreation Trunk or Treat, Hercules
When: Friday, Oct. 28 at 6 pm
Where: Community Swim Center, 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.
Website >
Hilltop Mall Trunk or Treat, Richmond
When: Friday, Oct. 28 from 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Where: Hilltop Mall parking lot, 2200 Hilltop Mall Road, Richmond
What’s great for families: Drive-thru set up. Free, and no RSVP needed.
Details >
Trunk or Treat presented by Keller Williams, Castro Valley
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 10 am –Â 1 pm
Where: Adobe Park, 20395 San Miguel Ave, Castro Valley
What’s great for families: Family and dog friendly, no RSVP needed. Pizza and donuts served.
Details >
Heritage Plaza Trunk or Treat, Hayward
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 11 am –Â 1:30 pm
Where: Heritage Plaza, 835 C Street, Hayward
What’s great for families: Collect candy, visit with Curbie, play games, make crafts and listen to live entertainment.
Website >
Black Cultural Zone Trunk or Treat with MOCHA, Oakland
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 3 pm – 6 pm
Where: Liberation Park, 7101 Foothill Blvd, Oakland
What’s great for families: FREE trunk-or-treating with music, skating, books, treats and art.
Website >
OrangeFest 2022 Trunk or Treat, San Ramon
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 4 pm – 7 pm
Where: Brave Church, 20801 San Ramon Valley Blvd, San Ramon
What’s great for families: trunk-or-treating with live music and a petting zoo.
RSVP, tickets are FREE >
Salvation Army Trunk or Treat, Concord
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 1 pm – 3 pm
Where: Salvation Army Concord Church parking lot, 3950 Clayton Road, Concord
What’s great for families: Free admission with candy collection, food, inflatables, and games.
Website >
Charlie May Trunk O Treat, Oakland
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 3 pm – 6 pm
Where: Charlie May Coffee and Tea House parking lot, 11200 Golf Links Road, #G, Oakland
What’s great for families: afternoon of trunk-or-treating, games and cookie decorating.
Register, tickets are FREE >
CCS/BACBC/TTP Trunk or Treat, Alameda
When: Saturday, Oct. 29 from 5 pm – 8 pm
Where: Coastline Christian Schools parking lot, 1801 North Loop Road, Alameda
What’s great for families: trunk-or-treating with nothing too scary.
Kindly RSVP, tickets are FREE >
First Congregational Church Trunk or Treat, Berkeley
When: Sunday, Oct. 30 from 4pm –Â 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 from Homeroom.
Details >
Grace Free Will Baptist Church Trunk or Treat, Concord
When: Monday, Oct. 31 at 5pm
Where: Church parking lot, 2875 The Alameda, Concord
What’s great for families: 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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