9 Trunk-or-Treat Events in the East Bay

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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