Isla Vista plans many community friendly activities for Halloween 2023
ISLA VISTA, Calif. – The Isla Vista street parties from years ago are over, and the array of community events for all ages is now dominating what will be several days of activities.
The Isla Vista Community Services District and Isla Vista Recreation & Parks both have events for several days.
They include music, vendor sales, costume contests, a giant pumpkin patch, and a DÃa de Los Muertos altar.
The theme continues to be "Keep it Safe & Keep it Local."
Isla Vista Community Services District Open Space Manager Myah Mashhadialireza said, "we've got over 50 vendors and community partners involved, 15 music acts, two stages and everything in between."
The Halloween Community Festival will take place Saturday from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, October 28th at 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Isla Vista Community Center at 976 Embarcadero Del Mar.
The Isla Vista Pumpkin Patch will be staged on October 30 and 31 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. That will be held in Anisq'Oyo Park at 950 Embarcadero del Mar. It will feature a Haunted Pumpkin Patch, Halloween Costume Contest, Silent Disco, & more.
The events are free and Sponsored by IV Recreation & Park District & IVCSD.
Mashhadialireza said, "we are trying to activate several different areas instead of keeping it zoned in one space."
For kids and families, the St. George Youth Center will be hosting a haunted house for the entire community. Not only will this be a walk-through - but will also be "an immersive experience" with a suspenseful storyline. It will be open 6:30 p.m. to 10:30 pm. Oct. 27 and 28.
On Oct. 30 between 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. the center will host a pumpkin carving contest where both youth and adults have the opportunity to win a $50 gift card.
These events provide safe alternatives for youth, families, students, and all other residents of Isla Vista.
Posters are up throughout Isla Vista and on line with a QR code that gives them all the information with one click.
Extra Sheriff's deputies will be on hand for the weekend and there will be ordinances to control live and excessively loud music.
The City of Goleta is easing back on its parking permit program for the weekend and it is not having that requirement for residents.
The large crowds in the past have not returned to Isla Vista in recent years for Halloween after enhanced law enforcement came in along strict rules on parking and noise from amplified events.
At the Sweet Jane party supply, birthday and costume store there's been a demand for more than just prepackaged costumes. Shoppers were putting their ideas to work as they walked the store in its new location on Pardall Rd. Owner Stells Termin says, "the devil horns just got wiped out. I just had to put in a new order and I've got to unpack cowboy hats and the onesies have sold well." She also had a large selection of wigs, sunglasses and theatrical makeup.
Students living in Isla Vista held several Halloween parties last weekend prior to the tougher restrictions.
Sophia Sanchez said she may have had her Isla Vista party already. "Last week I went to a Halloween party and I did wear a costume but as of before next Tuesday I don't think so."
Amanda Cao considered going out of the area but decided to stay. "I'll probably stay in I.V. because I'm from New York so I don't really have family around in L.A. I will probably hang out here and hang with friends."
Safety is a priority, as well as encouraging crowds to move away from some of the areas of concern along Del Playa Drive. The goal was "to provide a safe space that isn't necessarily on the the cliffs so we are redirecting a lot of people to come and enjoy the parks that are here for them" said Mashhadialireza.
The event will also have interactive art in several areas.
For more information go to: IVCSD or IV Recreation & Parks.
