Get spooky at these 10 Coachella Valley (and beyond) Halloween events

It's that delightfully spooky time of the year when people of all ages enjoy the costumes, pumpkin-flavored treats, candy and other festivities associated with Halloween.

During this season of ghosts and ghouls, there are several community events for adults and families seeking to get their spooky on. Read on for a list of local live performances and parties boasting Halloween arts and crafts, costume contests, immersive experiences and more.

'Hokus Pokus Live!'

Kick off spooky season at this 90-minute parody of Disney's 1993 Halloween classic "Hocus Pocus." This hilarious live show was written and directed by Ginger Minj of "RuPaul's Drag Race" and "Hocus Pocus 2." Set in 2024, this musical adventure follows the Sanderson Sisters, having returned from the dead yet again, as they search for ways to stay alive and young in the new millennium. Join drag queens Ginger Minj, Gidget Galore and Aria Hard for this laugh-out-loud evening.

When: 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4; 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5; and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6

Where: Hotel Zoso, 150 S. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: From $49

More info: rainboweg.com/gallery

Halloween Paw Parade + Pet Costume Contest

One of the most adorable Halloween events in the whole valley is presented by Boozehounds to raise funds for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. Dress up your four-legged friends in their best Halloween attire and get ready to make North Palm Springs their runway. It all kicks off with coffee and donuts at the parade start line near Vista Del Monte Elementary School, followed by a parade ending with treats and eats at the Boozehounds parking lot. Local celebrity judges will award the best-dressed pet at the end of the morning.

When: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Victoria Park, 2744 N. Vía Miraleste, Palm Springs

Cost: $17.85 to register your pet

More info: eventbrite.com

‘Boo-Lesque' Halloween Spooktacular

Kick off spooky season at this 18-and-up Halloween-themed burlesque show. Enjoy an evening of live performances by Beautox Rocks, Freddy Retrograde, Pearl O’Wisdom, Jack Angel, and Gillie Dean, all hosted by Lady Chilane and set to music provided by DJ Fallen One. In addition to enjoying the live show, guests can sip cocktails, grab snacks and pose with friends in the “haunted photo booth.” And don’t forget to arrive in style — you could win a killer prize in the costume contest.

When: 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19

Where: Joshua Tree RV & Campground, 6225 Sunburst St., Joshua Tree

Cost: From $10

More info: eventbrite.com

Howl-O-Ween

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens' annual Halloween event, Howl-O-Ween, has something for everyone. This family-friendly celebration includes Halloween activities and pop-up experiences throughout the park, such as trick-or-treat stations (bring your own bag), face painting, themed arts and crafts, and more. Visitors can also explore the botanical gardens and see the 600 animals. Delicious treats such as craft beer, specialty cocktails, and kid-friendly "worm juice" will be available.

When: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 and Sunday, Oct. 27

Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, 47-900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert

Cost: Free with zoo membership or paid park admission (from $29.95)

More info: livingdesert.org/events

Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest

Bring your cherished furry friend dressed up in a costume to this gathering in Cathedral City for a chance to win prizes ranging from $25 to $75.

When: 9-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Panorama Park Dog Park, 28-905 Avenida Maravilla, Cathedral City

Cost: Free

More info: discovercathedralcity.com/event

Disney vs. Halloween Brunch

Regardless of whether you're a Disney fanatic, a big Halloween person, or both, there's something for you at this festive brunch. Come dressed as one of your favorite Disney characters (or a classic Halloween figure) and prepare for a hauntingly magical meal where Disney meets Halloween. And don't worry, there's a full bar.

When: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26

Where: Wilma & Frieda's, 155 S. Palm Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Cost: From $23

More info: eventbrite.com

Halloween Palm Springs in Arenas District

Prepare for a spooktacular time at Palm Springs' most famous Halloween event. Head to the Arenas District for this block party, which is exclusively for those age 21 and older and will feature cocktails, a costume contest with over $1,500 in prizes, and live music performances by R&B, soul, and disco singer Thelma Houston, former SNAP! singer Thea Austin and local musician Jesika von Rabbit. Masters of Ceremonies for the event will be local drag personality Bella da Ball, John Taylor from KGAY 106.5 FM and Alexander Rodriguez.

When: 4-10 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27

Where: Arenas District in downtown Palm Springs

Cost: Free for general admission (with a suggested donation of $10 for LGBTQ+ charities); VIP all-access pass costs $75

More info: halloweenpalmsprings.com

High Desert Haunted House

Looking for some fun frights? Head to this inaugural "Hallows Eve" High Desert Haunted House for a "hair-raising adventure filled with ghosts, ghouls, and surprises around every corner." This new event takes place at a Yucca Valley bar/restaurant, so stick around after to reward yourself with a drink or snack after getting through the spooky experience.

When: 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30

Where: Snake Bite Roadhouse, 55-405 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley

Cost: Free admission

More info: eventbrite.com

PS Underground Presents: RUBY

Step into a world of the undead at PS Underground’s “RUBY,” a vampire’s lair with music, blood-red wine, a secret “dark and decadent” multi-course meal and more.

When: 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

Where: PS Underground, 1700 S. Camino Real, Suite 2, Palm Springs

Cost: $194.13

More info: psunderground.com/events

Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City Halloween Bash

Prepare for a spooky time at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City's Halloween Bash. The 21-and-over event will feature a performance by Zowie Bowie, and food and beverage offerings such as the Kiss of Death and Vampiro Tacos. There also will be photo opportunities, a costume contest with a $1,000 prize in free play at the casino and more.

When: 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31

Where: Agave Caliente Terraza at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, 68-960 E. Palm Canyon Drive, Cathedral City

Cost: From $10

More info: aguacalientecasinos.com

(This story was updated to add more information.)

Brian Blueskye covers arts and entertainment for the Desert Sun. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter at @bblueskye.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Get spooky at these 10 Palm Springs-area Halloween events