The Tenderloin's infamous O'Farrell Theatre closed last month without fanfare, and whether you believe in the freedom of speech when it comes to pornography and adult performers or not, you should know that this place was one of a few in San Francisco that started it all.

The whole city was vibrant and damn near magical for weeks before the big night as visitors poured into town just to take their place in one of the greatest costume parties on earth. It was Halloween in the Castro, and it is now the stuff of legends.

Beginning Dec. 1, Peacock Meadow will be illuminated by 2,000 LEDs that will be entwined within and surrounding three sculptural trees. “Entwined,” as it’s called, is an installation by Bay Area artist Charles Gadeken, and it is part of a small series of activities to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Golden Gate Park during the pandemic.

Wade Joffrion and Greg Price's Corona Heights "storybook house," the 1917 brick-clad cottage at 45 Upper Terrace, is regularly the most-decorated house in the neighborhood and a seasonal highlight for passersby at Christmas, Valentine's Day, Easter, and Halloween — and this year's display is worth a detour.

A recent change in Santa Cruz County’s status on the state’s tiered reopening list means the downtown area won’t be entirely closed down over Halloween weekend. That doesn't mean cops won't be out enforcing public health and open-container regulations.

In a year that has felt like one of more tricks than treats, one car wash has come up with a clever coronavirus-appropriate alternative, in light of health official warnings against trick-or-treating and parties this Halloween.

Despite objections from health officials, the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk plans to move forward with a total Halloween experience in the midst of this coronavirus pandemic.

Learn about the return of sea otters to the San Francisco bay, learn to draw flowers from life, or join a bicycle safety class.

Explore a San Francisco artist's unique children's hat collection, get prepared to vote, or join a discussion with an acclaimed novelist.

Learn about nature photography, experience one artist's interpretation of the pandemic in a studio tour, or listen in on an author talk.

Learn how to write a good resume, join a belly dance class or tune in to an open mic night.

Join a calming meditation, tune in to listen to a drag performance or get a backstage pass to explore how operas come alive.

Join a vinyasa class, experience the Autumn Moon Festival or listen in on a session with a legendary jazz musician.