Terrifying Tennis, Halloween at Alviso Adobe, Frightful Films and Chilling Improv all on Tap

From the City of Pleasanton:

The City of Pleasanton’s Community Services Department offers a broad range of fun, spooky and affordable Halloween activities and events in October. The season kicks off on Saturday, October 20 with the Firehouse Fright Night Movie Festival which will feature “Ghostbusters” (rated PG). The tricks and treats start at 8:30 p.m. at the Parkside Patio behind the center at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Come dressed as a favorite character from the “Ghostbusters” movie and enjoy a special appearance by the Bay Area Ghostbusters before the screening. Tickets are $10.

The Firehouse Fright Night Movie Festival continues on Saturday, October 27 at 10:00 p.m. with a late night showing of the film “Insidious” (rated PG-13). Come prepared to act out a scene from this favorite horror movie for a chance to win prizes. The one-minute scene contest is limited to the first ten acts that sign up starting at 9:15 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center lobby. Tickets are $10. For more information or tickets, visit www.firehousearts.org or call (925) 931-4848,   

You can imagine the ghost of California rancho Francisco Alviso or a phantom of milkmen-past from the old Meadowlark Dairy at “Halloween at Alviso Adobe Community Park” on Friday, October 26 or Saturday, October 27.  Join City Naturalist Eric Nicholas and park docents for a walk around the premises to learn about some nocturnal animals including spiders, snakes and frogs. The tour ends with participants making a Halloween craft.  All ages are welcome to join in the 45- minute tours that begin at 7:00 p.m. and continue in rotation to 8:30 p.m. The fee is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. This fun and educational activity is perfect for those ages 4 and up.

Also scheduled is another popular family event, the 4th Annual Pumpkin Carving Party at Alviso Adobe Community Park on Saturday, October 27 from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.  The fee is $5 for residents and $7 for non-residents. Dress with the weather in mind for both events and remember to pre-register online at www.pleasantonfun.com, or by phone at (925) 931-5340.

Meanwhile, tennis buffs of all ages can bring their frightening forehands, scary serves and gruesome ground strokes to the 7th Annual Halloween Fun Night scheduled on Friday, October 26 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Pleasanton Tennis Complex on Hopyard Road and Valley Avenue. This free event draws hundreds of participants every year. Kids and adults alike attend in costume to tour the Haunted Hallway of Horror, enjoy yummy treats and tennis games for all age groups and skill levels including ‘Beat the Pro’ and ‘Speed Serve.’ For more information, please call (925) 931-3446.

Those seeking a more dramatic Halloween experience won’t want to miss “Nightmare” A Terrifyingly Fun Night of Improv as presented by the Creatures of Impulse, Pleasanton’s own teen improv troupe. Participants help create the story, setting and characters for three nights of fun, interactive and completely unscripted theater. That’s on Thursday, October 25, Friday, October 26, and on Saturday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Firehouse Arts Center, 4444 Railroad Avenue. Tickets are $5 in advance or $8 at the door with a valid student I.D. and $10 in advance or $15 at the door for general admission. For more information, please call (925) 931-4828 or visit www.firehousearts.org.

The Pleasanton Public Library presents BATS! on Saturday, October 27 at 2:00 p.m. NorCal Bats wings into town with naturalist Corky Quirk who will show a mix of slides, a live web camera feed, and several live bats as she introduces these fascinating, important and endangered creatures. This event is intended for those in kindergarten and up. No registration is required and the event takes place in the library main meeting room. For more information, please call (925) 931-3400, extension 8.

Are you going to any of these events? Have you been before? What is your favorite Halloween event in Pleasanton? Tell us in the comments section below.