Isla Vista Community Services District (IVCSD) is supporting community partners through a Halloween grant program to create a safe and fun Halloween weekend in Isla Vista.

The criteria to host an event include being open to the public, family-friendly, and promoting a positive, safe, and healthy environment. The goal is to provide an array of events to draw people away from private parties and provide a safe space to have a fun Halloween. All pop-up events will follow Santa Barbara County’s festival ordinance. 

IVCSD is hosting a Spooky Spectacular event at the Isla Vista Community Center, 3-10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. The event will include games, hay rides, Halloween crafts, a photo booth, a silent disco, and costume contests.

A children’s costume contest with prizes will be held at 5 p.m., and an adult costume contest at 6 p.m. with a grand prize of $1,000. The community is invited to participate in the costume contest as individuals or groups. The event will conclude with an Ecstatic Dance and DJ, 8-10 p.m. 

This year’s Halloween grantees include St. George Youth Center, Isla Vista Recreation and Park District, Santa Barbara Hillel, and Isla Vista Food Co-Op. A total of $10,000 in funds were distributed on a first-come first-served basis.

Also on Oct. 28, St. George Youth Center will host a haunted house event, 6-9 p.m. The event is for guests of all ages, and everyone will receive a goodie bag filled with Halloween memorabilia and literature promoting a safe Halloween weekend. 

IVRPD will present a Haunted Pumpkin Patch, Oct. 29-31 from 7-11 p.m. nightly at Anisq’Oyo’ Park that will help mark the district’s 50th anniversary.

In an effort to support Isla Vista residents during the Halloween weekend, the Isla Vista Safety Stations will have extended hours, 6 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday and Saturday. Safety Stations provide a space for people to request a safety escort, phone charging, get water, and a safe place to rest.

“Isla Vista residents are taking the lead to continue to keep Halloween weekend safe, local, and healthy,” said Spencer Brandt, IVCSD Board president. “These Halloween events and programming are key to creating a healthy environment in our community,”