Rock the Block, a series of themed seasonal block parties highlighting the best of Santa Barbara, will be taking place between now and June, produced by the Downtown Organization of Santa Barbara.

First up in the series is Rock the Block Harvest Fest, 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 27 in the 700 and 800 blocks of State Street.

For Harvest Fest, community members (including pets) are invited to wear Halloween costumes for chances to win gifts and prizes from local businesses; enjoy games and activities, including playing a game of G-H-O-S-T (otherwise known as H-O-R-S-E) with the UCSB Men & Women’s Basketball teams; participate in face painting and pumpkin painting, and a pumpkin pie eating contest.

Participants can also read or borrow a scary book from the Santa Barbara Library mobile van. A community table running along State Street will be provided for attendees to sit and eat takeout from local restaurants.

Spooky performances will be presented by The Coveralls, La Boheme Professional Dance, and World Dance for Humanity; and local vendors will offer harvest season shopping opportunities.

A harvest/Halloween-theme photo zone will also be on site with props for community members to take photos and show off their costumes.

Future Rock the Block events and themes: Friendsgiving, Nov. 17; Winter Wonderland, Dec. 2; Fitness Fest, Jan. 19; I Love Santa Barbara, Feb. 23; Spring Fest, March 16; and Summer Fun, June 15.

Families can also enjoy the Annual Downtown Safe Trick or Treat Event with downtown businesses along the State Street Promenade, 3-6 p.m Saturday, Oct. 29.

For more about Rock the Block events, Halloween and other downtown programming, visit www.downtownsb.org.