Get ready to paint the town orange and black this Halloween 2024 because Elk Grove is about to get spooky! The 3rd Annual Festival of the Souls is creeping up on us, and it’s shaping to be a hauntingly good time. Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 26, and prepare for a day filled with ghoulish delights from noon to 9 PM at 9031 Elk Grove Blvd, Elk Grove, CA 95624.
A Frightfully Free Affair
First things first: leave your wallet at home (unless you want to splurge on some tasty treats or spooky souvenirs). This community event is as free as a ghost floating through walls. That’s right, no admission fee is required! It’s the perfect excuse to drag your friends and family out of the house for Halloween hijinks.
Día de los Muertos Meets Halloween
The Festival of the Souls is like that cool kid in high school who got along with everyone. It’s a mash-up of All Hallows’ Eve and Día de los Muertos, creating an eerie and heartwarming cultural cocktail.
Altar Ego
Speaking of Día de los Muertos, the festival features a community altar where you can honor your dearly departed. Bring a photo or a small offering to add to the display. It’s like Facebook for ghosts but with better privacy settings.
Treats Without the Tricks
What’s a festival without food? Boring, that’s what. Luckily, the Festival of the Souls has got you covered:
Tacos Borrachos: Because nothing says “fiesta,” like tacos that sound like they’ve had a few too many.
Loaded Asada Fries: Imagine if a potato and a taco had a baby. That’s these fries. They’re topped with cheese, crema, avocado salsa, and freshly grilled carne asada. It’s a California classic that’ll make your taste buds do the Monster Mash.
Entertainment to Wake the Dead
DJ Carmel: Spinning Tunes and Possibly Heads
Elk Grove’s premier party DJ will be on the ones and twos, dropping beats so hot they might raise the dead. Let’s hope they have good taste in music.
Mariachi Nuevo Mexcali: Strings and Things
For over 12 years, this Sacramento-based mariachi group has been serenading souls with traditional Mexican tunes. They’re so good that even the skeletons can’t help but tap their bony feet.
The Witches’ Dance: No Broomstick Required
Ever seen a flash mob of witches? Well, now’s your chance. Inspired by a German tradition, this dance will surely cast a spell on you. Just don’t expect any eye of a newt or the toe of a frog in the choreography.
Activities That Will Rattle Your Bones
Tarot Readings: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Spooky Spoiler?
Curious about your future? Get a tarot reading and find out if a tall, dark, and handsome zombie is in your future.
Trick-or-Treat Trail: Sugar Rush, Anyone?
Do your best costume and hit the Trick-or-Treat Trail. It’s like regular trick-or-treating but without the awkward small talk with your neighbors.
Carnival Games: Step Right Up!
Test your skills at the carnival games. Who knows? You might win a stuffed animal to keep you company during those long nights.
Henna by Tasneem: Temporary Tattoos, Lasting Memories
Get some mystical designs drawn on your skin. It’s like a regular tattoo but without the lifetime commitment and disappointed parents.
Shop ‘Til You Drop (Dead)
Mystical Celtic Heart: Crystal Clear Fun
The host of this spooktacular event, Mystical Celtic Heart, will have their spiritual shop open during the festival. Stock up on crystals, candles, and other mystical goodies. Who knows? You might find the perfect crystal to ward off that annoying coworker.
Mexican Mercado: A Fiesta in a Booth
From colorful piñatas to sweet pan dulce, this mercado has everything you need to bring a slice of Mexico home except for actual Mexico. That wouldn’t fit in a booth.
It’s Glorious: Smells Like Halloween Spirit
Candles, soaps, and bath salts, oh my! Stop by It’s Glorious for all your pampering needs because even monsters deserve a spa day.
Burnt Finger Productions: Art That’s Too Hot to Handle
Pick up some awesome artwork from these creative folks. Just don’t ask how they got their name. Some mysteries are better left unsolved.
Picture Perfect
Remember to swing by the photo op with Catrinas, Charros, and characters from the movie Coco. It’s like Disneyland, but with 100% fewer mice and 100% more skeletons.
So there you have it, folks. The 3rd Annual Festival of the Souls is shaping to be spookier than a ghost with stage fright. Whether you’re into tricks, treats, or just hanging out with the spirits (both alcoholic and supernatural), this festival has something for everyone. Be there or be a square… tombstone, that is.
Sources: festivalofthesouls.com, mysticalcelticheart.com
Header Image Source: festivalofthesouls.com
