Skip to main content

MB News

Manhattan Beach's Walk Streets Plan Quiet Halloween

Oct 30, 2020 11:39AM ● By Jeanne Fratello
Manhattan Beach's South End walk streets are known around the South Bay as one of the premier spots for trick-or-treating. But during these socially distanced days of COVID-19, things are going to be much quieter this year.

DigMB surveyed a sampling of residents from each of the South End walk streets and heard mostly the same message: It's not happening.

"Our house will be not participating in Saturday night festivities," said walk street resident Katie David. "No parties, no guests... I am very hopeful that the usual 1,500 to 2,000 people who like the walk streets on Halloween do not show up this year."

David added: "As for the neighbors, I think they agree that we don’t want a large gathering on the walk streets this year. I know that Halloween decorations went up more slowly and possibly reluctantly this year. Even if you’re wearing a mask - if we all are wearing masks - it’s hard to keep socially distant on the walk streets when there is a crowd."

Walk street resident Hilary Mahan agreed. "Most neighbors in the walk streets are planning very limited routes with designated homes on the night prior to avoid the masses, and then going dark."

And in what is sure to be a disappointment for chocolate fans, walk street resident Nick Christensen, whose house is a popular trick-or-treat destination, said simply, "No big candy bars this year."

In fact, many walk street families are planning or have already held private celebrations. 

On 8th Street, neighbors held a socially distanced Halloween block party last Saturday. With parents and kids in costume, the party featured a bounce house, a taco stand, and small bowls of candy set out in front of individual houses.

And on 10th Street, they're thinking ahead. One 10th Street resident told DigMB that the houses she knew of would be decorated for Halloween but not handing out candy. "I think most people are looking ahead to Christmas, because shortly after Halloween we are going to put up Christmas lights on the street," she said.

So what's a family who loves Halloween to do?

  • Surfers will want to join in the Halloween Surf at 9:00 a.m. at 44th St. on Saturday. Wear your favorite costume for a chance to win a prize.
  • For the whole family, especially the younger kids, the Halloween Golf Cart Parade at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday is sure to be a fun spectacle.
  • For the whole family, Fresh Brothers Pizza is offering $10 pumpkin-shaped pizzas. When you place your online order, add any M, L or XL pizza to your cart. Then add a cheese pizza and select "Pumpkin-shape" as a size (only offered in large). Last, enter coupon code PUMPKN10 during checkout.
  • For older kids and adults, the group behind the Manhattan Beach Haunted House on 10th Street will be hosting a Virtual Sleepy Hollow live Facebook event. The event, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m., will feature "live monsters" and an EDM soundtrack.
  • And for adults, The Arthur J is holding a pumpkin carving and costume contest on its deck, and will be serving "Hocus Pocus" themed cocktails.

Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format

Subscribe to MB News Emails * Don't Miss a Thing, Sign Up Today!

* indicates required
Email Format