Halloween takes to the water at Channel Islands Harbor on Saturday, October 24, when dozens of decorated boats will transform the Harbor into a floating spectacle during the 5th Annual Parade of Frights.

The festivities begin at 3 p.m. with an afternoon of Halloween activities, candy, costumes, crafts and more around Harbor View Park, Marine Emporium Landing, and the Channel Islands Maritime Museum. Then, at 7 p.m., the boats take to the water for the main event.

Whether you’re looking to fill the kids’ candy bags, show off a Halloween costume, enjoy some spooky activities or find a great spot to watch the boats cruise through the Harbor, there will be plenty to see and do.

Interested boaters can register for the Parade of Frights by downloading the 2026 boat entry form.

Here’s What’s Happening

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Haunted Courtyard at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum

Start your Halloween adventure at the Channel Islands Maritime Museum’s Haunted Courtyard. Families can enjoy a variety of Halloween-themed activities, including games, crafts, a scavenger hunt, prizes and plenty of candy.

It’s free, family-friendly and a great way to kick off an afternoon of Halloween fun.

3 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Parade of Frights Marketplace at Harbor View Park

Head to Harbor View Park, just south of Marine Emporium Landing at 3600 Harbor Blvd., for an expanded Halloween marketplace featuring activities for the whole family.

The Channel Islands Farmers’ Market will be open from 3 to 6:30 p.m., with vendors handing out candy and offering plenty to see and do.

The Ventura County Harbor Department will provide reusable Parade of Frights bags for children, while supplies last, and families can enjoy Halloween crafts, an inflatable jump zone and more.

Kids are encouraged to come dressed in their favorite costumes for the 5 p.m. costume parade and costume contest. Participants in the costume parade will receive special Halloween-themed medals.

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — OPAC Halloween Activities at Harbor View Park

The Oxnard Performing Arts Center Corporation (OPAC) is bringing back some favorites and adding some new scares to this year’s celebration.

Kids can get creative with Halloween-themed hands-on art activities, and the popular puppet show will return.

New this year is a scary mini pumpkin patch, along with a haunted fish market featuring a spooky photo opportunity and scare actors.

There will be plenty of opportunities for kids and families to get into the Halloween spirit — with just the right amount of fright.

3 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Wolfsburg Finest VW Club Trunk or Treat at Harbor View Park

Get ready for a Halloween car show with a twist!

The Wolfsburg Finest VW Club of Oxnard will bring approximately 20–25 Volkswagen vehicles to Harbor View Park for a family-friendly Trunk or Treat.

Kids can collect candy while checking out creatively decorated Volkswagens, making for plenty of fun photo opportunities along the way.

3:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. — Dog Costume Contest at Marine Emporium Landing

Calling all costumed canines! Bring your four-legged crew members to Marine Emporium Landing for a dog costume contest.

Any dog in costume can participate, so dress your pup in their best Halloween look and get ready to show it off. Prizes for the contest winners will be announced soon.

4 p.m. to 6 p.m. — Scary-oke & Costume Contest at Marine Emporium Landing

Think you can sing your way through Halloween? Grab the mic at Marine Emporium Landing for Scary-oke, hosted by DJ E.Z.

There’s just one rule: You have to be in costume to sing! Anyone in costume is welcome to take the stage, so come dressed as your favorite character, creature, pirate, princess or anything else that gets you into the Halloween spirit.

And yes, costumes are encouraged for spectators, too. Prizes for the Scary-oke and costume contests will be announced once they are finalized.

7 p.m. to 7:40 p.m. — 5th Annual Parade of Frights

The main event begins at 7 p.m.

Find a spot along the Harbor and watch as dozens of decorated boats cruise through the water in a floating Halloween celebration.

From spooky to silly and everything in between, boaters pull out all the stops for this one-of-a-kind Halloween tradition.

Boats of all kinds are welcome, and simple decorations are perfectly fine. So grab your Halloween spirit, deck out your boat and join the fun!

For those watching from shore, check the viewing map below to find the best landside locations to watch the parade.

Parking and Tips

Popular viewing areas can fill up quickly, so arrive early to find parking and claim your favorite viewing spot.

Carpooling or ridesharing is encouraged, and don’t forget to bring a jacket — October evenings at the Harbor can be cool.

Most importantly, come dressed for Halloween, bring the family and get ready for an evening of frights, fun and boats!

The 5th Annual Parade of Frights takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Channel Islands Harbor.