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NewsTimes of San DiegoOctober 24, 2026San Diego County

La Mesa Village Association hosts eighth annual Halloween event with trick-or-treating and pet costume contest

Photo: Times of San Diego

Downtown La Mesa businesses will host the eighth annual Halloween in La Mesa Village on Saturday, Oct. 31, featuring free trick-or-treating, stilt walkers, and a pet costume contest from 4 to 6 p.m. along La Mesa Boulevard. Participating local shops and restaurants will distribute candy and alternative treats, while pet owners can enter their animals in the Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest starting at 3:30 p.m. at the fountain courtyard. The free community event is organized by the La Mesa Village Association to support small businesses and local families.

Community EventsLocal BusinessHolidays
Read the full story at Times of San Diego

Why It Matters

Families and pet owners gain access to a free local holiday celebration featuring commercial participation, extended retail hours, and organized activities across multiple downtown blocks.

Key Facts

  • The eighth annual Halloween in La Mesa Village takes place on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 6 p.m.
  • The event is organized by the La Mesa Village Association along La Mesa Boulevard and adjacent streets between Grant and Acacia Avenues.
  • Participating shops and restaurants distribute candy and treats, while some locations offer alternative items such as free books.
  • The Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest features check-in at 3:30 p.m. at the fountain courtyard near the La Mesa Boulevard trolley station.
  • Pets compete in two categories: 'Best Pet/Pet Parent Combo' and 'Most Festive Halloween Pet', with prizes awarded to the top three entries in each.
  • The contest typically attracts about 50 to 75 registered pets.
  • La Mesa Thrift Store at 8340 Lemon Ave. extends its operating hours until 6 p.m. and gives away free books instead of candy.
  • Other participating entities include Johnny B’s Burgers, Surf Rider Pizza, Whissel Beer Group, Central Congregational Church, and the La Mesa Police Department.
  • Attendees must bring their own trick-or-treat bags or buckets, and pet owners must keep animals leashed or in carriers and clean up after them.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationLa Mesa Police Department“Listed among event participants”locationLa Mesa“City where the event takes place”OrganizationLa Mesa Thrift Store“Participating business distributing free books”locationLa Mesa Boulevard“Main street hosting the event”OrganizationLa Mesa Village Association“Organizer of the Halloween event”locationSpring Street“Street intersecting the event area”PersonElizabeth Ranta“Handles marketing for the La Mesa Village Association”locationAcacia Avenues“Avenue bounding the event area”locationGrant“Avenue bounding the event area”OrganizationJohnny B’s Burgers“Participating business”PersonSuzanne Kirkland“President of the La Mesa Community Welfare Association”OrganizationLa Mesa Community Welfare Association“Operates the La Mesa Thrift Store”OrganizationCentral Congregational Church“Offering children's craft activities”OrganizationSurf Rider Pizza“Participating business”OrganizationWhissel Beer Group“Participating business location”