Campus News
Halloween weekend reminders and safety resources
Halloween weekend is almost here. Find safety reminders, support resources, costume guidance, and a list of on-campus and community events.
Dear Slugs,
Halloween is almost here, bringing opportunities for fun and festivities on campus and in the community. As we celebrate, let’s remember to prioritize safety, respect, and our collective responsibility to look out for one another. Below are some helpful tips that will help make Halloween enjoyable and safe for you and others.
Plan ahead and communicate
Whether you’re attending events on campus or in the community, make sure to have a safe plan for getting home.
- Use the buddy system. Wherever you go, go with a friend or group. Stay together the entire time. Do not separate–or let others separate–from your group.
- Be prepared. If you may be in a setting where recreational drugs are used, consider carrying Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Both are available at Student Health Outreach and Promotion (SHOP) in Porter College B (check their website or Instagram for hours) and in healthcare vending machines at McHenry Library (during library hours), Cowell Student Health Center patio (24/7), and Bay Tree Plaza (24/7). Emergency-use Narcan is also available in breakable boxes at the Porter College A and B entrances and the Porter Apartments laundry room. These boxes are for emergencies only; visit SHOP or a vending machine for Narcan to carry with you.
- Make a travel plan; know the bus routes and schedules. The last campus transit shuttles will stop running at 12 midnight this weekend. If you choose to go downtown, you can use a trip planner like Google Maps or visit the Santa Cruz METRO website to view the bus schedule.
Choose your costume thoughtfully
- Remember cultural, ethnic, and religious identities are not costumes: For many, wearing a costume is part of the fun of Halloween. However, choosing a costume that demeans, stereotypes or appropriates others’ identities can cause real harm within our community. When choosing a costume, remember our Principles of Community.
Support your fellow Banana Slugs
- CALL 911: Timely calls to 911 save lives. Do not hesitate to report any suspicious activity or behavior by dialing 911 (on campus you may also dial 831-459-2231, ext 1). If you feel that someone is suffering from substance poisoning or another medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.
- Campus Mobile Crisis Unit: If you or a friend are in emotional distress, are experiencing elevated levels of anxiety or stress, or need assistance with deescalating a concerning situation, please contact the Campus Mobile Crisis Team. Hours on Halloween will be noon–10 p.m.
- UCSC’s Responsible Action Plan: Student health and safety is a top priority at UCSC. If you or someone else is significantly intoxicated, seek medical assistance. No conduct record for violations of the University’s Alcohol and Drugs policies will be created for the intoxicated student or those seeking medical assistance, provided certain conditions are met. For more details, visit the Student Conduct and Conflict Education website.
- Contact university and college staff: Staff across the University and Colleges (including on-call residential staff and Residential Community Service Partners) are here to provide support and help.
Make smart decisions
- Avoid high-risk behaviors involving alcohol and respect peers’ decisions not to drink.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Stay alert. Be aware of who is around you. If you choose to drink, know what you are drinking and maintain possession of your drink at all times.
- Be respectful of our campus and our community. If you are hosting a gathering off campus, be aware of local ordinances and laws and follow them accordingly.
- Pay attention to the Downtown Safety Enhancement Zone. With Halloween festivities expected to draw large crowds to the city of Santa Cruz, a Downtown Safety Enhancement Zone will be in effect from 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30 until 8 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 1. During this time, city fines for violations like littering, blocking traffic, and public alcohol consumption will be tripled.
We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable weekend, filled with treats and fun experiences. A variety of activities have been planned on campus (see the list below), and we encourage you to check them out. Thank you for supporting one another and representing our university with pride!
Enjoy your Halloween,
Garrett Naiman
Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Development and Engagement and Dean of Students
Laura Arroyo
Associate Vice Chancellor for Colleges, Housing and Educational Services
On-campus Halloween events
College Instagram accounts feature local events and The Cove is a substance-free safe space on campus with in-person and online opportunities to connect.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Join Slug Bike Life for a spooky and informative group ride around campus 5–6:30 p.m. Participants are encouraged to dress in costumes AND dress up their bikes, too! Meet at Quarry Plaza.
- Thursday, Oct. 29: Head to the Oakes Learning Center at 6 p.m. for Fright Night 2026 including a Maker’s market (in the Oakes Guzman Room at 6 p.m.) and Nightmare on the Dance Floor (on Oakes Lower Lawn starting at 8 p.m.).
- Friday, Oct. 30: Redwood Free Market is hosting a Halloween event on Friday, Oct. 30, from 9 a.m.–noon, featuring free pumpkin carving, cookie decorating, a photo booth, a costume contest with prizes, and walk-in CalFresh application assistance.
Celebrating in the community
Santa Cruz County is promoting several free events on Saturday, Oct. 31, including:
- Aptos Village: Halloween Parade (1–3 p.m.)
- Trick-or-Treat on the Santa Cruz Wharf (3–6 p.m.), and
- Abbott Square: Halloween Bash (4–10 p.m.)