Halloween Returns to the Castro after 17 Years (Block Party + $5 Movie Marathon)

Submitted by the Event Organizer

Halloween is Back in the Castro w/ 20+ activities, Costume Contest Hosted by Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence & $5 mostly kid-friendly Halloween movies at Castro theatre!

Halloween is making a grand comeback in San Francisco’s colorful Castro neighborhood, and this time, it’s bringing a new, family-friendly vibe. After years of absence, the LGBTQ+ community in the Castro is gearing up for a revitalized Halloween celebration, combining community spirit with innovative ideas.

Halloween in the Castro 2023
Saturday, October 28, 2023 | 1p to Midnight
Castro Theatre + Castro Neighborhood
FREE in Costume (otherwise movies are $5) – first come first served!

• 20+ activities
• Face painting
• Castro storefront activations
• Costume Contest Hosted by Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
• $5 mostly kid-friendly movie marathon at the Castro

Castro Theatre Halloween Movie Marathon
The Castro Theatre, an iconic landmark, will play a central role in this year’s celebration. On October 28, 2023, it will host $5, mostly kid-friendly movies, starting at 1:30pm, a thrilling lineup of activations all around, and an outrageous costume contest organized by the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. The contest kicks off at 8 p.m., followed by a screening of the cult classic The Rocky Horror Picture Show at 10 p.m. Attendees in fabulous costumes might even score a free ticket, thanks to Sister Roma and her golden ticket giveaway.

Movie lineup

• 1:30p – Death Becomes Here
• 3:45p – Edward Scissorhands
• 6p – Hocus Pocus
• 8p – Costume Contest w/ Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence
• 10p – The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Unlike the wild block parties of the past, this year’s Halloween event, scheduled for Saturday, October 28 at 1pm, will take on a different flavor. The focus is on community engagement and a family-friendly atmosphere, a far cry from the chaotic street parties that once dominated the neighborhood.

The brainchild behind this revival is a dynamic team led by Manny Yekutiel, the owner of Manny’s cafe in the Mission, the Castro Neighborhood Merchants and The Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. Together with the Castro Merchants Association, they’re spearheading a Halloween celebration that emphasizes creativity, camaraderie, and community engagement.

This year, local merchants are being encouraged to participate by activating their storefronts in innovative ways. Think face painting, and other imaginative displays. It’s all about infusing the neighborhood with a Halloween spirit that’s fun and inclusive for everyone.

 

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As the neighborhood prepares for this year’s festivities, it’s not merely about the return of a tradition; it’s about embracing the enduring spirit of a community that refuses to be silenced. Halloween’s return to the Castro is more than an event; it’s a statement—a reminder that love, acceptance, and unity will always triumph.

So, mark your calendars, get your costumes ready, and join in the festivities on October 28 at 1pm. The Castro is ready to welcome you for a Halloween celebration that promises to be more inclusive, creative, and community-driven than ever before.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.