fun

I know that a lot of you are probably looking for something to do after the kids have finished trick or treating, carving pumpkins and bobbing for apples, so I have compiled a list of some of the adult-centric Halloween activities being scared up around the valley. Here is just a taste of the happy haunting available for the big kids in town.

It may be just down the road, but Galway Downs Equestrian Center, located in wine country, seems like a world away with its beautiful scenery and rustic charm. Weekends this month, visitors to the Galway Downs October Equestrian Fest have the chance to celebrate the fall season with festive fun for the whole family.

In the heart of Temecula’s wine country, Galway Downs is a hidden gem; a venue renowned by elite equestrian competitors throughout the world but virtually unknown to many living in the community it calls home. On October 30th through November 2nd, the breathtaking grounds are not only playing host to some of the most famous riders in equestrian sports, but also providing their neighbors with a perfect way to become acquainted with the center while having a great time with family and friends.

It’s that haunted time of year, where ghosts, goblins, witches, bats and skeletons roam the neighborhood streets. But at the City of Temecula’s Halloween Carnival, they will all be lining up to be judged, along with dozens of Disney princesses, Ninja Turtles and maybe even the Hulk.

Raise your beer steins high in the air because an age-old German institution is taking shape right here in the valley as Europa Village Winery presents their Inaugural Oktoberfest celebration this Friday night.

Temecula went crazy for alpacas on Saturday, September 27th, as the local breeders and animal lovers at the Alpaca Hacienda hosted their yearly Open Ranch Day. Hundreds of visitors were able to feed, pet and take photos with the furry little South American camels, as well as purchase items made from their soft fleece.

It’s hard to get into the Halloween spirit when it’s still 90 degrees outside, but the City of Temecula has created the perfect way to combine Indian summer weather with autumn fun. On Friday, October 3rd, the City of Temecula Recreation Department is hosting its annual Pumpkin Plunge where participants of all ages can swim their way to the pumpkin of their choice.

For some people, the most anticipated sport of the fall season is college or NFL football, but for anyone who waits all year for opening day of Peltzer Farms, the name of the game is pig racing. “The pigs have been in training,” Carrie Peltzer, co-owner of Peltzer Farms, said during a recent interview.

As California Wine Month continues, wineries all over the Temecula Valley are holding their popular grape stomping events. To differentiate their Blessing of the Wine Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival from all the similar fetes in town, South Coast Winery Resort & Spa has added a little bit of religion to the mix.

It’s harvest time in the Temecula Valley and vineyards all over wine country are collecting the cherished crop that will be used to make the merlots, chardonnays and pinots of the future. To kick off the autumn season, Mount Palomar Winery is hosting their annual Grape Stomp and Harvest Festival this Sunday.