SONOMA EVENTS FIELD GUIDE
Halloween at Charlie's Acres: A family-friendly sanctuary celebration among Sonoma's rescued animals
A costume-friendly, rain-or-shine Halloween event at Charlie's Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Sonoma featuring a sanctuary loop, scavenger-hunt activities, pumpkin-smashing for pigs, vegan treats, and proceeds that support the lifelong care of 150 rescued residents.
Halloween at Charlie's Acres: A family-friendly sanctuary celebration among Sonoma's rescued animals.
Join Charlie's Acres for a memorable, family-oriented Halloween at their Sonoma sanctuary: dress in costume, walk the sanctuary loop to meet rescued woolly, hairy, and feathered residents, and take part in a program of scavenger hunts, pumpkin smashing, games and crafts — all benefitting the sanctuary's lifelong care and free humane-education work.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Treats and stories along the sanctuary loop
During a guided walk around the sanctuary loop, visitors stop at stations to offer treats and gentle affection while staff and volunteers share rescue stories and details about each resident's personality.
Hands-on Halloween fun: scavenger hunt, pumpkin smashing, and games
Kids (and adults) can follow a scavenger hunt across the property, smash pumpkins for the pigs, watch pig apple-bobbing, and take part in indoor and outdoor games and crafts in the Education Center.
Celebrate while supporting lifelong care
Proceeds from the event benefit the lifelong care of Charlie's Acres' rescued residents and its free humane-education programs; Charlie's Acres is a registered 501(c)(3), and donations and registration costs are tax deductible.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
The event unfolds as a series of short, planned interactions: staggered entry windows lead small groups around a half-mile sanctuary loop where each station highlights different residents and their rescue stories, punctuated by activity hubs — a craft space in the Education Center, outdoor games, a straw-bale photo booth, and a lively pig area for pumpkin-smashing and apple-bobbing — all set up to be suitable for families and visitors of all ages.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this event suits — and who should plan differently.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Dress for a working farm and the forecast: expect walking, potential dirt, and exposure to rain, heat or wind. Sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate outerwear are recommended.
The sanctuary operates outdoors and indoors for certain activities; plan for a mix of open-air and covered spaces and be prepared for natural weather elements.
Because the event involves movement around the property, bring what you need to stay comfortable for roughly 75–90 minutes of activity and about a half-mile of walking.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long does the tour/event last?
Tours last between 75 and 90 minutes.
How far will we walk?
The visit involves about a half-mile of walking.
When are entry times?
Entry times are scheduled every 15 minutes between 11:00am and 12:15pm; click the date on the calendar when booking to select a time and get tickets.
Is the event held in bad weather?
The event is hosted rain or shine.
Can I bring my dog or other companion animal?
No; companion animals are not permitted on the property and should be left off-site. Do not leave animals in cars in the parking lot, which violates California Penal Code Section 597.7 PC.
Are registration fees or donations tax deductible?
Yes. Charlie's Acres is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit; donations and registration costs are tax deductible and proceeds benefit the sanctuary's lifelong care and free humane-education programs.