Columbia’s Free Boo Boulevard Halloween Event Set for Oct. 24

COLUMBIA, Tuolumne County — Families planning a Halloween outing in the Mother Lode can mark Saturday, October 24, 2026 on their calendars. Columbia State Historic Park lists its free Boo Boulevard celebration for 2–6 p.m. on Main Street in Columbia, with an afternoon of activities followed by a parade and costume contest.

Unlike a typical indoor Halloween event, Boo Boulevard takes place amid Columbia’s preserved Gold Rush-era business district. State Parks identifies the Friends of Columbia State Historic Park and the Columbia Chamber of Commerce as event sponsors.

Boo Boulevard 2026: What happens and when

Time	Scheduled activities
2–4 p.m.	Trick-or-treating, face painting, creepy crafts, Fish N’ Game and the Gargoyle Quest
2–6 p.m.	Photo booth
4:15 p.m.	Zombie dance performance
4:30 p.m.	Halloween parade
5–6 p.m.	Costume contest

Admission: Free, according to the official California State Parks event calendar. Individual shops or other activities may have separate charges; the event listing does not promise that all nearby commercial services are free.

Where is it?

The event is scheduled for Main Street, Columbia, within Columbia State Historic Park in Tuolumne County. The historic town is approximately three miles north of Sonora, near Highway 49. California State Parks lists free park admission and parking, although available spaces and road access may change during busy events.

Visitors can find directions and current park information on the official Columbia State Historic Park page.

What families should know before going

Arrive before your preferred activity. Children’s games and crafts are scheduled to end at 4 p.m., while the parade and costume contest take place later. An arrival in the late afternoon may mean missing the earlier activities.

Plan for walking. The celebration takes place around a historic street setting. State Parks reports that some boardwalks and entrances have accessibility improvements, while uneven surfaces remain in parts of the old town. Consult the park’s accessibility guide if accessible routes or parking are important for your visit.

Verify details shortly before departure. Columbia’s event calendar is the authoritative source for changes. Questions about Boo Boulevard can be directed to columbiashp@parks.ca.gov, the address provided by California State Parks.

Why this event matters to Columbia

Boo Boulevard is another way the town’s historic Main Street serves current residents as well as tourists. Columbia State Historic Park preserves a Gold Rush business district, but its shops, community groups and seasonal events keep the area a working gathering place rather than simply a historic exhibit.

For a broader look at seasonal activities around Sonora, Jamestown and nearby communities, see California58’s Tuolumne County Halloween guide. For continuing local updates, return to Columbia News.

Primary sources: California State Parks — Columbia special events calendar; official park information; accessibility information. Event details checked October 14, 2026. Schedule subject to change.

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