PHOTOS BY MIKAEL JORGENSEN

Last Saturday, the Ojai Valley Museum hosted an unforgettable Halloween bash, transforming the space into a spooky playground that kept visitors of all ages entertained and enchanted. Inside the museum, guests explored In the Realm of Spiders, an immersive art exhibit curated by Cassandra C. Jones, while getting hands-on with a button-making station and encountering live creatures, including an owl, tarantula, snake, and even hissing cockroaches.

The fun extended to various stations around the venue. Attendees concocted their own potions at the Little Witch Magic Shop, faced their fears in the "Dare to Touch" mystery station, crafted pipe cleaner spiders, and enjoyed creepy-themed bites alongside a caramel apple station. The Skeleton Ring Toss and a scavenger hunt spanning the museum grounds kept everyone in a playful, adventurous spirit.

Outside, the energy ramped up as guests stepped into Mikael Jorgensen’s "Steal Your Soul" photo booth and joined in a witch flash mob, adding an extra dose of Halloween charm. The costume parade for kids and the adult costume contest brought out an impressive array of spooky, creative attire, while Michael Gump towered over the crowd on stilts, creating balloon animals for delighted children.

The night’s highlight was a rousing performance by the Top Shelf Brass Band, fronted by the dynamic singer Afrodyete, who brought the crowd to life with her powerful vocals and infectious energy. Combined with Emily Allard’s immersive art installation, the entire experience felt like stepping into a Halloween dream, leaving everyone eagerly awaiting next year’s celebration.