Fall Festivities

This October, everyone can be your favorite character, even your dogs.

By Wendy O. Dixon

Two people in red aprons holding boxes with dachshunds dressed as hot dogs at an outdoor event.

Two people dressed as Scooby-Doo characters pose beside a dog in a themed wagon outdoors.

Smiling couple holding a small dog and a Seaside Style bag at an outdoor event.

Brown dachshund dog on grass being gently held by person near orange event fencing.

Like many small American towns, Seaside celebrates the fall season with nostalgia and a bygone spirit. October brings ideal weather, as well as some spooky good events.

Events

And they’re off. The crowd cheers. Down the stretch they come — a long stretch for these athletes.

This time each year, Seaside goes to the dogs, as man’s best friends and their beloved humans sprint to the Halloweener Derby. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the Halloweener Derby returns for all dog lovers. The event, held Saturday, Oct. 25, starting at 10 a.m., includes a dachshund race and dog costume contest. Make plans to be in Seaside for the hilarious races as the short-statured pups run like the wind toward their cheering owners, or get distracted and circle the lawn looking to sniff a new friend.

But winning by a nose — still a long length for a wiener — is not the point for this race. While dachshund racing can be a serious sporting event, the Halloweener Derby race is quite informal. There are no age divisions, and entrants are not bred for racing. Dachshunds aged three months and older can race in the derby. Race officials don’t ask for a dog’s papers, but it is limited to dogs that are obviously dachshunds.

It will be a fun day of dog races, pageantry, fancy costumes, trophy presentations, photo ops, and entertainment — all in celebration of canine companions.

The derby helps support various charities and dog-friendly non-profits around town.

Then comes Halloween, Friday, Oct. 31, at 4 p.m. This year’s theme is “Wizard of Oz.” Follow the yellow-brick road, stopping to collect goodies from the Seaside merchants during the town’s Trick-or-Treat event. The Seaside Post Office will be reimagined in the town’s version of the Land of Oz. Get in on the fun by dressing as one of the famous characters, but all ghosts and goblins are welcome in any size or shape. And later, enjoy a showing of the movie “Wizard of Oz” in the Seaside Amphitheater.

September 24, 2025