If you think Halloween only comes once a year, think again — Riverside is proving that spooky season can strike in spring, too. The 2nd Annual Halfway to Halloween Festival, happening now through Sunday, May 4 at Rancho Jurupa Regional Park, has transformed the sunny park grounds into a haunted playground — and the results are an absolute scream.

Running Friday from 6–11pm and Saturday & Sunday from 3–11pm, this one-of-a-kind outdoor celebration blends the best parts of Halloween with the fresh energy of spring. Hosted by pop culture personality Brimstone (@therealbrimstone), the festival brings chills, thrills, and unforgettable moments right to the heart of the Inland Empire. Brimstone’s larger-than-life presence and booming voice are keeping the crowd hyped, as he mingles with guests, poses for selfies, and brings nonstop energy to the festivities.

And there’s no shortage of things to see and do. Over 10 immersive mini haunted houses offer a wild variety of scares — from creepy clowns to creatures lurking in the swamp — each with its own theme and flavor of fright. For families and those looking for lighter fun, carnival rides, a scare-free kids zone, a spooky hayride, and even pet-friendly activities ensure there’s something for everyone.

The park itself is part of the magic. Rancho Jurupa's natural beauty — with its sparkling lakes and leafy green spaces — gets a spooky makeover with eerie swamp creature displays and Halloween decor peeking out from the shoreline. It makes for killer photo ops and helps turn the entire event into a playful, immersive haunt-scape.

This year, the festival has expanded with 100+ spooky vendors and artists, selling everything from rare collectibles and out-of-print masks to gothic gear and handmade oddities. Cosplayers, trick-or-treat stations, and photo ops are everywhere, and there’s even a costume contest each day with cash prizes. If you’re feeling brave (or curious), a tarot and palm reader is on hand to peer into your (possibly haunted) future.

Foodies are well-fed here, too, thanks to a solid lineup of food trucks dishing out everything from sizzling street tacos to sweet funnel cakes. Car lovers get their fix as well, with exhibitors showing off Ghostbusters-themed rides and tricked-out hearses — because what’s a halfway-to-Halloween bash without a little over-the-top flair?

The best part? One ticket price includes everything — the mazes, the rides, the entertainment — making this festival as easy on your wallet as it is fun for your whole crew. Bottom line: Halfway to Halloween is nailing it. With great scares, family fun, and a perfect setting, it’s clear that in Riverside, the Halloween spirit doesn’t hibernate — it haunts year-round. There’s still time to join the fun today and tomorrow — so grab your tickets, put on your best costume, and get your spooky fix without waiting 'til October! Tickets still available for today and tomorrow at https://www.halfwaytohalloweenfestival.com/