Zombie Crawl
This is definitely our favorite event of the year in Eureka! The annual Zombie Crawl usually takes place the weekend before Halloween each year, starting at the Carnegie Public Library and weaving through the downtown area down to Basin Park. Whether you’re participating in the march as a zombie, wrangling the walkers as a zombie hunter, or just watching the chaos unfold, this free event is a night full of fun! Halloween is my favorite holiday, so of course, I dress up every year and partake in at least some of the activities.
If you want a realistic mask or professional prosthetics, I always use (and highly recommend) Tony Buck FX studios. Word is starting to get out and he was recently contacted by Sony, who requested permission to use some of his products in a movie. He offers some great options already, yet if you want a custom design, he can usually accommodate…if you place your order early (before August.)
If you decide not to directly participate in the walk and want a great vantage point to watch the parade, the Balcony Bar and Restaurant at the Basin Hotel is a great place to have drinks while you spectate. Our favorite spot is on the balcony of the Hotel New Orleans. It’s only accessible to guests, so it’s not crowded, and you can bring your own cooler and snacks. However, you need to book it way in advance, as it fills up quickly for these events, and they usually require a 2 night minimum.
Mardi Gras
Break out your beads! Another great event for some unique “people watching” is the Mardi Gras parade, which will take place next on February 10, in 2018. In addition to the parade, there are many other fun events that you can attend throughout the week such as jazz brunches, costume balls, and other festivities hosted by the Krewe of Krazo.
St Patrick’s Day
Whether you’re Irish or not, this is an awesome weekend full of parties, pub crawls and of course, the St Paddy’s Day parade. This parade runs down the main street, going past Basin Park, so there are many hotels, restaurants/bars, and bed & breakfasts with balconies for the best vantage points for viewing. Most bars also offer great drink specials and green beer during the event.
