Sidney’s halloween car cruise rolling through town October 25th

The streets of Sidney are about to get festive again for Halloween.

On Saturday, October 25th, the Sidney Spooktacular Halloween Car Cruise returns for its fifth year, and organizer Nikki Bunn says the goal is simple, have fun, dress up, and bring smiles to the community.

Bunn, who started the event in 2020 during the height the COVID-19 lockdowns, said the idea came from a need to celebrate Halloween safely when trick-or-treating and public gatherings were on pause.

“While people were trying to figure out how to trick or treat and social distance, I decided the perfect way to do that and still have fun during the spooky season was to drive,” she said.

“It was perfectly safe and it just stuck. We don’t have many Halloween events compared to Christmas, so that was another reason to keep the creepy cruise going.”

Supported each year by North Saanich Canadian Tire, the event invites a mix of local car clubs including Torque Masters, Pharoah’s, LayedOut, 642 Jeeps and many more.

Bunn said the cruise welcomes every kind of vehicle from classics to newer models and there’s no need to register.

“You don’t need to be in a club or have a super cool car,” she said. “Just bring what you’ve got, decorate it and have lots of fun.”

The route begins at North Saanich Canadian Tire, heading right onto McDonald Park Road, then down Beacon Avenue toward the waterfront.

The group will turn right onto First Street, continue along Ocean Avenue, loop around Fifth Street, and return to Beacon before parking so spectators can take photos and check out the cars up close.

The convoy leaves at 6:30 p.m., and Bunn recommends spectators arrive about 20 minutes early to grab a good spot.

There are no road closures are planned, and participants are expected to follow all regular traffic rules.

“Fancy driving and burnouts are forbidden,” Bunn added with a laugh. “But you can rev your engine as much as you like.”

Each year, decorated cars and creative costumes make the event stand out. Among the most memorable are George Burnside’s 1965 Fairlane, Don’s truck “Lil Pete” with its giant skeleton co-pilot, and Emily Rose’s ‘Moopar’ Volare, decked out in spooky detail.

Families watching the parade are also encouraged to join the fun by dressing up and lining the streets, while some businesses open their doors to keep spectators warm.

“Seeing families in costume, excited for Halloween, makes me realize how special this event can be,” Bunn said. “Huge thank you to Peninsula Gallery on Bevan and First for staying open and letting people watch from their showroom.”

For Bunn, the best part of the night comes right before take-off.

“When we’re all at Canadian Tire, just about to leave for the cruise — the atmosphere is energizing. We’re all so excited,” she said.

The Sidney Spooktacular Halloween Car Cruise has no sponsors beyond community support, and Bunn hopes that’s what continues to define it.

“It’s really about showing that simple things can bring so much joy,” she said. “There isn’t a frown for miles — it’s all about the smiles per mile. Or should I say kilometre?”

Residents who want to join can simply show up at Canadian Tire in North Saanich at 6 p.m. for lineup, with the cruise beginning at 6:30 p.m. Updates will be shared on local Facebook groups including This Is Sidney and Sidney Community.

“Without the spectators and participants, this event wouldn’t happen,” Bunn said. “Thank you to everyone who comes out to make it so special. Happy Halloween!”

Sidney Spooktacular Halloween Car Cruise

• Where: Starts at Canadian Tire then works its way to Beacon Avenue, turn on First, onto Ocean Avenue, right on Fifth and right down Beacon. Cars will stop on the roundabout for photos at the end
• When: Saturday, October 25th, cars meet at 6 p.m., parade starts at 6:200 p.m.