CSUN Celebrates Halloween at Pumpkin Fest

  • Pikachu stands in front of inflated pumpkin

    A giant inflatable pumpkin marks the spot for Associated Students' Pumpkin Fest. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Man paints on pumpkin

    Students painted free pumpkins given away at the beginning of the event. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • The hot cocoa bar was a hit in the drizzly weather. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • People playing pumpkin ring toss

    Attendees played lawn games to win prizes. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Girl in Hogwarts costume plays game

    Various games offered entertainment at Pumpkin Fest. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Photo of women dressed as Disney's Moana

    Even Disney star Moana made the journey to CSUN for the event. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Couple dressed as Link and Zelda from the Legends of Zelda game

    Link and Zelda joined the fun, too. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Person in Power Ranger costume

    A Power Ranger was on hand to fight crime - if necessary. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Woman in dinosaur costume

    One person even brought their pet dinosaur to Pumpkin Fest. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Costumed people dancing

    Most attendees wore costumes to Pumpkin Fest. Photo by David J. Hawkins

  • Woman takes photo of Pikachu and attendee

    Attendees posed for photos with Pikachu and other characters at Pumpkin Fest. Photo by David J. Hawkins

Colorful characters from all parts of the universe gathered in the drizzly Matador Square on Oct. 31 for California State University, Northridge Associated Students Productions’ annual Pumpkin Fest. Students, superheroes and fictional characters played games, decorated pumpkins and enjoyed free cocoa and treats in celebration of Halloween.

What other time could you see Pikachu, Moana, Minnie Mouse and a Wookiee walking around campus? Many students, faculty and staff dressed to reflect their festive Halloween spirit. Costumes ranged from the elaborate to the minimal, with the emphasis on fun – not scary.

The 400 free pumpkins that were purchased by CSUN Associated Students and CSUN Dining to give away at the event were gone within 15 minutes of its start. But even without the event’s namesake gourd, attendees had plenty to do. Ring toss games, dancing and free treats kept everyone occupied and in good spirits as the nearby Farmers Market buzzed around them.

Though many attendees were not able to stay long because they had class, work or needed to go save the world, the event served as a great way for CSUN to celebrate Halloween.