Yakima Valley Weekend Tips: First Friday, Día de los Muertos and Santa | Explore Yakima

There are plenty of Halloween and Día de los Muertos events to keep you busy in the Yakima Valley this week and weekend.

We've previewed many of them and the entries are available at yakimaherald.com.

If you're ready to welcome Santa Claus, there's something for you too.

First Friday

It's that time again; it happens every month. It's First Friday and several downtown businesses, organizations and other downtown areas are offering specials to highlight arts, culture, dining and shopping in downtown Yakima.

CEO Charlie Robin will lead tours of the Capitol Theater. Learn about the history of the venue, including the fire that almost destroyed it, and go behind the scenes for a behind-the-scenes look. Maybe Shorty will show up.

To view the Capitol Theater, arrive at the Capitol Box Office, 19 S. Third St., on the hour. The tours start at 6 p.m. and last about an hour.

Visit Downtownyakima.com for more information on other participating businesses.

Guided art workshop

Día de los Muertos celebrates and remembers deceased loved ones and is celebrated in Mexico, Latin America and the United States

Celebrate with a hands-on guided art program and create your own paper mache sugar skull mask on Friday from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.mNovember 1, 2024, at the Wapato Library, 119 E. Third St., Wapato.

This festive workshop is free, open to all skill levels and best suited to children aged 10 and over. Materials are provided and space is limited.

Children's author series

Yakima Valley Libraries is celebrating National Picture Book Month, National Native American Heritage Month and National Novel Writing Month with a children's author series starting this Friday and continuing through multiple events through next week.

Enjoy a story time with author Sherri Maret on Friday at 3:30 p.m. at the Zillah Library, 109 Seventh St., Zillah. Maret is the author of The Cloud Artist. The reading is followed by a discussion and crafts. This event is suitable for children ages 5 and up.

Other Children's Author Series events include a reading with Amanda Abler, author of “The Spirit of Springer,” and a STEM workshop from 4 to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, at the West Valley Community Library, 223 S 72nd Ave.

Author Sara Behrman will read her new picture book, “The Sea Hides a Seahorse,” at 10 a.m. at the Naches Library, 303 Naches, Ave., Naches and at 2:30 p.m. at the Toppenish Library, 1 S. Elm St. , Toppenish. Each reading is followed by songs and a craft.

Christmas on the farm

There may still be cobwebs on the jack-o-lanterns on the porches, but it's not too early for Christmas at the Farm, this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at French Canyon Farms, 120 Noye Road, Tieton.

The family-friendly event features holiday vendors, the Candy Cane Wine Bar, photo opportunities with Frosty the Snowman, yard games and more.

Children of all ages can write a letter to Santa and send it to the North Pole, climb the present-day pyramids, visit the farm animals and enjoy a friendly snowball fight.

Tacos don Chayo will be selling food on site and Genevieve Duo will be performing Christmas carols from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Santa Claus and his wife will mingle with guests and be available for a quick selfie.

Feed Santa's Reindeer in Training, Retired Reindeer, Pigs and Chickens with $3 feed bags. For $5, guests can participate in a hayride and scavenger hunt. Make a Christmas craft for $5.

Tickets are $8 for children ages 3 to 12 and $12 for ages 13 and older. Purchase in advance at yhne.ws/christmasonthefarm.

Dia de los Muertos Grandview

The 2024 Día de los Muertos Grandview celebration will be held Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the United Family Center, 211 Euclid St., Grandview.

Event highlights include craft vendors, music, food and more. There will also be Tamal, Pan de Muerto, Chocolate Mexicano and Catrina costume contests.

Follow the Día de los Muertos Grandview Facebook page, yhne.ws/grandviewdayofthedead, for updates and details