Honey bee buzzing over yellow flower, pollen-laden hind legs, dark background in — A honey bee, packing orange pollen, in flight. The UC Davis Honey Bee Haven will host a free Halloween party from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28, at The Haven, a half-acre pollinator garden located at 1 Bee Biology. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

Pre-Halloween Party at the UC Davis Bee Haven

by Kathy Keatley Garvey
October 20, 2026

Colorful painted concrete benches with mosaic and honeycomb designs beneath a large tree — A worker bee sculpture, Miss Bee Haven, anchors the UC Davis Bee Haven. It is the work of self-described rock artist Donna Billick of Davis. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)

The UC Davis Bee Haven will host a free, pre-Halloween party from 3 to 5 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 28 at The Haven, located at 1 Bee Biology Road.

"The pollinators are getting into the Halloween spirit, and you’re invited to join them!" says Samantha "Sam" Murray, the garden and education coordinator. "Come to the UC Davis Bee Haven, a pollinator garden full of bees, butterflies, and the flowers they love, for a spooky pollination adventure. It’ll be fun for kids, teens, UC Davis students, and every bee, butterfly, and plant fan in between."

"Wander through the garden and meet the pollinators and plants that call our local haven home. Along the way, you’ll collect nectar and pollen, then trade them in for sweet candy and sticker rewards. There will be hands-on crafts and activities for all ages, so everyone can join in at their own pace."

Costumes are required, Murray says. "So wear whatever you like, whether it’s spooky, silly, handmade, or pollinator-inspired. Bring the whole family, your friends, or your lab mates for a free afternoon of Halloween fun."

The Haven, part of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology and installed in the fall of 2009, is located next to the Harry H. Laidlaw Jr. Honey Bee Research Facility. Parking is available at the site. Director of The Haven is bee scientist Elina Niño, Extension professor of apiculture, and a member of the UC Davis Department of Entomology and Nematology faculty. She also is the founder and director of the California Master Beekeeper Program.

For more information, contact email [email protected]. The Haven's Instagram account is at @ucdavisbeehaven.