Entertainment
Natural Grocers Hosts Family-Friendly Halloween Event with Treats, Crafts, and Savings
Last Updated on October 24, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Looking for a Halloween celebration that’s equal parts fun and wholesome? Natural Grocers is rolling out the orange carpet for families this October with their “Spooktacular” event—a free, family-friendly Halloween bash that proves treats don’t have to come with tricks (or questionable ingredients).
Mark Your Calendars: October 25
On Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., participating Natural Grocers locations will transform into Halloween headquarters for kids and families. The nation’s largest family-operated organic and natural grocery retailer is pulling out all the stops with activities designed to delight little ghouls and goblins—without the sugar crash.
What’s Brewing at the Spooktacular Event?
The good4u® Crew has conjured up an impressive lineup of activities that’ll make this Saturday morning one to remember:
Limited-Edition Halloween Bags (and a Chance to Win Big)
Early birds get the worm—or in this case, a reusable Halloween bag. The first 200 customers at each location will snag a limited-edition tote, and here’s where it gets interesting: 20 lucky bags contain gift cards worth up to $50. It’s like trick-or-treating, but with better odds and no costume required.
Kids’ Treasure Hunt
Forget wandering the neighborhood in the dark. Kids can embark on an in-store treasure hunt, solving clues hidden throughout the aisles to discover healthy, spooky goodies. It’s part scavenger hunt, part nutrition education, and all fun.
Halloween Craft Station
Each participating store will host a craft table stocked with materials for kids to create festive Halloween-themed projects. Whether it’s decorating pumpkins or crafting paper bats, there’s something to spark every young artist’s imagination.
A Monster Mash-Up of Savings
The fun doesn’t stop at the event. Through October 25, Natural Grocers is offering “spooky-good” discounts across every department—perfect timing for stocking up on Halloween treats and fall favorites.
Snacks and Treats
Score deals on crowd-pleasers like Annie’s™ Organic Fruit Snacks, Quinn® Snacks Pretzels, Health-Ade Kombucha®, and Natural Grocers® Brand Beef Sticks. These are the treats parents can feel good about handing out—or keeping for themselves.
Bulk Savings
Natural Grocers Brand Bulk items are getting the discount treatment, including Organic Roasted Salted Sunflower Seeds and Organic Dark Chocolate Coconut. Stock up now and thank yourself later when holiday baking season hits.
Supplement Sale
Natural Grocers Brand Supplements are 25% off—a deal that’ll make even the most health-conscious vampires do a double-take. It’s the perfect opportunity to replenish your wellness arsenal before the holiday season kicks into high gear.
Recipes That’ll Make You Scream (With Delight)
Need inspiration for your Halloween spread? Natural Grocers has released a collection of festive recipes that balance fun with nutrition:
- Caramel Apples – A classic fall treat, elevated
- Cocoa Pear Chips – Crunchy, chocolatey, and surprisingly wholesome
- Vampire’s Pleasure Refresher – A blood-red beverage that’s actually good for you
- Bloody Zombie Mocktail – All the drama, none of the alcohol
- Thai-Inspired Pumpkin Curry – Because pumpkin deserves to be more than just pie
- Gluten-Free Spiderweb Brownies – Decadent dessert that accommodates dietary needs
These recipes prove that Halloween food can be both Instagram-worthy and nourishing—a rare combination in the world of seasonal celebrations.
Looking Ahead: Turkey Pre-Orders
Once the jack-o’-lanterns are composted and the costumes are packed away, Natural Grocers is already thinking about your Thanksgiving table. The retailer exclusively partners with Mary’s Free-Range Turkey® to offer humanely raised, high-quality poultry for the holiday season.
Customers can choose from eight turkey options and pre-order online or in-store. Here’s the kicker: {N}power Members who reserve their turkey by November 2 will receive a $5 reward, valid November 20-26. It’s the grocery equivalent of planning ahead and actually being rewarded for it.
The Natural Grocers Difference
Founded in 1955, Natural Grocers has built its reputation on uncompromising quality standards. Every grocery product must meet strict guidelines—no artificial flavors, preservatives, synthetic colors, or hydrogenated oils allowed. The company sells only USDA-certified organic produce, pasture-raised dairy products, and free-range eggs.
But what sets Natural Grocers apart isn’t just what they sell—it’s how they operate. The company is committed to its Five Founding Principles, including a “Commitment to Community” and “Commitment to Crew.” In fiscal year 2024 alone, they invested more than $15 million in incremental compensation and discretionary payments for employees.
With 168 stores across 21 states and headquarters in Lakewood, Colorado, Natural Grocers continues to prove that a smaller-store format can deliver big on affordability, quality, and community connection.
How to Join the Fun
Ready to experience the Spooktacular event? Visit www.naturalgrocers.com to find participating store locations near you. While you’re there, consider downloading the Natural Grocers App to unlock {N}power rewards and digital coupons, or subscribe to the good4u Health Hotline® for recipes, educational articles, and sale highlights.
This Halloween, skip the processed candy corn and mystery-ingredient treats. Instead, head to Natural Grocers for a celebration that’s genuinely good for your family—and your community. After all, the best treats are the ones that don’t come with a side of regret.
The Spooktacular event takes place Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at participating Natural Grocers locations. Arrive early for the best selection of limited-edition bags and to avoid the midday rush. No purchase necessary—just bring your family and your Halloween spirit.
SeaWorld is leaning hard into summer nights in 2026, rolling out a coast-to-coast entertainment lineup across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio. The headline addition: all three parks will feature all-new nighttime drone shows, paired with nighttime animal presentations, seasonal concerts, parades, and event-style programming designed to keep families in the park after sunset.
SeaWorld says the goal is a bigger, more immersive summer experience that blends animal encounters with high-energy entertainment. Marc Swanson, CEO of United Parks & Resorts (SeaWorld’s parent company), said the company is “raising the bar across the country” with a mix of “cutting-edge drone displays” and “nonstop family fun” meant to create lasting memories.
What’s new across all three parks
Across Orlando, San Diego, and San Antonio, SeaWorld’s summer push centers on nighttime programming. The parks are introducing new drone spectacles (with San Diego and San Antonio debuting drone shows for the first time, and Orlando launching a new version), plus new nighttime animal presentations and event-style entertainment.
Families planning travel around theme parks will want to watch two things: start dates and nighttime schedules, since several offerings roll out in late May and mid-June depending on the park.
SeaWorld Orlando: Electric Ocean returns June 12
In Orlando, SeaWorld’s summer nights are anchored by Electric Ocean, beginning June 12. The event is built as a full evening block: performance show, dance party energy, animal presentations, and a closing sky show.
Electric Ocean includes:
- Hydro Surge: Cirque Spectacular Show, a high-energy cirque-style production with acrobatics, dancers, and live drumming
- Club SeaGlow, an evening DJ party with dancers and atmospheric acts
- An all-new drone spectacle, featuring hundreds of synchronized drones forming ocean-themed scenes
- Ignite: A Fireworks Spectacular, returning with an enhanced mix of fireworks, fountains, lighting, and music
Also beginning June 12, SeaWorld Orlando is introducing three new nighttime animal presentations:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
- Dolphins: Touch the Sky
SeaWorld also teased a new attraction opening this summer: Expedition Odyssey: Fire & Ice, described as a scientific mission exploring the most powerful forces that shape one of the most extreme environments on Earth.
SeaWorld San Diego: Drone show debut, Shark Encounter, and a summer concert series
SeaWorld San Diego’s summer programming begins May 22, with a slate that runs from daytime experiences into nighttime entertainment. The biggest “first” is the park’s debut drone show.
New offerings starting May 22 include:
- Ocean of Dreams Drone Show, a 12-minute nighttime show featuring 600 synchronized drones set to a soaring soundtrack
- Shark Encounter, a refreshed, interactive, immersive experience featuring sharks from 11 species
- Dolphin Adventures, featuring dolphins, pilot whales, and “the next generation of dolphins”
- The Wonders of North American Wildlife, highlighting native wildlife diversity and rescue/rehabilitation stories
- Deep Sea Disco, a dance-focused nighttime experience under SkyTower lights
On June 12, SeaWorld San Diego adds three nighttime animal presentations:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up The Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
- Dolphins: Touch the Sky
The park is also bringing back fan-favorite shows including BMX Blast! Powered by BODYARMOR and Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. Plus, SeaWorld says its 2026 Summer Concert Series will run every Saturday, spotlighting artists tied to ’90s and early-2000s hip hop and R&B.
SeaWorld San Antonio: Electric Ocean, a 400-drone finale, and a new family coaster
SeaWorld San Antonio’s summer lineup also starts May 22, led by its own version of Electric Ocean. The park’s summer nights are built around parade energy, stunt action, and a drone finale.
Electric Ocean in San Antonio includes:
- RhythMotion Ocean Parade, featuring floats, dancers, and characters
- Hydropower: Xtreme FX, a waterski stunt show with pyrotechnics, lasers, and live music
- SeaWorld Illuminight Drone Finale, featuring 400 synchronized drones creating marine-life-inspired animations
San Antonio is also adding two nighttime animal presentations beginning May 22:
- Shamu Celebration: Light Up the Night
- Sea Lions Tonite
For families looking for a ride-centered reason to visit, SeaWorld San Antonio is promoting Barracuda Strike, described as the tallest inverted family coaster in North America.
Annual Pass angle for repeat visits
SeaWorld is positioning its Annual Pass as the best way to experience the summer lineup, emphasizing unlimited visits and perks like savings on merchandise, reserved seating, and add-ons.
A note on SeaWorld’s conservation and rescue work
Alongside the entertainment rollout, SeaWorld highlighted its conservation and animal rescue efforts. The company says it has helped more than 42,000 animals to date and that the SeaWorld Conservation Fund has provided more than $20 million to nearly 1,400 organizations since 2003.
Planning tips: what to watch before you book
If you’re planning a family trip around these summer events, the key details to confirm are:
- Event start dates (May 22 vs. June 12 depending on the park)
- Nighttime showtimes for drone shows and animal presentations
- Concert dates (San Diego’s Saturday series)
- Park hours and whether any offerings require reservations or have limited seating
Source: SeaWorld (press release distributed via PRNewswire, May 7, 2026).
Related: Sea World Orlando
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music and concerts
Hillbilly Bible Film Relaunch Honors John Amos, Adds Voyage Air Guitar Giveaway
Hillbilly Bible, a Memphis-rooted faith-based dramedy dedicated to John Amos, is set to begin production in Fall 2026 and is launching a $30 fan campaign with a Voyage Air Guitar giveaway.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Hillbilly Bible, a Memphis-rooted, music-driven faith-based dramedy, is being relaunched by Hillbilly Bible Movie LLC in association with MVP3 Foundation and MVP3 Network, with director KC Amos stepping in to honor the legacy of his father, actor John Amos.
The film is supported by Voyage Air Guitar as the leading product placement title sponsor and is scheduled to begin production in Fall 2026, with filming planned in Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee, and Clarksdale, Mississippi.
What the film is about
Written by Marie Pizano with co-writer Mark Selker and inspired by the book title Hillbilly Bible by Stevie Rey, the PG-13 story follows Billy Madden, a former foster kid whose early trauma shadows his adult life.
After a public fall tied to pride and addiction, Billy heads south searching for a legendary bluesman known as the “Cool Cat Jesus,” believing the musician can help restore his broken career.
Instead, he meets unexpected messengers who challenge him to face humility, inner-child wounds, and the cost of chasing applause over purpose.
The film tracks Billy’s road to repentance, healing, and restored identity, blending music, drama, and humor while carrying a dedication to John Amos.
The creative team
Pizano leads the project alongside director KC Amos and co-director Al Coronel, who makes his directorial debut. The producing team also includes Kent Wells, a longtime producer associated with Dolly Parton.
“This story carries the spirit of all of us,” Pizano said in the announcement. “We all stumble and fall, but we can get back up and find our ‘yes.’”
Fan campaign + giveaway
To bring supporters into the rollout, the film is launching a $30 fan supporter campaign and a Voyage Air Guitar giveaway. Organizers say the campaign is designed to give back to foster youth, ministries, and mental health advocacy.
Each supporter package includes an exclusive Hillbilly Bible T-shirt, entry into the Voyage Air Guitar giveaway, and access to a private screening before any wider public release.
More details and official rules are available at https://hillbillybiblemovie.com/. Fans can also follow the official Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/share/1ApXMKqqA1/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
What to Watch For
- Fall 2026 production start and location updates (Memphis, Nashville, Clarksdale)
- News from press-only conferences set for March 25, 2026 (Memphis and Clarksdale), plus a later Nashville event
- Casting, music partnerships, and additional sponsor announcements as the project ramps up
Sources: hillbillybiblemovie.com
Official Facebook page
STM Daily News’ Entertainment section delivers the latest on movies, television, music, pop culture, events, and industry buzz. From breaking news and trending stories to feature coverage and community-centered entertainment reporting, it keeps readers connected to what’s happening on screen, on stage, and beyond.
pop culture
May the Fourth: Celebrating National Star Wars Day | Fun Facts & Festivities
National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th.
Last Updated on May 4, 2026 by Daily News Staff
National Star Wars Day, also known as May the Fourth, is a celebration of the Star Wars franchise that takes place annually on May 4th. The day is filled with festivities such as costume contests, trivia games, and movie marathons. Fans of the series can dress up like their favorite characters, watch their favorite movies, and make outer space snacks.
The phrase “May the Fourth Be with You” was first introduced by the Conservative Party in the UK in 1979 to congratulate Margaret Thatcher on becoming the first female Prime Minister. Since then, the phrase has become synonymous with Star Wars Day and is used by fans around the world to greet each other on this special day.
National Star Wars Day was first organized in Toronto, Canada, in 2011, and has since become a worldwide phenomenon. Fans of all ages come together to celebrate their love for the franchise and to honor its creator, George Lucas.
Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just a casual admirer, National Star Wars Day is a day to let loose and have some fun. May the Fourth be with you!
National Star Wars Day
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/?s=Star+Wars+Day
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