Silent Movies + Live Organ, Trunk or Treat & More

First Presbyterian opens its campus for a free evening of frightfully fun short movies with organ, plus music from the Rancho Sunshine Band, candy, and games

Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Trunk or Treat: 5–6 pm, with Rancho Sunshine Band | Film screenings: 5:30 and 6 pm
First Presbyterian Church of Santa Barbara: 21 E. Constance Ave. at State Street
Free and family friendly • No tickets needed • All are welcome | fpcsb.org

🎬 Classic Silent Movies with Live Organ

Two 15-minute screenings: 5:30 pm and 6 pm • Sanctuary

Step inside the Sanctuary to discover how filmmakers delighted audiences long before digital effects. Dancing flowers, mischievous apparitions, and objects with minds of their own fill these “frightfully fun” shorts with playful surprises:

• The Magic Roses (1906) • Approximately 3 minutes
  Flowers become dancing figures in an enchanting display of early movie magic by Segundo de Chomón.

• The Haunted Hotel (1907) • Approximately 5 minutes
  A traveler’s stay at an unusual inn becomes a comic supernatural adventure, brought to life through J. Stuart Blackton’s inventive animation and camera tricks.

• The Alchemist & Demon (1906) • Approximately 3 minutes
  Georges Méliès transforms a scientist’s laboratory into a fantastical world of mysterious visions and magical transformations.

These short films are more whimsical than scary, with mild spooky imagery suitable for young children.

Casey Molino Dunn, our Director of Music Ministries, will accompany the films on the church’s 67-rank Casavant organ, weaving familiar Halloween themes from classical music together with original improvisation and occasional vocals. The live accompaniment responds to the action on screen, giving these imaginative films a fresh musical setting.

🍬 Trunk or Treat
5–6 pm • Church parking lot

Wear your costume and join the candy-collecting fun. Sponsored by First Presbyterian’s Early Childhood Center, Trunk or Treat takes place in the church’s parking lot, which will be closed to vehicle traffic for the festivities.

🎶 Rancho Sunshine Band & Games
Beginning at 5 pm • Patio

Enjoy seasonal tunes, familiar favorites, and good vibes from the Rancho Sunshine Band, whose music spans folk, country, pop, rock, and jazz. Nearby games add to the family fun.

The five-member ensemble features David Bazinet on drums and percussion; Yvonne Bazinet on vocals, keyboard, and autoharp; Rob Lindsey on guitar and vocals; Brian Slattery on guitar, banjo, and vocals; and Kit Thomas on bass.

👻 Come Join the Fun

Start with candy, games, and music outside, then head into the Sanctuary for a short film screening. Bring family, invite a friend, or stop by to meet your neighbors—you’re welcome whether you’ve visited First Presbyterian before or are joining us for the first time.

Admission is free, and no tickets or reservations are needed. See the event flyer for a shareable overview of the festivities.