UC Santa Barbara’s Department of Recreation hosted “Hallowheels,” a Halloween-themed event, on Oct. 24. The event featured a roller skating rink, a silent disco, a movie screening and complimentary food as an alternative to Isla Vista parties.

Hallowheels, open only to UCSB students, offered free activities including roller skating, snacks and a film screening. Dylan Vo / Daily Nexus

The Department of Recreation, in collaboration with the Department of Health & Wellness, Life of the Party, the Santa Barbara Independent, the Point Market and Woodstock’s Pizza, annually hosts Hallowheels to create a “safe” environment for UCSB students who celebrate Halloween.

Hallowheels, open only to UCSB students, offered free activities including roller skating, silent disco, a “Hotel Transylvania” movie screening, a photo booth, pumpkin decorating, cornhole, costume contests and food including pizza, candy and s’mores.

The Department of Recreation’s Assistant Director of Marketing & Creative Services, Amanda Hackelton, highlighted what she enjoyed the most about Hallowheels, such as attendees’ unique costumes.

“I really like seeing everyone’s costumes. I think people have some really creative costumes. I think roller skating is fun. I feel like that’s kind of a unique opportunity that we don’t have year-round,” Hackelton said.

Fourth-year financial mathematics and statistics major Tiziano Bolanos said the event gave him an opportunity to try something new. 

“I like the roller skating the most because I haven’t done it before and it’s fun. And they have the DJ in there — shout out DJ Suze. The people that are working here, I think they’re doing a good job,” Bolanos said.

Second-year statistics and data science major Ryka Shekar shared a similar sentiment about the roller skating rink. 

“I’ve done ice skating, but I’ve never done roller skating, so I wanted to see if the skills could transfer,” Shekar said.

First-year biology major Kevin Gonzalez said he enjoyed the variety of activities that were available during Hallowheels. He appreciated the free food and the opportunity to go roller skating.

“I’m glad I was able to [roller skate]. Just like dress-up, come here with some friends and stuff like that. And I’m looking forward to exploring what else I got, like the movie and the marshmallow and the s’mores,” Gonzalez said.

First-year undeclared major Liv Weaver said she enjoyed the environment that the staff and attendees have created. She said that “everyone’s got the vibes” and appreciated the variety of activities.

“They have all the stations up, they have the movie up if anybody wants to watch it, so everything’s already ready, and that’s really good to see as well,” Weaver said.

A version of this article appeared on p. 1 of the Oct. 30 print edition of the Daily Nexus.