Some invitations are exciting because of where they take you. Others are special because of who invited you.
For the second year, my childhood friend Andy invited our family to Tesla’s Family and Friends Frunk or Treat at the Fremont Factory.
We had such a wonderful time last year that my kids and I were excited to return. And somehow, Tesla managed to make it even bigger and better this year.
There were pumpkins, Halloween displays, a Cybertruck DJ, a fire dancer, games, prizes, and some of Tesla’s most fascinating vehicles and robots.
The Cybercab Looked Different to Us This Year
We actually saw the Tesla Cybercab at last year’s event.
But seeing it again this year felt different.
Maybe it was because we’d since seen news coverage of Cybercabs out on the roads. Something that once seemed like a futuristic concept suddenly felt a little closer to everyday life.
The kids were fascinated by the interior.
No steering wheel. No brake pedal. No accelerator.
Just two passenger seats and a large screen.
And this is where things got funny.
My son thought it was the coolest thing he’d ever seen. He wanted to get into one immediately.
My daughter?
Absolutely not.
She said she’d be too scared and would refuse to ride in one.
Two completely different reactions.
I couldn’t help laughing, but I also found their responses fascinating. My son saw freedom and excitement. My daughter saw something she wasn’t ready to trust.
It made me wonder how differently their generation will experience transportation and whether something that feels strange to us now might eventually feel completely ordinary to them.
Optimus Was Taller Than We Imagined
If there was one attraction everyone seemed curious about, it was Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus.
The line to see it was long.
And when we finally got close, the first thing we noticed was its height. Optimus was much taller than we’d imagined.
It’s one thing to watch videos of a humanoid robot. It’s another to stand in front of one and imagine what having something like that in your home might actually feel like.
Would it help with laundry? Carry groceries? Tidy up after the kids?
A mother can dream, right?
We didn’t get to test those capabilities, of course. But seeing Optimus up close was enough to spark a whole conversation about the possibilities.
The Tesla Semi and Extended Model YL
We also got an up-close look at the Tesla Semi and extended Model YL.
The Semi is one of those vehicles that really makes an impression when you’re standing beside it. Its size is something you don’t fully appreciate in photographs.
And as a mom, I was naturally curious about the Model YL.
More space in a family car? You have my attention.
Between kids, sports equipment, backpacks, and everything else we somehow carry around, I’m always interested in how vehicle design can make family life easier.
This Year’s Halloween Activities Were Even Better
One of the biggest differences from last year was the number of activities.
There were more games, more things to explore, and some really fun Tesla merchandise to take home.
Among the giveaways were Cybertruck sculptures and Tesla keychains.
We also received tote bags that we could personalize with adorable Optimus embroidery patches.
I loved this little activity.
Instead of simply being handed another souvenir, we got to customize something ourselves. It was a thoughtful, creative touch that made the tote bags feel more special. There was a Cybertruck DJ and a fire dancer as well.
Only at a Tesla Halloween party could that combination somehow make perfect sense.
The Great Pumpkin Mystery
Just like last year, families were allowed to take home pumpkins that had been used in the Halloween displays.
Such a fun idea, right?
Except there was one small problem.
Every pumpkin seemed to be almost exactly the same size.
We wanted smaller ones.
We looked.
And looked.
How were they all so similar?
I don’t know how they managed it, but those pumpkins were remarkably uniform.
And they were HEAVY.
What started as a cute little Halloween souvenir turned into an unexpected workout.
At least we had pumpkins to take home, and another funny memory to add to the evening.
The Part of the Night I’ll Remember Most
Andy (who invited us) and I have known each other since we were children.
We used to play together when we were my kids’ age. Actually, even younger.
And there I was, all these years later, watching him play with my children.
It felt strange for a moment.
Not in a bad way. In a beautiful, almost surreal way.
I could remember the two of us as little kids, and suddenly I was watching him become part of my children’s childhood memories.
Life has a funny way of bringing things full circle.
We grow up. We move through different chapters. We become parents. Our lives change in ways we never could have imagined.
And sometimes, if we’re lucky, certain people remain part of the story.
I’m so thankful to Andy for thinking of our family and inviting us back.
More than anything, I’m grateful for a friendship that has lasted long enough to become something meaningful to the next generation, too.
A Little Note for Bay Area Families
Tesla’s Family and Friends Frunk or Treat took place at the Tesla Fremont Factory in Fremont, California.
Our family attended through an invitation from a friend who works at Tesla. This was a family-and-friends event, so I wouldn’t want readers to assume it was open to the public.
If you’re interested in future Tesla events, it’s worth checking official announcements for opportunities that are specifically open to visitors.
And if you’re curious about what the evening actually looked like, I’ve shared the photos and videos on Instagram.
See our Tesla Frunk or Treat photos and videos on Instagram
We went for the Halloween fun and a chance to see the Cybercab, Model YL, Semi, and Optimus.
We came home with customized tote bags, very heavy pumpkins, and wonderful memories.
But my favorite part?
Watching an old childhood friend laugh and play with my children.
Some things are more special than anything technology can create.
Have you ever experienced a moment when a childhood friendship suddenly came full circle? I’d love to hear your story.
Subscribe to xoxoCaliMom for firsthand stories about family life, Bay Area discoveries, interesting people, and the experiences that remind us there’s so much worth exploring beyond our screens.
Leave a Reply