Prepare for a night of terror and excitement in Berkeley with our expertly crafted Halloween guide, showcasing the most hair-raising events and ghostly encounters to experience. Our Halloween handbook tunes the pipes of Berkeley's otherworldly organs for resident phantoms and visiting virtuosos.
Popular Events: One thrilling attraction you might consider is Fright Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, where chilling rides and spine-tingling shows await adventure-seekers. Unique to the season, Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse offers an immersive horror experience steeped in mystery. And don't forget Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly event that combines festive fun with a touch of fright. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Berkeley
- Boo at the Zoo (Oakland)
- Fright Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom (Vallejo)
- Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse (San Jose)
- Not-Too-Spooky Halloween
- Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center (Milpitas)
- Fourth Street Trick or Treat and Halloween Fest
- The Bernal Scream Haunted House (San Jose)
- Halloween on Solano (Albany/Berkeley)
- Into The Dark Terror Vault (San Francisco)
- SF International Tea Festival 2024 (San Francisco)
See these and even more events listed below!
Berkeley Area Haunted Experiences
Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
What to Expect:
An immersive indoor and outdoor Halloween experience featuring state-of-the-art special effects and professional actors.
Description:
Winchester Mystery House presents Unhinged: Hotel, a chilling Halloween event starting on select nights from September 13 to November 2, 2024. Guests embark on a suspenseful walk-through journey through the historic mansion, featuring state-of-the-art special effects, professional actors, and disturbing scenes. The experience also includes an outdoor scare zone, a limited-time Halloween museum, interactive activities, themed food and drinks, and themed photo opportunities. This immersive event is not suitable for children under 13 and includes imagery and themes that may be too intense for younger guests.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
Fright Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted attractions with a variety of scare zones and rides.
Description:
Fright Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom is a thrilling Halloween event featuring haunted mazes, scare zones, and spooky rides. Guests can experience chilling attractions like Hotel Hellview, Club Fear 3D, and CarnEvil Fresh Meat. The event also includes family-friendly activities like Kids BooFest and Oktoberfest Food Festival.
Where: Vallejo | More Info: Fright Fest at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom
The Bernal Scream Haunted House
What to Expect:
The Bernal Scream's "Soul Shredder" is the darkest and most twisted haunted attraction in the Bay Area, featuring high levels of audio, extreme lights, and special effects.
Description:
The Bernal Scream Haunted House returns in 2024 with its most intense attraction yet, "Soul Shredder." This high-endurance haunted house, geared for adults but open to all ages, promises a terrifying experience with its dark, twisted, and meanest show yet. The event is a testament to the legacy of Mike and Abel Barrera, who started the attraction in their backyard in 2013 and have since become one of the Bay Area's premier commercial haunted attractions.
Where: San Jose | More Info: The Bernal Scream Haunted House
Into The Dark Terror Vault
What to Expect:
An immersive and theatrical experience with 60 scare actors and 32 fully developed sets at the historic San Francisco Mint.
Description:
Into The Dark Terror Vault presents "Fatal Abduction," an immersive and theatrical experience featuring 60 scare actors and 32 fully developed sets at the historic San Francisco Mint.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Into The Dark Terror Vault
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Berkeley
Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
Immersive Halloween celebration with a self-guided scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating for special edition animal Trading Cards.
Description:
Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event at the Oakland Zoo, featuring a self-guided scavenger hunt where participants can trick-or-treat for special edition animal Trading Cards. The event includes a costume contest, both in-person and virtual, with the chance to win great prizes. Participants also receive a bonus Trading Card and fair trade organic chocolate upon completing the scavenger hunt. The event is included with regular zoo admission, and advanced reservations are required for general admission.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Boo at the Zoo
Fourth Street Trick or Treat and Halloween Fest
What to Expect:
A festive celebration with a wide range of free activities and entertainment for families.
Description:
Fourth Street Trick or Treat and Halloween Fest is an annual event where costumed kids can trick-or-treat at over 80 merchant shops. The festival on Delaware at Fourth Street features a variety of free activities, including face painting, scary hair booths, art activities, live music, and a bubble show. The event also includes meet-and-greet opportunities with costumed characters and actors.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Fourth Street Trick or Treat and Halloween Fest
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Brick-or-Treat is the interactive Potion Kitchen experience where families can create magical potions using their building creativity.
Description:
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center is a family-friendly Halloween event where LEGO Monsters take over the attraction. Families can enjoy various activities including the Potion Kitchen, where they can create magical potions, and catch the exclusive 4D Halloween movie, The Great Monster Chase. Other activities include a LEGO Monster Rocker scavenger hunt, glow-in-the-dark LEGO bricks, and special Halloween builds with Master Model Builders.
Where: Milpitas | More Info: Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND Discovery Center
Not-Too-Spooky Halloween
What to Expect:
A magic show that combines Halloween fun with tricks and treats for all ages.
Description:
Mike the Magician presents a Not-So-Scary Halloween Magic Show at the West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library. This event is full of Halloween fun, suitable for all ages, and features tricks and treats. Bring your ghosts, goblins, superheroes, and fairies for a silly and laughter-filled show.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Not-Too-Spooky Halloween
SF International Tea Festival 2024
What to Expect:
The opportunity to taste teas from local and global producers while taking home a complimentary porcelain teacup.
Description:
The SF International Tea Festival 2024 is a two-day event at the Ferry Building Marketplace in San Francisco. It offers a diverse selection of teas from local and global producers, with complimentary tastings and the opportunity to take home a porcelain teacup. The festival also features presentations from tea experts and live music, making it a unique experience for tea enthusiasts.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: SF International Tea Festival 2024
Halloween on Solano
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating and a costume contest.
Description:
Halloween on Solano is a festive event where families can trick-or-treat along Solano Avenue from 3 to 5 PM. The evening culminates in a costume contest at Solano-Peralta Park, featuring cash grand prizes and welcoming all ages. The event is sponsored by Five Little Monkeys and emphasizes safety and cleanliness.
Where: Albany/Berkeley | More Info: Halloween on Solano
Mushroom Masquerade at the Ferry Building
What to Expect:
A festive evening featuring mushroom-themed food, wine tasting, and live music with a masquerade twist.
Description:
Join the Mushroom Masquerade at the Ferry Building for an enchanting evening of mushroom-inspired cuisine, fine wines, and lively music. Don your best mushroom-themed attire and indulge in delectable bites from local restaurants and Napa Valley Vintners. Enjoy exquisite wines, sample mushroom-infused aperitifs, and dance the night away to fantastic tunes spun by DJ Juan Love.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Mushroom Masquerade at the Ferry Building
The San Francisco Fall Cider Fest
What to Expect:
Unlimited pours of 30+ craft ciders with diverse flavors.
Description:
The San Francisco Fall Cider Fest is a festive event celebrating autumn with unlimited pours of 30+ craft ciders, featuring flavors like sweet honey-sage and tropical passionfruit. Enjoy fall food truck favorites, warm up by the fire pit with s’mores, and snap Insta-worthy shots at awe-tumn photo ops while grooving to live beats.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: The San Francisco Fall Cider Fest
World of Dumplings
What to Expect:
A celebration of cultural diversity through the shared love of dumplings.
Description:
World of Dumplings is a vibrant food festival celebrating the diversity of dumplings from around the world. Hosted by Asians Are Strong, the event features international food vendors offering a variety of dumplings, including wontons from China, gyozas from Japan, and empanadas from Spain. The festival includes cooking demonstrations, contests, and activities for all ages, making it a delightful experience for the whole family.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: World of Dumplings
Halloween + Dia Los Muertos Family Fun Fest
What to Expect:
A vibrant celebration combining Halloween and Dia de los Muertos traditions with various family-friendly activities.
Description:
Join the Halloween + Dia de los Muertos Family Fun Fest at Jack London Square for a FREE event filled with chalk artists, mariachis, crafts, a costume contest, and Mexican Folklorico dancers. This festive celebration is open to the public and offers a variety of activities for all ages.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Halloween + Dia Los Muertos Family Fun Fest
Tricks and Treats at Great America
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with four themed areas offering a mix of spooky and kooky activities, live shows, and seasonal treats.
Description:
Tricks and Treats at Great America is a family-friendly Halloween event offering a variety of spooky and kooky activities, live shows, a costume contest, seasonal food and drinks, and trick-or-treating. The event features four themed areas: Ickyville, Spooky Spires, Everfall, and Sweet Tooth Acres, each offering unique experiences and attractions. Guests can enjoy their favorite rides and attractions throughout the park while participating in interactive experiences and live entertainment.
Where: Santa Clara | More Info: Tricks and Treats at Great America
Bring The Smoke - BBQ Food Festival
What to Expect:
Incorporation of Rickhouse Cask Strength Bourbon into each dish.
Description:
The Bring The Smoke - BBQ Food Festival is a culinary event featuring the best chefs in the Bay Area. On Saturday, October 19, 2024, attendees can enjoy a variety of BBQ dishes, including wings, ribs, brisket, and sausages, all incorporating Rickhouse Cask Strength Bourbon into the recipes. The festival also includes live music, an artisan market for handmade goods, and special limited-edition cocktails. Located at the Gold Bar Whiskey Distillery Tasting Room in San Francisco, this event offers a unique blend of food, drinks, and entertainment.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Bring The Smoke - BBQ Food Festival
City Cruises Berkeley Halloween Cruise
What to Expect:
Enjoy a festive Halloween cruise with stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
Description:
City Cruises Berkeley offers a unique Halloween experience with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay. Enjoy themed drinks, live music, and iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz Island. This festive cruise combines spooky atmosphere with enchanting fun, making it an unforgettable experience for all.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: City Cruises Berkeley Halloween Cruise
2024 BrewFest
What to Expect:
A festive brew festival featuring over 15 local breweries and live music, all while supporting Special Olympics Northern California.
Description:
Join us at the 2024 BrewFest, held in conjunction with the annual Bike the Bridges fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Northern California. Enjoy a scenic ride through Martinez on one of several routes, followed by a festive brew festival featuring over 15 local breweries. Savor delicious craft beers, enjoy live music, and take home a commemorative pint glass. This event is perfect for cycling enthusiasts and beer lovers alike, all while supporting a great cause.
Where: Martinez | More Info: 2024 BrewFest
The Soul Food Stroll: Wings, Greens, and Things
What to Expect:
A 5-hour soul food festival that brings people together through universal language of good food and shared stories.
Description:
The Soul Food Stroll: Wings, Greens, and Things is a heartwarming event that celebrates authentic soul food dishes that have shaped family gatherings for generations. It offers a 5-hour culinary experience featuring a variety of soul food classics, including Mo Betta Cobbler Bar, Greens Grove, and Cornbread Corner. The event is led by Chef Rene Johnson, who has been elevating soul food in the Bay Area for over 15 years.
Where: Oakland | More Info: The Soul Food Stroll: Wings, Greens, and Things
Hops & Vines Stroll
What to Expect:
The event offers a unique opportunity to sample a wide variety of local craft beverages while exploring the vibrant atmosphere of Downtown San Rafael.
Description:
The 5th Annual Hops & Vines Stroll in Downtown San Rafael is a festive tasting event celebrating local craft beer, wine, spirits, and cider. Attendees can sample a wide variety of beverages at participating shops along 4th Street. The event includes a charming cable car shuttle for convenience and offers a vibrant atmosphere to explore the heart of the city. Participants will receive a glass and a map with all tasting locations, making it an enjoyable adventure for those 21 and over.
Where: San Rafael | More Info: Hops & Vines Stroll
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Berkeley
Piedmont Artisanal Beer Festival
What to Expect:
A fun-filled evening of beer tasting and live music featuring local home brewers.
Description:
Join the Piedmont Artisanal Beer Festival at the Piedmont Center for the Arts on Friday, October 18, 2024, from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. Enjoy an evening of home brews, traditional German food, and live music. Sample unique and flavorful beers from local home brewers while appreciating the beautiful surroundings of the center. This event is perfect for anyone who appreciates quality brews and good company.