Venture into the heart of Encinitas's Halloween madness with our all-encompassing guide, featuring the most hair-raising events and supernatural spectacles to uncover. Discover spooky spots, no matter your ghostly status.
Popular events include the SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular, where families can enjoy themed attractions and festive shows throughout the park. Another highlight, Sesame Place California - The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular, features fun-filled activities and rides designed for young ghouls and goblins. And the San Diego Zombie Crawl is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it transforms the streets into a lively gathering of the undead. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Encinitas
- SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular (San Diego)
- Pumpkin Polar Palooza (Carlsbad)
- Brick-or-Treat (LEGOLAND California) (Carlsbad)
- San Diego Zombie Crawl (San Diego)
- Sesame Place California - The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular (Chula Vista)
- Trick-or-Treat on India Street (San Diego)
- La Mesa Oktoberfest (La Mesa)
- Belmont Park Fall Fest (San Diego)
- Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze (Carlsbad)
- Helen Woodward Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival (Rancho Santa Fe)
See these and even more events listed below!
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Encinitas
Sesame Place California - The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A variety of fun Halloween-themed events and attractions designed for young kids, including trick-or-treating, scavenger hunts, and a Halloween Costume Parade.
Description:
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego is a family-friendly event that transforms the park into a not-too-spooky Halloween haven. Guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed shows, the Sesame Street Halloween Parade, dance parties, an interactive Spot-The-Ghost Scavenger Hunt, and unique photo opportunities with Sesame Street characters in costume. The event also features Sesame Street-themed rides, games, and seasonal merchandise.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: Sesame Place California - The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular
Brick-or-Treat (LEGOLAND California)
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with a variety of family-friendly activities and attractions.
Description:
Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND California is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring not-too-scary live shows, character meet-and-greets with LEGO monsters, limited-time attractions like the Disco Dragon Coaster, and trick-or-treating. The event includes various activities such as costume contests, a prehistoric pumpkin patch, and a monster meet-and-greet with exclusive LEGO characters.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Brick-or-Treat (LEGOLAND California)
Pumpkin Polar Palooza
What to Expect:
Enjoy a variety of pumpkins and festive activities in a family-friendly setting.
Description:
Experience the magic of fall at Pumpkin Polar Palooza, a family-friendly pumpkin patch in Carlsbad. Since 2016, this locally owned business has been bringing joy to families with its extensive pumpkin selection, festive activities, and a Christmas tree lot. Enjoy hayrides, farm animals, and plenty of photo opportunities. Make unforgettable fall memories with your loved ones at this beloved seasonal destination.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Pumpkin Polar Palooza
Belmont Park Fall Fest
What to Expect:
A blend of iconic amusement park rides, live music, and seasonal food offerings creates a unique and festive atmosphere perfect for all ages.
Description:
Belmont Park Fall Fest is a vibrant celebration that transforms the beachside amusement park into an autumn wonderland. Enjoy iconic amusement park rides, rockin' retro displays, and live music with weekly pumpkin jams. Savor the finest fall flavors with the Belmont Bites Fall Flavor Pass, featuring seasonal specialty offerings. The event also includes free trick-or-treating every Sunday in October and a BeerFest on October 20th, showcasing local brews and live music.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Belmont Park Fall Fest
La Mesa Oktoberfest
What to Expect:
La Mesa Oktoberfest offers an immersive German experience with three fully loaded biergartens, live music, and a variety of traditional German foods and activities for all ages.
Description:
La Mesa Oktoberfest is a 51-year-old tradition celebrating Bavarian festivities in downtown La Mesa. The event features three biergartens, live music, German and international foods, kids' activities, and games. It promises to be an unforgettable weekend filled with festive atmosphere and authentic German experiences.
Where: La Mesa | More Info: La Mesa Oktoberfest
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
What to Expect:
The event transforms the Piazza della Famiglia into the Nightmare Before Christmas with a giant 13’ Jack Skellington and large pumpkin stacks.
Description:
Trick-or-Treat on India Street is a beloved Halloween tradition in Little Italy, San Diego. On Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 3:30 PM to 7:30 PM, families are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening of authentic trick-or-treating along historic India Street. The Piazza della Famiglia will transform into the Nightmare Before Christmas, featuring a giant 13’ Jack Skellington and large pumpkin stacks. Maps of participating businesses will be available, and Cedar through Grape Street will be closed for the fun family-friendly event.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Helen Woodward Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with interactive animal encounters and STEM activities.
Description:
The Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival at Helen Woodward Animal Center is a spook-tacular event designed for families with toddlers and elementary age children. The festival features hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treating, spooky crafts, face painting, and a mini pumpkin patch. Guests can explore the new Eerie Estate, where the Halloween spirit comes alive with animal ambassadors dressed in their best spook-tacular attire.
Where: Rancho Santa Fe | More Info: Helen Woodward Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival
Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
What to Expect:
Unique feature is the combination of a regular corn maze and a haunted corn maze, offering both family-friendly and spooky activities.
Description:
Experience the Carlsbad Strawberry Company's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze, offering a variety of activities including a pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides, marigold and sunflower fields, and animal encounters. The haunted corn maze opens in October, providing a thrilling experience for teenagers and adults.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Halloween in the Garden
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Lightscape is its combination of art, nature, and technology, transforming the garden into a vibrant and imaginative holiday experience.
Description:
Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden returns for its third year, featuring a spectacular showcase of international artistic installations and returning favorites. The one-mile walking trail comes to life after dark with color, imagination, and sound, including a California poppy-inspired display, an illuminated laser sky, and playful fiber optic flowers. This enchanting light and sound experience is perfect for the holiday season.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Halloween in the Garden
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
What to Expect:
Offers a range of seasonal activities including pumpkin picking and gem panning in a rustic, family-friendly environment.
Description:
Peltzer Pumpkin Farm is a beloved annual tradition in Southern California, offering a variety of activities for families. The farm features pumpkin picking, a petting zoo, pony rides, gem panning, and more. With its rustic atmosphere and sustainable farming practices, it's a perfect destination for fall festivities.
Where: Temecula | More Info: Peltzer Pumpkin Farm
Pinery & Pumpkin Station
What to Expect:
Experience a variety of fall activities including a train ride, corn maze, and petting zoo at Bonita Pumpkin Farm.
Description:
Bonita Pumpkin Farm offers a variety of fall activities including a train ride, an 8' tall corn maze, a petting zoo, and a tractor hay-wagon ride. Visitors can also cut their own sunflowers and explore the pumpkin farm. The farm is open daily from September 27th to October 10th from 9 am to 6 pm and from October 11th to October 31st from 9 am to 9 pm.
Where: Multiple locations | More Info: Pinery & Pumpkin Station
Spooky Campover at Lions Tigers & Bears
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration where you can camp alongside rescued animals and participate in spooky activities.
Description:
Join Lions Tigers & Bears for a spooky overnight adventure featuring campfire songs, pumpkin carving, a Halloween costume contest, and an all-ages haunted house. Enjoy making s'mores by the campfire and sipping hot cocoa while surrounded by the sanctuary's exotic animals. The next morning, watch the animals devour pumpkins carved by campers the night before.
Where: Alpine | More Info: Spooky Campover at Lions Tigers & Bears
Poway Fall Festival
What to Expect:
A diverse array of activities and entertainment options for all ages.
Description:
The Poway Fall Festival is a vibrant community event happening on Sunday, October 6, 2024, from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It features hundreds of vendors, food trucks, kids' activities, live music, a classic car show, and a beer & wine garden. The festival is always free to attend and takes place on Midland Road between Poway Road and Hilleary Place.
Where: Poway | More Info: Poway Fall Festival
Safe Trick or Treat
What to Expect:
The unique feature of Encinitas Safe Trick or Treat is its collaborative effort between local businesses and community organizations to create a safe and festive atmosphere for children to trick-or-treat.
Description:
Encinitas Safe Trick or Treat is a family-friendly Halloween event that takes place along South Coast Highway 101 in Downtown Encinitas. Local businesses and community organizations collaborate to create a festive atmosphere where children can safely trick-or-treat. The event features live music, games, and interactive activities, making it a delightful experience for families seeking a spooktacular way to celebrate Halloween.
Where: Encinitas | More Info: Safe Trick or Treat
Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch
What to Expect:
Offers a wide variety of pumpkins at reasonable prices along with crafts for kids and music.
Description:
The Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch is a festive event where visitors can pick out their perfect pumpkins, enjoy various activities like crafts for kids, and experience a fun-filled day of fall family fun. The patch is open from September 27 to November 2, with specific hours on different days of the week.
Where: Fallbrook | More Info: Fallbrook Pumpkin Patch
Free Pumpkin Station
What to Expect:
A variety of rides and attractions suitable for all ages, including a petting zoo and pumpkin patch.
Description:
Mission Valley Pumpkin Station offers a fun-filled experience for all ages. Enjoy giant slides, a mini slide, swing ride, train jumpee, ferris wheel, El Paso train ride, boat ride, and a petting zoo. The pumpkin patch is open daily from September 29 through October 31, with specific hours from 11 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 9 PM on weekends. This location also offers free parking and admission, making it an ideal destination for family outings and parties.
Where: Mission Valley | More Info: Free Pumpkin Station
Santee Lakes Halloween Event
What to Expect:
A ghoulish day of games, a GIANT Halloween maze, face painting, and creepy crafts at the Spooktacular event.
Description:
Santee Lakes offers a variety of Halloween activities in 2024, including trick-or-treating every Saturday in October, creepy crafts, and a Spooktacular event with trunk-or-treating, games, and face painting. The Sanderson Sisters from Hocus Pocus will entertain guests at the Spooktacular event.
Where: Santee | More Info: Santee Lakes Halloween Event
San Diego Model Railroad Museum Halloween Family Day
What to Expect:
The unique feature of this event is its inclusion of various Halloween-themed activities suitable for all ages within the museum's admission.
Description:
Join the San Diego Model Railroad Museum for a spooky Halloween Family Day on Saturday, October 26th. Enjoy frighteningly fun activities like Halloween-themed Arts & Crafts, Halloween Games & Activities, a Costume Contest, and plenty of candy. This event is included in museum admission, and kids 12 and under get in free!
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Model Railroad Museum Halloween Family Day
San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween
What to Expect:
A fun-filled Halloween celebration with various spooky activities and family-friendly crafts.
Description:
The event is a spooktacular free family Halloween celebration at the Salvation Army Kroc Center Corner Zone. It features magical trick-or-treating, monstrous dance parties, eerie inflatables, and adorable Halloween crafts. Families are invited to dress up in spooky, charming, adventurous, or funny costumes to enhance the festive spirit. This event is one of the best family-friendly Halloween activities in San Diego.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween
Haunted Harvest
What to Expect:
A variety of family-friendly activities including U-Pick Veggie & Pumpkin Garden, hayrides, and craft sessions.
Description:
The Julian Autumn Jubilee is a festive fall celebration at Fort Cross Old Timey Adventures in Santa Ysabel, California. Enjoy activities like U-Pick Veggie & Pumpkin Garden, hayrides, reptile interactions, and a petting zoo. The festival also features cider pressing demonstrations, hoedowns, and craft activities like candle dipping and painting. This event is perfect for families and offers a variety of activities for all ages, making it a must-visit during the autumn season.
Where: Santa Ysabel | More Info: Haunted Harvest
SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with interactive activities and festive decorations.
Description:
SeaWorld Orlando's Halloween Spooktacular is a delightful daytime event filled with interactive activities, trick-or-treating, and enchanting moments. Highlights include a trick-or-treat trail with festive candy stations, a charming pumpkin patch, and interactive shows like the Pirate Sea Shanty Band and Captain Sweet Tooth's Pirate-y Cavalcade. The event also features a Spooktacular Pumpkin Hunt and a variety of Halloween-themed decorations and activities throughout the park.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld Halloween Spooktacular
Other Halloween Activities Near Encinitas
San Diego Zombie Crawl
What to Expect:
A unique, self-guided bar crawl experience with devilish treats and free admission to premier bars along 5th Avenue.
Description:
The San Diego Zombie Crawl is a 5-day Halloween and Dia De Los Muertos celebration in the Gaslamp Quarter. It features a self-guided bar crawl with over 20 participating venues, including American Junkie, Butcher's Cut, and Cielo Rooftop Lounge. The event includes welcome potions, body painting, live entertainment, DJ sets, dancing, and costume insanity. It also offers exclusive dining and drink deals, a keepsake zombie hunting permit, and special parking rates.