Prepare for a night of delightful frights in Palo Alto as our expertly curated Halloween guide leads you through a labyrinth of terrifying events and macabre festivities. Our guide illuminates Palo Alto for seasoned and fresh fears alike.
Among the popular events, the Reign of Terror Haunted House offers a spine-chilling experience filled with unexpected scares and elaborate sets. Halloween at the JMZ boasts family-friendly activities, games, and local vendors that create a festive atmosphere. And the Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse is something you definitely don't want to miss, as it invites you to explore the legend and lore behind this eerie landmark. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around Palo Alto
- Reign of Terror Haunted House (Thousand Oaks)
- Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse (San Jose)
- Halloween at the JMZ
- Fatal Abduction at The San Francisco Mint (San Francisco)
- San Jose Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl (San Jose)
- Halloween 2024: Fun For the Entire Family - Gamble Garden
- Boo at the Zoo (Oakland)
- Goblin Jamboree (Sausalito)
- Ghostly Halloween in Japantown (San Jose)
- Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market
See these and even more events listed below!
Palo Alto Area Haunted Experiences
Reign of Terror Haunted House
What to Expect:
The event features a new 11th attraction, "Forest of Fear," with additional rooms, new props, and scares.
Description:
Reign of Terror Haunted House is Southern California's largest indoor walk-through haunted attraction, featuring 142 custom rooms and 11 interconnected haunt-themed sections. This year, it includes a new 11th attraction, "Forest of Fear," with additional rooms, new props, and scares. The event offers a thrilling, fear-filled experience with custom animatronics, new effects, and free parking. Visitors can choose from regular admission or immediate access tickets for a direct entry to the front of the line.
Where: Thousand Oaks | More Info: Reign of Terror Haunted House
Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
What to Expect:
An immersive indoor and outdoor Halloween experience with state-of-the-art special effects and professional actors.
Description:
Experience the chilling and immersive Halloween event, Unhinged: Hotel, at the Winchester Mystery House. This year's event features a new storyline, characters, and scares throughout both the house and estate. Guests will embark on a suspenseful walk-through journey with state-of-the-art special effects, professional actors, and disturbing scenes. The event also includes an outdoor scare zone, a limited-time Halloween museum, interactive activities, themed food and drinks, and themed photo opportunities.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
Fatal Abduction at The San Francisco Mint
What to Expect:
An immersive and theatrical experience with 60 scare actors and 32 fully developed sets.
Description:
Fatal Abduction at The San Francisco Mint is an immersive and theatrical experience that spans 15,000 sq. ft of 32 fully developed sets. This all-new, bigger, and more terrifying attraction from Peaches Christ delves into the phenomenon of alien abductions, where participants must save humanity from an unspeakable horror. With 60 scare actors each night, this event promises an unforgettable and intense experience.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Fatal Abduction at The San Francisco Mint
Heartstoppers Haunted House
What to Expect:
Explore four unique haunts within a three-story building connected by a single chilling storyline.
Description:
Heartstoppers Haunted House is Sacramento's largest and most terrifying haunted house experience. Located at 2300 Mine Shaft Lane in Rancho Cordova, this three-story building offers four unique haunts connected by a chilling storyline. With an online-only ticket system and time slot reservations, visitors can expect short lines and plenty of screams. This event is a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts looking to create unforgettable memories.
Where: Rancho Cordova | More Info: Heartstoppers Haunted House
The Bernal Scream Haunted House
What to Expect:
The Bernal Scream's 2024 season features its most twisted and terrifying show yet, "Soul Shredder."
Description:
The Bernal Scream Haunted House is back in 2024 with its most thrilling attraction yet, "Soul Shredder." This haunted house, founded by father-son duo Mike and Abel Barrera, has been a Bay Area staple since its inception in 2013. After a seven-year hiatus, the attraction returns with a new show that promises to be the darkest and most twisted experience yet. With a rich history of terrifying scares and TV news coverage, The Bernal Scream continues to deliver an unforgettable experience for all who dare to enter.
Where: San Jose | More Info: The Bernal Scream Haunted House
Sacramento Scream Park
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted attractions with massive improvements and brand new rooms for 2024.
Description:
Sacramento Scream Park offers a chilling experience with four haunted attractions: Voodoo Blackwater Boneyard, Iron Veil Asylum, Silverthorn Amusement Park, and Hollow Hill High. Each attraction immerses visitors in eerie environments filled with ghostly echoes, sinister whispers, and terrifying encounters. The park also features Frightmare Midway with live actors and spine-chilling delights, as well as Eerie Essentials and Sinister Snacks for a complete Halloween experience.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Sacramento Scream Park
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near Palo Alto
Halloween at the JMZ
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with magical transformations and exciting animal encounters.
Description:
Halloween at the JMZ is an enchanting evening where families can enjoy themed entertainment, treats, and exciting animal encounters. The event transforms the museum and zoo into a magical setting with cobwebs, cauldrons, and candy galore. Proceeds from this fundraiser support programs that expand access to science education in the community.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Halloween at the JMZ
Halloween 2024: Fun For the Entire Family - Gamble Garden
What to Expect:
A Pokémon-themed scavenger hunt with various family-friendly activities.
Description:
Join Gamble Garden for a fun-filled Halloween event on October 19, 2024. Search for Pikachu and friends in a scavenger hunt, enjoy tattoos, face painting, crafts, and prizes. The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo will showcase Sequoia, the great bald eagle, adding to the excitement. This event is perfect for families with activities suitable for all ages.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Halloween 2024: Fun For the Entire Family - Gamble Garden
Boo at the Zoo
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with a self-guided scavenger hunt and trick-or-treating animals.
Description:
Boo at the Zoo is a family-friendly Halloween event at the Oakland Zoo. Participants can enjoy a self-guided scavenger hunt to find trick-or-treating animals, collect special edition animal Trading Cards, and receive fair trade organic chocolate. The event includes an in-person costume contest and a virtual costume contest on social media. Dressing in costume is encouraged, but inflatable costumes are not allowed to avoid scaring the zoo animals.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Boo at the Zoo
Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market
What to Expect:
A variety of spooky-related vendors and family-friendly activities.
Description:
Join Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market at Billy Roy's Burger in Fremont for a family-friendly Halloween celebration. Enjoy great food, local vendors, and spooky activities like trick-or-treating, costume contests, and photo-ops. This event is dog-friendly, making it a fun outing for the whole family.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market
Ghostly Halloween in Japantown
What to Expect:
A blend of Japanese culture and Halloween traditions in a festive community setting.
Description:
Ghostly Halloween in Japantown is a unique cultural fusion of Japanese traditions and Western Halloween icons. The event features taiko drummers performing haunting rhythms, origami activities, and traditional Japanese treats like black sesame ice cream and pumpkin mochi. It highlights Japantown's 125-year history and celebrates autumn festivals with community activities and local restaurant offerings.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Ghostly Halloween in Japantown
Goblin Jamboree
What to Expect:
A variety of hands-on, Halloween-themed activities designed for children aged 6 months to 10 years.
Description:
The Bay Area Discovery Museum's Goblin Jamboree is a family-friendly Halloween event featuring playful adventures, including build-a-beast activities, surreal animal prints, and live insect demonstrations. The event supports the museum's mission to provide joyful learning experiences for children and families.
Where: Sausalito | More Info: Goblin Jamboree
Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween event featuring a train ride with Thomas and Percy, along with various themed activities and character meet-and-greets.
Description:
Join Thomas and Percy for a spooky yet fun-filled Halloween celebration at Roaring Camp Railroads. Enjoy a 20-minute train ride, costume party, and various activities like pick-a-pumpkin, Halloween crafts, bounce house, Thomas train play tables, and live music by Peter Apel. Meet Sir Topham Hatt and take photos with Thomas, Percy, and other beloved characters from the Island of Sodor.
Where: Felton | More Info: Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party
Morgan Hill Halloween Downtown Trick or Treat
What to Expect:
A safe and festive Halloween trick-or-treat event with over 20 booths sponsored by local businesses and organizations.
Description:
Join us in downtown Morgan Hill for a safe and fun Halloween celebration. The streets will be closed to vehicle traffic, and Monterey Road will be open for free family trick-or-treating. Local businesses and organizations will sponsor over 20 booths, offering a variety of treats and activities for kids under 12 years old. This event is organized by the Morgan Hill Downtown Association and promises to be a delightful Halloween experience for the whole family.
Where: Morgan Hill | More Info: Morgan Hill Halloween Downtown Trick or Treat
Menlo Park Halloween Hoopla Parade & Trick or Treat
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with a parade and carnival activities.
Description:
The Menlo Park Halloween Hoopla Parade & Trick or Treat is a festive event where participants decorate their bikes, wagons, or scooters and wear Halloween costumes for a ghoulish parade through downtown Menlo Park. The parade starts at 11 a.m. from the parking lot behind Cheeky Monkey and ends at Fremont Park, where attendees can enjoy Halloween-inspired carnival games, prizes, candy, crafts, and entertainment.
Where: Menlo Park | More Info: Menlo Park Halloween Hoopla Parade & Trick or Treat
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
What to Expect:
A spooktacular evening of Halloween fun around the campfire with activities like pumpkin carving, a Halloween parade, and roasting hot dogs and s’mores.
Description:
Join the Pacific Skyline Council for a spooktacular Halloween event, the Lion & Tiger Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree. Enjoy pumpkin carving, a Halloween parade, roasting hot dogs and toasting s’mores over the campfire. As it gets dark, tell not-so-spooky stories around the campfire and maybe have a few skits too. All participants, including adults and siblings, will receive a toasting fork, hot dog supper to cook over the fire, and s’mores. Children must be accompanied by a parent.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City
What to Expect:
An afternoon of safe Halloween fun with a variety of themed activities and a special movie screening.
Description:
Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City is an immersive outdoor Halloween experience designed for all ages. Enjoy themed activities like trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating, live entertainment, and a special screening of Despicable Me 4. The event also features a costume contest with various categories, a photo booth, slime making, balloon art, and face painting. This family-friendly event is a perfect way to celebrate the fall season with safe and fun activities.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City
Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
What to Expect:
The event features a grand finale Halloween Costume Parade with live music.
Description:
The 24th annual Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens in San Francisco offers spectacular performances and activities for kids under 10 and their adults. The grand finale is the popular Halloween Costume Parade with live music, where all kids are welcome to join in their best Halloween looks. This event is a place to be for family-friendly frights and delights.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
Nightfall at Filoli
What to Expect:
A unique after-dark experience where history and mystery intertwine in a hauntingly beautiful setting.
Description:
Explore Filoli Historic House and Garden under the cover of darkness during Nightfall, a bewitching Halloween experience. Guests will embark on a candlelit walk through the historic house, featuring gothic-inspired scenes, and enjoy a mesmerizing display of flickering jack-o'-lanterns in the meadow. Engage in games, capture festive photos, and savor seasonal drinks at "Jack's Bar."
Where: Woodside | More Info: Nightfall at Filoli
Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge
What to Expect:
A comprehensive Halloween celebration with numerous family-friendly activities.
Description:
Great Wolf Lodge transforms into a spook-tacular treat-filled experience during Howl-O-Ween, featuring a variety of Halloween-themed activities such as a trick-or-treat trail, Monster Bash Dance Party, Howl-O-Ween Spooktacular singalong, Halloween-themed games like Bingo and Trivia, and customized Halloween arts and crafts.
Where: Manteca | More Info: Halloween at Great Wolf Lodge
Halloween at Gilroy Gardens
What to Expect:
A fully immersive Halloween experience with live musical shows and interactive adventures in the wacky world of BOO Alley.
Description:
Gilroy Gardens transforms into the wacky world of BOO Alley for Halloween. Enjoy a fully immersive experience with live musical shows, trick-or-treating on the BOO Trail, and interactive adventures. Meet funny new friends like Wolfgang Werewolf and Vinnie the Vampire as you help save Halloween from the curse of Wendella the Witch. The event features exciting rides, spooky snacks, and a bustling Halloween festival in the town center.
Where: Gilroy | More Info: Halloween at Gilroy Gardens
Halloween Mask Making Festival
What to Expect:
A festive day of mask-making, carnival games, and special performances for all ages.
Description:
Join us for the 26th annual Halloween Mask Making Festival at the London Nelson Community Center. This family-friendly event features mask-making activities, creepy carnival games, a frightening photo booth, and special performances by All About Theatre. Enjoy thrilling dance performances and celebrate Halloween with your loved ones in a festive atmosphere.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Halloween Mask Making Festival
China Town Halloween Festival
What to Expect:
A variety of Halloween-themed activities for all ages, including a photo costume contest and traditional lion dances.
Description:
The Chinatown Halloween Festival is a family-friendly event celebrating Halloween with activities like pumpkin painting, a scary room, trick-or-treat lane, pumpkin patch, costume contest, carnival games, balloon animals, photobooth, and lion dances. It takes place on Saturday, October 26, from 11 am to 3 pm at Waverly Place.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: China Town Halloween Festival
Halloween Hijinks
What to Expect:
Hands-on, Halloween-themed science activities for all ages.
Description:
Explore the science behind Halloween tricks and treats at Halloween Hijinks, an outdoor event hosted by Quest Science Center in partnership with Livermore Downtown Inc’s Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day. Enjoy hands-on, Halloween-themed science activities suitable for children ages 3 and up, teens, and adults.
Where: Livermore | More Info: Halloween Hijinks
Halloween Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A fun and interactive Trunk-or-Treat experience with creatively themed and decorated car trunks.
Description:
Join Downtown Martinez & Co. for a spooktacular Halloween celebration Explore creatively themed and decorated car trunks for a fun Trunk-or-Treat experience. Local businesses and community members will be handing out candies and treats to little goblins and ghosts. Engage your little ones with a variety of kid-friendly crafts and games. The event will take place downtown inside participating businesses, on the street, and at the Plaza on Main Street. It's a free event, so don't forget to bring a bag for all the goodies!
Where: Martinez | More Info: Halloween Trunk or Treat
Trick or Treat on the Farm
What to Expect:
Trick-or-treat adventure with activities and treats highlighting farm life and the late Victorian era.
Description:
Trick or Treat on the Farm is a family-friendly event where participants can come in their Halloween costumes for a trick-or-treat adventure around the farm. The event features various stations with activities and treats, highlighting farm life and the late Victorian era. This event is an opportunity to step back into history and enjoy the simple things of life.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Trick or Treat on the Farm
Trick or Treating on the Wharf
What to Expect:
The event features a Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt where participants can find hidden pumpkins and match their images to win prizes.
Description:
Enjoy a family-friendly Halloween celebration at the Santa Cruz Wharf Take part in the Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, snap a photo at our scenic photo booth overlooking Monterey Bay, and enjoy festive specials at restaurants and gift shops. Trick-or-treat with your family at Wharf businesses on October 31st, showcasing your creative costumes. This event offers a fun-filled experience for all ages.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Trick or Treating on the Wharf
Halloween Costume Contest
What to Expect:
A fun and festive event featuring a costume contest for both humans and their pets.
Description:
Join Benicia Main Street for a festive Halloween Costume Contest and Sidewalk Stroll. Local merchants on First Street will be dressed in their best holiday attire, and kids of all ages are invited to participate in the costume contest. The event also features a Canine Critter Costume Contest and awards for the best costumes at First Street Green.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Halloween Costume Contest
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near Palo Alto
San Jose Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy free entry into over 4 venues with generously low drink specials and select food specials.
Description:
Get ready to crawl through San Jose's best bars in your spookiest Halloween costumes. The San Jose Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl on October 19, 2024, promises a night of eerie excitement with chilling cocktails and ghostly gatherings. Enjoy free entry into over 4 venues, generously low drink specials, and select food specials. This event is perfect for those who want to make this Halloween one to remember.
Where: San Jose | More Info: San Jose Halloween Weekend Bar Crawl
Other Halloween Activities Near Palo Alto
Drink & Ink with InkDripped - Halloween Edition
What to Expect:
A fun and guided tattooing experience where participants can decorate their own pumpkins.
Description:
Join InkDripped Studios for a unique Halloween celebration where you can try your hand at tattooing. Enjoy a 15-minute basic tattoo lesson, apply pre-made stencils or draw your own on a medium-sized pumpkin, and take it home. The event includes all necessary tattooing supplies, two drink tickets, snacks, treats, and a screening of the new movie "Speak No Evil." This is a fun and creative activity for all levels, with experienced artists guiding you through the process.