Drift through San Diego's spectral realm with our ghostly event guide. Unearth San Diego's haunted history through our guide, tailored for longtime spirits and fresh souls in town.
One captivating highlight this Halloween season is SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular, where guests can enjoy trick-or-treating, whimsical pumpkin displays, and the chance to meet friendly sea creatures. San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen features glowing decorations and nighttime festivities that are perfect for exploring the zoo after dark. And the spine-tingling Howl-O-Scream is something you definitely don't want to miss, offering frightful mazes and live entertainment that will keep thrill-seekers on edge. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around San Diego
- SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
- LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat (Carlsbad)
- Howl-O-Scream
- San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
- The Haunted Trail
- The Count's Halloween Spooktacular (Chula Vista)
- San Diego's Halloween Pub Crawl
- Pumpkin Station (Mission Valley)
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps – Halloween Aglow (La Jolla)
- Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch (Carlsbad)
See these and even more events listed below!
San Diego Area Haunted Experiences
Howl-O-Scream
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted experience with multiple scare zones and themed bars.
Description:
Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego transforms the park into a sinister playground of terror with five angry haunts, seven scare zones, and six vile vignettes. The event features fiendishly delicious cocktails, beer, and spirits at six themed bars and speakeasies, along with a new live show and nighttime coaster rides.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Howl-O-Scream
The Haunted Trail
What to Expect:
A mile-long haunted trail featuring various terrifying settings and attractions.
Description:
The Haunted Trail in Balboa Park offers a thrilling Halloween experience with two main attractions: the eXperiment Maze and the Haunted Trail. The eXperiment Maze is a 3,500 square foot horror maze where childhood fairy tales turn into scary tales. The Haunted Trail is a mile-long journey through a ghost-filled graveyard, a demented doll island fishing village, and other terrifying settings. This event is not suitable for children under 10 or those with heart conditions or seizure disorders.
Where: San Diego | More Info: The Haunted Trail
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near San Diego
San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration in a zoo setting with interactive festivities and glowing decorations.
Description:
San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen is a family-friendly Halloween celebration that takes place every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in October. The event features a variety of activities, including musical entertainment, dance parties, special performances, and interactive games. The zoo is decorated with glowing pumpkins and creatures, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages. Kids 11 and younger receive free admission, making it an ideal event for families.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with tons of candy, live shows, and exclusive LEGO characters.
Description:
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat is a family-friendly Halloween event that transforms the theme park into a fun-filled Halloween escape. The event includes tons of candy, not-so-scary live shows, and silly monster LEGO characters. It features trick-or-treating at themed stations, character meet-and-greets, and limited-time attractions like the Disco Dragon Coaster and The Great Monster Chase 4D Movie.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration featuring Sesame Street characters and activities like trick-or-treating and a Halloween parade.
Description:
The Count's Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place San Diego is a family-friendly Halloween celebration where 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 their favorite furry friends dressed up in costume. The park is transformed into a festive haven with Sesame Street-themed rides, games, and seasonal merchandise.
Where: Chula Vista | More Info: The Count's Halloween Spooktacular
Pumpkin Station
What to Expect:
The event features a variety of rides and attractions suitable for families with children.
Description:
Mission Valley Pumpkin Station offers a fun-filled experience with attractions like 2 Giant Slides, 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 29th to October 31st, with extended hours on weekends. This family-friendly event provides a variety of activities suitable for all ages.
Where: Mission Valley | More Info: Pumpkin Station
Birch Aquarium at Scripps – Halloween Aglow
What to Expect:
Explore the aquarium's bioluminescence and fluorescence in a unique and interactive experience.
Description:
Experience a spooky yet family-friendly Halloween celebration at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Enjoy live music, trick-or-treat stations, and interactive bioluminescence experiences. Don't miss skeleton divers in the Giant Kelp Forest and learn about the fascinating research happening at Scripps Oceanography.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: Birch Aquarium at Scripps – Halloween Aglow
Halloween Celebration at Liberty Station
What to Expect:
The event combines live entertainment, activities, and a food drive to support military families and veterans.
Description:
Halloween Celebration at Liberty Station is a free, family-friendly event featuring live DJ entertainment, a Hollywood car show, inflatable obstacle courses, crafts, activities, and trick-or-treating throughout Liberty Station. All ages are encouraged to come dressed in their most elaborate costumes to participate in our costume contest. The event also supports the Uniting Combat Hunger Food Drive by collecting nonperishable food items for military families and veterans.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Halloween Celebration at Liberty Station
Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration featuring hands-on animal interactions and spooky crafts.
Description:
The Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival is a spook-tacular event designed for families with toddlers and elementary age children. It takes place at Helen Woodward Animal Center's Eerie Estate, offering hands-on animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, and spooky crafts. Guests can also pick a mini pumpkin and enjoy face painting, all while interacting with animal ambassadors dressed in their best Halloween attire.
Where: Rancho Santa Fe | More Info: Howl-O-Ween Harvest Family Festival
Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
What to Expect:
A 1.5-mile corn maze and various family-friendly activities make this pumpkin patch a unique and exciting fall destination.
Description:
Carlsbad Strawberry Company's Pumpkin Patch offers a fun-filled fall experience with a 1.5-mile corn maze, giant pumpkins, and various activities like a tricycle race and photo opportunities. The patch is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays in October. Guests can also enjoy petting and feeding animals, including sheep and goats, and take a tractor ride around the fields.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Family BooBash
What to Expect:
A queer-friendly Halloween block party with a variety of family activities.
Description:
Boo Bash 2024 by TransFamily Support Services is a free, family-friendly Halloween party in Hillcrest, San Diego. The event features trick-or-treating, costume contests, exciting games, family-friendly drag performances, snacks, and candy. It promises a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family to get into the Halloween spirit.
Where: Hillcrest | More Info: Family BooBash
Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza
What to Expect:
A locally family-owned business hosting a festive pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot.
Description:
Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza is a family-friendly event in Carlsbad, California, offering a festive atmosphere with a pumpkin patch and Christmas tree lot. Since 2016, the event has been a beloved destination for creating memorable fall experiences. The event promises fun activities and a welcoming environment for families to enjoy together.
Where: Carlsbad | More Info: Palomar Pumpkin Polar Palooza
Dog-o-Ween at the La Jolla Rec Center
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration that supports local pet charities and brings the community together with fun activities for pets and their owners.
Description:
The 3rd Annual La Jolla Dogoween is a fun-filled event where pet owners and their furry friends come together to celebrate Halloween. The event supports local pet charities and features activities that bring the community together while raising funds for animal rescues.
Where: La Jolla | More Info: Dog-o-Ween at the La Jolla Rec Center
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
What to Expect:
A pirate-themed adventure with interactive activities and more trick-or-treat stations than ever before.
Description:
SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular is a family-friendly event filled with interactive pirate-themed activities, trick-or-treating, and festive decorations. Enjoy the Waterfront Pumpkin Patch, Pirate Sea Shanty Band, and Story Time with Captain Sweet Tooth. The event also features a Candy Quest and O.P. Otter’s Spooktacular Surprise, making it a day of enchanting moments for all ages.
Where: San Diego | More Info: SeaWorld’s Halloween Spooktacular
Belmont and Fall Fest
What to Expect:
A blend of iconic amusement park rides, live music, and seasonal food offerings in a beachside setting.
Description:
Belmont Park's Beachside Fall Fest is a festive celebration happening every weekend in September and October. The event features iconic amusement park rides, rockin' retro displays, and live music with weekly pumpkin jams. Visitors can enjoy the finest fall flavors through the Belmont Bites: Fall Flavor Pass, which includes seasonal specialty offerings. The festival also includes a free BeerFest on October 20th, trick-or-treating for kids every Sunday in October, and a Trunk or Treat Car Show on October 27th.
Where: Belmont Park | More Info: Belmont and Fall Fest
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near San Diego
San Diego's Halloween Pub Crawl
What to Expect:
The event features express check-in and self-guided tours, allowing participants to enjoy a low-contact, interactive, and socially engaging themed experience.
Description:
San Diego's Halloween Pub Crawl is a spooky and fun-filled event where participants can enjoy haunted festivities, contests, and prizes. The event features self-guided tours with express check-in, allowing participants to glide into the ghostly festivities at their own pace. With a variety of spooky vibes and activities like the Best Dressed Contest and digital photo frames, this pub crawl is a unique and exciting experience for Halloween enthusiasts.
Where: San Diego | More Info: San Diego's Halloween Pub Crawl
Black Pearl San Diego Halloween Yacht Party
What to Expect:
A luxurious Halloween cruise with an open bar and complimentary gourmet sliders aboard the 15 million dollar California Spirit yacht.
Description:
Join the Black Pearl San Diego Halloween Yacht Party aboard the luxurious California Spirit yacht. Enjoy an open bar, complimentary gourmet sliders, and festive party favors while taking in the stunning views of the San Diego skyline and harbor. This Halloween celebration features two DJs on two floors with dance areas playing House, Top 40, and Hip-Hop hits. It's a night to create unforgettable memories with your friends.
Where: San Diego | More Info: Black Pearl San Diego Halloween Yacht Party
BOO By The Bay Halloween Carnival
What to Expect:
A zero-waste event with a focus on sustainability, diverting organic waste to composting centers.
Description:
BOO By The Bay Halloween Carnival is a free, family-friendly event featuring live entertainment, seasonal food and drinks, games, and costume contests. The event takes place at Ski Beach Park in San Diego, offering a frightfully fun time with 100 vendors, live DJs, and a variety of activities including zombie dance performances and thrilling games.
Where: San Diego | More Info: BOO By The Bay Halloween Carnival
Other Halloween Activities Near San Diego
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash
What to Expect:
A spooktacular night filled with thrilling activities and exciting contests on the historic USS Midway Museum's Hangar Deck.
Description:
Join the USS Midway Museum for a spooktacular night at the Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash On October 18, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, experience thrilling activities, exciting contests, delicious treats, and bewitching cocktails. Don't forget to flaunt your most spine-chilling costume to win a fang-tastic prize. This event promises to be a memorable Halloween celebration filled with fun and frights.