Ready for some wicked fun in San Jose? Our Halloween guide is your spell book. Uncover the mystical side of San Jose with our guide, a grimoire for both local witches and wandering warlocks.
Popular events this Halloween season include the spine-chilling Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse, where you can explore the eerie halls and uncover its secrets. Featuring family-friendly activities, California's Great America’s Tricks and Treats offers festive treats and thrills for all ages. And definitely don't forget Fear Overload Scream Park, a destination with haunted attractions designed to give you a hair-raising experience. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Halloween Events In and Around San Jose
- Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
- Fear Overload Scream Park (Newark)
- California Great America's Tricks and Treats (Santa Clara)
- Sacramento Scream Park (Sacramento)
- 7th Annual Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival
- Dead Time Dreams
- Halloween Jam at Children's Fairyland (Oakland)
- San Jose Fright Night Halloween Bar Crawl
- Tech or Treat
- Blind Scream (Santa Rosa)
See these and even more events listed below!
San Jose 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. Guests embark on a suspenseful walk-through journey through the mansion's darkened halls, featuring state-of-the-art special effects, professional actors, and disturbing scenes. The experience includes an immersive indoor haunt, an outside scare zone, a Halloween museum, interactive activities, themed food and drinks, and themed photo opportunities.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Winchester Mystery House - Unhinged: Nightshade's Curse
Fear Overload Scream Park
What to Expect:
Experience two immersive and terrifying haunted houses with unique themes and special effects.
Description:
Fear Overload Scream Park offers two thrilling self-guided walk-throughs, "Darkmoor Penitentiary" and "Slotch Sanatorium," featuring stellar set designs and special effects. These haunted houses are filled with scares, eerie whispers, and moving shadows, making them a must-visit for Halloween enthusiasts. Visitors can also explore Eerie Essentials, a captivating emporium offering chilling keepsakes and haunting memorabilia.
Where: Newark | More Info: Fear Overload Scream Park
Dead Time Dreams
What to Expect:
An open-air immersive haunted attraction with multiple layers of fear.
Description:
Dead Time Dreams offers an immersive haunted experience in San Jose, featuring the open-air attraction "NIGHTMARES" and the Midway of Terror. This event promises a detailed pre-show and nightly special shows, making it a standout in the Bay Area's Halloween events.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Dead Time Dreams
Sacramento Scream Park
What to Expect:
Immersive haunted house experiences with massive improvements and brand new rooms for 2024.
Description:
Sacramento Scream Park offers a chilling experience with its revamped haunted attractions, including Frightmare Midway, food trucks, and eerie grounds like Silverthorn Amusement Park and Hollow Hill High. Each attraction is meticulously designed to immerse visitors in a dance of terror, with ghostly echoes, chilling creaks, and sinister whispers. The park features massive improvements and brand new rooms for 2024, ensuring a spine-tingling adventure for all brave souls.
Where: Sacramento | More Info: Sacramento Scream Park
Blind Scream
What to Expect:
A large-scale haunted house experience with over 20,000 square feet of immersive and intense special effects.
Description:
Blind Scream Haunted House is North Bay's largest haunted attraction, spanning over 20,000 square feet. It features hot and cold running chills with strobe lights, fog, moving floors, pitch darkness, strong smells, intense audio, and other special effects. This event is not recommended for children under 7 years old or for individuals with certain health conditions. It supports local community groups and nonprofits by inviting them to be part of the scare team.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: Blind Scream
Ranch of Horror
What to Expect:
An adrenaline-packed high-speed paintball ride where participants must deliver supplies to those quarantined during a zombie outbreak.
Description:
Ranch of Horror in Chowchilla offers a thrilling Halloween experience with three unique attractions. The event features a self-guided tour through a haunted cornfield, a haunted hayride, and a high-speed paintball ride where participants must shoot zombies to deliver essential supplies during a zombie outbreak. This year, Ranch of Horror is celebrating its 9th year in the industry.
Where: Chowchilla | More Info: Ranch of Horror
Family-Friendly Fall Activities Near San Jose
California Great America's Tricks and Treats
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with four uniquely themed areas offering a variety of interactive experiences and live entertainment.
Description:
California Great America's Tricks and Treats is a family-friendly Halloween event that transforms the park into a spooky wonderland. Enjoy live shows, interactive characters, seasonal treats, and candy. The event features four uniquely themed areas: Everfall, Sweet Tooth Acres, Spooky Spires, and Ickyville. Guests can also participate in costume contests, seasonal make-and-take crafts, and dance to sizzling sounds. The event offers a delightful blend of thrills and treats for all ages.
Where: Santa Clara | More Info: California Great America's Tricks and Treats
7th Annual Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival
What to Expect:
The largest Italian Car Show in Northern California featuring Lamborghini and Ferrari.
Description:
The 7th Annual Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival is a vibrant celebration of Italian culture, taking place on October 6, 2024. The event features authentic Italian cuisine from local restaurants, a fantastic entertainment lineup including Pasquale Esposito and Italian dancers, and the largest Italian Car Show in Northern California. Visitors can enjoy wine tasting, cultural exhibits, and artisan Italian craft vendors. The festival is free to attend and offers plenty of parking options and public transportation access.
Where: San Jose | More Info: 7th Annual Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival
Halloween Jam at Children's Fairyland
What to Expect:
A festive and interactive celebration with various activities and performances tailored for families.
Description:
Halloween Jam at Children's Fairyland is a festive and family-friendly celebration featuring special performances, decked-out storybook sets, arts and crafts, puppet shows, bouncy houses, treat stations, games, prizes, and a photo booth. This year's event includes special performances by Chef Michele McQueen at Oaklands Magic Kitchen and a book celebration with Nikki Shannon Smith. It's a magical and fun-filled event perfect for all ages.
Where: Oakland | More Info: Halloween Jam at Children's Fairyland
Tech or Treat
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration that integrates technology and science into its activities.
Description:
Tech or Treat is a two-day Halloween extravaganza at The Tech Interactive in San Jose, CA. This family-friendly event combines the excitement of Halloween with the wonders of technology, featuring trick-or-treat stations, creative costumes, and spooky STEM activities.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Tech or Treat
Floating Pumpkin Patch at West Campus Pool
What to Expect:
A unique seasonal activity where participants swim in a community pool filled with pumpkins and select one to take home.
Description:
The Floating Pumpkin Patch at West Campus Pool is a fun and unique event where participants can swim in a pool filled with pumpkins and select one to take home. This family-friendly activity includes fun activities and swim time in the pool. Ghoulish attire is welcome on the pool deck, and proper swimming attire is required for floating. All children under 6 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian over 16 years old. Advanced registration is required, and swimmers must pass a swim test to access the deep end.
Where: Berkeley | More Info: Floating Pumpkin Patch at West Campus Pool
Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with a variety of spooky activities and local vendors.
Description:
Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market is a family-friendly event at Billy Roy's Burger in Fremont, featuring over a dozen spooky-related vendors, trick-or-treating, costume contests, and photo-ops. The event offers a variety of food and beverage options and is dog-friendly. It is free to attend, with donation options available.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Boos & Bites - Halloween Night Market
Family Halloween Day at Randall Museum
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with a variety of spooky yet not scary delights.
Description:
Join Randall Museum for Family Halloween Day, a fun-filled event featuring daytime Halloween activities for the whole family. Explore the Haunted Animal Room, get creative with Creepy Crafts, and enjoy Ghoulish Games, Live Music, and more. Costumed revelers will find unexpected surprises throughout the museum while enjoying familiar favorites like Trick-Treating, Pumpkin Decorating, and a Trick-Treat Trail.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Family Halloween Day at Randall Museum
Pumpkins in the Park
What to Expect:
A festive celebration with community booths and family-friendly activities in Guadalupe River Park.
Description:
Pumpkins in the Park is a fun-filled family celebration that spreads awareness about one of our region's unique natural resources, Guadalupe River Park. The event features community booths, family-friendly performances, a pumpkin patch, and inflatable slides, making it a delightful autumnal experience for all.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Pumpkins in the Park
Halloween Mask Making Festival
What to Expect:
A variety of festive activities including mask-making and creepy carnival games.
Description:
The 26th annual Halloween Mask Making Festival in Downtown Santa Cruz offers a fun-filled afternoon of creative activities. Attendees can engage in mask-making, enjoy creepy carnival games, watch All About Theatre Halloween performances, and perform the Thriller dance. This family-friendly event is a great way to celebrate the spooky season with a variety of festive activities.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Halloween Mask Making Festival
Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City
What to Expect:
A comprehensive Halloween celebration with various themed activities and entertainment for all ages.
Description:
Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City offers a spooktacular Halloween experience for all ages. Enjoy themed activities, including trick-or-treat stations, a pumpkin patch, live entertainment, and a special screening of Despicable Me 4. The event also features a costume contest, photo booth, slime making, balloon art, and face painting. This family-friendly event is designed to provide safe and fun Halloween activities in Mission Bay.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Thrill-O-Ween at Thrive City
MexiPino Fest A Fusion of Cultures
What to Expect:
A celebration that brings together the vibrant cultures of Mexico and the Philippines through art, music, and dance.
Description:
MexiPino Fest A Fusion of Cultures is an exciting event celebrating the blend of Mexican and Filipino cultures. On October 4, 2024, from 5 PM to 9 PM at the Garden Flea in San Jose, CA, attendees can enjoy a fusion of art, music, and dance. The event features artists, dance performances, traditional food, and more. This vibrant celebration is free and open to all ages, making it a perfect family-friendly activity.
Where: San Jose | More Info: MexiPino Fest A Fusion of Cultures
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
What to Expect:
A unique blend of LEGO-themed activities and a 4D Halloween movie experience.
Description:
Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party at LEGOLAND Discovery Center Bay Area is a family-friendly Halloween event where LEGO Monsters take over the attraction. Enjoy monster-ific activities, including the Potion Kitchen where you can brew magical potions, seasonal scavenger hunts, and exclusive 4D Halloween movies like "The Great Monster Chase." The event also features build activities, photo ops, and trick-or-treating throughout the attraction.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Brick-or-Treat: Monster Party
Halloween Hijinks
What to Expect:
A hands-on exploration of the science behind Halloween tricks and treats.
Description:
Explore the science behind Halloween tricks and treats at Halloween Hijinks. This event, in partnership with Livermore Downtown Inc’s Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day, features 10 different hands-on activities. Everyone is welcome to join in and learn about the science behind spooky fun.
Where: Livermore | More Info: Halloween Hijinks
Trick or Treat on the Farm
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with trick-or-treat stations set in a historical farm environment.
Description:
Trick or Treat on the Farm is a Halloween-themed event where participants can come in their costumes for a trick-or-treat adventure. The event features various stations around the farm offering activities and treats. This event is an excellent opportunity to step back into history and enjoy the simple things of life while celebrating Halloween in a unique and fun way.
Where: San Ramon | More Info: Trick or Treat on the Farm
Trick or Treating on the Wharf
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating, a Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, and a performance of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller Dance.
Description:
Trick or Treating on the Wharf is a family-friendly event where participants can trick-or-treat their way down the Santa Cruz Wharf. The event includes a Great Pumpkin BINGO Hunt, a photo booth with a scenic backdrop of Monterey Bay, and a performance of Michael Jackson's iconic Thriller Dance. The event offers unique specials at restaurants and gift shops, all perfectly catered to a Halloween theme.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Trick or Treating on the Wharf
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 in Albany and Berkeley, California, celebrating the spooky season with a fun-filled afternoon. Trick-or-treat at most stores and offices from 3-5 PM, and then join the costume contest at Solano-Peralta Park at 5 PM. Enjoy cash grand prizes and a family-friendly atmosphere. The event is sponsored by Five Little Monkeys and emphasizes safety and community spirit.
Where: Albany & Berkeley | More Info: Halloween on Solano
Halloween Trunk or Treat
What to Expect:
A fun and interactive Trick-or-Treat experience with creatively themed and decorated car trunks.
Description:
Join Downtown Martinez for a spooktacular Halloween celebration Explore creatively themed and decorated car trunks lined up 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 and on Main Street, making it a free and delightful experience for the whole family.
Where: Martinez | More Info: Halloween Trunk or Treat
It’s the Great Pumpkin
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with classic Peanuts-themed activities.
Description:
Enjoy a festive atmosphere at the Charles M. Schulz Museum as they screen "It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown" on the big screen every half hour. The event also includes hands-on activities like making spooky spider headbands and tissue paper ghosts, as well as exploring the museum galleries for free.
Where: Santa Rosa | More Info: It’s the Great Pumpkin
Halloween Parade
What to Expect:
The unique feature of the Halloween Parade is the combination of a festive parade and trick-or-treating activities, along with a dog costume contest, making it a fun and inclusive event for the whole family.
Description:
The Halloween Parade in Sausalito is a festive event that kicks off at 6:00 PM sharp at Station 1 Firehouse, corner of Johnson and Caledonia streets. The parade is followed by Trick or Treat Lane at Robin Sweeny Park, where children can collect treats from sponsors. The event also features a HowlOWeen Dog Costume Contest, where participants can dress their pups in creative costumes for a chance to win prizes in various categories. The evening concludes with a movie screening of "Hotel Transylvania" at the City Hall Game Room.
Where: Sausalito | More Info: Halloween Parade
Capitola Village Halloween Parade
What to Expect:
The parade features a unique blend of spooky fun and family-friendly activities, including trick-or-treating at participating shops.
Description:
Join the annual Capitola Village Halloween Parade, a family-friendly event filled with spooky fun. The parade will feature the Central Fire Engine and music by the Soquel High Senior Band. Lineup begins at 1:30 pm in the Beach & Village Parking Lot, and the parade will wind through Capitola Village to Esplanade Park. Trick-or-treat bags will be waiting at the end of the parade route, and kids are welcome to trick-or-treat at participating shops.
Where: Capitola | More Info: Capitola Village Halloween Parade
Halloween Costume Contest
What to Expect:
A festive Halloween celebration with a sidewalk stroll and a canine costume contest.
Description:
Benicia Main Street offers a fun-filled Halloween Costume Contest on Saturday, October 26th, from 10 AM. The event features a sidewalk stroll where kids and all ages can participate in a Halloween costume contest. Local merchants along First Street get into the holiday spirit by decorating and offering treats. There will also be a Canine Critter Costume Contest at First Street Green, with awards and treats for the participants.
Where: Benicia | More Info: Halloween Costume Contest
Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
What to Expect:
A family-friendly Halloween celebration with a grand finale costume parade.
Description:
The 24th annual Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens is a family-friendly event featuring spectacular performances and activities for kids under 10 and their adults. The grand finale includes a popular Halloween Costume Parade with live music, making it a delightful and fright-free celebration for all.
Where: San Francisco | More Info: Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
What to Expect:
A spooktacular Halloween celebration with pumpkin carving, a Halloween parade, and campfire activities.
Description:
Join the Pacific Skyline Council for a spooktacular Halloween event, the Lion & Tiger Jack-O-Lantern Jamboree. Enjoy pumpkin carving, a Halloween parade, hot dog roasting, and s'mores over the campfire. The evening will also feature not-so-spooky stories and skits around the campfire. All participants, including adults and siblings, will receive an event patch and a toasting fork.
Where: Palo Alto | More Info: Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
Family Fun: Pumpkin Carving
What to Expect:
A fun-filled retreat that combines diabetes education with engaging fall activities in a beautiful natural setting.
Description:
The 2024 Fall Family Retreat at DYF offers a week of recreational activities and diabetes education for children and teens (0-17) with T1D and their family members. This annual retreat provides a unique blend of educational opportunities led by diabetes experts, alongside an array of engaging activities such as pumpkin carving, archery sessions, colorful tie-dye activities, various arts and crafts, and a range of sports and games suitable for all ages. It is an ideal setting to gain valuable insights into diabetes management while creating lasting memories in a fun-filled environment among the beautiful redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains.
Where: Santa Cruz | More Info: Family Fun: Pumpkin Carving
Kids' Pumpkin Floral Class
What to Expect:
A hands-on class where kids can create their own floral arrangement inside a pumpkin.
Description:
Join the Kids' Pumpkin Floral Class at EXPRESSIONS FLORAL on Sunday, October 20, 2024, from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM PDT. This fun-filled afternoon is perfect for kids to learn how to create their own floral arrangement inside a pumpkin. All materials will be provided, and parents are welcome to stay and support their child's creative endeavors.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Kids' Pumpkin Floral Class
Pumpkin Patch - Webb Ranch
What to Expect:
Unique blend of seasonal activities and organic produce.
Description:
Webb Ranch Pumpkin Patch offers a variety of activities for all ages, including a bounce house, haunted house, corn maze, and pumpkin-themed obstacle course. The patch features a wide selection of organic pumpkins, along with a petting zoo, reptile zoo, and tractor hayrides. Visitors can also enjoy food and ice cream trucks on weekends.
Where: Portola Valley | More Info: Pumpkin Patch - Webb Ranch
Garden at the Flea Moon Fest
What to Expect:
A cultural celebration featuring local performers, artists, makers, and a variety of food trucks.
Description:
Join us at Moon Fest 2024 at Garden at the Flea for a vibrant celebration of the mid-autumn season. Enjoy local performers, artists, makers, and a variety of food trucks. The event also features a craft brews cantina, making it a delightful evening for all ages. This cultural celebration is a perfect blend of community spirit and festive atmosphere.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Garden at the Flea Moon Fest
SJBP Volunteer Meeting - September
What to Expect:
A monthly gathering of cycling enthusiasts to plan and organize their community bike parties.
Description:
The SJBP Volunteer Meeting - September is an opportunity for bike enthusiasts to come together and discuss the logistics of their monthly bike parties. Participants will gather at Jtown Pizza Co. in San Jose's Japantown to plan routes, ensure smooth operations, and meet fellow volunteers known as BIRDs (Bike Party Riders Directing). This meeting is a chance to be part of a fun and dynamic community that promotes cycling and community building.
Where: San Jose | More Info: SJBP Volunteer Meeting - September
Halloween Food, Drink, and Parties Near San Jose
San Jose Fright Night Halloween Bar Crawl
What to Expect:
Enjoy no-cover entry and exclusive drink deals at multiple top bars in San Jose.
Description:
Experience the ultimate Halloween celebration in San Jose with the Trick or Drink Bar Crawl. This three-day event features the best drink specials and visits to top bars in town. Enjoy no-cover entry and exclusive drink deals at participating venues like Dr. Funk, El Cabron Kitchen, Cantina Five Points, Mas Loco, O'Flaherty's Irish Pub, and Tiki Pete. Join Barcrawlerz for a spooky yet fun-filled night out.
Where: San Jose | More Info: San Jose Fright Night Halloween Bar Crawl
Paint Nite Brand Creative Events
What to Expect:
Expert instruction provided by a host, making it accessible for all skill levels.
Description:
Join us for a fun and creative evening at Strike Brewing Company in San Jose. This Paint Nite event, hosted by Gabriel Nazareta, is perfect for teens 18 years and older. Enjoy canvas painting with expert instruction, along with beer and seltzers, and explore the daily food truck options.
Where: San Jose | More Info: Paint Nite Brand Creative Events
Other Halloween Activities Near San Jose
The Vampire's Vault Halloween Market
What to Expect:
A Halloween celebration with expert presentations, workshops, and unique wares.
Description:
The Vampire's Vault Halloween Market is a unique event celebrating Halloween with a variety of spooky offerings, including one-of-a-kind Halloween decor, costumes, art, bones, bugs, taxidermy, and unique fine jewelry. The event features presentations by experts on vampire legends and lore, workshops on insect pinning, and a tarot reading station. It takes place at Devils Canyon Brewing Company in San Carlos, CA, on October 13, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM.