California is preparing for Halloween 2025 with a wide range of events across the state, offering both family-friendly and more intense experiences. The season includes festivals, zoo and aquarium activities, haunted houses, themed train rides, and celebrations at historic sites.
Theme parks in California begin their Halloween festivities as early as September. Other notable events extend well into November, giving residents and visitors many options to celebrate.
In San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House will host Festival Fright Nights from September 26 to November 1. The event features “Unhinged Hotel,” an immersive experience based on the mansion’s ghostly history. Attendees can also visit a new Halloween Museum and enjoy refreshments at Café 13.
Rancho Cordova’s Heartstoppers Haunted House opens on select dates in August, offering four scare zones with different themes in a three-story building. Carnival games, live performances, and photo opportunities are available outside the haunted house.
The San Diego Zoo will hold HalGLOWeen from October 3 to 31 on Fridays through Sundays. The event includes music, acrobats, bubbles under black lights, and free admission for children aged 11 and under during Kids Free San Diego month.
Oakland Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo runs October 1–29 with activities such as a hay-bale maze and scavenger hunt. Children can win Oakland-made OCHO candy bars and enter a costume contest by tagging the zoo on social media. Winners receive tickets to Glowfari, which takes place from November 10 to January 28.
The River Fox Train in West Sacramento offers Pumpkin Patch Express excursions between October 5 and November 30. Riders get pumpkins, trick-or-treating opportunities, and sack races during this two-hour trip.
Mendocino County’s Skunk Train hosts its Pumpkin Express throughout October with weekend departures from Willits. Participants enjoy treats on board before exploring a redwood forest pumpkin patch.
Casa de Fruta in Hollister organizes Casa de Pumpkin Patch from September 29 to October 31. The event features pumpkin fields, rides for children, gold-panning activities, and educational programs about Native American culture for groups.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk presents Boardwalk Fright Flicks every Wednesday from October 1–29 for adults aged 21 or older. Films include Us, Scream, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Halloween.
Temecula Carriage Company leads Headless Horseman Wagon Rides through Wine Country Hollow on Friday and Saturday nights in October. Additional Temecula Valley events include haunted walking tours of Old Town and grape stomping at Wilson Creek Winery.
Descanso Gardens in Pasadena holds Carved at Descanso Gardens from October 3–30 with hundreds of carved pumpkins along a one-mile trail through Camellia Forest.
Half Moon Bay hosts its Art & Pumpkin Festival on October 18–19 featuring large pumpkins, parades, contests, craft beer offerings, and seasonal foods.
Boo at the Zoo takes place at Santa Barbara Zoo (October 17–26), Los Angeles Zoo (October 18–27), and San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (October 21–22; October 28–29). Each event offers costumes contests or trick-or-treating alongside regular animal exhibits.
Los Angeles’ Dia de Los Muertos Festival occurs downtown on Olvera Street from October 25 to November 2 with processions rooted in indigenous traditions. Hollywood Forever Cemetery will host its own festival on October 25.
Davis holds its Zombie Bike Parade Festival on October 26 featuring a bike parade along Davis Bike Loop plus hot-air balloon rides hosted by Davis Food Co-op.
Siskiyou County celebrates Halloween with cemetery walking tours in Yreka on October 31 and a pub crawl in McCloud on October 25 where participants can win prizes after visiting several businesses offering food specials.
Oxnard’s Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights happens on October 25 with decorated boats followed by daytime activities like costume parades and scavenger hunts near Mystic Whaler Tall Ship.
Morro Bay’s Witches and Warlock Paddle invites participants to kayak or paddleboard while dressed up; proceeds benefit a local food bank.
Palm Desert’s Living Desert Zoo hosts Howl-O-Ween for families on October 25–26 including trick-or-treating among animals such as giraffes and foxes.
West Hollywood’s Halloween Carnaval returns to Santa Monica Blvd. on October 31 after several years’ hiatus. The street party is known for elaborate costumes but may not be suitable for young children due to adult themes.
Monterey County marks Halloween with events at Old Fisherman’s Wharf including costume contests while Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrates both Halloween and its town incorporation anniversary with parades for all ages.
Hornitos observes Dia de los Muertos with a candlelight procession up to St. Catherine’s Church cemetery on November 2—a tradition that honors ancestors in Mariposa County near Yosemite National Park.
San Francisco Ghost Tour operates year-round through Chinatown and Jackson Square using special equipment designed to detect paranormal activity during guided walks.
