California theme parks are preparing for Halloween with a variety of events and activities beginning as early as late August and running into November. These events offer options for families, children, teens, and adults at major attractions across the state.
Disneyland Resort in Anaheim will hold Halloween Time from August 22 to October 31. The event includes the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, a reopened Haunted Mansion, special fireworks, and themed rides such as Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark at Disney California Adventure Park. The park also features Plaza de la Familia to honor Dia de los Muertos with live performances and crafts inspired by the movie Coco. Guests can join guided tours or participate in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit scavenger hunt. On select nights, Disney California Adventure hosts Oogie Boogie Bash, a separate-ticket event with treat trails and appearances by Disney villains.
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles will host Halloween Horror Nights from September 4 to November 2. This separate-ticket event is intended for ages 13 and up and includes new haunted houses based on franchises like Friday the 13th and Terrifier, as well as themed rides and merchandise.
SeaWorld San Diego offers two Halloween experiences on select dates between September 6 and November 2. SeaWorld Spooktacular is aimed at younger children with pirate parades, pumpkin patches, candy quests, and trick-or-treat stations during the day. At night, Howl-O-Scream targets older guests with haunted houses, scare zones including Circus of the Damned, live shows, and themed bars.
Six Flags Magic Mountain near Santa Clarita and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo will both hold Fright Fest from September 19 (Magic Mountain) or September 20 (Discovery Kingdom) through November 2. Both parks feature haunted mazes, scare zones, darkened rides, Oktoberfest celebrations with beer and music starting September 13, and family-friendly Tricks and Treats events on select dates.
LEGOLAND in Carlsbad will present Brick or Treat on select Saturdays and Sundays from September 20 to November 1. This separate-ticket event features dance parties, live shows including a typical 4D movie experience, and a disco-themed Dragon coaster ride.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista will host The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular every weekend from September 13 to November 2. Activities include trick-or-treating in costume, a Halloween Costume Parade, scavenger hunts for ghosts, dance parties, and meet-and-greets with Sesame Street characters dressed up for the occasion.
Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park continues its long-running Knott’s Scary Farm event from September 18 to November 1. Designed for ages 13 and up—and requiring chaperones over age 21 after 4 p.m. for visitors under age 16—the event features more than a thousand actors across numerous mazes and scare zones. The city of Buena Park also participates with themed dining options such as The Cauldron Spirits & Brews; shows like Vampirates at Pirates Dinner Adventure; haunted house experiences including The 17th Door; and fall treats at Porto’s Bakery.
Gilroy Gardens in Gilroy will run Halloween festivities every weekend evening from September 26 to November 2 under the theme “Boo Alley,” inspired by The Great Big Boo musical show. Families can expect character appearances such as Vinnie the Vampire and Wendella the Witch along with light displays, trick-or-treating opportunities, food specials—including “potion” drinks—and entertainment suitable for young children.
In addition to these park-based celebrations throughout California’s main tourist regions—Anaheim/Los Angeles County https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/los-angeles-county/, San Diego https://www.visitcalifornia.com/places-to-visit/san-diego-county/, Carlsbad https://www.visitcarlsbad.com/, Chula Vista https://www.chulavistaca.gov/, Buena Park https://www.visitbuenapark.com/, Gilroy https://visitgilroy.com/—there are additional seasonal activities available statewide.
For families seeking value during this period—especially those visiting San Diego—October marks Kids Free San Diego month when children aged eleven or younger receive free admission at many major attractions when accompanied by an adult ticket holder.
