California is preparing for Halloween 2025 with a variety of events across the state. From family-friendly activities to haunted attractions, options are available for different preferences and age groups.
Theme parks in California will begin their Halloween celebrations as early as September, offering extended opportunities for visitors to participate in seasonal festivities. In addition to theme park events, historic locations such as the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose will host “Festival Fright Nights” from September 26 through November 1. This year’s program, titled “Unhinged Hotel,” involves an immersive experience based on a fictional group of friends who encounter an unsettling hotel. The event also features a new Halloween Museum and refreshments at Café 13.
In Rancho Cordova, the Heartstoppers Haunted House will operate on select dates in August, providing four themed scare zones within a three-story building and outdoor entertainment such as carnival games and live performances.
Zoos throughout California are planning special programs for October. The San Diego Zoo will hold its HalGLOWeen event on weekends during October, featuring music and performances under black lights. Children aged 11 and under receive free admission as part of Kids Free San Diego month. The Oakland Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo runs from October 1 to 29 with activities like a hay-bale maze and scavenger hunt; costume contests are also included but inflatable costumes are not allowed due to animal welfare concerns. Winners can receive tickets to the Glowfari nighttime event later in the year.
Seasonal train rides will be offered by Yolo County’s River Fox Train during Pumpkin Patch Express weekends (October 5–November 30), including pumpkin picking and trick-or-treating at a private park. Mendocino County’s Skunk Train offers a similar Pumpkin Express excursion on select dates in October, combining vintage train travel with pumpkin patch visits.
Casa de Fruta in Hollister will hold its Casa de Pumpkin Patch from late September through October with activities such as gold-panning, carousel rides, and educational programs focused on Native American culture.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk presents Boardwalk Fright Flicks each Wednesday night in October for adults aged 21 and over, screening horror films paired with cocktails.
Temecula Valley hosts several Halloween-themed experiences including the Headless Horseman Wagon Ride every Friday and Saturday night from October 3–31. Other regional events include haunted walking tours, grape stomping at Wilson Creek Winery, and the Carnevil Ball at Europa Village (October 18–20).
Pasadena’s Descanso Gardens offers Carved at Descanso Gardens from October 3–30—a walk-through display featuring hundreds of carved pumpkins along with carving demonstrations.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place October 18–19 with pumpkin displays, parades, pie-eating contests, craft beer tastings, and more.
Several zoos around California—Santa Barbara Zoo (October 17–26), Los Angeles Zoo (October 18–27), San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (October 21–22; October 28–29)—will host Boo at the Zoo events featuring trick-or-treating, costume contests, themed shows, mazes, animal encounters or feedings.
Los Angeles marks Dia de Los Muertos with festivals downtown on Olvera Street from October 25 to November 2 that include processions rooted in indigenous traditions; Hollywood Forever Cemetery holds its own celebration on October 25.
Davis hosts its annual Zombie Bike Parade Festival on October 26 with bike rides along the Davis Bike Loop plus music performances and other activities.
Siskiyou County features historical tours and adult-oriented festivities including a cemetery walking tour in Yreka on Halloween night and a pub crawl in McCloud on October 25 where participants can win prizes by visiting local businesses.
Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights occurs in Oxnard on October 25 with decorated boats participating in an evening parade alongside daytime family activities such as costume parades and scavenger hunts at local museums.
Morro Bay’s Witches and Warlock Paddle is scheduled for October 25; proceeds benefit local food banks through kayak or paddleboard rentals by costumed participants.
The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens’ Howl-O-Ween runs during daylight hours over the weekend of October 25–26 in Palm Desert with trick-or-treating among animals like giraffes and foxes plus activity stations highlighting various species.
West Hollywood’s popular Halloween Carnaval returns this year after several years’ hiatus. Scheduled for Halloween night along Santa Monica Boulevard between North Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard, it is known for elaborate costumes but may not be suitable for young children due to mature themes. Admission is free.
Monterey County celebrates Halloween with Trick-or-Treat by the Bay at Old Fisherman’s Wharf including costume contests while Carmel-by-the-Sea marks both its town birthday and Halloween together with community parades.
Hornitos observes Dia de los Muertos on November 2 with candlelight processions up to St. Catherine’s Church cemetery—a tradition honoring ancestors dating back generations—while San Francisco continues ongoing ghost tours exploring historic neighborhoods using paranormal detection equipment.
