CALIFORNIA — October 27, 2026. Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31 this year, giving families, friends and travelers a full weekend to celebrate. But is the best place Anaheim, Hollywood, the coast or a small town in the Mojave Desert? California58 reviewed official 2026 programs across the state and selected 20 destinations for different interests and budgets. This is an independent editorial guide, not a paid ranking.
Our selection includes events still ahead as of October 27, not attractions that already closed last weekend. Admission policies, ticket availability, dates and local road restrictions may change. Always check the organizer links below before setting out.
Our quick picks for Halloween weekend 2026
Best for families: Disneyland or LEGOLAND California. Best for intense scares: Universal Studios Hollywood or Knott’s Scary Farm. Best free street party: West Hollywood or Palm Springs. Best Mojave Desert trip: Calico Ghost Town. Best free coastal outing: Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Carmel-by-the-Sea or the Cambria scarecrows. Best cultural experience: Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos remembrance.
20 of the best places to spend Halloween in California this year
1. Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
2026 dates: Aug. 21–Oct. 31. Price: Theme-park admission; some parties separately ticketed. Who it suits: Families of many ages.
There is a reason the big Mickey pumpkin on Main Street is an autumn icon. Disneyland decorates its streets and attractions for Halloween Time, with costumed Disney characters, seasonal treats and the Halloween Screams nighttime spectacular on select nights. Over at Disney California Adventure, Plaza de la Familia continues through November 2. The Oogie Boogie Bash is a separate limited-ticket party; admission to an ordinary park day does not entitle visitors to attend it.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
2. Halloween Horror Nights, Universal Studios Hollywood
2026 dates: Oct. 28–31 and Nov. 1 remaining 2026 nights. Price: Separate ticket required. Who it suits: Intense movie-style scares.
For horror fans this is one of the state’s biggest productions, with eight haunted houses, menacing scare zones, stage entertainment and the Terror Tram. The 2026 lineup includes haunted experiences linked to well-known films and television. Universal’s own schedule confirms events from October 28 through November 1, but ticket availability varies by night. This is not a gentle trick-or-treat program for toddlers, and visitors should budget time for queues and significant walking.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
3. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
2026 dates: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6–11 p.m.. Price: FREE; no ticket. Who it suits: Adults, costumes and enormous crowds.
Historic Route 66 becomes a giant open-air costume party on Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard. The official visitor bureau says the event draws more than 100,000 participants. A DJ stage, food vendors and bold costuming reflect West Hollywood’s famously expressive and LGBTQ+-inclusive community. The organizer recommends that young children and pets stay home because the crowds are dense and some outfits are provocative. This is a street celebration, not a seated show.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
4. Halloween Palm Springs, Arenas District
2026 dates: Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30–31; concerts 4–10 p.m.. Price: FREE; suggested $10 donation. Who it suits: Desert nightlife and lively music.
The Arenas District promises two nights of music, elaborate costumes, dance and community celebrations. Streets become active beginning around 2 p.m., with live performances from 4–10 p.m. each evening. KLYMAXX headlines October 31. Entry is free and the suggested donation supports local health, cultural and LGBTQ+ organizations. Palm Springs offers a distinctly different atmosphere from the crowded Hollywood corridor: a walkable desert downtown with plenty of restaurants, clubs and places to stay, subject to weekend availability.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
5. Knott’s Scary Farm, Buena Park
2026 dates: Select nights through Saturday, Oct. 31. Price: Separate evening admission, variable price. Who it suits: Haunted mazes and experienced scare seekers.
The classic Halloween park transforms its themed streets into haunted spaces featuring actors, mazes and dark shows. New concepts for 2026 include Inked and Unearthed. Knott’s explicitly says the intense evening event is not recommended for children younger than 13. Guests must purchase Scary Farm tickets separately from normal daytime admission. Families wanting a gentler alternative can explore the distinct daytime Knott’s Spooky Farm on eligible dates rather than bringing very young children to the night event.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
6. Calico Ghost Town, Yermo near Barstow
2026 dates: Fri. Oct. 30, 4–9 p.m.; Sat. Oct. 31, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Sun. Nov. 1, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.. Price: Adults $15, ages 4–11 $10; under 3 free. Who it suits: Rural desert adventure.
For an unforgettable Mojave Desert alternative, San Bernardino County Regional Parks stages Ghost Haunt in the historic 1880s silver-mining town. The 2026 Miners vs. Outlaws theme includes trick-or-treating, contests, family activities, music and scarier performers after nightfall. Calico is at 36600 Ghost Town Road, near Yermo. Its historic surfaces and buildings may present accessibility barriers. Unlike the first Ghost Haunt weekend, which ended October 25, this second October 30–November 1 weekend is still ahead.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
7. Carved at Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge
2026 dates: Through Nov. 1; Halloween special Oct. 31, 6–10 p.m.. Price: Paid admission; nonmember adult $29–$52 listed. Who it suits: Beautiful illuminated pumpkins.
Walk through glowing pumpkin sculptures, art installations and garden scenery at night. On October 31, Descanso’s program includes a family trick-or-treat search and craft activities from 6–8 p.m., followed by an 8–10 p.m. dance party. It is atmospheric rather than intensely terrifying, making it a strong date-night or family choice. Space is limited and online timed tickets are recommended. Not all time slots or ticket prices will be available at the same rate.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
8. Brick-or-Treat, LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
2026 dates: Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. Price: Included with eligible admission; some passes need add-ons. Who it suits: Young LEGO fans.
LEGOLAND’s not-too-scary Monster Party is designed for families with young children. The park advertises candy stations, costumed characters, music, interactive Brick-or-Treat Street, live entertainment and LEGO-themed attractions. The official 2026 event calendar confirms both October 31 and November 1. Visitors still need a valid park ticket or eligible pass; the event being included in certain admissions does not mean the park is free. Check the date and pass type before purchasing.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
9. SeaWorld Spooktacular, San Diego
2026 dates: Fridays–Sundays through Nov. 1. Price: Included with paid park admission on event dates. Who it suits: Family costumes and candy.
SeaWorld’s daytime Halloween celebration offers a pirate-themed experience, Baby Shark show, pumpkin patch, candy trail, dance activities and photo opportunities. Friday candy collection runs at different hours than Saturday and Sunday, and a reusable treat bag is required. Families should not confuse daytime Spooktacular with the separate scarier evening Howl-O-Scream. The theme park also promotes certain October child-admission offers, but eligibility is tied to ticket conditions.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
10. HalGLOWeen, San Diego Zoo
2026 dates: Oct. 30–31, activities from 5 p.m.. Price: Included with zoo admission; October Kids Free may apply. Who it suits: Children and wildlife lovers.
Glowing nighttime entertainment replaces frightening haunted mazes. Expect music, colorful performers, the Skeleton Band, wildlife talks and illuminated pathways through portions of the zoo. For October 2026, the zoo says children 11 and under can enter without a separate ticket when accompanied by an eligible paying adult, subject to the official limits. HalGLOWeen itself runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31; check performance schedules and allow time to see wildlife before dark.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
11. Día de los Muertos, Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
2026 dates: Oct. 31–Nov. 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.. Price: FREE public festival; some materials extra. Who it suits: Culture, remembrance and families.
This traditional celebration honors loved ones who have died and is not simply another Halloween costume party. The state park is hosting altars, marigolds, hands-on arts, music, processions and public cultural activities. The official release describes the main celebration as free and suitable for families; some workshops may charge for supplies. Visitors should respect altars and participants, and avoid confusing Día de los Muertos with a fright-house attraction.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
12. Halloween on Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
2026 dates: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–7 p.m.. Price: FREE. Who it suits: Coastal families and costume contests.
Old Fisherman’s Wharf welcomes costumed visitors for a free waterfront trick-or-treat evening. Participating merchants offer treats, a DJ plays seasonal music, and a costume contest begins at 5 p.m. with announced cash prizes across age and group categories. The event is particularly attractive for visitors to the Monterey Peninsula who want a local activity rather than a pricey theme park. Check parking, wind and organizer updates before traveling.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
13. Carmel-by-the-Sea Halloween Parade
2026 dates: Friday, Oct. 30, 4:30 p.m.. Price: FREE. Who it suits: Charming coastal village and birthday celebration.
Halloween has special significance here because Carmel-by-the-Sea was incorporated on October 31, 1916. The city celebrates its 110th birthday with a free parade on Friday October 30, beginning around Mission Street and Sixth Avenue and continuing through downtown via Junipero and Ocean Avenue. The route culminates near Devendorf Park with community trick-or-treating. This is a genuine small-town alternative to large festival crowds, though central streets will be restricted during the parade.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
14. Cambria and San Simeon Scarecrow Festival
2026 dates: Through Saturday, Oct. 31. Price: FREE outdoor viewing. Who it suits: Slow travel, coast and photography.
More than 200 imaginative handmade scarecrows decorate Cambria’s East and West Villages, Moonstone Beach Drive and nearby San Simeon. There is no central ticket gate and no need to attend a single performance: visitors can wander the commercial streets, enjoy scenic ocean viewpoints and discover playful displays. For California travelers who prefer small communities over haunted mazes, this is one of the state’s most distinctive October experiences. Respect private property and businesses.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
15. Winchester Mystery House Festival Fright Nights, San Jose
2026 dates: Select nights through Nov. 1. Price: Paid, official ticket prices start near $59.99. Who it suits: Historic mansion and staged supernatural stories.
Halloween performances unfold in and around the famous Winchester estate, with multiple immersive zones, haunted experiences and theatrical entertainment. Historic architecture makes this different from a conventional carnival haunted house. Tickets are sold online and may not include every optional extra, so read the operator’s admission details. The event is a good match for adult friends or older teens who appreciate theatrical atmosphere and a haunted-history setting.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
16. Gilroy Gardens: The Great Big BOO
2026 dates: Oct. 30–31 and select dates through Nov. 1. Price: Paid park admission. Who it suits: South Bay families.
BOO Alley fills Gilroy Gardens with seasonal rides, interactive entertainment, trick-or-treating and costumed characters. New for 2026 are optional interactive pumpkin wands, while October 30 and 31 also feature limited giveaways involving books, garlic and other treats. Those giveaways are inside a ticketed attraction: they do not make park admission free. This is a gentler family option for South Bay residents.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
17. San Francisco Zoo: Boo at the Zoo
2026 dates: Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.. Price: Activities included with zoo ticket/membership. Who it suits: Daytime family fun.
Families can enter a costume parade beginning at 11 a.m., watch a noon contest, enjoy animal pumpkin enrichment and participate in crafts and trick-or-treat activities. The zoo specifically asks that visitors not wear full-face masks, which might frighten animals. This is a short daytime celebration rather than an all-night entertainment district, making it easier for families with smaller children and a predictable bedtime.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
18. Oakland Zoo: Boo at the Zoo
2026 dates: Saturday–Sunday, Oct. 31–Nov. 1. Price: Zoo admission required. Who it suits: Animal encounters and costumes.
Boo at the Zoo continues on weekends through November 1, including a Saturday October 31 costume contest. Additional activities involve scavenger-style collections, themed talks and opportunities to learn about animals often considered creepy. Inflatable outfits are discouraged or prohibited because they can scare animal residents. Check tickets, reservations and the separate activity times before traveling.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
19. Midtown Sacramento Halloween Festival and Pooch Parade
2026 dates: Saturday, Oct. 31, noon–3 p.m.. Price: FREE; free dog registration. Who it suits: Dogs, neighborhood gathering, families.
James Marshall Park at 915 27th Street hosts a neighborhood party and costumed-dog parade. The organizers welcome local residents, visitors and pet lovers, with vendors and costume judging. Registration for dogs is free but places are limited. This is one of the most practical no-admission-cost options in the state capital and is a particularly appealing outing for anyone whose dog is comfortable with crowds and other pets.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
20. Big Bear Lake Scarecrow and Día de los Muertos Displays
2026 dates: October public displays and online voting. Price: FREE self-guided viewing. Who it suits: Mountain getaway and autumn weather.
Residents and businesses across Big Bear Valley have created scarecrows, decorated skeletons and remembrance displays for a seasonal contest. Visit Big Bear publishes a map so visitors can explore displays at their own pace. Be respectful around residential addresses and memorial altars, and avoid equating Día de los Muertos ofrendas with frightening props. Mountain roads and weather may be challenging after sunset, so check travel conditions before heading uphill.
Check the organizer’s official event information.
Free Halloween events in California: where to go without a theme-park ticket
The standout no-admission-cost celebrations include the enormous West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval, the two-night Palm Springs street party on Arenas Road, Monterey’s waterfront trick-or-treating, Carmel’s free birthday parade, Cambria’s scarecrow walking trail and Sacramento’s Midtown Pooch Parade. Old Town San Diego’s Día de los Muertos cultural celebration is free as well, although optional workshops or purchases may cost extra. Big Bear Lake’s scarecrow displays can be visited without a festival ticket. By contrast, an experience described as “included with park admission” at a zoo or theme park is not the same as free entry to the property.
Halloween for residents of the desert and smaller California communities
One of California58’s priorities is making sure rural California appears in statewide travel coverage. Calico Ghost Town near Barstow is a rare combination of Western history, desert scenery and an organized multi-day Halloween celebration. Cambria and San Simeon offer a slower, free coastal experience, while Big Bear’s scarecrows pair Halloween scenery with a mountain getaway. Community celebrations also matter: see California58’s Lancaster October 31 Trunk-or-Treat guide, San Bernardino library Halloween calendar and Soledad Spookfest news for practical local alternatives.
Do not confuse past events with this weekend’s celebrations
The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival was held October 17–18, 2026, so it is not an October 31 event. Similarly, Calico’s first Ghost Haunt weekend finished October 25, but its second event weekend remains ahead. The Carmel Pumpkin Roll took place October 24, but the separate Halloween parade is scheduled October 30. This distinction is crucial for anyone booking a hotel or driving several hours to a rural destination.
Before you leave: tickets, accessibility, weather and safety
- Match the experience to the age group. Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm are intense; zoos, LEGO attractions and community festivals are more appropriate for younger children.
- Verify the exact date and ticket. Select-night events may not operate every evening, and separate-ticket parties are not included in a normal park visit.
- Check road closures and parking. West Hollywood, Carmel and other downtown celebrations temporarily affect access. Avoid driving impaired or exhausted after late events.
- Check costumes and accessible routes. Zoos may restrict masks; theme parks have rules for face coverings and imitation weapons. Historic Calico and long garden walks may require special accessibility planning.
- Prepare for the climate. The Mojave cools rapidly after dark, coastal towns may be damp and windy, and Big Bear roads can be affected by mountain weather.
- Respect the cultural distinction. Día de los Muertos honors deceased loved ones and should not be framed as merely a haunted attraction.
Last-minute Halloween 2026 updates: more verified options
Updated October 27: If your favorite park is sold out or you want to avoid an expensive ticket, these additional events have specific published 2026 schedules. Check the official links again before leaving home.
- Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk — Saturday, October 31, 11 a.m.–8 p.m. Entering the Boardwalk is free, but the optional $12 trick-or-treat package includes a commemorative candy bag and a $10 MyBoardwalk play card. Official 2026 details. The package price is not a charge for simply walking on the Boardwalk.
- San Francisco Zoo — Saturday, October 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Boo at the Zoo includes a costume parade and other activities with paid daytime admission or membership. Official zoo program.
- San Francisco — Saturday, October 31. Families seeking a free alternative can consider Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens, noon–3 p.m., or the Chinatown Halloween Festival, scheduled from 11 a.m. Check each organizer’s current schedule and accessibility information. San Francisco family event calendar.
- San Diego Old Town — October 31–November 2, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. California State Parks confirms free public Día de los Muertos cultural activities, with some workshops or materials charged separately. This remembrance tradition is different from a scary Halloween party. Official State Parks program.
Plan a Halloween road trip: stays, tickets and transport
Find your event first; compare costs second. Hotels and admission near Anaheim, Universal City, West Hollywood and the coast can require separate booking, parking and cancellation planning. For a weekend trip, compare the full total including taxes, resort or service fees, parking, travel time and refund terms. For park visits, begin with the California58 travel booking and attraction-pass guide. Our affiliated OptionTrip trip-planning service may help compare a larger itinerary, but California58 does not independently confirm availability, final prices or checkout terms.
Optional paid partner offer — Motel 6: For readers considering a road trip through California, compare eligible Motel 6 stays through our California58 partner link. The displayed rate and any seasonal savings depend on your actual destination, stay dates, room inventory and booking terms; no discount or availability is guaranteed. A qualifying purchase through this link may earn the California58 publisher a commission at no additional commission charge to the reader. The editorial destination choices above are independent and were not sold to any advertiser. Advertising and sponsorship policies.
For the Mojave Desert and RV travelers: Camping near Calico or along an extended Route 66 itinerary may call for a separate camping reservation, vehicle rental and weather check. Review the county’s own Calico schedule and campsite rules before purchasing any travel product. Do not confuse general accommodation planning with a confirmed camp or RV availability claim.
Halloween 2026 frequently asked questions
Is Halloween on October 31 a Saturday in 2026?
Yes. California’s Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Some major events begin on Friday, October 30, or extend through Sunday, November 1.
Where is a major free Halloween costume party in California?
West Hollywood’s Carnaval is scheduled October 31, 6–11 p.m., on Santa Monica Boulevard. Palm Springs’ Arenas District also advertises a free street party on October 30 and 31. Check organizers for entry points and traffic restrictions.
Which Halloween outings are suitable for families on a limited budget?
Monterey’s Halloween on the Wharf (October 31, 4–7 p.m.), Carmel-by-the-Sea’s free parade (October 30 at 4:30 p.m.) and the Cambria Scarecrow Festival (through October 31) offer lower-cost alternatives. Entertainment is free where the organizer says so; food, parking and transport can still cost money.
Are Disneyland Halloween Time and Oogie Boogie Bash the same ticket?
No. Halloween Time runs through October 31 across Disneyland Resort, while Oogie Boogie Bash is a separate, capacity-limited special ticket event on select nights. Check the specific date and admission terms on the official Disney site.
The California58 verdict
If money is no obstacle and everyone wants a familiar family holiday, Disneyland makes an easy first choice. If you want theatrical fear, Universal or Knott’s should be on the shortlist. If you want spectacular costumes without an admission fee, West Hollywood leads for large crowds and Palm Springs offers a second lively alternative. But our most distinctive travel recommendation is to consider a smaller community: the Wild West night at Calico, the carved creativity of Cambria, and the free waterfront program in Monterey deserve the same attention as the metropolitan attractions.
Sources and standards: All twenty listings link to the official event operator, municipal/county agency, park or tourism organization. Dates were reviewed as of October 27, 2026. This is an editorially selected guide; prices are not live quotes, tickets are not guaranteed available, and California58 has not personally attended each event. For correction requests, email california58com@gmail.com.
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