MONTEREY COUNTY, California — Friday, October 30, 2026. Halloween lands on a Saturday in 2026, making it possible to build a full day around the Monterey Peninsula rather than rush from one event to another. The clearest confirmed daytime anchor is Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 110th birthday celebration, while Monterey’s waterfront offers a separate Halloween option.

Where to celebrate on Saturday, October 31

Carmel-by-the-Sea’s 110th Birthday Bash

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m.–2 p.m.. Where: Devendorf Park, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Free public celebration with music from the Hovering Breadcat Band, face painting and free hot dogs while supplies last. Check the original organizer listing.

Halloween on Old Fisherman’s Wharf

When: Saturday, Oct. 31; check organizer for exact stage and contest times. Where: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey.

The Old Fisherman’s Wharf Association confirms trick-or-treating, a costume contest and a Halloween DJ on the historic wharf, from 4 to 7 p.m. Check the original organizer listing.

Monterey County alternatives

When: Saturday, Oct. 31; local schedules vary. Where: Soledad, King City and the Salinas Valley.

For families farther inland, review the independently reported local schedules rather than assuming a Monterey Peninsula event is nearby. Check the original organizer listing.

A practical Saturday itinerary

A realistic plan is a late-morning arrival in Carmel, time for lunch, then a separate waterfront stop in Monterey if parking and weather permit. The Halloween parade through Ocean Avenue takes place Friday, October 30, not Saturday; do not arrive Saturday expecting that parade. Wind and king tides can affect coastal access. Parking and highway conditions need a last-minute check.

Another local consideration

For a verified non-Halloween outdoor activity, the existing Monterey local reporting also lists October 31 cross-country events at Toro Park. It is not a costume carnival; it belongs on the calendar separately. Verify details here.

Before you leave

Schedules may change because of weather, staffing, capacity or other restrictions. Check the linked organizer’s current announcement, admission policies and any street closures before traveling. Children should carry emergency contact details; families should remain together in crowds and use marked crossings. A listed Día de Muertos observance is a remembrance tradition with its own cultural meaning, not simply another Halloween costume party.

California58 county coverage: Read more local reporting and the Monterey County newspaper directory. Send corrections with a dated organizer notice to california58com@gmail.com.

Last researched October 30, 2026. Venue schedules linked directly to their organizers or public tourism agencies. Events on October 30 are specifically marked and should not be mistaken for October 31 events.

INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM ACROSS CALIFORNIA

Support independent journalism for all Californians

Support reporting, public information and community coverage across California’s 58 counties.

Donate once by card ↗
Support independent California journalism Your contribution helps build and sustain independent community reporting across California.
Support California58

Choose how to support California58:

Credit / Debit Card via Stripe

Choose an amount from $1. One-time support through the publisher's LINKERNO Stripe account.

Continue with PayPal Continue with Zelle

Zelle payments go to Vitaly Ataev Troshin. Please verify the recipient in your bank before sending. Availability depends on your bank.

Optional reader support. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible. Support does not influence editorial decisions.
Optional support through the publisher. Contributions are not advertised as tax-deductible and never buy editorial influence.

USEFUL SERVICES

Useful services from our ecosystem

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

Travel smarter worldwide

OptionTrip

AI-powered trip planning for journeys in California and around the world.

Explore OptionTrip →

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

Free tax & property tools

TaxesTime

Free preliminary tax and property tools, including the Property Tax Savings Report.

Explore TaxesTime →

AFFILIATED RESOURCE

California document support

LegalDocSVC

Document preparation support for self-represented Californians. Not a law firm and not legal advice.

Explore LegalDocSVC →

WORK WITH CALIFORNIA58

Have a story, project or partnership idea?

California58 welcomes news tips, interviews, video projects, community partnerships, advertising and other California-focused collaborations.

Work with California58 →

COMMUNITY

Comments

Join the California58 conversation. You must be signed in to comment.