SAN FRANCISCO COUNTY, California — Friday, October 30, 2026. San Francisco families can plan Halloween Saturday around two published daytime city recreation events: animals and costumes at the zoo, or free live music in Golden Gate Park. These are specific October 31 events, unlike the popular Scaregrove program, which is on Friday, October 30.

Where to celebrate on Saturday, October 31

Boo at the Zoo

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.. Where: San Francisco Zoo & Gardens, 1 Zoo Road.

Costume parade and contest, pumpkin enrichment for animals, crafts, trick-or-treating and DJ. Confirm standard zoo admission and any ticket conditions. Check the original organizer listing.

Halloween at the Golden Gate Bandshell

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, noon–2 p.m.. Where: Music Concourse Drive, Golden Gate Park.

Free costumes and live performances by Charity and the JAMBand. Check the original organizer listing.

Scaregrove — Friday only

When: Friday, Oct. 30, 3–9 p.m., not Halloween Saturday. Where: Sigmund Stern Grove, 19th Avenue and Sloat Boulevard.

The city’s large free carnival-style celebration falls on Friday, so it is listed here to prevent a wrong-day trip. Check the original organizer listing.

A practical Saturday itinerary

The zoo and Bandshell events overlap; choose one as the day’s main event or allow realistic travel time between the Sunset District and Golden Gate Park. The zoo requires checking admission independently despite a city’s calendar shorthand. The Bandshell event is explicitly listed as free. For Sunday, November 1, consult museum and cultural calendars for Día de Muertos programming before assuming October 31 event hours continue.

Another local consideration

Public transit may be easier than searching for curbside parking near crowded park entrances. Costume accessories must follow venue safety restrictions; walk with children across park roads. 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 San Francisco 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.

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