Ultimate Guide to Halloween and October Festivities Around San Francisco and the Bay Area (2025)

Every October, the San Francisco Bay Area turns into a pumpkin‑colored playground of spooky spectacles and family fun. Whether you’re taking little goblins trick‑or‑treating on iconic city streets, hunting ghosts in historic mansions, or braving labyrinthine haunted houses, there are an abundance of ways to celebrate the season. To help you make the most of Halloween 2025, we’ve rounded up the region’s best events-sorted by family‑friendly outings, trick‑or‑treat hotspots, haunted tours, and thrill‑seeking attractions. Grab a costume (or two), and let’s explore the Bay.

Charming Trick‑or‑Treat Streets in San Francisco

Belvedere Street, Cole Valley

Belvedere Street has become legendary among locals. On the evening of October 31, the entire block between Parnassus Avenue and 17th Street closes to traffic and transforms into a pedestrian‑only Halloween carnival. Residents go all out with lavishly decorated Victorian homes, animatronic skeletons, fog machines, and coordinated themes that range from pirate ships to Gothic graveyards. The street is lined with jack‑o’‑lanterns and interactive displays, and neighbors generously pass out candy. It’s not unusual to see lines of costumed children and adults waiting to experience homemade haunted house experiences inside garages or front yards. The block shuts down around 6 p.m., and the trick‑or‑treating continues until the candy runs out. Because the street gets very crowded, arrive early to find parking in nearby neighborhoods or take public transportation.

Lake Street and the Presidio (Lake District)

For a slightly less frenetic but still festive scene, head over to Lake Street near the Presidio. Homeowners here embrace Halloween with creative décor - one 10th Avenue resident famously turned his basement into a haunted house complete with spooky actors. Many houses are known for cheerful front‑yard displays, and the street’s proximity to the Presidio adds a ghostly element. The nearby historic Letterman Army Medical Center is said to have cold spots and haunting tales, adding to the neighborhood lore. Trick‑or‑treating generally starts around dusk and runs until about 8 p.m. Because the area is largely residential, street parking is easier than in Cole Valley, making Lake Street ideal for families with younger children.

San Rafael’s Trick‑or‑Treat on Fourth Street

Across the Golden Gate in Marin, downtown San Rafael hosts an annual Trick‑or‑Treat on Fourth Street. On October 25, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., merchants welcome costumed kids and families with candy. Additional attractions include a Pet Costume Contest sponsored by Woodlands Pet Food & Treats (1–2 p.m.), a police‑car “Trunk or Treat” handing out goodies, a prize wheel, and a public art proposal viewing. This event is free and family-friendly; simply look for the “Participating Businesses” signs in shop windows.

Family‑Friendly Events and Fall Festivals

Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens

The Yerba Buena Gardens Festival celebrates its 26th annual Halloween Hoopla on Saturday, November 1, from 12–3 p.m. at the Children’s Garden (799 Howard Street). This free event features circus acts by Circus Bella, palm reading, arts and crafts, games, music, and a costume parade. Young witches and wizards can show off their outfits during the parade and collect treats at activity stations.

Chinatown Halloween Festival

Chinatown’s Waverly Place transforms into a vibrant fair for the Chinatown Halloween Festival on Saturday, October 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. Organized by the Community Youth Center, the festival includes a pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, carnival games, lion dances, and a trick‑or‑treat lane. A costume contest has categories for kids, preteens, teens/adults and family groups, with prizes up to $100 for winners. Costumes must be family-friendly, but every participant will receive a prize.

Bon Air Halloween Bash - Greenbrae

On October 25, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the shops at Bon Air in Greenbrae host an annual Halloween Bash that doubles as a food bank fundraiser. Families bring non-perishable food items to the SF–Marin Food Bank in exchange for a treat bag. Kids then trick‑or‑treat among shops and restaurants, enjoy face painting and balloon twisting, and watch a costumed pet parade sponsored by Woodlands Pet Food & Treats.

Mountain View Monster Bash

South Bay families head to Rengstorff Park for the Mountain View Monster Bash on October 29, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.. The free event features spooky games, a twisty maze, stilt walkers, and a Día de los Muertos celebration. Organizers encourage walking or biking to reduce parking hassles. It’s perfect for young children who want a daytime celebration.

Gamble Garden’s Halloween for Families - Palo Alto

Tucked inside a historic Palo Alto estate, Gamble Garden hosts an intimate Halloween morning on October 25, 10:30–11:30 a.m. Activities include face painting, crafts, trivia, a scavenger hunt, and a meet‑and‑greet with Eloise the opossum and other animals from the Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo. Tickets cost $36–$ 55; members receive a discount with promo code IRIS, and infants attend for free.

Great Haunt Way at Sunset Dunes

As mentioned above, Great Haunt Way is part street party, part trick‑or‑treat trail. Held on October 26 from 1–4 p.m., it offers a car‑free promenade along the Great Highway with live performers, bounce houses, and accessible trick‑or‑treat stations. This event is free and emphasizes inclusivity with non‑food treats and accommodations for kids with allergies.

Ghirardelli Square’s Spooky Square

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! Ghirardelli Square hosts Spooky Square on October 25, from 1–4 p.m. According to SF Tourism Tips, the first 200 kids receive a Ghirardelli tote filled with treats. Families enjoy a magic show (1–2 p.m.), a kids’ costume parade (2–3 p.m.), and a dog costume contest hosted by the non‑profit YAP (3–4 p.m.). Located at 900 North Point Street, this event is free and draws both locals and tourists.

Boo at the Zoo – San Francisco Zoo

The San Francisco Zoo & Gardens offers a daytime Halloween celebration called Boo at the Zoo on October 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors are invited to wear costumes and enjoy music, crafts, bubbles, and Halloween candy stations. A costume parade begins at noon near the Elinor Friend playground, with awards presented for the best outfits. Note that regular zoo admission applies.

Boo at the Zoo – Oakland Zoo

Across the bay, the Oakland Zoo holds its own Boo at the Zoo weekend on October 24–26. The event includes costume contests and Halloween trading cards. Oakland Zoo also hosts the Glowfari Lantern Festival from November 7 – January 25. This nighttime event features hundreds of larger-than-life animal lanterns, with themes including underwater reefs, African savannas, bugs, and a reptile-themed train. Tickets require timed reservations, and members get a 10% discount.

Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch (San Francisco)

Located in the Inner Sunset, Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch sells a variety of pumpkins from September through October 31. Kids can climb through a hay maze or take a hay ride. They operate two locations: 2101 Sloat Blvd. (open 9 a.m.–7:30 p.m., Sunday–Thursday, and until 9 p.m., Friday–Saturday) and 1620 7th Avenue (open daily, 9 a.m.–9 p.m.).

Ferry Building Trick‑or‑Treat

The Ferry Building Marketplace invites families to trick‑or‑treat on October 30, 4–6 p.m. Pick up a bag at the entrance and visit participating vendors for treats. It’s an easy way to enjoy the waterfront while collecting gourmet goodies.

Sandcastle Classic - Ocean Beach

For a break from spooky scares, head to Ocean Beach on October 25 for the Leap Sandcastle Classic. Now in its 43rd year, this event raises funds for arts education. Teams of architects, engineers, and local schoolchildren build elaborate sand sculptures while DJ music plays in the background. The day’s schedule includes team check‑in from 8–10 a.m., sandcastle building from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and an award ceremony at 3 p.m., with the event ending at 3:30 p.m. Admission is free, but donations support Leap Arts in Education.

Randall Museum’s Family Halloween Day

On October 18, the Randall Museum in Corona Heights hosts a free Family Halloween Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities include creepy crafts, ghoulish games, live music, pumpkin carving, and trick‑or‑treating. The event targets families with children up to age 12 and offers an accessible, daytime celebration.

Jack London Square’s Halloween & Día de los Muertos Celebration

Oakland’s Jack London Square hosts a Halloween/Día de los Muertos festival on October 26, from 1–3 p.m. Activities include chalk artists, crafts, pumpkins, music, a costume contest, and more. Admission is free, and the location near the Oakland waterfront is perfect for a weekend stroll.

Fourth Street Trick‑or‑Treat & Halloween Fest (Berkeley)

Berkeley’s Fourth Street shopping district hosts a tot-friendly Halloween festival on October 31, from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The event features merchant trick-or-treating, a magic show, face painting, costumed characters, and live music to entertain kids before dusk. The event is free, and many shops offer sales on fall merchandise.

Floating Pumpkin Patches and Outdoor Activities

East Bay communities put their own spin on fall. Floating pumpkin patches turn swimming pools into pumpkin-picking ponds- participants swim to pick a floating pumpkin. Lake Chabot’s Spooky Pontoon Boat Rides (Castro Valley) offer groups the opportunity to rent decorated boats for two hours in October. Animal Day at the UC Botanic Garden (October 26) encourages guests to dress up as animals while enjoying crafts and tours. Halloween Carnival & Parade in Piedmont features a costume parade, games, and face painting for kids ages 2–8.

Haunted Tours and Interactive Experiences

Terror Vault: HEXED at the San Francisco Mint

The Terror Vault is San Francisco’s premier haunted house, combining theatrical storytelling, elaborate sets, and interactive scares inside the historic San Francisco Mint. The 2025 production “HEXED” follows a coven of three witches from different traditions who threaten humanity. Guests join a group called the Believers to stop them, exploring haunted vaults and dark corridors. VIP tickets include a glow necklace, unlimited access to the Fang Bang vampire bar, a Triple HeXXXed Witch Strip Club and photo ops. A separate behind‑the‑scenes tour (Secrets of the Vault) is offered on October 22. The adjacent Fang Bang bar channels 1980s New Wave and goth vibes with themed cocktails. Tickets sell out quickly; recommended for ages 13 and up.

Gregangelo Museum’s Haunted Dollhouse

The Gregangelo Museum is one of San Francisco’s hidden gems-an artistic labyrinth inside a private residence. During October, the museum offers a Haunted Dollhouse experience dubbed a “Paranormal Play Date.” Guests explore rooms filled with unsettling dolls and artifacts while performers weave an eerie narrative. Other options at the museum include the Riddle of the Sphinx garden and an Alice‑in‑Wonderland‑style rabbit hole, but the Haunted Dollhouse is the spookiest offering. Reservations are essential and recommended for individuals aged 15 and above.

Winchester Mystery House: Festival Fright Nights & Trick‑or‑Treat Trail

The Winchester Mystery House, renowned for its unique architecture, presents Festival Fright Nights starting September 26. Produced in partnership with Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the event includes haunted mazes weaving through the estate’s gardens and basement. VIP tickets include masquerade masks, cocktails, and access to a speakeasy. Families can attend the Trick‑or‑Treat Trail on October 26, where children collect treats, decorate pumpkins, and play games in the front gardens. Proceeds support mental health charities, adding a philanthropic element to the fun.

San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour

Magician and storyteller Christian Cagigal leads the San Francisco Ghost Hunt, a 90‑minute walking tour through Pacific Heights. Tours operate nightly at 8 p.m. in October (six nights per week) and cost approximately $39.99 per person. Guests visit haunted mansions associated with historic figures, such as Mary Ellen Pleasant and writer Gertrude Atherton. They stop by the poltergeist-charged Chambers Mansion and the ghost bride of California Street, and sometimes conclude with a drink at the Hotel Majestic (sfghosthunt.com). Although topics are dark, the tour is considered family‑friendly and accessible for ages 8 and up.

Gold and Ghouls Tour (US Ghost Adventures)

The Gold and Ghouls walking tour explores haunted locations in the Nob Hill and Union Square areas. The hour-long tour departs nightly at 8:00 p.m. from Union Square (333 Post Street) and costs approximately $25. Stops include the Westin St. Francis Hotel, the Sutter buildings, and sites linked to tragedies such as the 1906 earthquake and the scandal surrounding silent film star Fatty Arbuckle (ghosttourbookings.com). The tour operates rain or shine and requires comfortable walking shoes.

Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl

For adults 21 and over, the Ghosts, Boos, and Booze Haunted Pub Crawl blends storytelling with cocktails. Hosted by US Ghost Adventures, the event begins at 6 p.m. at The High Horse (582 Washington Street) and meanders through historic bars in Chinatown and the Barbary Coast. Participants hear tales of shanghaied sailors at the Old Ship Saloon, tragedies on the Bay Bridge, and the notorious “bloody crimes” of the Barbary Coast. No pets are allowed, and drinks cannot be carried between bars. The tour covers roughly a mile and ends near other nightlife options.

Other Haunted Experiences

• Randall Museum: In addition to Family Halloween Day, the museum occasionally hosts after‑dark ghost stories for older kids and teens.

• Jack London Square: Some ghost tours operate around the historic waterfront, exploring Oakland’s shipping past. Check local listings for 2025 schedules.

• Gold Rush Ghosts: In the Sierra foothills, several tour companies offer day trips to ghost towns such as Bodie and Columbia. These can be fun add‑ons for Bay Area families willing to drive.

Haunted Houses and Theme Parks

Six Flags Discovery Kingdom: Fright Fest

In Vallejo, Six Flags Discovery Kingdom hosts Fright Fest on select Friday and Saturday nights from September 20 through November 2, 2025. The park reopens around 7 p.m. for the event, which features multiple scare zones, haunted houses inspired by horror franchises such as Saw, The Conjuring, Stranger Things, Army of the Dead, Trick ’r Treat, and Texas Chainsaw Massacre. tripster.com. Roller coasters run in the dark with pitch‑black overlays, and live shows entertain between attractions. Special snacks, such as the Funnel Scream Cake and Frightening Fanta Fizz, add to the fun. Note: Children under 12 are not recommended after 6 p.m., and some nights sell out quickly.

Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park – Pleasanton

One of Northern California’s most elaborate haunted parks, Pirates of Emerson operates at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton from September 26 – November 2, 2025. The event features four spine‑tingling mazes and a Virtual Fear VR ride that immerses visitors in a nightmare scenario. Live bands provide entertainment, and tickets now include carnival games. Admission costs $45 (with a discounted rate of $35 for the opening weekend) and $125 for VIP access to yourtownmonthly.com. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 or older.

Fear Overload Scream Park – Newark

Located at the Bayfair Center in Newark, Fear Overload Scream Park runs on select nights from September 20 to November 2, 2025. This attraction comprises two over-the-top haunted houses and is not recommended for children under 12 years old. Tickets start at $25–$36 and increase closer to Halloween. Fear Overload often hosts special glow‑stick nights where guests navigate dark corridors with only a glow stick—a fun twist for thrill seekers. Although the scare factor may be milder than that of other haunts, the kitsch and interactive actors make it a memorable experience. (brokeassstuart.com)

Dead Time Dreams – San Jose

San Jose’s premier haunted attraction, Dead Time Dreams, returns to the Eastridge Mall parking lot (2210 Eastridge Loop) from October 3–31, 2025. The ticket booth and midway open at 7 p.m., and the maze opens at 7:30 p.m.; it closes at 10:30 p.m. on weekdays and 11 p.m. on weekends (deadtimedreams.com). Guests should arrive before 9:30 p.m. to pick up tickets. This year’s attraction includes a Midway of Terror pre‑show filled with freaks and creatures, plus special nightly shows. The main maze is “The Meat Factory,” where visitors push back blood‑stained freezer flaps and join “livestock” in a slaughterhouse filled with gore and jump scares. The park’s Patches, Trembles, Spyder and other characters roam the grounds to startle unsuspecting guests.

Ghost House – Chadbourne Carriage House, Fremont

Run by the non‑profit Candle Lighters, the Fremont Ghost House offers a family‑friendly haunt inside a historic 19th‑century carriage house. Open October 11–30, the Ghost House operates Monday–Thursday 6–9 p.m., Fridays 6–10 p.m., Saturdays 3–10 p.m. and Sundays 3–9 p.m., closing on October 13 and 20. Admission is just $5, with game tickets available for purchase separately at candlelighters.com. Proceeds support community charities and scholarships. Families appreciate the balance of fun and fright; younger children can attend the special lights-on day, featuring a costume parade and caramel apples.

Ghost House and Other Bay Area Haunts

• Ghost House at the Chadbourne Carriage House – See above.

• Spooky Astronomy at Chabot Space & Science Center (Oakland) – On October 24, families enjoy science demos, creepy crafts, pumpkin carving and a not‑so‑scary story time.

• Halloween Jam at Children’s Fairyland (Oakland) – Running October 24–26 and again on Halloween, this event features mad‑science experiments, decked‑out sets and live performances. Admission is $18–$25, free for members.

• Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum (Sausalito) – October 18–19 and 24–26, with hands‑on activities and attractions for kids aged 1–10.

• Unhaunted House & Carnival Dino‑ween (Hayward) – October 17–18, featuring dino‑themed games, crafts and surprises; $8 per person.

• Haunted Train Ride at Ardenwood Farm (Fremont) – A spooky but not overly scary nighttime train ride on select dates (October 17–26).

Adult‑Focused Parties and Pub Crawls

W Hotel Mega Halloween Party

San Francisco’s W Hotel hosts a glamorous Halloween party on October 31 (details from Tripster). Expect multiple themed rooms, DJs spinning dance hits, costume contests, and premium bar service. Tickets sell out annually, so reserve early.

San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl

Downtown bars team up for a Halloween pub crawl featuring drink specials, DJ parties, and costume competitions (via Tripster). It’s a lively way for adults to socialize on Halloween night. Consider pairing it with the Ghosts, Boos, and Booze haunted pub crawl for a double dose of spirits.

Dia de los Muertos Concert at Davies Symphony Hall

On November 1, the San Francisco Symphony hosts a Día de los Muertos concert. The evening blends classical music with Latin American folk tunes and features colorful ofrendas (altars) in the lobby. Families and adults alike can honor loved ones while enjoying the performance (Tripster). Tickets are available through the SF Symphony box office.

Tips for Planning Your Bay Area Halloween

• Reserve tickets early. Haunted houses and tours often sell out, especially VIP packages. Use official websites for purchases.

• Check age recommendations. Many attractions (Terror Vault, Pirates of Emerson, Fear Overload, Dead Time Dreams) advise against bringing young children. Family‑oriented events like Boo at the Zoo, Great Haunt Way, and Ghirardelli Spooky Square are better for little ones.

• Dress warmly and in layers. October weather in the Bay Area can be chilly and foggy, especially along the coast. Costumes should be comfortable enough for walking.

• Use public transportation. Streets like Belvedere are often closed to cars, and parking is limited. Consider Muni, BART, or bikes when possible.

• Respect neighborhoods and event rules. Dispose of trash properly, follow event guidelines, and remember that most trick‑or‑treating is hosted by volunteers and residents.