California will host a variety of Halloween events in 2025, offering activities that range from family-friendly celebrations to more intense haunted experiences. The state’s theme parks begin their Halloween festivities as early as September, but other attractions and festivals continue well into November.
In San Jose, the Winchester Mystery House will present “Festival Fright Nights” from September 26 to November 1. This year’s event features an immersive experience called “Unhinged Hotel,” where visitors follow a group of friends stranded at a mysterious hotel. Afterward, guests can visit the new Halloween Museum and relax at Café 13.
Rancho Cordova’s Heartstoppers Haunted House will operate on select dates in August. Attendees can explore four themed scare zones within a three-story building and enjoy carnival games, live performances, and photo opportunities outside.
The San Diego Zoo is extending its hours for HalGLOWeen on Fridays through Sundays in October. Activities include music, acrobats, and black light effects. Children aged 11 and under receive free admission during October as part of Kids Free San Diego.
Oakland Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo runs from October 1 to 29 with activities such as a hay-bale maze and scavenger hunt. Visitors are encouraged to wear costumes—excluding inflatable ones—and participate in a costume contest by tagging the zoo on social media for a chance to win tickets to Glowfari.
West Sacramento’s Pumpkin Patch Express offers weekend rides on the River Fox Train from October 5 to November 30. The two-hour excursion includes pumpkin picking, trick-or-treating, and sack races.
Mendocino County’s Skunk Train hosts its Pumpkin Express throughout October with train rides that feature seasonal treats and stops at both redwood forests and pumpkin patches.
Casa de Fruta in Hollister holds Casa de Pumpkin Patch from September 29 through October with pumpkins, kiddie train rides, carousels, gold-panning, and educational activities focused on Native American culture for groups of ten or more.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk presents Boardwalk Fright Flicks every Wednesday night in October for adults aged 21 and over with screenings of classic horror films paired with cocktails.
Temecula Carriage Company leads Headless Horseman Wagon Rides through Wine Country Hollow every Friday and Saturday night in October. Additional Temecula Valley events include haunted walking tours of Old Town, grape stomping at Wilson Creek Winery while in costume, and the Carnevil Ball at Europa Village from October 18–20.
Pasadena’s Descanso Gardens features Carved at Descanso Gardens between October 3–30—a mile-long walk among hundreds of carved pumpkins with carving demonstrations available for attendees interested in improving their skills.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place on October 18–19 with large pumpkins, parades, pie-eating contests, craft beer offerings including pumpkin ales and cocktails.
Other zoos across California are hosting Boo at the Zoo events: Santa Barbara Zoo (October 17–26), Los Angeles Zoo (October 18–27), San Francisco Zoo & Gardens (October 21–22; 28–29). These events typically include trick-or-treating opportunities along with animal encounters or special shows.
Los Angeles celebrates Dia de Los Muertos Festival downtown on Olvera Street from October 25 to November 2 featuring processions rooted in Mayan traditions. Hollywood Forever Cemetery also holds its own festival on October 25.
Davis hosts its Zombie Bike Parade Festival on October 26 featuring a bike parade along Davis Bike Loop plus balloon rides hosted by Davis Food Co-op; other activities include train rides around Community Park and BMX performances.
Siskiyou County offers both historical tours like Yreka’s Spooky Halloween Evergreen Cemetery Walking Tour (October 31) as well as adult-oriented events such as McCloud’s Halloween Pub Crawl (October 25).
Oxnard launches Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights boat parade on October 25 alongside daytime harbor activities including costume parades for children.
Morro Bay encourages participants to dress up for Witches and Warlock Paddle benefiting local food banks.
Palm Desert’s Living Desert Zoo holds Howl-O-Ween event over two days (October 25-26) focusing on trick-or-treating among animals.
West Hollywood revives its popular street party Halloween Carnaval after several years’ hiatus; it takes place along Santa Monica Blvd., known for elaborate costumes.
Monterey County celebrates Halloween On The Wharf: Trick-or-Treat By The Bay while Carmel-by-the-Sea marks both Halloween festivities and its town incorporation anniversary.
Hornitos commemorates Dia de los Muertos with candlelight processions up to St. Catherine’s Church cemetery.
San Francisco Ghost Tour remains available year-round exploring haunted locations using paranormal detection equipment.
