Ultimate Guide to Halloween Events San Diego 2025
Spooky season is here! San Diego transforms into a Halloween paradise in 2025, with cool autumn vibes bringing haunted houses, family-friendly events, pumpkin patches, and epic parties for all ages. Whether you’re seeking kid-safe trick-or-treating, adult-only scares, or themed cruises, this guide covers the best Halloween events in San Diego starting October 17. We’ve organized everything by event type for easy browsing, plus a day-by-day calendar to plan your itinerary. Don’t forget to book reliable transportation with San Diego Car Service that offers luxury rides, black cars, and group vans to get you to these spots safely and in style.
Here’s a breakdown of top Halloween Events San Diego to help you choose based on your vibe—family fun, scary attractions, parties, or fall festivals. We’ve included dates, locations, and highlights, focusing on 2025 updates.
1. HalGLOWeen at the San Diego Zoo
Date: October 18–31
Location: Balboa Park
Experience the zoo in a whole new way during HalGLOWeen. Enjoy glowing light displays that make the pathways magical at night, watch exciting acrobatic performances, and groove to live DJ sets. Kids can also see some of their favorite animals in a festive setting. It’s perfect for families who want Halloween fun without scary surprises. All of this is included with regular zoo admission.
2. Halloween Spooktacular at SeaWorld San Diego
Date: October 18–31
Location: Mission Bay
SeaWorld transforms into a Halloween wonderland for children. Little ones can trick-or-treat safely at various candy stations while exploring festive pumpkin displays. Enjoy entertaining live shows featuring SeaWorld characters in Halloween costumes. The event is packed with fun activities that ensure kids are engaged and parents can relax knowing it’s a safe and enjoyable experience. Admission covers all activities for stress-free planning.
3. Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND California
Date: October 18–31
Location: Carlsbad
LEGO fans can celebrate Halloween with creative, interactive experiences. Kids can participate in costume contests, enjoy themed LEGO treats, and meet their favorite LEGO characters for photos. Special Halloween-themed LEGO builds and hands-on activities encourage imagination and creativity. This event is ideal for families looking for a playful, educational, and festive Halloween adventure, included with park admission.
4. San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween
Date: October 26
Location: Salvation Army Kroc Center
A community-centered event designed for families to enjoy free Halloween fun. Kids can participate in spooky arts and crafts, games, and interactive activities. Parents can explore resource booths while children are entertained in a safe environment. This festival provides a welcoming space for families to celebrate Halloween together without the stress of large crowds.
5. Nature Collective’s Fall Festival
Date: October 19–20
Location: Encinitas
Celebrate the season with outdoor Halloween fun that’s also educational. Children can participate in nature-themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and games while learning about the environment. Families can enjoy the fresh air and connect with nature while participating in fun, safe, and engaging Halloween activities. It’s perfect for parents who want a wholesome, outdoor experience for their kids.
6. Santee Lakes Spooktacular and Trunk-or-Treat
Date: October 25
Location: Santee
A stress-free, family-friendly Halloween experience where children can safely trick-or-treat from car trunks decorated for the occasion. The event also includes family games, interactive activities, and entertainment suited for all ages. Parents can feel confident letting kids enjoy the festivities in a secure and organized environment, making it ideal for younger children.
7. Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Date: October 31
Location: Little Italy
A neighborhood celebration featuring candy trails, festive decorations, and fun activities for kids. Families can enjoy a traditional Halloween experience with safe streets and friendly community engagement. Children can collect treats while exploring themed setups along the route, making it a memorable and interactive Halloween adventure.
8. Halloween at the Station
Date: October 26
Location: Liberty Station
This community event provides a variety of activities for children, including arts and crafts, treat stations, and seasonal games. Families can enjoy a safe and vibrant environment while participating in Halloween-themed entertainment. The event fosters community spirit while giving children a fun and memorable holiday experience.
9. Halloween Family Day at Balboa Park
Date: October 27
Location: Balboa Park
Children can enjoy museum-based activities with a seasonal twist. From themed crafts to educational exhibits, this event combines learning with Halloween fun. Parents can explore the park’s museums while kids engage in safe, interactive activities. It’s an excellent way to celebrate Halloween in a culturally enriching and entertaining environment.
10. Beachside Fall Fest at Belmont Park
Date: October 19–20
Location: Mission Beach
Celebrate Halloween with a festive beachside twist. Enjoy live music, seasonal foods, games, and vibrant decorations. Families can participate in interactive activities along the boardwalk and take in ocean views while enjoying Halloween fun. The park pass includes all activities, making it an affordable and entertaining experience for kids and parents alike.
Pro Tip: Make your trip to San Diego’s kid-friendly Halloween events even easier by booking a spacious sprinter van or minibus for a safe and comfortable ride for the whole family.
Haunted Houses and Scary Attractions
For thrill-seekers craving chills and scares, San Diego offers haunted mazes, eerie tours, and immersive horror zones. Most attractions are geared toward teens and adults seeking spine-tingling Halloween fun.
1. Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego
Date: September 26–November 1, 2025
Location: Mission Bay
Face haunted houses, scare zones, and nighttime coaster thrills in this adult-focused terror fest. Explore sinister cocktail bars, watch live shows like Monster Stomp, and experience immersive horror throughout the park. This event, celebrating its 5th year, pushes fear to the max with no safe zones. Guests encounter terrifying performers, detailed sets, and unique surprises around every corner. Not recommended for children under 13. Tickets start at $41.99.
2. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
Date: September 26–November 1, 2025
Location: Balboa Park
Navigate a one-mile haunted trail with chilling actors, spooky props, and movie-inspired scenes. The 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze challenges your courage with immersive sets, jump scares, and highly realistic makeup effects. Energetic performers make every turn an adrenaline rush, while VIP passes let you skip long lines. Tickets start at $32.99, making this a thrilling Halloween experience for teens and adults.
3. The Haunted Hotel Disturbance
Date: Select nights in October 2025
Location: Mission Valley
Step into a hotel transformed into a labyrinth of terror. Each room offers a unique scare, with dark hallways, eerie sounds, and interactive props designed to make your heart race. Performers interact with guests to heighten the thrill, creating a fully immersive horror experience. Perfect for adrenaline seekers, this haunted attraction tests courage and nerve. Check the official website for exact dates and ticket information.
4. Fort Cross Haunted Harvest
Date: October 18–25, 2025
Location: Julian
Experience a spooky farm adventure combining fall harvest charm with Halloween thrills. Ride through eerie hayrides, explore corn mazes, and navigate harvest-themed haunted attractions. While designed for families, the event includes frights for older kids and teens. Scenic mountain surroundings add to the atmosphere, making it a unique and memorable Halloween outing.
5. Ghosts & Gravestones Frightseeing Tour
Date: Year-round, with Halloween specials in October 2025
Location: Old Town
Hop on a trolley for a haunted history experience through San Diego’s most ghostly sites. Learn chilling tales of spirits, murders, and local legends from expert guides while traveling past eerie locations. The tour combines education and supernatural thrills, offering an engaging experience for adults and teens who enjoy history and haunted storytelling. Halloween specials enhance the spooky atmosphere with extra surprises.
6. Whaley House Tours
Date: Year-round, evenings in October 2025
Location: Old Town
Explore America’s most haunted house with evening guided tours. Discover the building’s dark history, paranormal stories, and reported ghost sightings in every room. The creaky floors, shadowy hallways, and authentic 19th-century atmosphere provide a genuine chill. Perfect for teens and adults seeking a historical haunt combined with genuine scares. Tickets include guided stories and opportunities for photos of this infamous haunted location.
7. Haunted Happenings Tour
Date: Year-round, with specials in October 2025
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Take a walking tour through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and learn about haunted locations, ghost sightings, and eerie legends. Guides provide entertaining storytelling with supernatural twists, blending history with fright. Guests experience atmospheric streets, spooky architecture, and interactive scares. Ideal for adults and teens who enjoy immersive ghost tours with thrills and cultural insights.
Pro Tip: Experience the thrills of San Diego’s haunted attractions without worrying about parking or safety by reserving an elegant ride through Black Car Service San Diego for your night out.
Halloween Parties and Nightlife
San Diego offers high-energy parties, themed bar crawls, and rooftop bashes for adults looking to celebrate Halloween with music, drinks, and costumes. Explore the nightlife in Gaslamp, Downtown, and beyond for a spooky night out with friends.
1. San Diego Zombie Crawl Halloween Parties
Date: October 24–25, 30–31; November 1, 2025
Location: Gaslamp Quarter
Join a five-night undead takeover with free entry to 25 bars, welcome shots, themed activations, and live entertainment. Celebrate both Halloween and Día de los Muertos in a massive party playground. Costumed participants can enjoy interactive zones, DJ sets, and immersive decor. Tickets include a $400 value of costumed fun, making it one of the city’s most epic adult-focused Halloween experiences.
2. Haunted Rooftop Party at Andaz San Diego
Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Downtown
Sip eerie cocktails while enjoying stunning city views at this rooftop Halloween bash. Themed decor, chilling music, and interactive setups create a sophisticated yet spooky atmosphere. Perfect for adults in costume looking for a stylish night out with friends. Enjoy exclusive Halloween-inspired drinks and a scenic, festive environment for a memorable experience.
3. Halloween Party Cruise (Pier Pressure)
Date: October 25 & 31, 2025
Location: Mission Bay / San Diego Bay
Board themed boat parties with DJs, dancing under the stars, open bars, and appetizers. This floating haunted adventure caters to 21+ crowds, offering a unique Halloween celebration on the water. Dress in pirate or costume-themed attire and enjoy a vibrant, interactive party atmosphere while cruising San Diego’s bay.
4. Haunted Hangar Bash (The Goonies Edition)
Date: October 24, 2025
Location: Downtown
Dive into a Goonies-themed adult Halloween party with spooky decorations, music, and interactive activities. Costumes are encouraged to enhance the nostalgic, adventurous vibe. This event is perfect for groups seeking a unique nightlife experience blending childhood nostalgia with chills and high-energy fun.
5. Gaslamp Quarter Monster Bash & Booze & Brews Bar Crawl
Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Gaslamp
Roam street parties, haunted bars, and themed venues with special drinks and live entertainment. This massive bar crawl immerses adults in a high-energy Halloween environment, perfect for costumed groups. Enjoy spooky decorations, DJ performances, and interactive experiences while celebrating the city’s most lively Halloween streets. Make it even more fun by booking a Party Bus Brewery Tour San Diego for your group, ensuring everyone travels safely and enjoys the night together.
6. San Diego Halloween Night Pub Crawl
Date: October 31, 2025
Location: Various locations
Hop between bars in a guided pub crawl with Halloween specials, drinks, and spooky vibes. Ideal for 21+ groups seeking casual bar-hopping fun in costume. Experience San Diego’s nightlife with interactive elements, themed music, and festive decorations. A perfect event for friends wanting a fun, social Halloween night out.
7. Hard Rock Hotel Halloween Party
Date: November 1, 2025
Location: Downtown
Rock out at this post-Halloween bash featuring live music, drinks, and themed festivities from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. This 21+ event is perfect for extending the spooky season with high-energy vibes and creative costumes. Enjoy an unforgettable night with immersive decor, DJ sets, and a lively crowd celebrating Halloween in style.
Pro Tip: Arrive in style at San Diego’s top adult Halloween parties and bar crawls with a luxury sedan or limousine from Chauffeur Service San Diego, so you can enjoy the night without any stress.
Pumpkin Patches and Fall Festivals
Daytime fun awaits families and kids with hayrides, corn mazes, pumpkin picking, and seasonal activities across San Diego. October is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor adventures, festive events, and cozy autumn experiences with loved ones.
1. Carlsbad Strawberry Company Pumpkin Patch
Date: Through October 31, 2025
Location: Carlsbad
Pick pumpkins in picturesque farm settings and capture memorable photos throughout the patch. Hayrides and corn mazes provide classic autumn fun for kids and adults alike, while seasonal treats, games, and activities keep the whole family entertained. Meet friendly farm animals, enjoy hands-on experiences, and immerse yourself in a festive, family-oriented fall atmosphere. This patch is perfect for parents seeking a fun and safe outdoor Halloween experience for little ones.
2. Bates Nut Farm Pumpkin Patch
Date: Through October 31, 2025
Location: Valley Center
Explore this historic location’s vast pumpkin fields, winding corn mazes, and fun farm rides. Families can interact with farm animals, try seasonal games, and enjoy hands-on daily fall activities. The farm also offers treats and snacks, making it ideal for a full day of entertainment. With plenty of space for children to run and explore, Bates Nut Farm provides a festive, classic fall experience for families seeking adventure and relaxation.
3. Oma’s Pumpkin Patch
Date: Through October 31, 2025
Location: Lakeside
Enjoy family-friendly pumpkin picking with hayrides, play areas, and interactive animal encounters. This charming patch emphasizes safe, engaging fun for little ones, with seasonal decorations, crafts, and activities to enhance the festive atmosphere. Parents can take photos, enjoy snacks, and join pumpkin-themed games, creating lasting autumn memories for the whole family. Oma’s Pumpkin Patch is ideal for families looking for a cozy, low-stress fall outing.
4. Mountain Valley Ranch Pumpkin Patch
Date: Through October 31, 2025
Location: Ramona
Experience adventure-filled fall activities, including pumpkin picking, navigating large corn mazes, and blasting corn cannons. Hayrides, games, and interactive challenges entertain kids and teens for hours. Scenic ranch views and open-air spaces add to the excitement, while seasonal treats and photo opportunities make this patch a favorite for energetic families seeking an immersive fall experience. Mountain Valley Ranch provides outdoor fun, adventure, and festive celebrations for all ages.
5. Julian Autumn Jubilee at Fort Cross
Date: Through October 25, 2025
Location: Julian
Enjoy a mountain-side autumn festival combining apple picking, pumpkin activities, hayrides, and fall-themed games. Families can explore the picturesque countryside, taste seasonal treats, and enjoy harvest-themed crafts and entertainment. The crisp mountain air adds charm to the cozy event, making it perfect for families seeking a relaxing rural escape with immersive seasonal experiences. Julian Autumn Jubilee offers fun, tradition, and memorable family moments.
6. Pumpkin Express Train Rides
Date: Saturdays & Sundays, October 4–26, 2025
Location: Campo
Ride vintage 1920s trains through scenic mountain landscapes, visiting themed displays and festive pumpkin areas. Pick pumpkins, enjoy hands-on activities, and explore interactive Halloween setups aboard the train. Live storytelling, scenic views, and unique seasonal decorations make this adventure perfect for families seeking an unforgettable outdoor fall experience. The Pumpkin Express combines history, Halloween fun, and autumn scenery for a memorable outing.
7. HauntFest on Main
Date: October 17, 2025
Location: El Cajon
Participate in costume contests, shop with local vendors, and explore the pumpkin patch and festival games. Spooky decorations, live entertainment, and community-focused activities create a lively environment for all ages. Children and adults can enjoy hands-on crafts, themed snacks, and seasonal fun throughout the event. HauntFest on Main is perfect for families looking for a high-energy, interactive, and festive fall celebration with something for everyone.
Pro Tip: Make the most of your daytime Halloween adventures with a family-friendly SUV rental in San Diego to travel comfortably between pumpkin patches and fall festivals.
Safety Tips for Halloween Events San Diego
- Costume Safety: Pick bright, reflective costumes so children are visible at night. Ensure costumes fit well and shoes are comfortable to prevent trips and falls.
- Trick-or-Treat Safety: Always supervise young children and stick to well-lit streets. Use flashlights or glow sticks and follow safe walking routes to avoid accidents.
- Candy Check: Inspect all treats before eating, especially from unfamiliar sources. Avoid homemade items from strangers to ensure safe snacking.
- Home Decorations: Keep walkways clear of obstacles, use battery-operated candles instead of real flames, and secure cords to prevent tripping hazards.
- Pet Safety: Keep pets in a separate room during festivities to reduce stress, prevent escapes, and avoid accidental bites.
- Pumpkin Carving: Use child-safe tools or supervised carving kits. Consider painting or decorating pumpkins as a safer alternative for younger kids.
- At-Home Fun: Organize DIY crafts, pumpkin decorating, or Halloween-themed movie nights for a safe and festive experience indoors.
- Virtual Options: Host online costume contests, scavenger hunts, or interactive games if outdoor activities aren’t safe, keeping the fun alive from home.
- Glow and Reflect: Add reflective tape to costumes, bags, or masks to make trick-or-treaters more visible to drivers at night.
- Buddy System: Encourage older kids to go trick-or-treating with friends or a responsible adult, ensuring they stay safe while having fun.
Transportation Tips: Get There Safely with San Diego Car Service
- Avoid Traffic Hassles: Halloween Events San Diego can cause heavy traffic, especially in Downtown, Mission Bay, Balboa Park, and Coronado.
- Book Early: Reserve your ride ahead of time, especially for busy Halloween weekend events.
- Choose the Right Vehicle: Luxury sedans for couples, spacious vans for families, or party buses for bar crawls.
- Neighborhood Coverage: We serve all San Diego areas so you can arrive relaxed and on time.
- Safety First: Avoid driving after enjoying themed cocktails—let your chauffeur handle the road.
- Comfortable Travel: Enjoy a smooth ride without worrying about parking or directions.
Conclusion about Halloween Events San Diego
Halloween 2025 in San Diego is fun for everyone—families, teens, and adults. From safe trick-or-treating, haunted attractions, and pumpkin patches to high-energy parties and themed cruises, there’s something for every spooky enthusiast. Plan your visit, mark the dates, and enjoy the season without stress.
Book your luxury ride with San Diego Car Service today and make this Halloween memorable!