Hey Wanderlust Warriors, Yeah You, the one scrolling through your phone at 11 p.m. wondering, “Where are the best Halloween events near me in California right now?” I have been there-last year I was that chaotic friend in a half-finished vampire cape, frantically Googling “Haunts open tonight.” Spoiler :- I found gold. Let’s skip the panic and dive straight into the Halloween Events Near Me in California that will make your October epic. Ready? Let’s roll.
Southern California :- Where Screams Meet Sunshine
SoCal doesn’t do subtle. When Halloween hits, it’s all fog machines, celebrity-level production, and lines longer than In-N-Out on a Friday. But trust me-these *Hallranking Halloween Events near me in California are worth the hype.
Los Angeles :- The King of Halloween Chaos
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights (September 4 – November 2, 2025) is the Beyonce of Haunts. I went last year as a “Sexy Zombie” (don’t judge), and the Terror Tram had me clinging to a stranger like we were in Titanic. New for 2025 :- Texas Chainsaw Massacre and Ghostbusters :- Frozen Empire houses. Tickets? $69 – $159.
Pro Tip :- Buy the Early Access Pass or Cry in the Standby Line.
- Address :- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
- Best For :- 16+ (13+ with adult)
- Scare level :- 9/10 – I screamed so loud I lost my voice.
Meanwhile, Los Angeles Haunted Hayride in Griffith Park (select nights through Nov 2) turns foggy trails into a slasher film. $39.99 gets you witches, clowns, and a tractor ride you will never forget. Wear boots-mud happens.
Orange County & Buena Park :- Theme Park Takeover
Knott’s Scary Farm (Sept 18 – Nov 1) Flips the peanut-loving park into a nightmare factory. 10 mazes, 5 scare zones, and roller coasters in the dark? Yes, please. I rode Ghost Rider at midnight and questioned my life choices. Tickets :- $59 – $99.
over in Long Beach, Queen Mary Dark Harbor (Sept 19 – Nov 2) haunts the actual haunted ship. Mazes in the boiler room? Chills. $49 – $99. For Your Information :- The Captain’s VIP Tour includes front-of-line and a secret bar. Worth it.
San Diego :- Family Fun Meets Frights
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat (Weekends in Oct) is pure joy for Kids. Costume contests, LEGO pumpkins, and candy trails-my niece built a Frankenstein out of Bricks and Called it “Uncle Frank.” $79+ with park admission.
For grown-ups, Cinema Under the Stars Halloween Film Festival (Oct 21) screens Hocus Pocus outdoors. &18. Bring blankets, wine, and zero shame for singing “I put a Spell on You.”
Northern California: Fog, Vibes, and Bay Area Boo-gie
The Bay turns Halloween into an artsy, slightly unhinged party. Think warehouse raves, drag witches, and more glitter than a Pride parade.
San Francisco: Party Like It’s 1699
Grave Rave at White Rabbit Bar (Oct 31) is a neon-lit dance party in a faux cemetery. $20–$40. I saw a 7-foot drag queen dressed as a Victorian ghost—iconic.
Halloween Night Bazaar (Oct 31, 6 PM–midnight) at Spark Social SF offers spooky vendors, food trucks, and tarot readings. Free entry. I bought a crystal that “wards off bad vibes.” Still waiting for results. :/
- Location: 601 Mission Bay Blvd N, SF
- Vibe: Hipster meets haunted
- Bring: Cash for vendors, ID for bars
San Jose & Oakland: Underdog Haunts
Purani Haveli Bollywood Halloween Bash at The Continental Bar (Oct 31) mixes RRR beats with monster makeup. $25. The dance floor? Electric.
In Oakland, Spooky Halloween Night at Original Pattern Brewing (Oct 31) pairs craft IPAs with a costume contest. Free entry, $8–$10 beers. Their pumpkin ale slaps.
Central California: Pumpkin Patches & Hidden Gems
Want to escape the chaos? The Valley delivers chill Halloween events near me in California with actual fresh air.
Fresno & Beyond
Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch (Sept 27 – Oct 26, weekends) has a 12-acre corn maze, train rides, and pumpkins the size of toddlers. $10–$15. Pet-friendly too—bring Fido!
Highly Exclusive Halloween Party (Oct 31, Fresno) is invite-only. How to get in? Follow their IG, solve a riddle, and pray. I made it last year—think speakeasy meets Eyes Wide Shut. No phones allowed.
Monterey & Central Coast
Old Fisherman’s Wharf Costume Contest (Oct 31, 3 PM) awards $500 for best costume. Free to enter. I saw a guy dressed as a giant crab—10/10 creativity.
Statewide Theme Park Magic: Pick Your Poison
| Park | Vibe | Dates | Price | My Take |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Disneyland Halloween Time | Whimsical | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | $104+ | Met Jack Skellington. Cried happy tears. |
| Six Flags Fright Fest | Intense | Sept 14 – Oct 27 | $55+ | New “DCeased” maze = zombie superheroes. Wild. |
Disneyland wins for nostalgia; Six Flags for screams. Choose wisely.
Pro Tips for Surviving Halloween in CA
- Book tickets NOW—Universal sold out 3 weeks early last year.
- Layer up: SoCal = 75°F day, 55°F night. NorCal = fog soup.
- Use rideshare: Parking is a nightmare (and $30+).
- Download the apps: Universal, Knott’s, and Disneyland have wait time trackers.
FAQs: Real Questions, Real Answers About Spooky Halloween Events Near Me in California
Q :- What are the best last-minute Halloween events near me in California?
Check Eventbrite or AllEvents.in for Oct 31 pop-ups. Bars like The Continental (San Jose) and White Rabbit (SF) often have free entry parties.
Q :- Are any Halloween events in California pet-friendly?
Yes! Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch (Fresno) and some Bay Area bazaars allow leashed dogs. Theme parks? Hard no (except service animals).
Q :- How much are tickets to major haunts?
- Universal: $69–$159
- Knott’s: $59–$99
- Queen Mary: $49–$99
- Free options: SF Night Bazaar, Monterey Wharf contest
Q :- What should I wear?
Comfy shoes, layers, and a costume that survives fog/sweat. Skip full-face masks at security lines.
Q :- Any events for kids under 10?
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat, Disneyland, and Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch are gold. Avoid Horror Nights—nightmares guaranteed.
Q :- When do most Halloween events in California start selling tickets?
Big Haunts like Universal Horror Nights and Knott’s Scary Farm drop tickets in June/July. Smaller events (Pumpkin patches, bar parties) go live in August/September. Set calendar alerts-popular dates sell out in hours.
Q :- Are there any free Halloween events near me in California?
Hell yes!!
- San Francisco Halloween Night Bazaar :- free entry
- Old Fisherman’s Wharf Costume Contest (Monterey) :- free to watch/enter
- Oakland First Fridays Halloween Edition :- street party, no cover
- Downtown LA Trick-or-Treat on Broadway :- Family-friendly, free candy stops.
Q :- What’s the Scariest Halloween event in California?
Knott’s Scary Farm takes the crown-50+ years of Perfecting jump scares. New 2025 maze “Carnival of Nightmares” has actors under your feet.
Q :- Can I bring my toddler to Halloween events in California?
Stick to daytime or early-evening events :-
- Disneyland Halloween Time :- (ends 6 PM for little ones)
- LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat :- (Closes 7 PM)
- Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch (no scare actors) Skip anything with “Horror,” “Scary,” or “18+” in the name.
Q :- Are there adult-only (21+) Halloween Parties in California?
Oh Yes :-
- Grave Rave (SF) :- 21+ Only, Full Bar
- Queen Mary Dark Harbor VIP :- Secret speakeasy with craft cocktails
- The Continental Bollywood Bash (San Jose) :- ID checked at door
- Wisdome LA Immersive Halloween Rave :- 21+, EDM + 360° projections
Q :- What happens if it rains on Halloween in California?
Most Outdoor events have Rain-or-Shine policies. Pumpkin patches get muddy so bring boots. Theme parks run mazes indoors. Bar parties? Rain = More dancing inside. Check event websites-some offer Rain Checks or Refunds.
Q :- How early Should I arrive at popular Halloween events in California?
- Universal/Knott’s :- 1-2 hours before opening for shortest lines
- Queen Mary :- 45 mins (Parking is a zoo)
- Pumpkin patches :- Anytime-weekends busiest 11 AM-3 PM Pro move: Hit haunts on Thursdays or early October for smaller crowds.
Q :- Are there any LGBTQ+-friendly Halloween events in California?
Absolutely :-
- San Francisco Castro Halloween :- (Oct 31) – Iconic, Inclusive street party
- WeHo Halloween Carnaval :- (West Hollywood) – 500K+ attendees, drag galire
- Oakland Queeroween :- Safe space, queer vendors, zero judgment
Q :- What is the best Way to find Local Halloween Events near me in California on the same day?
- Google :- “Halloween events near me California Tonight.”
- Apps :- Eventbrite, AllEvents.in, Fever
- Instagram :- Search Location + #Halloween2025
- Radio :- Stations like KIIS-FM (LA) or Wild 94.9 (SF) announce pop-ups
- Stay Updated With JourneyJ.com
Final Haunted Thought About Halloween Events Near Me in California
California’s got Halloween events near me in California for every vibe—screaming in LA, dancing in SF, or carving pumpkins in Fresno. I’ve done ‘em all, and yeah, I’m still recovering from that chainsaw guy at Knott’s. Your turn: grab your crew, pick your poison, and make this October legendary. Who knows—you might even beat my record of 4 haunts in one weekend. 😈
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Disclaimer: Information is accurate as of November 2025 but subject to change. Always check with the hotel or booking platforms for the latest details.
