Celebrate the upcoming Halloween holiday with a spooky outing or a family-friendly event in San Diego County. The region is home to a variety of upcoming happenings. Here’s a snippet of what you can do this year.
San Diego
Balboa Park: The park will host a free Halloween Family Day from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. Attendees can expect Day of the Day attractions, carnival games and live entertainment. Of course, the museums will be open with some hosting fun events. For a full schedule, go to balboaparkconservancy.org/project/halloween/.
Birch Aquarium: The beach-side attraction will host its 20th Haunted Aquarium this year from 6 p.m. to p.m. on Oct. 25, 26 and 27. Guests, who are encouraged to wear costumes, can expect Halloween crafts and spooky games. For more information, go to aquarium.ucsd.edu/experiences/events/haunted-aquarium.
San Diego Zoo: The world-famous San Diego Zoo is hosting Halgloween with a bubble dance party, glowing hula hoops and fun exhibits. The bash is set for the weekends of Oct. 18-20 and Oct. 25-27. For more information, go to zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.
SeaWorld: Spooktacular returns to SeaWorld San Diego this month where park guests can expect free trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches and Halloween-themed shows. The events happen every weekend through Oct. 27. For more information, go to seaworld.com/san-diego/events/halloween-spooktacular/.
Belmont Park: San Diego’s oceanfront amusement park transforms until a Fall Fest. Attendees can expect free trick-or-treating, pumpkin patches and other themed events. Festivities will take place every weekend through November. For more information, go to belmontpark.com/event/boomont-park-fall-fest/2018-10-05/.
Little Italy: Trick-or-Treat on India Street will return for the 13th year and welcomes all ages to dress up in their best costume attire to enjoy an evening of authentic trick-or-treating. Little Italy businesses will open their doors from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25 for urban families to experience the Halloween tradition of trick-or-treating in a safe environment. For more information, go to littleitalysd.com/events/trick-or-treat-on-india-street.
Liberty Station: Halloween at the Station will activate the North Promenade for its Halloween extravaganza from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 27. San Diegans can expect to see a Hollywood car show with famous blockbuster iconic cars, Halloween-inspired games, an inflatable 40-foot obstacle course, live music and entertainment, a costume contest, pumpkin patch, and traditional trick-or-treating throughout the community.For more information, go to libertystation.com/events/halloween-at-the-station.
Haunted Hotel and Trail: The Haunted Hotel in Mission Valley and Haunted Trail in Balboa Park return again this year. For those who really enjoy a good spook, expect plenty of creepy costumes and screams. For more information or to get a coupon, go to hauntedhotel.com.
Ghosts and Gravestones: Learn about the history San Diego as you go on a spooky tour through the city. Find out about ghost sightings and odd mysteries in areas like the Gaslamp Quarter and the Whaley House. For more information or to make a reservation, go to ghostsandgravestones.com/san-diego/tickets.
Pumpkin Patches: In the city of San Diego, you can expect to find pumpkin patches in Rancho Bernardo, Mission Valley, Pacific Beach and La Jolla. For more information, go to sandiego.org/campaigns/fall-in-san-diego/halloween/pumpkin-patches.
South Bay
Halloween Fest: Calvary San Diego will host a free carnival from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Guests can expect free trick-or-treating, costume contests and carnival games. For more information, go to eventbrite.com/e/halloween-fest-2019-tickets.
Villains in the Village: Go for a spooky stroll down Third Avenue in Chula Vista for Villains in the Village. The event, which takes place from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 features trick-or-treating, scary costumes and delicious brews and eats. For more information, go to thirdavenuevillage.com/villains-in-the-village/.
Booktacular: The National City library will host a Booktacular Giveaway from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Those who dress in costume will receive a free book! Guests can also expect free trick-or-treating and children’s activities. For more information, go to nationalcityca.gov/Home/Components/Calendar/Event/6101/725.
Pumpkin Patches: South Bay residents can find pumpkin patch fun in Bonita, National City and Chula Vista. For more information, go to www.sandiego.org/campaigns/fall-in-san-diego/halloween/pumpkin-patches.
East County
HauntFest on Main: Downtown El Cajon will transform for the annual HauntFest on Main. The event, which takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. features carnival rides, a candy trail, outdoor movies and a costume contest. For more information, go to cityofelcajon.us/discover-el-cajon/events/hauntfest-on-main.
Lakeside Halloween Festival: Gather the family for the Lakeside Halloween Festival on Thursday, Oct. 31. The event, which beings at 5 p.m. at the Lakeside Community Center, features free trick-or-treating, games, music and more. For more information, go to countynewscenter.com/events/lakeside-halloween-festival/.
Spooky Campover: Animal rescue Lions Tigers and Bears in East County will host a Spooky Campover on Oct. 25. Guests can expect campfire songs, pumpkin carving and a Halloween contest. For more information, go to lionstigersandbears.org/our-events/spooky-camp-over.
Pumpkin Patches: East County residents can find pumpkin patches in Lakeside, Alpine and Campo. For more information, go to sandiego.org/campaigns/fall-in-san-diego/halloween/pumpkin-patches.aspx.
North County
Legoland: Legoland is hosting its annual Brick-or-Treat party nights Oct. 19 and Oct. 26. Guests can expect live entertainment, costume contests, dance parties and lots of treat stations. For more information, go to legoland.com/california/legoland-california/entertainment/events/brick-or-treat/.
The Scream Zone: Scream like you’ve never screamed before with The Scream Zone in Del Mar. Dubbed the “largest haunted experience” in the region, guests can expect the scariest scenes at the Del Mar attraction, which runs through Nov. 2. For more information, go to thescreamzone.com.
Halloween in the Village: Downtown Carlsbad will transform Saturday, Oct. 26. Attendees can expect pumpkin bowling, trick-or-treating, face painting and more. For more information, go to visitcarlsbad.com/events/10262019-halloween-village/.
Pumpkin Patches: North County residents looking for pumpkin fun can find pumpkin patches in Carlsbad, San Marcos and of course, at the popular Bates Nut Farm. For more information, go to sandiego.org/campaigns/fall-in-san-diego/halloween/pumpkin-patches.aspx.
Did we miss a Halloween event or attraction? Tell us about it in the comments.