It’s the time for ghosts, goblins, pumpkins and plenty of fun. San Diego knows how to celebrate Halloween with an assortment of events and activities for all ages. Check out our 2022 guide to get the scoop on all that is happening in the region.
Sesame Place
For the first time, guests can celebrate Halloween at Sesame Place San Diego! The South Bay theme park will host a Countdown to Halloween show, Furry Friends Halloween Dance Party and plenty of meet-and-greets with favorites from the beloved “Sesame Street” show. The theme park will also transform its popular parade to fit the Halloween theme. Guests can purchase a daily pass or buy a 2023 season pass, which will include admission for the remainder of 2022. For more information, go to sesameplace.com.
Spreckels Organ Society
Spreckels Organ Society will host a special Halloween concert and silent movie on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 6 p.m. with the “Phantom of the Opera,” accompanied by the Spreckels Pipe Organ, the largest open air musical instrument in the world! The event will begin with a pre-concert talk with the artists at 5:30 p.m., along with a silent auction and games. At 6 p.m., Victoria Robertson, soprano, and Bernardo Bermúdez, tenor, will sing excerpts from the popular Broadway show, “Phantom of the Opera.” At 6:30 p.m., the 1925 “Phantom of the Opera” silent movie will be portrayed on a big screen atop the Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage, accompanied by Mark Herman, organist. For more information, go to SpreckelsOrgan.org.
Bates Nut Farm
San Diego’s beloved Bates Nut Farm is back in action this Halloween. Visitors can head to the North County farm to tour the pumpkin field where you can pick out a perfect pumpkin. For a small fee, you can also go for a ride on a tractor, ride a pony or visit the petting zoo. For a quarter, you can feed the farm’s animals. The farm is open daily but charges $5 per car for parking on the weekends. For more information, go to batesnutfarm.biz.
Legoland
Legoland’s annual Brick-or-Treat is back! Grab the family and their costumes to go trick-or-treating at Legoland where the park has also unveiled a new 4D movie titled “The Great Monster Chase.” Guests can also enjoy live entertainment and shows, character meet and greets, a costume contest and more. For more information, go to legoland.com/california.
Pumpkin Stations
The Pumpkin Station is bringing back its annual event with locations in Mission Valley, Escondido and Bonita. Visitors will be able to pick a pumpkin, get lost in the corn maze or hop onto a hayride. The Mission Valley station will also have an assortment of carnival rides. For more information, go to pumpkinstation.com/.
Mr. Jack O’ Lanterns Pumpkin Patches
A Pumpkin Patch is returning to La Jolla courtesy of Mr. Jack O’Lanterns. These pumpkin patches will have photo opportunities, mazes, pumpkin decoration stations, bounce houses and more. For more information, go to mrjackolanternspumpkins.com.
Carlsbad Strawberry Farm
The Carlsbad Strawberry Farm is open for some Halloween fun this month. Visitors will be able to enjoy its pumpkin patch, tour its corn maze and even shoot apples through a cannonball! Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for fun selfies with photo booths around the farm. For more information, go to carlsbadstrawberrycompany.com/.
The Scream Zone
Here is one for the real thrill-seekers (but maybe, not so much for the kids!). The Scream Zone at The Del Mar Fairgrounds is hosting its annual fright fest with plenty of terrifying scenes, including body parts, monsters and “evil spells.” The event will also have food vendors, bar and photo opps. For information, go to thescreamzone.com/.
Balboa Park
Here’s another one for the thrill-seekers! Balboa Park is bringing back its eXperiment Maze and Haunted Trail with plenty of gory, creepy and scary attractions to leave you entertained. The Haunted Trail is a longtime event at the beloved park and has been named one of the haunted attractions in the country. For more information, go to hauntedtrail.net.
SeaWorld Spooktacular and Howl-o-Scream
SeaWorld is bringing back its annual Halloween extravaganza with trick-or-treating, costume contests and plenty of themed entertainment. Guests can also enjoy the Howl-o-Scream where plenty of scary attractions will fill the theme park. If your screams leave you breathless, don’t worry as the park will also serve cocktails, beers and spirits. Best of all, children under the age of 9 receive free park admission with the purchase of an adult ticket through Oct. 31. For more information, go to seaworld.com/san-diego/events.
Outdoor Movies at Town and Country Resort
Each Sunday night starting at 8 p.m., Town and Country Resort‘s Monkey Bar will host “Flicks + Sips,” free outdoor screenings of popular Halloween movies, including “Hocus Pocus” and “Beetlejuice.” Guests can enjoy complimentary popcorn, or purchase movie theatre candy and speciality cocktails. For more information, go to towncountry.com.
Loews Coronado Bay Resort‘s HalLOEWSween
Loews Coronado will host HalLOEWSween, a free family-friendly event, at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 29. The event includes a trick-or-treat trail where kids can explore the hotel’s spooky and themed gardens, and collect candy from trick-or-treat locations throughout the resort. Executive Chef Jesse Llapitan will present a selection of festive food options, including spaghetti and eyeballs. Adults can also enjoy Halloween-themed cocktails, including a witches brew, candy corn martini and a pumpkin old-fashioned. At 8 p.m., there will be a free screening of “Hocus Pocus.” For more information, go to loewshotels.com/coronado-bay-resort.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station is holding its annual Halloween at the Station on Sunday, Oct. 30 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. This all-ages, free event includes live music, crafts, entertainers and an all-ages costume contest, with a pets round too! Liberty Station businesses will also open their doors for attendees to enjoy trick-or-treating.
India Street
Take your kids trick-or-treating on India Street from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 28. Families, ghouls and goblins are invited to walk through the neighborhood collecting some of the best candy available, meet friends, neighbors, and business owners and even snap some fun pics at the cutest photo stations in the beautiful Piazza della Famiglia.
The Forum Carlsbad
Join The Forum Carlsbad for an afternoon of free trick-or-treating, creepy characters, Halloween activities, photo booths and tunes. Arrive at The Forum in costume to trick-or-treat through participating stores and restaurants from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m Saturday, Oct. 29. Each child will receive a complimentary bucket to collect candy. Plus, local band, Hullabaloo, will perform and entertain guests from 3:00 to 5:00 pm.
What did we miss in this Halloween Guide? Email hoaq@timesofsandiego.com or tell us in the comments.