It may not be Halloween just yet, but the spooky season has already begun in San Diego County — and events taking place throughout October and into November.
There’s haunting fun for all ages, from frightening to not-so-scary celebrations. Whether you want to get into the Halloween spirit before or after Oct. 31, don’t miss the chance to enjoy one, or many, of these events.
A haunted Halloween in the city of San Diego
The Haunted Trail and The eXperiment Maze
Sept. 26 through Nov. 1 | Balboa Park | $34.99+
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park has returned with two haunts in one: the 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze and the milelong Haunted Trail winding through the twisted pines and gnarled oaks of historic Marston Point. Attendees can enjoy two ghostly experiences at one location.
Gaslamp Walking Tour by Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours
Times and dates vary | Gaslamp | $42
Walk around downtown San Diego, looking into the dark history, true crime and haunting ghost stories that permeate the Gaslamp District.
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash
Oct. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. | Hangar Deck, USS Midway Museum | $25
This family-friendly event promises a night full of fun activities, contests, crafts and more. Dress up in your favorite costume and get ready to indulge in some tasty treats, and there’s magic potion cocktails for the adults.
University Heights Fall Festival
Oct. 18 from noon to 5 p.m. | University Heights | Free
The annual University Heights Fall Festival is a free event open to the public. From live music and performances to arts and crafts, there are many free activities to explore. For those seeking extra excitement, ticketed activities like face painting, potion-making, bounce houses, horse-drawn hayrides, seasonal pie tasting and more are available.
Bayside Boo – Spirited Night by the Bay
Oct. 31 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. | Seaport Village | Free
Experience a spirited night by the bay, presented by the Seaport Fudge Factory. Bayside Boo will feature spooky beats, sweet treats and plenty of festive fun.
Halloween Aglow
Oct. 24 and 25 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | La Jolla | $40+
When the sun goes down, the Birch Aquarium lights go up. Halloween Aglow is a family-friendly event where guests can trick-or-treat around the aquarium, explore Living Seas — the newest exhibit — and watch scuba divers transform the aquarium into an underwater pumpkin patch. Ticket sales opened at noon on Sept. 26.
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Oct. 26, 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. | Little Italy | Free
Little Italy is bringing back Halloween tradition Trick-or-Treat on India Street. Enjoy an evening of authentic trick-or-treating, jumping from door-to-door asking for Halloween treats and candy from participating Little Italy businesses along India Street. The Piazza della Famiglia will also get a spooky makeover as it will transform into the “Nightmare Before Christmas.” A giant 13’ Jack Skellington and large pumpkin stacks will fill the Piazza. Maps of participating businesses will be available at the Piazza on India and W. Date Street. Cedar through Grape streets will be closed for the event.
SeaWorld Spooktacular
Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 1 | Mission Beach | $67.99+
Set sail on SeaWorld’s pirate-themed Halloween adventure. This year’s Spooktacular offers a treasure trove for the whole family. With trick-or-treat stations and a charming pumpkin patch, there’s festive fun for everyone during this daytime event.
Halloween at the Station
Oct. 26, noon to 4 p.m. | Liberty Station | Free
Liberty Station invites the community to join for a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration. Visit Ingram Plaza for live entertainment with a DJ set, a Hollywood car show, inflatable obstacle courses, crafts, activities and more trick-or-treating throughout Liberty Station for all to enjoy.
Spooky events in North County
Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Haunted Corn Maze
Fridays and Saturdays in October from 7 to 10 p.m. | Carlsbad | $25+
Looking for a spooky adventure this Halloween season? Carlsbad Haunted Corn Maze partners with the Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation for a haunting experience. The Carlsbad Strawberry Company also has pumpkins, tractor rides, games, food and a regular 1.5-mile corn maze.
Brick-or-Treat Monster Party
Saturdays and Sundays | Carlsbad | $84+
Monsters take over Legoland, this family-friendly event has not-too-scary fun for all ages such as live shows, limited-time attractions, costume contests and of course, trick-or-treating at candy stations across the Park. The Brick-or-Treat event is included with the purchase of tickets and select passes at Legoland for the month of October.
Family-friendly fun in East County
HauntFest on Main
Oct. 17 from 4 to 9 p.m.| Downtown El Cajon | Free
HauntFest on Main is an annual family-friendly Halloween-themed event held in downtown El Cajon. This free event features live music, costume contests, carnival rides, a haunted car show and a variety of local vendors offering food, crafts, games and more.
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Haunted Circus: Monsters at Play
Oct. 17 from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | El Cajon | Free
The Magnolia is hosting its third annual Haunted Circus at its historic theater in El Cajon, as part of the city of El Cajon’s HauntFest celebration. Guests can RSVP to enjoy thrilling circus-style performances, including jugglers, aerialists and acrobats. This year’s theme, “Monsters at Play,” promises a lively and spooky experience for all ages.
Santee Lakes Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat
Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Santee | $10
The third annual Spooktacular Santee Lakes event returns. Get ready for a day of food trucks, face painting, inflatables, a DJ, trick-or-treating and much more. Plus, special guests Dorothy, Scarecrow, Tin Man and the Lion will join the event at Lake 1 and Lake 2. There will be a Mary’s Donut Walk where local businesses will decorate trunks and booths to give away tons of candy.
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