Halloween and Día de los Muertos Celebrations and Specials in San Diego

Hotel del Coronado’s Paranormal Tour Goes Beyond the Ghost Story

Hotel del Coronado is offering something beyond the usual Kate Morgan ghost tale with their Paranormal Tour. You’ll learn the official account of her 1892 visit, then actually enter her guestroom with modern ghost-hunting equipment to investigate whether her spirit still roams the hotel.

The tour examines clues she left behind and explores whether recent restoration has disturbed any spirits. Ghost hunting equipment and access to the actual room elevate this beyond typical hotel ghost tours.

Whether you’re a believer or skeptic, the combination of verified history and hands-on investigation makes for genuinely unique evening entertainment.

📆 October 31
📍 1500 Orange Ave, Coronado
🎟️ Book here
ℹ️ More info here

📆 September 26 – November 1
📍 The corner of Balboa Dr & Juniper in Balboa Park
🎟️ Tickets can be purchased here
ℹ️ More info here

The Best Pumpkin Patches in San Diego

Sure, the local grocery stores all have pumpkins for sale this time of year, but nothing beats going pumpkin-hunting at a real pumpkin patch! Here are the best pumpkin patches in San Diego to explore.

Birch Aquarium’s Halloween Aglow Turns La Jolla Spooky After Dark

After the sun goes down, Birch Aquarium lights up for Halloween Aglow—a family-friendly evening that transforms La Jolla’s marine science hub into something genuinely different.

A 12-foot-tall skeleton joins the Giant Kelp Forest while scuba divers carve pumpkins underwater, creating the kind of after-hours aquarium experience that feels special rather than just extended hours with decorations.

Trick-or-treat around the aquarium in costume (ocean-themed gets bonus points), boo-gie down to live music, and play games like Skeeball and Whac-a-Mole. The newest exhibit, Living Seas, transforms from day to night mode, while Scripps Oceanography showcases weird and wonderful research.

When a marine science institution does Halloween, you get educational sea creatures alongside traditional spooky vibes—the best of both worlds.

📆 Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25, 6 PM – 8:30 PM
📍 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla
🎟️ Get tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

---

Howl-O-Scream Marks Five Years of Terror at SeaWorld San Diego

San Diego’s largest nighttime Halloween event returns as Howl-O-Scream transforms SeaWorld into a sinister playground of terror.

The fifth anniversary delivers five haunted houses, eight scare zones, four vile vignettes, and nighttime coaster rides through the dark. Six themed bars and five speakeasies serve fiendishly crafted cocktails while horrifying creatures roam the grounds.

Live shows add to the monstrous atmosphere as you navigate terrifying attractions and try to evade the eyes of evil lurking around every corner. It’s an adrenaline-pumping experience that cranks up the fear factor beyond typical Halloween fare.

📆 September 12 – November 1, select nights
📍 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego
🎟️ Click here for tickets
ℹ️ More info here

---

San Diego Zoo’s HalGLOween Returns

The San Diego Zoo is transforming into a glowing wonderland every weekend in October with HalGLOween, their after-dark event for families looking for Halloween fun without the intense scares.

Glittering lights illuminate the zoo paths while interactive entertainment and themed activities create that festive October atmosphere.

The “glow” aspect is front and center – colorful illuminations transform familiar pathways into something magical and slightly mysterious, all designed for all ages. The after-dark timing changes the entire experience, with many animals more active during evening hours.

Zoo members get exclusive preview access, and the weekend-only format gives families flexibility to pick whichever weekend works best for their schedule.

📆 Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout October
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

San Diego Zombie Crawl Infects Gaslamp Quarter With Five Nights of Undead Mayhem

The San Diego Zombie Crawl transforms the Gaslamp Quarter into Freakish Fifth Avenue for five nights of zombie apocalypse revelry. Your official “Hunting Permit” unlocks free access to 20 clubs, taverns, and speakeasies, plus eight welcome potions and 50+ drink and dining deals worth over $400.

Crawl at your own pace with maps and suggested routes, or take advantage of haunted hotel rates at Andaz, Moxy, and Margaritaville. Special effects makeup, live entertainment, costume contests, and $12 parking with free overnight options complete the experience.

With tens of thousands roaming the streets in full undead glory, it’s downtown San Diego’s premier Halloween celebration where you trick and they treat.

📆 October 24, 25, 30, 31 & November 1, 6 PM – 2 AM
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

Spooky Season in Temecula: More Than Just Wine

Sometimes the best Halloween move is getting out of San Diego entirely. Temecula Valley is an hour north with wine-fueled costume parties, haunted hayrides, and ghost tours worth the drive.

Standouts include CarnEvil Ball at Europa Village, Headless Horseman Harvest Wagon Ride, and Peltzer Winery’s HalloWine Party with Witch’s Brew Sangria. Fazeli Cellars hosts a Haunted Masquerade Ball, while Booze and Boos Tour lets you sip through haunted Old Town aboard a ghostly cable car.

The wine country setting elevates typical Halloween activities—costume contests hit different when you’re already sipping at a vineyard.

📆 Throughout October
ℹ️ More info here

La Jolla Shores Hotel Hosts Howl-O-Ween Party

La Jolla Shores Hotel is going full paws to the wall with a Howl-O-Ween Happy Hour and pet costume party at The Shores Restaurant on Halloween.

You can bring your pups to dine in the outdoor areas for a chance to win a one-night stay at the hotel – just enjoy lunch or dinner, snap a photo of your costumed four-legged friend at the doggy photo station, and tag the hotel on social media to enter.

Pups can order from the Canine menu with options like the Hot Diggity Dog, Half Hound Hamburger, and Good Dog New York Strip Steak, while their humans enjoy oceanfront dining and drinks with Happy Hour pricing.

The first furry friends to arrive score a complimentary wag bag loaded with goodies from local pet brands, including Real Dog, Dexter’s Deli, Scoops La Jolla, and Pooches Kitchen.

📆 Friday, October 31, 11 AM – 9 PM
🎟️ Make your reservations here
ℹ️ More info here

Carnivale Noir Turns The Rooftop Bar in O’Side Into a Twisted Circus in the Sky

The Rooftop Bar transforms into a moonlit big top for Carnivale Noir, a sultry masquerade inspired by vintage traveling circuses. Think bearded ladies, snake charmers, and seductive ringmasters meeting dark disco and freaky house music under the stars.

A guest DJ spins hypnotic beats on the oceanfront dance floor while firelit ambiance sets the mood. Private cabana bottle service comes with special pricing, and a late-night carnival menu runs until 11 PM.

Enter the costume contest for hauntingly good prizes as staff in themed circus noir attire complete the atmosphere. It’s a high-flying Halloween party where innocence stays at the door.

📆 Friday, October 31, 7 PM
📍 201 N Myers St, Oceanside
🎟️ Purchase tickets here

Parq Nightclub Unleashes Carnival of the Damned for Halloween Night

Parq Nightclub transforms into Carnival of the Damned this Halloween, with DJs Saber and Swish providing the soundtrack for a night of dark revelry. Costumes are encouraged as the club embraces the eerie carnival theme, creating an atmosphere that’s equal parts nightlife and nightmare.

VIP table service is available for those looking to elevate the experience beyond the dance floor.

It’s a late-night Halloween party that leans into the damned and dramatic, perfect for anyone ready to dance until the witching hour passes.

📆 Friday, October 31, 10 PM – 2 AM
📍 615 Broadway, San Diego
🎟️ Get tickets here | VIP tables available here
ℹ️ More info here

RAVEYARD Returns to Barleymash for Halloween Night Frights

Barleymash transforms into the RAVEYARD this Halloween, delivering Gaslamp’s biggest haunt with DJs spinning all night, drink specials, giveaways, and a costume contest. Creepy cocktails steal the show, including the Midnight Margarita, Spooky Season, and Dark Matter, all crafted with Teremana Tequila.

It’s a night where the dance floor meets the graveyard, turning barleymash into a haunted party destination that’ll linger in your memory long after the fog clears.

📆 Friday, October 31
📍 600 5th Ave., Gaslamp District, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

Spooky Campover and Pumpkin Bash at Lions Tigers & Bears

Lions Tigers & Bears is hosting a Spooky Campover and Pumpkin Bash that lets you camp just steps away from rescued big cats and bears.

You can fall asleep to the actual sounds of the wild before diving into classic Halloween activities like pumpkin carving, an all-ages haunted house, a costume contest, and s’mores by the fire with plenty of hot cocoa.

Parents can hit up the Spookeasy bar for cocktails while the kids run around. The next morning, wake up to the roars of lions before watching the animals devour their pumpkin treats during the Pumpkin Bash – each pumpkin is filled with tasty surprises for fall-themed enrichment.

It’s a pretty unique way to experience Halloween if you’re tired of the usual neighborhood trick-or-treating routine.

📆 Friday, October 24 – Saturday, October 25
🎟️ Reserve your spot here
ℹ️ More info here

Black Pearl Cruise: Halloween’s Haunted Mansion on Water

San Diego’s top-rated Halloween party cruise returns as the Black Pearl takes over the California Spirit luxury yacht for a midnight voyage.

Three decks offer plenty of room to mingle while two DJs spin house, top 40, and hip-hop across two dance floors. Open bar runs the entire cruise from boarding to docking, with complimentary gourmet sliders passed throughout the night.

Primo views of the San Diego skyline, harbor, and Coronado Bridge provide the backdrop as festive party favors and endless photo moments complete the experience. It’s the only way to catch the true spirit of San Diego this Halloween weekend—on a $15 million yacht with a gorgeous, fun-filled crowd ready to celebrate.

📆 Saturday, November 1, 9:15 PM – 1 AM (doors at 9 PM)
📍 990 N. Harbor Dr., Gate #1, San Diego
🎟️ Snag your tickets here

Nautical Nightmares: Margaritaville’s Rooftop Pirate Halloween Party

Margaritaville Hotel San Diego transforms its 5 o’Clock Somewhere rooftop bar into Nautical Nightmares, a pirate-themed Halloween bash that offers free entry on the busiest party night of the year.

Nautical décor creates an escape atmosphere while signature cocktails inspired by Jimmy Buffett’s “Vampires, Mummies and the Holy Ghost”—Vampiro, Mummy Margaritas, and Ghost Margaritas—keep drinks interesting beyond Instagram appeal.

DJ Mancat handles music across the four-hour event while tarot card readings and interactive surprises add mystical elements. A costume contest rewards those who dress to impress. It’s a rooftop option in the Gaslamp Quarter that won’t cost you cover, giving flexibility to stop by between plans or settle in for the duration.

📆 Friday, October 31, 7 PM – 11 PM
📍 616 J Street, San Diego
🎟️ Free admission | RSVP here
ℹ️ More info here

Lionfish Serves Halloween Cocktails That Match the Assignment

Lionfish inside the Pendry Hotel delivers Halloween cocktails worth the hype. Pretty Poison brings Sipsmith gin with Midori, cucumber, and honeydew for something unexpectedly refreshing, while Black Widow goes dark with activated charcoal, Solento Reposado, and Dos Hombres mezcal.

The Bite features Casamigos Reposado with mango and chamoy for spicy-sweet balance, and PSM leans into fall with Belvedere vodka, Mozart pumpkin spiced liqueur, and oat milk. All $18, all worthy of a night when you want your cocktails to look as good as they taste.

📆 Friday, October 31
📍 550 J St, Gaslamp Quarter
ℹ️ More info here

Mavericks Beach Club Hosts Spooky Movie Nights

Mavericks Beach Club in Pacific Beach dedicates every Tuesday in October to spooky season favorites, screening Hocus Pocus, Halloweentown, Twitches, and Scary Movie. Movie nights are free and with half-off drinks until 7 PM and specialty Halloween cocktails available during showtime.

It’s a beachside way to ease into Halloween week by week, pairing nostalgic favorites with ocean views and discount drinks. Arrive early to maximize the happy hour before settling in for the feature.

📆 Every Tuesday in October, 6:30 PM
📍 860 Garnet Ave, Pacific Beach
ℹ️ More info here

Duck Dive Hosts Harry Potter Trivia Night

Duck Dive in Pacific Beach invites wizards and witches to test their Wizarding World knowledge at Harry Potter Trivia Night. Teams compete for glory while sipping magical concoctions inspired by the series, with house colors encouraged for the full Hogwarts experience.

Whether you’re Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw, or Hufflepuff, gather your crew and prepare to battle for trivia supremacy. Seating is limited—purchase tickets online, then call (858) 273-3825 to reserve your spot before the Great Hall fills up. It’s a spellbinding way to kick off Halloween week in Pacific Beach.

📆 Wednesday, October 29, 8 PM
📍 4650 Mission Blvd, Pacific Beach
🎟️ Get tickets here or call to reserve
ℹ️ More info here

Cloak & Petal’s Halloween Night Specials

Little Italy’s Cloak & Petal is going all in on Halloween with one-night-only food and drink specials. Executive Chef Robert Cassidy and Bar Manager Johnny Perez have put together a menu that leans into the spooky theme without sacrificing quality.

On the food side, there’s Ghosts & Goblins Sashimi with peppered crusted salmon, spicy citrus coconut, and fried shallots, plus the Michael Myers Roll loaded with salmon, tempura jalapeno, spicy tuna, and charred jalapeno sweet soy. Dessert brings Pumpkin Flan with miso caramel and ginger cookie crumbles.

The drink lineup includes Blood of the Kracken with spiced rum and blood orange, Dead Mans Brew mixing Midori and coconut rum with grilled pineapple, and The Drowned Soul featuring blanco tequila with activated charcoal and black salt for that dramatic look.

It’s a solid choice if you want a sit-down dinner that still feels festive.

📆 Thursday, October 31, 4 PM – close
ℹ️ More info here

Original 40 Brewing Co. Screens Halloween Double Feature

The Original 40 Brewing Company in North Park presents a Halloween double feature with Hocus Pocus at 7 PM, followed by Scream at 9 PM. A costume contest with judging at 8:45 PM sits between screenings, and raffle prizes are distributed throughout the night.

It’s a beer-fueled movie marathon that pairs cult Halloween classics with craft brews, offering both nostalgia and scares in one evening. Street parking is available, or use the North Park Garage at 3829 29th Street with 350 spaces just blocks away.

📆 Thursday, October 30
📍 3117 University Ave, North Park
ℹ️ More info here

Coin Haus Hosts Scary Movie Trivia for Halloween

Coin Haus in La Mesa Village tests your horror knowledge with Scary Movie Trivia, offering free entry and prizes for first and second-place teams. Fifty self-pour beers, wines, and ready-made cocktails keep the drinks flowing, with special pricing throughout the night.

It’s a no-pressure trivia night at the beercade where scary movie buffs can compete while sampling from an extensive self-pour selection. Gather your team and prepare to prove your slasher, supernatural, and spine-chilling cinema expertise.

📆 Wednesday, October 29, 7 PM
📍 8361 Allison Ave, La Mesa
ℹ️ More info here

Havana 1920 Brings Sultry Rhythms and Tropical Halloween Cocktails

Havana 1920 delivers sultry rhythms and tropical cocktails for Halloween in an intimate Cuban-inspired setting.

Princess Carrie: Forever in our Hearts blends Havana 1920 rum with coconut rum, Aperol, and guava, while Cuba Lebre keeps it classic with rum, lime, and Mexican Coke. Caribbean Sangria mixes Havana 1920 rum with red wine, coconut rum, fresh orange juice, and cinnamon.

It’s Halloween with a tropical twist that trades spooky for sultry.

📆 Friday, October 31
📍 Gaslamp Quarter
ℹ️ More info here

Hilton San Diego Bayfront Serves Halloween Cocktails With Bay Views

Hilton San Diego Bayfront’s Hudson & Nash and Odysea Lounge embrace Halloween season with themed cocktails that deliver spooky vibes alongside waterfront views.

Hudson & Nash offers The Witch Dr in a ghoulish skull glass with gin, green chartreuse, maraschino liqueur, and lime, plus Mary’s Bloody Margarita and The Black Beach with Cutwater reposado.

Odysea Lounge goes darker with their Dark Side Martini featuring Casamigos tequila, charcoal powder, and Tajin rim, plus Zombie Punch with Bali Hai dark rum. Cozy firepits and sweeping bay views make these seasonal sips feel more atmospheric than your average Halloween drink menu.

📆 Halloween season availability
🎟️ Hudson & Nash reservations on OpenTable | Odysea Lounge walk-ins welcome
ℹ️ More info here

Witches of the Westgate Tea Brings Magic to Le Fontainebleau

The Westgate Hotel transforms its haunted Le Fontainebleau room into a bewitching afternoon tea experience for witching season.

Come dressed in your most magical costume for photos in the eerie area while enjoying renowned afternoon tea service complete with house-made pastries, savory tea sandwiches, and gourmet teas with a wicked twist.

Adults 21+ receive a glass of champagne, children get spooky take-home gifts, and creepy cocktails are available for purchase. It’s an elegant way to celebrate Halloween that trades bar crawls for delicate china and distinctly supernatural treats.

📆 October 25 & 26, 1 PM – 5 PM
📍 1055 Second Ave, San Diego
🎟️ Book a table here: October 25 | October 26

Prohibition Brings Halloween Cocktails to Gaslamp Speakeasy

Prohibition leans into Halloween with cocktails that match the speakeasy’s sultry, mysterious appeal.

Blood For Blood features Old Forester bourbon with blood orange and Demerara, All My Heroes Are Dead combines bourbon with Lo-Fi Hibiscus Amaro and hibiscus, and End The Fight Before The Fight Ends You brings Havana Club rum with banana, vanilla, and coffee bitters.

All $18, all perfectly suited to a night when the names alone make these worth ordering.

📆 Friday, October 31
📍 548 Fifth Ave, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

San Diego Mission Bay Resort Halloween Celebrations

San Diego Mission Bay Resort is hosting two distinct celebrations this Halloween season. First up is their Día de los Muertos Happy Hour at Plaza Del Sol, where guests can honor the holiday with skull and spirit-inspired cocktails, freshly baked conchas from the resort’s pastry chef, live Spanish guitar, and complimentary face painting.

Then there’s the Yappy Hour Costume Party where pooches and their owners can show off their most creative costumes while enjoying themed drink specials and pup-friendly treats.

It’s a solid way to celebrate the season, whether you’re more into Day of the Dead traditions or just want to dress up your dog and have a drink.

📆 Día de los Muertos Happy Hour: Wednesday, October 29, 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM & Saturday, November 1, starting at 5 PM | Yappy Hour: Friday, October 31, 5 PM – 7 PM
ℹ️ More info here

Hasta Mañana Cantina’s Halloween Cocktails

Downtown’s Hasta Mañana Cantina is serving up three spooky cocktails through the end of October that lean into the Halloween spirit.

There’s the Frozen Rum Reaper mixing rum with watermelon, lemon, pineapple, and cranberry, the Witches Brew combining tequila, lime, serrano, and activated charcoal for that dark magic look, and Vampire Blood with mezcal, Xila, blackberry, and pomegranate. The Frozen Rum Reaper and Witches Brew run $14 each while Vampire Blood comes in at $10.

Pair any of these with Hasta Mañana’s street tacos, Grilled Skirt Steak, Queso Dip, or House Nachos – everything’s made fresh daily, so you’re getting quality food alongside the themed drinks. It’s an easy spot to hit if you’re already downtown and want something festive without making a whole production out of it.

📆 Available through October 31
ℹ️ More info here

Grant Grill’s Addams Family Halloween Dinner Returns

Grant Grill is bringing back their All Hallows’ Eve Dinner Series for a third year, and this time, they’re channeling the delightfully macabre world of The Addams Family.

After last year’s Beetlejuice dinner sold out, Executive Chef Mark Kropczynski and Mixologist Rex Yuasa are going all in on gothic elegance meets culinary intrigue.

The evening features a 13-course tasting menu of hauntingly inventive dishes paired with expertly crafted cocktails that capture the family’s signature charm with a modern, enigmatic edge.

Limited to just 13 guests, this intimate experience encourages delightfully dark costumes and requires a bold spirit – they’re not kidding around about the adventurous dining here.

Fair warning: due to the intricate nature of the menu and its many mysterious twists, they can’t accommodate dietary restrictions. This one’s for the culinary adventurers ready to embrace the unknown.

📆 Friday, October 31, 8 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

Bayside Boo: Spirited Night by the Bay

Seaport Village is throwing a Halloween celebration at their food court with live music, spooky beats, sweet treats, and festive fun for all ages.

Presented by Seaport Fudge Factory, Bayside Boo brings that waterfront vibe you’d expect from the location – dancing under the moonlight with bay views while the Halloween festivities roll on.

It’s a great option if you want something more laid-back than the typical bar scene but still want to get out and celebrate on Halloween night.

The food court setting means plenty of options to grab something to eat while you’re there, and the all-ages approach makes it work whether you’re bringing kids or just looking for a chill spot to enjoy the evening.

📆 Friday, October 31, 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
ℹ️ More info here

Town and Country Resort Hosts Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour and BOO-vie Nights

Town and Country Resort teams up with Helen Woodward Animal Center for their annual Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour at Monkeybar, with a portion of proceeds benefiting the animal center.

Enjoy a cocktail flight featuring Halloween specials like Pumpkin Hex, Crimson Ghost, and Midnight Ritual, plus pup-approved treats including dog beer and ice cream.

A doggy costume contest kicks off at 6 PM, while MagikalMaiden gives astrology and tarot card readings to both pets and owners. Adding to the Halloween fun, Monkeybar hosts a BOO-vie Night movie series featuring Poltergeist, The Others, Insidious, and The Ring.

📆 Yappy Hour: Wednesday, October 29, 4 PM – 7 PM | BOO-vie Nights: October 28 – 31
📍 500 Hotel Cir N, San Diego
🎟️ Get tickets here
ℹ️ More info here

Día de los Muertos Celebration Transforms Downtown Chula Vista

Downtown Chula Vista fills with cempasúchil for the fifth annual Día de los Muertos Celebration, honoring loved ones while celebrating life across five hours of free community festivities.

An Ofrenda Competition and Catrín & Catrina Ensemble contest anchor the event, with live music and dance performances at four locations throughout the neighborhood.

A car show, kids crafts, artisan vendors at Mercado by Las Jefas Market, themed photo ops, and a Community Ofrenda create multiple ways to participate. Bring a photo to pin on the Community Altar at Davidson and enjoy delicious food and treats as the community comes together for this beautiful tradition.

📆 Saturday, November 1, 3 PM – 8 PM
📍 Downtown Chula Vista
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Encinitas Día de los Muertos Celebration Unites Community at Mira Costa

Mira Costa College’s San Elijo Campus hosts a free Día de los Muertos celebration with Ballet Folklórico dancers, Aztec dancers, Mariachi bands, and a community ofrenda honoring family and friends.

Art-making workshops include sugar skull decorating and tissue paper flowers, while artist demonstrations, student exhibitions, and face painting keep us engaged.

The Callejeros de Encinitas Car Club, food trucks, and live musical performances round out the family-friendly programming designed to foster appreciation of Latino cultural celebration while uniting people of all backgrounds. It’s an afternoon where tradition, art, and community converge in North County.

📆 Saturday, October 25, 12 PM – 4 PM
📍 3333 Manchester Ave, Encinitas
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Día de los Muertos at Westfield Plaza Bonita Expands to Two Days

Westfield Plaza Bonita celebrates Día de los Muertos across two days with live performances, face painting, stilt walkers, and a lively Mariachi band on Saturday, followed by a Mariachi band, special flower crown–making station, and face painting on Sunday.

Festive décor fills the center throughout October, creating an extended tribute to tradition, culture, and community. It’s a vibrant, family-friendly celebration that honors the Day of the Dead with activities spanning both weekend days, offering multiple chances to participate in the free festivities.

📆 Saturday, October 18 & Sunday, October 19, 1 PM – 5 PM
📍 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd, National City
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival Celebrates Life and Culture

Mission Avenue comes alive for the Oceanside Día de los Muertos Festival, honoring loved ones through over 25 altars, classic car displays, chalk artists, live performances, and a bustling Mercado packed with local vendors.

Kids can get creative in the chalk zone or enjoy hands-on cultural activities while adults take in the music and browse artisan crafts.

It’s a free, family-friendly celebration that honors the departed in a joyful, respectful way through dance, food, and vibrant traditions. Whether you’re coming to reflect, celebrate, or explore, this festival offers a heartfelt, authentic experience that celebrates life in all its colors.

📆 Sunday, October 26, 2025 | 10AM – 4PM
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Día de los Muertos Tequila Dinner at Rumorosa

Rumorosa, Sheraton San Diego Resort’s signature restaurant, is hosting a Día de los Muertos Tequila Tasting Dinner with Espolón Tequila.

The evening features a bold, Cali-Baja inspired five-course menu paired with a variety of Espolón tequilas.

You’ll start with a Spicy Tuna Tartare Cone before moving through Tequila-Cured Hamachi Roll paired with Reposado, Charred Zabuton with Añejo, and Cochinita Pibil with Blanco. Dessert brings Calavera, a white chocolate mousse with Espolón Blanco Tequila glaze.

Tickets run $140 per adult plus taxes and gratuity. If you want to make it a weekend getaway, the resort is offering 10% off the best rate when you book using code T9767.

📆 Saturday, November 1, 6:30 PM – 9 PM
🎟️ Get your tickets here | Book your room here
ℹ️ More info here

Fonda del Barrio Celebrates Día de los Muertos

Fonda del Barrio is joining Barrio Logan’s annual Día de los Muertos festival with a full day of celebration. The restaurant opens early at noon with complimentary face painting and calaveritas for kids, setting the tone for a family-friendly afternoon.

Out on the street, they’ll be selling molletes – toasty bolillo bread loaded with refried beans, melted asadero cheese, avocado slivers, and your choice of pork chorizo or carne asada, all crowned with sauteed onions and chile de arbol.

For the adults, there’s La Diablita, a special Día de los Muertos and Halloween-themed cocktail that’s available for purchase. It’s a solid spot to soak up the neighborhood festivities while grabbing some quality street food and drinks.

📆 Sunday, October 26, starting at 12 PM
ℹ️ More info here

Liberty Station’s Halloween at the Station Combines Family Fun With a Food Drive

Liberty Station is taking over Ingram Plaza for their annual Halloween at the Station celebration, and this year they’re adding a community service angle that’s worth showing up for.

The four-hour event covers all the standard Halloween bases—costumes, candy, activities—but it’s also serving as a collection point for a food drive benefiting military families and veterans through Feeding San Diego.

Grab your costume, pack some nonperishable items, and head to Halloween at the Station for an afternoon that supports the community while delivering solid Halloween entertainment.

📆 Sunday, October 26, 12 PM–4 PM
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Fairmont Grand Del Mar Hosts Trick-or-Treat Extravaganza for Kids

Fairmont Grand Del Mar brings Halloween magic to life with an outdoor trick-or-treat adventure at Grand Social.

Little ones in creative and spooky costumes embark on a mesmerizing journey through live stations brimming with Halloween treasures, including a friendly Witch in Candyland, zany experiments in the Mad Scientist’s lab, and an iconic princess and villain in their magical garden.

It’s a family-friendly extravaganza that trades neighborhood door-knocking for an enchanted world of wonder where each station delivers its own spell.

📆 Saturday, October 25, 5 PM
📍 5300 Grand Del Mar Ct, San Diego
ℹ️ More info here

Bates Nut Farm is hosting their Annual Costume Contest and Parade with a setup that makes sense for families who’ve actually put effort into their costumes.

The competition is divided into four age categories, so everyone has a legitimate chance to win, and all participants get a certificate, Halloween treats, and a tractor hayride ticket—nobody walks away empty-handed.

Even if you’re not competing, the costume parade is worth watching while cheering for your favorites. After judging, stick around for pumpkin patch activities, food, and live music on the Bates Stage.

Weekend parking is $10, admission is free, and the Valley Center location means you’re getting actual farm atmosphere rather than parking lot pumpkin patches.

📆 Saturday, October 25 | Registration 9:30 AM | Judging 11 AM | Live music 12 PM – 3 PM
📍 15954 Woods Valley Road, Valley Center
ℹ️ More info here

The Forum Carlsbad’s Halloween Spooktacular Brings the Tricks and Treats

Costumes, candy, and community fun are all on deck at The Forum Carlsbad’s Halloween Spooktacular. This free, family-friendly event is all about celebrating Halloween in a laid-back, North County way.

Bring the kiddos for store-to-store trick-or-treating, live music, themed crafts, games, and photo ops you’ll actually want to keep. There’s even a costume contest with prizes, so get creative! It’s an easygoing way to enjoy the season without the crowds or chaos.

Located right off El Camino Real, The Forum is the perfect setting for a festive fall afternoon that’s equal parts charming and convenient.

📆 Saturday, October 25, 2 PM – 5 PM
📍 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad
🎟️ Free admission
ℹ️ More info here

Haunted Market Returns to Downtown Oceanside Sunset Market

Oceanside Sunset Market transforms into the Haunted Market for a night of family-friendly frights, featuring a costume parade, trick-or-treat, and contests under the stars. Bring your best Halloween spirit, friends, and family for activities that blend spooky season with the market’s signature community vibe.

It’s a frightfully fun night that turns the regular Thursday market into a costume-filled celebration just before Halloween hits.

📆 Thursday, October 30, 5 PM – 9 PM
📍 401 Pier View Wy, Oceanside
ℹ️ More info here

Plaza Paseo Real’s Halloween Spooktacular is Back for Some Family-Friendly Fun

Looking for an easy, festive way to celebrate with the little ones? The Plaza Paseo Real Halloween Spooktacular is packed with sweet, family-friendly fun—from safe trick-or-treating and Halloween games to face painting, balloon twisting, and plenty of photo ops.

A live DJ will keep the party vibe going while kids show off their costumes and collect treats from participating shops. It’s a laid-back way to get into the spooky spirit without the big crowds or late-night chaos.

Perfect for young families or anyone wanting a cheerful midday celebration close to home.

📆 Saturday, October 18, 2025 | 11AM – 1PM
📍 6941- 6985 El Camino Real, Carlsbad
ℹ️ More info here