News Summary
Southern California is filled with family-friendly Halloween events this season, from harvest festivals to interactive celebrations. Parents can enjoy memorable activities such as the Autumn Festival, Halloween Spooktacular, and Oogie Boogie Bash, offering children fun experiences throughout October. With numerous free activities included, families are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to create lasting traditions during this festive time.
Southern California is gearing up for a festive Halloween season with a variety of kid-friendly events perfect for families looking to spend quality time together during the busy fall months. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of these seasonal activities to establish lasting family traditions.
With a packed calendar of events this October, families can enjoy memorable experiences across multiple locations. Highlights include 15 not-to-miss events designed specifically for children and families looking to celebrate Halloween while embracing the fun of fall.
Key Upcoming Events
- Autumn Festival: A celebration of the fall season featuring various activities suitable for all ages.
- Brick-Or-Treat Monster Party: Enjoy a Halloween celebration with interactive LEGO-themed activities.
- Carved at Descanso Gardens: A beautiful display of carved pumpkins in an enchanting outdoor setting.
- Dinos Alive: A dinosaur-themed event that brings prehistoric creatures to life through various attractions.
- Disney On Ice: A magical production featuring beloved Disney characters skating, perfect for a family outing.
- Disney’s Fantasia in Concert: An immersive musical experience combining classical music with animation.
- DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids: A fun-filled festival in downtown Los Angeles specifically for children and families.
- Great Big Family Play Day: A day of playful activities and family bonding time.
- Orange County HalGLOWeen: A colorful celebration with glowing decorations and activities for families.
- Halloween Spooktacular: A spooky event featuring games, crafts, and Halloween delights.
- Howl-O-Sprint 5K and Kids Run: A fun run to get families moving in the spirit of the season.
- Knott’s Spooky Farm: An autumn celebration featuring attractions and entertainment for young children.
- Nights of the Jack: A Halloween experience filled with intricately carved pumpkins and family activities.
- Oogie Boogie Bash: A Halloween party at Disneyland with trick-or-treating and special entertainment.
- Tricks and Treats: A fun Halloween event featuring delightful surprises.
Additional Free Events
In addition to the highlighted events, this year’s Halloween season features several free activities. From October 10-19, families can attend Fall-o-Ween at Heritage Hill, the fifth annual event showcasing decorated grounds, photo opportunities, a straw maze, and a scavenger hunt. This event is pet-friendly, and costumes are encouraged.
Community Events Across Southern California
Long Beach will host several entertaining Halloween activities, including a Spooky Screening of “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” on October 11 and a Zombie Walk and Halloween Party featuring live music, DJs, and a designated children’s zone. Monterey Park’s 7th annual “Monster Mash” on October 16 will offer carnival games and food trucks.
On October 18, families can enjoy Planes & Treats at Riverside Airport, which includes family-friendly trick-or-treating right on the runway, and Trunk or Treat in Loma Linda, featuring games and prizes. Further Halloween family events are also scheduled for October 22 at the Eagle Rock library and Pomona’s 10th Annual Haunted House.
The festivities continue with Anaheim’s Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on October 25, offering live entertainment and costume contests. That same day, Torrance will host a Halloween Movie in the Park, featuring a parade and a screening of “Lilo & Stitch.”
Other notable events on October 25 include Spooky Village at Gelson’s Village Calabasas, offering trick-or-treating and crafts, as well as the Halloween Spooktacular at Mariners Park in Newport Beach, featuring bounce houses and costume fun.
To close the month, the Cops and Goblins event in Buena Park on October 29 will provide a night of contests and trunk-or-treating activities, a perfect way to cap off a month full of festive memory-making opportunities for families.
As families take time away from busy schedules to participate in these exciting events, they are encouraged to share their experiences with the community. Local event organizers are also invited to feature their events in community newsletters and alerts to ensure visibility and participate in the seasonal excitement.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Halloween Events in San Diego County
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San Diego Offers a Variety of Events and Activities
San Diego Celebrates Banned Books Week
California’s Week: From Pet Snake Reunion to Food Safety Concerns
San Diego Celebrates Halloween with Festive Events for All
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Additional Resources
- OC Register: Free Halloween Events in Southern California
- Patch: 12 Things to Do with Your Kids This Fall in SoCal
- ABC7: Dia de los Muertos Events in Southern California
- Mommy Poppins: Things to Do in LA This Weekend for Kids and Families
- Time Out: October Events Calendar in Los Angeles
- Wikipedia: Halloween
- Google Search: Halloween Events in Southern California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween
- Google News: Halloween Southern California 2023

Author: STAFF HERE SAN DIEGO WRITER
SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER The SAN DIEGO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanDiego.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Diego, San Diego County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Comic-Con International, San Diego County Fair, and San Diego Pride Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Diego County, plus leading businesses in biotechnology, healthcare, and technology that power the local economy such as Qualcomm, Illumina, and Scripps Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.