News Summary
San Diego County is ready for a thrilling Halloween season with numerous events scheduled for October and November. From haunted trails at Balboa Park to family-friendly festivals across the region, there’s something for everyone. Highlighted events include the Haunted Trail, Gaslamp Walking Tour, University Heights Fall Festival, and more. Local attractions like SeaWorld and Legoland also host special Halloween-themed activities. With pumpkin patches and spooky tours, families and thrill-seekers alike can enjoy this festive time of year across San Diego County.
San Diego
San Diego County is gearing up for an exciting Halloween season with a variety of events scheduled throughout October and into November. From haunted trails to family-friendly festivals, there are activities for all ages to enjoy during this spooky time of year.
The Haunted Trail and eXperiment Maze at Balboa Park will open on September 26 and run until November 1. Admission to these popular attractions starts at $34.99. The Haunted Trail features a mile-long walk through twisted pines, while the eXperiment Maze covers 3,500 square feet, promising thrills for those looking for a chilling experience.
Adding to the haunted spirits, the Gaslamp Walking Tour by Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours is available at varying times, with tickets priced at $42. This tour offers a glimpse into the spooky history of one of San Diego’s most iconic neighborhoods.
On October 18, the Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash is set to take place at the USS Midway Museum from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. This event requires a ticket purchase of $25 and promises a night filled with spooky fun.
Families looking for a fun outing can attend the University Heights Fall Festival on October 18 from noon to 5 p.m., which will be free of charge and features live music and various activities.
For those wanting to celebrate Halloween on the actual day, Bayside Boo – Spirited Night by the Bay will occur on October 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Seaport Village, offering free entry to the fun.
Additionally, the Halloween Aglow event at Birch Aquarium will take place on October 24 and 25 from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $40+. This family-friendly celebration promises to sparkle with various Halloween-themed activities.
The community in Little Italy is also participating with its free Trick-or-Treat on India Street event set for October 26 from 3:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Another popular destination will be SeaWorld Spooktacular, running on Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, with admission starting at $67.99+. Families can also look forward to the Halloween at the Station event on October 26 from noon to 4 p.m. at Liberty Station, which offers free entry.
Those seeking a little fright in the form of a fun challenge can visit the Haunted Corn Maze at Carlsbad Strawberry Company, open Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Ticket prices start at $25+.
For LEGO fans, Brick-or-Treat Monster Party at Legoland will take place on Saturdays and Sundays, with tickets starting at $84+.
Additional free events include HauntFest on Main on October 17 from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Downtown El Cajon with live music and carnival rides, and the Haunted Circus: Monsters at Play at The Magnolia also scheduled for October 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
On October 25, the Santee Lakes Spooktacular Trunk-or-Treat event is happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with tickets priced at $10. This family-friendly occasion will feature face painting, a DJ, and special guests from The Wizard of Oz.
Along with these events, various pumpkin patches throughout San Diego County, including Bates Nut Farm and Pumpkin Station, will be available for families to enjoy hayrides, games, and other fun activities leading up to Halloween.
The San Diego Zoo will also host HalGLOWeen on weekends, offering family-friendly Halloween-themed activities for visitors.
The Gaslamp Quarter will be busy with several Halloween-themed events and spooky experiences, including ghost tours and themed bar nights for adults looking for a fun night out.
As Halloween approaches, the variety of events across San Diego County offers something for everyone, ensuring a memorable season filled with fun, fright, and family bonding.
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Additional Resources
- San Diego Magazine: Halloween Events
- NBC San Diego: Halloween County Guide
- Times of San Diego: Moms’ Halloween Guide
- San Diego Union Tribune: Best Halloween Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Halloween

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.