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Halloween San Francisco 2019: Fun Things to Do for All Ages
San Francisco is the place to be again for this year's 2019 Halloween celebrations. Whether you are looking to party or for some family friendly events, you will find them all here.
Highlights this year include several popular ghost tours, more than a dozen 21 and older events, and several museum sponsored events for the kids. You will also find some fun places to go trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and a few other fun activities all weekend long. Other top picks include concerts, theater performances, sporting events, and more.
This year, it falls on a Thursday, so most events fall the weekend before the holiday. You will also find handful of fun events the entire week.
Disclaimer: I receive a small commission from some of the links on this page.
Top 21+ San Francisco Halloween Parties
This year, you will find dozens of 21 and older Halloween Parties. Most are on Saturday night, October 26 at some of San Francisco's largest venues.
These parties often include music by some of SF and the Bay Area's top DJs, cocktails throughout the night, and a chance to mingle with other Halloween lovers. Almost all require costumes.
>> Full List of the Best 21+ Parties in SF
Ghost Tours in San Francisco
San Francisco is said to be one of the most haunted cities in the US. This makes it the perfect place for fun, yet spooky ghost tours. They range from a visit to one of SF's most ghostly spots, Alcatraz Island, to a walking tour through City Hall. All of them offer chilling stories about the dark events that led to today's mysterious and unusual occurrences. Many run all year long with a few extra special tours just for Halloween.
>> Ghost Tours of San Francisco
Halloween Events for Kids
Enjoy several kid-friendly activities for Halloween 2019. These events fall both on the weekend before and on the big holiday, so you can celebrate both weekends. Highlights this year include the SuperNatural Halloween Event at the California Academy of Sciences, Boo at the Zoo at the San Francisco Zoo, and the Annual Spooktacular Halloween Party in Japantown.
Other Fun Events on Halloween Weekend
Here are a few additional events this Halloween in San Francisco!
Theater on Halloween San Francisco
This Halloween you will find plenty of options for the theater. Top picks include Hamilton and Harry Potter and The Cursed Child.
Hamilton is one of the hottest Broadway performances right now on stage. It's the story of Alexander Hamilton, one of our founding fathers. It includes all non-white actors and is a must see this Halloween in San Francisco. All shows are at the Orpheum Theatre.
The second show is Harry Potter and The Cursed Child. It's a new production written by J.K. Rowling and is the story of Harry as an adult. It tells of the struggles both he and his youngest son have about their families legacy. It's on stage at the Curran Theater.
>> Find additional shows this month in SF
Symphony Performances
Head to Davies Symphony Hall the weekend before Halloween San Francisco for a fun night of live music. They will perform Prokofiev & Shostakovich's Leningrad (10/24 - 10/26) and Get Out—Film with the SF Symphony (10/30).
>> Find a full schedule of symphony performances in SF
Concerts on Halloween in San Francisco & the Bay Area
You will find dozens of other concerts all weekend long in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Click the link below for additional concerts all around the SF Bay.
>> October & Halloween concerts in the SF Bay Area
Open Studios
Enjoy local art the weekend of Halloween. On Saturday and Sunday, you can walk around the Dogpatch, Potrero Hill, Mission, Castro, Noe Valley, Diamond Heights, and Bernal Heights. All studios are open from 11am to 6pm.
>> Additional info on this year's Open Studios event
Find Halloween Costumes
If you are looking for the perfect Halloween costume, then check out my list of my five favorite places to shop. You can design your own look or find the perfect pre-made option. All are open year around.
>> 5 Places to Find Costumes in SF
10 Most Haunted SF Places
Would you like to investigate some of SF's most haunted locations? On this list, you will find a list of the most haunted places in San Francisco that are open to the public. This allows you to stop by and investigate these ghostly sightings for yourself!
>> 10 More Haunted SF Locations
Free Walking Tours
Find a variety of free walking tours all weekend long. These tours, given by SF City Guides, give you the chance to learn even more about San Francisco. Top tours include the Golden Gate Bridge, Fisherman's Wharf, and Chinatown.
>> Find out more about these and other tours all around SF
Additional Halloween Events Around the SF Bay Area
East Bay: Oakland
Some of the best Halloween events in the Bay Area this year are in Oakland. You will find haunted houses, Boo at the Zoo, and plenty of 21+ costume parties.
Here are just a few of my top picks for Halloween events in the Bay Area for 2019.
"Boo at the Zoo" at the Oakland Zoo
One of my favorite Halloween events in Oakland is the daytime event, "Boo at the Zoo" at the Oakland Zoo. It is on October 26th and 27th and starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm.
The normal price of admission allows you to ride the spooky zoo train, try out treats and if your kid wears a costume, they get a free ride ticket! Ghouls and goblins of all ages are invited!
Monster's Bash 2019
The USS Hornet, a retired US Naval vessel, has the "Monster's Bash 2019" on Saturday, the 26th, starting at 7:30 pm and ending at 1 am. This party includes food vendors, live music, costume contest and a no host bar.
Tickets are available at the door but I highly suggest you buy them in advance as they usually sell out. Note: The USS Hornet does not have an ATM so bring cash if you want to use it for the food vendors or drinks.
Tickets: Visit the USS Hornet site for details
Halloween Costume Party Cruise
DJ Ball-D and DJ Slappy will entertain you all night long on this midnight cruise leaving from Jack London Square on Friday, the 25th. On this 3-hour party boat, you can enjoy drinks from 2 fully stocked bars, panoramic views, live music, and 2 levels of entertainment and fun.
This riverboat style vessel has two levels and hold only around 150 people. It leaves from 1 Broadway Street near Jack London Square at 10:30pm SHARP. Check in and board early to make sure you don't miss out on the fun!
Fear Overload Haunted House
Voted the scariest haunted house in California, Fear Overload Haunted House includes 2 haunted houses for the price of one. This attraction runs from late September to early November and is not for the faint of heart.
This event has been featured in Forbes, and on CBS, ABC and Fox, this is a truly serious horror and scream fest. Just to give you an idea of how scary these houses are, pregnant women or people in casts are NOT allowed to enter.
Music & Monsters At A Nightmare on 14th Street
If you want to stand on dry land, and still be scared stiff, check out the Music & Monsters At a Nightmare on 14th Street starting at 9 pm and ending at 2 pm. It's on Saturday, October 26.
This 20,000 square foot building has 3 scary rooms for you to enjoy music and partying to some of the top DJs. Mix masters will be handling the bars to make sure you have the best to drink all night long. Make sure to wear your best costume at there is a contest awarding up to $2,500 in cash and prizes!
Annual Haunted Halloween Party at Wag Hotel
Located near the famous Jack London Square at the WAG Hotel (39 4th Street, Oakland), this furry friendly party has something for everyone as the event includes drinks and music for the adults and lots of fun for kids and animals alike.
This includes costume contests, trick or treating, and photos with the infamous Cruella de Vil. This event runs from 6 to 8 pm so make sure to not be late. It's on Wednesday, October 30.
Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites
The Boo! Bark, Brews + Bites festival at Jack London Square. This animal and family friendly events are a blast and you, your family, and your furry friend, will definitely have a great time. The date is October 26.
There are loads of dog friendly activities, including paw painting, for them to enjoy and even a dog psychic in case you want to know more about what the future has in store for fido.
It runs from 11am to 4pm.
Concerts & Other Events for Saturday, October 26
Concerts & Other Events on Halloween Night
Berkeley, Walnut Creek & Other East Bay Halloween Events
Haunted Depot (Benicia)
The Southern Pacific Railroad is transformed into the Haunted Depot in Benicia for your Halloween fright and pleasure. It is a spooky way to spend a few hours during this Halloween weekend. Kids of all ages are welcome. This event is on 10/19, 10/25, 10/26, and 10/31.
Ghosts of Dublin 2019 (Dublin)
What better place to spend Halloween than in a cemetery at night in the quaint city of Dublin? I can't think of one. The "Ghosts of Dublin 2019" tour is without question one of the scarier places to be if you are afraid of ghosts, ghouls or goblins since one never knows who, or what, may pop up from the graves.
Popcorn and cider are available and tours are from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Doors open at 7pm. Tours are about one hour long.
This year's dates are October 25 and 26.
The Not-Too-Spooky Halloween (Berkeley)
If you are looking for a Halloween party specifically for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, look no further than the Habitot Children's Museum and it's Not-Too-Spooky Halloween party.
Starting at 9:30 am and ending at 4:30 pm on both Sunday the 27th, this event transforms the museum in a Halloween playground where your little one can paint miniature pumpkins, fly paper ghosts in their wind tunnel, and try some witch's brew in the apothecary. Admission is 12 dollars for children and adults.
South Bay & Peninsula: San Jose
California's Great America Halloween Haunt
Known as one of the best carnival and ride attractions in Northern California, Great America turns into a scare fest for all. This event runs every weekend from September 27 - November 2 running on Friday & Saturday. It runs from 7 pm to Midnight on 9/27 & 9/28, 10/4 & 10/5, 10/11 - 10/13) and 7 pm until 1 am on 10/18 - 10/20, 10/25 - 10/27. Thursday 10/31 & Friday, 11/1 are from 6 pm to 11 pm and with the finale on Saturday, 11/2 from 7 pm until 1 am).
Featuring 8 mazes, 5 live shows, hundreds of monsters and so much more, this is adventure that can not be missed.
Dead Time Dreams
Dead Time Dreams is known for their horrifying mazes and madhouses that scare everyone that enters them. This event runs from October 4th to November 2nd from 7:30 pm to 11 pm on weekdays and 7:30 to Midnight on weekends, so you'll have plenty of chances to see how much you can handle this Halloween season.
There is also the Midway of Terror for you to hang out at before or after going through "The River Styx" and "The Deathworx" adventures.
The Ultimate Halloween Party
Head over to The Glass House (2 S. Market Street, San Jose) for the best Halloween party of the year. Several DJs will be on hand throughout the evening pumping out party music all night long.
Upscale dress code enforced. The party is on the 26th and starts at 9 pm and runs until 2 pm
Halloween Costume Party at the Ritz
The annual Halloween Costume Party at the Ritz will once again be in full swing on Friday, 10/25. DJ's Bit & Basura play the best New Wave, Electro, Hip Hop and Top 40 all night long.
$500 for the best costume of the night. The party is 21+ and starts at 8 pm and ends at Midnight.
Winchester Mystery House's "13 Doors Halloween Candlelight Tour"
This famous haunted house is always spooky and scary, even in the day time, but it becomes especially so when it is Halloween. Candles will be your only source of light, while cruising around this house full of mazes, confusing corners, and you may even see a ghost or two if you pay attention. This tour lasts about 1 hour and sells out quickly so make sure to plan ahead.
Tours usually start in mid-September and run through October. Tours are available several nights a week.
Other South Bay & Peninsula Halloween Events
"Spooky Times" Halloween Celebration (Cupertino)
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to visit the dark forest and haunted barn at Cupertino's 160 year old Deer Hollow Farm. This annual event is on Saturday the 26th and starts at 10 am and ends at 3 pm.
You will be able to meet farm animals (in pens so they are safe for all ages), make toys and do some trick or treating while enjoying yourself in a very beautiful natural setting.
Thomas and Percy's Halloween Party (Felton)
This October, the small town of Felton is the place to be if you or your kids love Thomas the Tank Engine and friends. Some of the activities include face painting, story telling, cookie decorating and, of course, photos with Sir Topham Hatt!
Each ticket also includes a 20-minute train ride for all to enjoy at this scenic and wonderful Halloween event.
This event runs on 10/12 & 13, 10/19 & 20, 10/26 & 27 starting at 9 am with various departure times.
Gilroy Gardens (Gilroy)
Located in the Garlic Capital of the world (isn't that scary enough already?), the Gilroy Gardens are home to numerous Halloween events this season. These include a classic Halloween night with story telling, trick or treating, spookified rides, and more.
During the day, there are special programs with scarecrows, mazes and more. Kids 12 and under get their own goodie bag. Lastly, the petting zoo has been scarified snakes, lizards, spiders and more!
North Bay & Wine Country
Blind Scream Haunted Houses (Santa Rosa)
Head over to 98 Santa Rosa Plaza for two terrifying Halloween Haunted Houses. Both haunted houses are under one roof!
Lil Horrus's Fun House will take you on a thrilling, yet scary journey. If you haven't gotten your fill of scary experiences, then head over to the Witch House and see if you can survive the 3 terrible sisters that live here!
Both are open most days between October 11 and October 31.
Marin Single's Halloween Party
Halloween night is the perfect time to let down your guard and meet other local singles. This fun event get rave reviews year after year. The dates will be announced soon.
Throw on your favorite costume and head over to Club at Harbor Point in Mill Valley. Dance the night away, grab a cocktail, and enjoy your evening in this exclusive waterfront club. Activities start at 8pm and run until around midnight.
Goblin Jamboree at BADM (Sausalito)
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is home to the fun for all ages Goblin Jamboree each year. Happening on both Saturday the 19th and Sunday the 20th, it features pony rids, glow-in-the-dark trains, a broom obstacle course, and so much more for everyone to enjoy.
There is also a costume contest and live music throughout the event. The Goblin Jamboree starts at 10 am and ends at 4:30 pm.
Six Flags Discovery Kingdom Fright by Night (Vallejo)
There is no place to hide when you enter Fright by Night as the entire theme park is inhabited by ghouls, goblins, and other scary monsters.
Featuring haunted houses, stage shows, and scare zones throughout the park, you and your little ones will be sure to have a great time as you check out the rides and thrills all day, and night, long. This year's event runs from September 21st to October 31st.
Petaluma Pumpkin Patch and Amazing Corn Maze (Petaluma)
With over 5 acres of home grown pumpkins and corn mazes, you and your little ghouls are sure to enjoy this annual Halloween experience. If you need pumpkins for your own, there are over 50 varieties to choose from including some that are massive!
The maze walls are about 10 feet tall so anyone can try to figure them out. There is a viewing platform in case you want to see the maze and get some help.
They open on Friday, September 27th and and stays open until November 1. The Pumpkin Patch hours are Sunday to Thursday 10 am to 6 pm, and Friday to Saturday from 10 am to 10 pm.
