California theme parks are preparing for Halloween with a range of events beginning as early as late August and running through early November. The festivities include family-friendly activities, haunted houses, themed rides, and special shows across the state.
At Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Halloween Time runs from August 22 to October 31. Disneyland Park features the Main Street Pumpkin Festival, a reopened Haunted Mansion, and Halloween Screams fireworks. Disney California Adventure Park offers Guardians of the Galaxy: Monsters After Dark and Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show. The Plaza de la Familia area honors Dia de los Muertos with live performances and crafts inspired by the movie Coco.
Special experiences at California Adventure include Disney’s Happiest Haunts Guided Tour with reserved seating for nighttime shows on select dates. Visitors can also participate in Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit from August 29 to October 31 by purchasing a map to find decorated pumpkins throughout the park and claim a prize. On select nights in September and October, Oogie Boogie Bash provides separate-ticket access to trick-or-treat trails, the Frightfully Fun Parade, and encounters with Disney villains along Redwood Creek Challenge Trail.
Universal Studios Hollywood in Los Angeles will host Halloween Horror Nights from September 4 to November 2. This event includes new scare zones and haunted houses such as Jason Universe based on Friday the 13th films, Terrifier haunted house, Terror Tram rides, themed dining options, and merchandise. The event is recommended for ages 13 and up.
SeaWorld San Diego presents two events: SeaWorld Spooktacular (select days from September 6 to November 2) offers pirate parades, pumpkin patches, candy quests, and trick-or-treat stations for children during the day. At night on select dates between September 12 and November 1, Howl-O-Scream features haunted houses like Circus of the Damned—a 3D scare zone—alongside live shows and themed bars such as Bloodthirsty.
Six Flags Magic Mountain near Santa Clarita and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo will hold Fright Fest from September 19 (Magic Mountain) or September 20 (Discovery Kingdom) through November 2. Both parks feature haunted mazes, scare zones, darkened rides after dark with zombies roaming around. Oktoberfest celebrations run concurrently from September 13 to November 2 at both locations; Tricks and Treats provides non-scary entertainment on select dates.
LEGOLAND Carlsbad’s Brick or Treat takes place on Saturdays and Sundays between September 20 and November 1 as a separate-ticket event featuring dance parties, live shows—including a typical fun 4D movie—and a disco-themed Dragon coaster ride.
Sesame Place San Diego in Chula Vista hosts The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular every weekend from September 13 through November with costume parades, scavenger hunts for ghosts, dance parties, trick-or-treating opportunities for children dressed up as their favorite characters alongside Sesame Street meet-and-greets.
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park runs from September 18 to November 1. It has more than fifty years of history providing over fifteen mazes plus fright zones populated by more than one thousand actors portraying ghosts or ghouls amid foggy conditions. This event is intended for guests aged thirteen or older; those fifteen or younger must be accompanied by an adult chaperone after four p.m., according to current park policy.
The town of Buena Park participates in seasonal festivities too—with themed cocktails at local venues like The Cauldron Spirits & Brews; dinner theater at Pirates Dinner Adventure; standalone haunted attractions such as The 17th Door; fall treats at Porto’s Bakery; or lodging packages at Knott’s Hotel.
Gilroy Gardens’ Halloween celebration runs weekends from September 26 through November 2 under “Boo Alley,” inspired by The Great Big Boo musical show—featuring light displays and character appearances suitable for young children along with trick-or-treating options and special food offerings including themed beverages for all ages.
For those seeking additional activities beyond theme parks during autumn months throughout California,many other Halloween events are available statewide.
