Halloween is just days away, but it’s not too late to come up with some last-minute plans. Here are our top picks for Halloween events happening across the Bay Area:
San Francisco:
San Francisco Ghost Hunt (ages 10+, $25): There are still tickets left for the Friday evening ghost hunt. A guide will take you through Pacific Heights, one of the least-damaged neighborhoods of the 1906 earthquake and subsequent fire. In addition to learning about historic local figures, the guide will attempt to scare you with ghost stories – how the legends lived, how they died, and the reports of their hauntings ever since. Expect a few scary surprises along the way, too.
The 7D Experience at PIER 39 ($15, call for discounts for children, military and groups): The attraction gets spooky this Halloween, with an interactive ride and a chance to make your way through a zombie apocalypse, shooting down as many zombies as possible. The website boasts the 7D experience as the “first interactive thrill ride” complete with moving roller-coaster seats.
California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park: This classic event promises to be both entertaining and educational. Activities include trick-or-treating, dancing, face painting, magic shows, live animal shows, pumpkins carving, crafts and food and beverages.
San Francisco Boo at the Zoo: (All ages, tickets $20 and under) Take the whole family to trick or treat surrounded by animals of all kinds. Feel free to wander through the Haunted Nature Trail...if you’re brave enough.
North Bay:
Local
Blind Scream Haunted House (Ages 12+, check the website for price details): According to Sonoma County’s official website, Blind Scream “presents two terrifying haunted houses to horrify you for several bone-chilling nights in October.” The haunted house called the Slaughter Shack, sure to make you scream.
Petaluma Cemetery Tour (all ages, $10 to $15): The Petaluma Museum Association will be presenting their annual cemetery tour featuring noted locals from the past.:
Halloween Costume Carnival (all ages, free admission): The Lighthouse Christian Church in Sonoma will be hosting a festival that’s light on the scares. There will be bounce houses, candy and a costume contest. Food and drinks can be purchased for an additional fee. Details:
Halloween at Howarth Park: Santa Rosa’s Howarth Park will feature trick-or-treating, ponies and a carousel. Local businesses have also pledged to hand out sweet treats.
South Bay:
Winchester Mystery House (kid-friendly, prices range): The iconic San Jose home will get a lot more publicity come February — that’s when the major motion picture about the film is released nationwide in theaters. Get an inside look at what is hailed to be the most haunted house in the country in late October or early November.
Deer Hollow Farm in Cupertino: (Free admission, kid-friendly) This farm will transform into a spooky forest with haunted barnyards. Enjoy children's activities and crafts and meet Deer Hollow's friendly farm animals.
Spooktacular Halloween Laser Light Show at De Anza College (all ages, see website for ticket information): Celebrate Halloween with spooky music and laser lights under the planetarium’s majestic sky.
East Bay:
“Stranger Things” Artist Tribute Show (all ages, $10): Celebrate the return of Netflix’ hit show “Stranger Things” with this one-night-only art show. Featuring original artwork, a live-painting session and tons of games, this Saturday evening event is sure to be fun for any fan. Just don’t get caught in the upside down.
Lafayette Trick or Treating (all ages, free): Opt for a fun, safe and free Halloween event. Appropriate for all ages, children and their parents, grandparents are invited to Trick-or-Treat on Mt. Diablo Blvd. from Oak Hill Rd. to Dewing Ave. and in La Fiesta Square from 4:00-6:00pm on Friday, October 27, 2017.
Trunk or Treat Pleasant Hill (all ages, free): Bring the whole family in costume and enjoy the evening going from trunk to trunk, collecting candy from community members who have decorated their vehicles for this fun, spooktacular event. Crafts, activities and a goodie bag for each child.
Thriller Night at OMCA: (All ages, prices range) Paying tribute to the King of Pop, Michael Jackson, the Oakland Museum of California will be trading its annual Friday night festivities into a spooktacular fete. In addition to local cuisine and beer and wine serving areas, organizers have arranged for live music and dancing, including “Thriller”-themed dance lessons.
Boo at the Zoo: (all ages, prices range with special discounts) The Oakland Zoo will be offering trick-or-treating, a dance party and face painting. Animal lovers might enjoy making and feeding treats to the zoo’s many four-legged friends. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday.
