We’re thrilled to bring you an epic round of activities to make this your best Halloween yet in San Francisco. The Bay Area always goes hard in October with endless opportunities to get your fill of tricks and treats.
There’s something for everyone here, whether you’re looking for a party, a pumpkin patch, a haunted house, kids’ activities, or a little of everything. Read on to get inspired for Halloween 2026 in San Francisco.
Apple picking and hot chocolate are all good and well, but if you’re looking for something a bit spookier you’re in the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best haunted houses in the Bay Area, from the family-friendly to the downright terrifying. Favorites include Fear Overload Scream Park in Newark and a new immersive haunted experience at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose.
San Francisco’s Victoria Theatre is welcoming back SF’s favorite Star Wars burlesque show! The Empire Strips Back has sold over 500,000 tickets across the globe, selling out in cities like L.A., Chicago, and New York. Don’t miss out on its newest SF run.
Candlelight presents breathtaking classical concerts in over 100 cities around the world, and we can’t wait to see their special upcoming Halloween-themed shows. Settle into an intimate space lit only by a sea of flickering candles, an ambiance that melds beautifully with live renditions of haunting Halloween melodies. Listen to classical renditions of the Stranger Things theme, Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and the Beetlejuice soundtrack.
We’re lucky to live right near Half Moon Bay, the pumpkin capital of the world! Whether you’re looking for family activities with kids or getting ahead of your Halloween decorating, these excellent Bay Area farms and pumpkin patches have got you covered with seasonal events to boot. Some of our favorites include Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay and Spina Farms in Morgan Hill.
Halloween always brings multiple lively pub crawls to the streets of San Francisco. Here are a few to consider:
- Trick or Drink – Oct. 24, 30, and 31, 2026
- Walk With Spirits – Select Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 31
- Crawloween – TBA for 2026
Even the bravest of guests do a double-take on these creepy San Francisco ghost tours, many of which draw on haunting tales from the city’s Gold Rush and Barbary Coast days. Crank up your ghost gear and get ready for one of the most memorable tours of the city that will have you looking at ordinary landmarks in an entirely new light.
The Exploratorium’s Thursday After Dark events allow you to explore the science museum late at night, complete with special presentations and a bar. In October, they usually host a Día de los Muertos-themed event and the fan-favorite “Creepatorium” for Halloween.
Horror movie screenings
Halloween is the perfect time to watch your favorite horror films or cult classics, and luckily, SF theaters don’t disappoint with the spooky movie screenings. Many local cinemas will play your favorite Halloween classics as the holiday approaches, including Balboa Theater and Alamo Draft House. Look out for cult classics like Rocky Horror Picture Show, Frankenstein, and Dracula.
The Guardsmen Halloween Party
The Guardsmen are due to host their 22nd annual Halloween party at The Brixton this year, featuring a live DJ and hundreds of guests in epic costumes. Dress your best for a chance to win prizes, or otherwise enjoy the drink specials and have a night to remember.
Every year we curate a list of the best Halloween parties coming to SF nightclubs, bars, and event spaces. You can bet on a full lineup of live shows and great DJs at popular destinations, including DNA Lounge, The Great Northern, Public Works, and many more.
SF residents love any excuse to throw on a costume and hit the streets, so it’s no surprise that we also have a treasure trove of vintage, thrift, and costume shops, where you can find the perfect Halloween look. From the era- and genre-specific outfits for rent at Haight Street Costumes, to authentic vintage outfits at Decades of Fashion, these are the best places to put your costume together.
It’s hard to deny that the fall season brings some of the best flavors on the calendar. We’re talking pumpkin spice, nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger, and every scent that you want wafting through your kitchen. Well, that fact is certainly not lost on San Francisco’s bakeries, cafes, and ice cream shops, because they are busy churning out an epic lineup of delicious treats. BRB, picking up some gourmet candy at Miette Patisserie…
Do you know which San Francisco landmarks have spooky stories attached to them? Whether or not you believe in ghosts, these local places are undeniably creepy. From the White Lady of Stow Lake to the spirit of Mary Lake at the Queen Anne Hotel, here are the best ghost stories in SF that you never knew about.
San Francisco witches swear by these delightful metaphysical shops, crystal stores, and herbal apothecaries. From the beautifully curated Sword and Rose in Cole Valley, to the taxidermied oddities found in the Mission’s Paxton Gate, you’ll find plenty of places to get in touch with your occult side.