The Best Fall And Halloween Things To Do This Weekend In San Diego
San Diego fills up with fall festivals, family-friendly Halloween events and full-on haunted attractions every October. This guide highlights the top picks for Oct. 24–26, with quick planning tips so you and your family can pick the right events and avoid sold‑out nights and traffic headaches.
Weekend highlights
Top attractions this weekend include SeaWorld’s Howl‑O‑Scream and Spooktacular (separate tickets for the nighttime scare event), the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park, LEGOLAND’s Brick‑or‑Treat, The Gondola Company’s “A Haunting in Venice” gondola cruises in Coronado Cays, and community favorites like Boo at the Zoo, Pumpkin Train rides in Campo, and Rolling Pumpkins in El Cajon. Expect a mix of kid‑focused activities (trick‑or‑treating, pet costume contests, daytime spook fairs) and scarier experiences geared to teens and adults (haunted trails, mazes and night attractions).
By day: Quick planning guide
Friday
Friday nights are prime for haunt lovers. Featured options: Villa Montezuma’s “Poe and More Poe” performances, Fright for Future’s interactive haunted maze in El Cajon, and the Haunted Amusement Park in East County. Buy tickets online for timed entries and arrive early for parking — some East County attractions are on rural roads with limited lot space.
Saturday
Saturday is busiest for family events: Boo at the Zoo flashlight tours, Pumpkin Express train rides from Campo, Trunk‑or‑Treats in Balboa Park and the San Diego Automotive Museum, and community Spooktaculars in Oceanside and Carlsbad. If you want trick‑or‑treating or kid crafts, plan daytime activities first; evening slots fill fast for the popular haunted attractions.
Sunday
Sunday offers daytime festivals and neighborhood events: Liberty Station’s Halloween at the Station, Trick‑or‑Treat on India Street in Little Italy, Fallbrook Halloween Festival, and family movie nights like Hocus Pocus in Old Poway Park. Use Sunday to catch community events with shorter lines and easier parking.
Tickets, crowds and logistics
Reserve ahead for ticketed attractions (SeaWorld, Balboa Park Haunted Trail, haunted corn mazes, and The Gondola Company). Many attractions list age recommendations — some haunted mazes advise ages 10+ or are explicitly for mature audiences. Costumes are welcome at most family events; many parks and museums discourage masks for safety. For parking and traffic, check event pages and local alerts (I‑5 closures or special vehicle restrictions can change weekend plans). Carry water, a small flashlight for evening family events, and cash or card for on‑site food vendors.
| Event type | Best for | Typical cost | Reserve? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Family festivals & trick‑or‑treat | Young kids & families | Free–$25 | Usually optional |
| Haunted trails & scare mazes | Teens & adults | $13–$50 | Yes — buy online |
| Theme‑park Halloween | All ages (separate adult events) | $20–$60+ | Yes |
| Community events & pet contests | Families, pet owners | Free–donation | Often optional |
What to watch next
Check event pages for last‑minute schedule changes, weather advisories and capacity updates. Popular nights can sell out; keep an eye on ticket availability and consider weekday alternatives for haunted attractions with long weekend lines. Monitor local traffic alerts (I‑5 closures and major road work are often posted and can add 30–60 minutes to trips across Mission Bay). If you rely on transit, confirm late‑night schedules for return trips after evening events.
FAQs
- Question
Are these events safe for small children?
Many family events are designed for young kids, but check age recommendations for haunted mazes and nights — some are not recommended for children under 10 or are specifically for mature audiences. - Question
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
For major attractions (SeaWorld Howl‑O‑Scream, Balboa Park Haunted Trail, haunted corn mazes, gondola cruises) buy online; community trunk‑or‑treats and park events are often free or first‑come, first‑served. - Question
Can I wear a costume and mask at these events?
Costumes are encouraged at most family events; many venues prohibit full face masks at night for safety — check each event’s rules before you go. - Question
What about parking and traffic?
Expect limited parking at rural or popular sites; arrive early, carpool, or use nearby lots and shuttles when offered. Watch local traffic alerts for closures that could affect travel times.
Practical takeaway: choose one ticketed attraction and one free community event for the weekend — buy online for night scares, plan daytime family activities for easier parking, and check event pages for real‑time updates. Enjoy San Diego’s fall festivities safely and in costume.
