Fall festivals, family fun, and Halloween events for a fall season filled with good times on the Central Coast of California. Please note: we are only including updated events for Central Coast including the cities of Monterey, Carmel, Salinas, Seaside, Marina, Pacific Grove, Santa Cruz, and Watsonville–as new events come in and are verified, we will add them, so check back frequently. Here is our round up of 2025 Halloween and fall events for Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties. 

Movie in the Park: Hocus Pocus

Bring blankets and chairs and food or get takeout from the nearby restaurant. No pets and no alcohol.

• When: September 20, 7:30 PM
• Where: In front of the Scholze Park Community Center
• Info: lighthousedistrict.net

Upcoming Fall & Halloween Events in Monterey Bay

California Renaissance Faire

The streets and stages are filled with music and dance, plus a petting zoo and other children’s activities. Food, crafts, shows, and more. Kids 12 and under are free every weekend.
When: Weekends, September 13–October 19
Where: 10031 Pacheco Pass, Hollister
Info: norcalrenfaire.com

The Great Big BOO at Gilroy Gardens

Put on your costumes and enter BOO Alley for a fully immersive Halloween adventure. Meet funny characters, sing and dance at the live musical, and trick-or-treat along the BOO Trail.
When: Select evenings, September 26–November 2
Where: Gilroy Gardens, 3050 Hecker Pass Hwy., Gilroy
Info: gilroygardens.org

Spooky Sensory Storytime

A cozy morning designed with sensory needs in mind. Families can enjoy hands-on sensory activities, an inclusive storytime, and community connection.
When: October 1, 10–11 AM
Where: Olivia and Daisy Bookstore, Carmel Valley
Info: oliviaanddaisy.com

Thriller Dance Classes

Free, drop-in classes taught by volunteer instructors with zombie experience. Open to all ages and abilities.
When: Saturdays through October 11, 10 AM–12:30 PM
Where: London Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz
Info: cityofsantacruz.com

Harvest Festival Santa Cruz

Celebrate autumn with local performers, food vendors, farm stands, carnival games, and crafts.
When: October 4, 12–4 PM
Where: Cedar Street (between Church and Walnut), Santa Cruz
Info: downtownsantacruz.com

Thomas & Percy’s Halloween Party

Take a 25-minute train ride with Thomas and Percy. Enjoy family activities, costumes, and more.
When: October 4–5, 11–12, 18–19, 25–26
Where: Roaring Camp Railroads, 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton
Info: roaringcamp.com

Día de los Muertos Workshop

Learn about the tradition of creating ofrendas (offerings) to honor loved ones.
When: October 7, 5–6:30 PM
Where: El Gabilan Library, 1400 N Main St., Salinas
Info: salinaspubliclibrary.org

Prunedale Library: Crafty Crafters

Weekly themed crafts for families.
When: October 7–11: Pumpkins; October 14–18: Monsters; October 21–24: Halloween Puppets
Where: Prunedale Library, 17822 Moro Road, Prunedale
Info: countyofmonterey.gov

Tractor or Treat

Trick-or-treating around the farm, fall crafts, tractor driving, hay wagon rides, and more.
When: October 11, 11 AM–3 PM
Where: Agriculture History Project, Watsonville
Info: aghistoryproject.org

Dads Read October

Enjoy storytime, gymnastics, rock painting, clothing and costume exchange, and trunk-or-treat.
When: October 11, 11 AM–5 PM
Where: Marina Branch Library, Marina
Info: friendsofthemarinalibrary.org

Old Fisherman’s Wharf Birthday Party

Celebrate the 180th birthday of Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf with family-friendly activities and live music.
When: October 12, 11 AM–5 PM
Where: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Info: montereywharf.com

Seaside’s 71st Birthday Celebration

Birthday cupcakes, crafts, carnival games, face painting, bounce houses, and more.
When: October 13, 6–8 PM
Where: Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside
Info: ci.seaside.ca.us

Pumpkin Decorating Bonanza

Decorate Rodoni pumpkins with veggies, string, pipe cleaners, buttons, and googly eyes.
When: October 14, 2–5 PM
Where: Felton Farmers’ Market, Russell Avenue, Felton
Info: santacruzfarmersmarket.org

Trunk or Treat at Northridge Mall

Treats, music, games, and a costume contest. Sponsored by Sun Street Centers.
When: October 17, 4–7 PM
Where: Northridge Mall parking lot, Salinas
Info: 831-682-3638

Special Kids Connect Halloween Carnival

A carnival-style event designed for special needs families with games, crafts, face painting, and giveaways.
When: October 18, 11 AM–1 PM
Where: Monterey County Fairgrounds, Monterey
Info: specialkidsconnect.org

Pumpkin Plunge

Free admission; $7 to plunge for a pumpkin.
When: October 18, 1–3 PM
Where: Patullo Swim Center, 1148 Wheeler Street, Seaside
Info: ci.seaside.ca.us

Heritage Harvest Festival

Experience living history demonstrations, crafts, games, old-time music, apple cider press, and pumpkin ice cream.
When: October 18, 11 AM–4 PM
Where: Wilder Ranch State Park, Santa Cruz
Info: parks.ca.gov

City of Marina 50th Anniversary

Live music, food, vendors, and family-friendly fun.
When: October 18, 12–4 PM
Where: Vista Del Camino Circle, Marina
Info: cityofmarina.org

Haunted House and Mask Making Festival

Mask making, carnival games, photo booth, Thriller dance, and theatrical performances. Free event.
When: October 18, 12–4:30 PM
Where: London Nelson Community Center, Santa Cruz
Info: cityofsantacruz.com

Floating Pumpkin Patch

Swim and dive for pumpkins, then decorate them. Includes games, prizes, and open swim time.
When: October 18, 1–4 PM
Where: Simkins Swim Center, Santa Cruz
Info: santacruzcountyca.gov

City of Monterey Trunk or Treat and Movie on the Lawn

Trick-or-treat with nonprofits and city partners. Plus, movie showing right after.

When: October 18, 5–6:30 PM/movie follows at 6:30 PM at Colton Hall lawn
Where: Pacific Street between Madison & Jefferson, Monterey
Info: monterey.org/rec

Pumpkin Painting with AFRP

Pumpkin painting at Sanctuary Vacation Rentals with Twisted Roots Wines. Materials provided.
When: October 18, 5:30–7:30 PM
Where: Sanctuary Vacation Rentals, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Info: animalfriendsrescue.org

City of Greenfield Harvest Festival

Food, live music, car show, and more.
When: October 19, 12–6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Greenfield
Info: 831-210-5215

13 Days of Halloween on the Wharf

Pumpkin bingo, Thriller dance, photo booths, and Wharf specials.
When: October 19–31
Where: Santa Cruz Wharf, Santa Cruz
Info: cityofsantacruz.com

Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Trunk or Treat

Decorated trunks, candy, games, and food vendors. Free parking/shuttle from Capitola Mall.
When: October 24, 5–8 PM
Where: Shuttle from Capitola Mall
Info: cityofsantacruz.com

Trunk or Treat in Pacific Grove

Halloween at the Aquarium with costumes, music, desserts, and more. (Special ticket required; no general admission.)
When: October 25, 5:30-7:00 PM
Where: Robert Down Elementary, Pacific Grove
Info: signup genius

Graves Harvest Festival in Salinas

There will be games, prizes, food, raffles, costume contest, and much more.
When: October 24, 5:30-8:00 PM
Where: Graves Elementary School, Salinas
Info

Party at the Monterey Boo Ascaryum

Halloween at the Aquarium with costumes, music, desserts, and more. (Special ticket required; no general admission.)
When: October 24–25, 7–10 PM
Where: Monterey Bay Aquarium, Monterey
Info: montereybayaquarium.org

Pebble Beach Zombie Run & Emergency Preparedness Fair

Choose the 5K Zombie Crawl or 2K Survivor Stroll, plus tacos, fire engine tours, and safety displays.
When: October 25, 9 AM–12 PM
Where: 4005 Sunridge Road, Pebble Beach
Info: pbcsd.org

Tiny Ghouls and Goblins

Sensory story time, toddler crafts, spooky story time, raffles, local vendors, and more. Open to ages 0-5 (siblings welcome). Free event.
When: October 25, 10 AM–12 PM
Where: Children’s Therapy Center, Carmel
Infohttps://www.montereybayparent.com/event/tiny-ghouls-and-goblins-in-carmel/

Spooky Science Saturday

Meet live animals, enjoy crafts, and more. Free event.
When: October 25, 10 AM–3 PM
Where: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Info: pgmuseum.org

Downtown Pacific Grove Trick-or-Treat

Candy, music, giveaways, and safety zone activities. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
When: October 25, 10 AM–2 PM
Where: Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove
Info: business.pacificgrove.org

Community Halloween Party

A small-group friendly event with games, crafts, and costumes.
When: October 25, 10 AM–12 PM
Where: Children’s Therapy Center, Carmel
Info: childrenstherapycenter.com

Carmel’s Annual Pumpkin Roll

Pumpkins roll down Ocean Avenue in this community tradition.
When: October 25, 11 AM–1 PM
Where: Ocean Avenue, Carmel
Info: carmelcalifornia.com

Downtown Salinas Trick-or-Treat

Costume contests, pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunt, and more.
When: October 25, 11 AM–2 PM
Where: Downtown Salinas
Info: downtownsalinas.org

Halloween at Sherwood Park, Salinas

Pumpkins, monster walk, games. For ages 12 and under. Wear your costume. Free event (while supplies last).
When: October 25, 12-2 PM
Where: Sherwood Park, Salinas
Info

Calvary Kids Fall Festival

The church parking lot will be filled with families and people of all ages enjoying carnival games, festive food, inflatables, costume contests and sack races.
When: October 25, 12-3 PM
Where: Calvary Community Church, Monterey
Info

Makerspace Fair: It’s Spooky

Make-and-take stations, trick-or-treating, and costumes welcome.
When: October 25, 11 AM–3 PM
Where: Carmel Valley Library
Info: countyofmonterey.gov

Santa Cruz Día de los Muertos Celebration

Traditional music, dance, art, and community altars.
When: October 25, 1–3 PM
Where: The MAH, Santa Cruz
Info: santacruzmah.org

North County Recreation Halloween Fun Day

Trunk-or-treat, haunted house, games, and costume contest.
When: October 25, 1–5 PM
Where: North County Recreation Center, Castroville
Info: 831-633-3084

Pumpkin Plunge

Swim through a pool of floating pumpkins and pick one to take home. Pumpkins are limited.
When: October 25, 2-4:00 PM
Where: Monterey Sports Center
Info

Crafts for Halloween

Family-friendly crafting event.
When: October 25, 1–3 PM
Where: Seaside Library
Info: countyofmonterey.gov

Halloween Family Festival at Del Monte Center

Costumes, treats, entertainment, arts, crafts, and characters.
When: October 25, 1–3 PM
Where: Del Monte Shopping Center, Monterey
Info: delmontecenter.com

Halloween on Lighthouse

Trick-or-treating with local businesses in New Monterey.
When: October 25, 2–5 PM
Where: Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey
Info: lighthousedistrict.net

Shoreline Fall Family Festival

Games, trunk-or-treat, crafts, and inflatables. Costumes encouraged.
When: October 25, 1–4 PM
Where: Shoreline Church, Monterey
Info: shoreline.church

Thriller Dance Party

Learn the Thriller dance moves with Brandy and Alicia outside The Sports Center in Monterey.
When: October 25, 4:30-5:30 PM
Where: Monterey Sports Center
Info

Point Sur Lightstation Halloween Tour

Ghost tours, storytelling, lighthouse views, and light buffet.
When: October 25, 5–9 PM
Where: Point Sur Lightstation, Big Sur
Info: pointsur.org

Kids Night Out in Monterey

Monster Mash theme with costume contest, gymnastics, pizza, popcorn, and more. Open to ages 5-12. Discount for Monterey residents.
When: October 25, 5:30-8:30 PM
Where: El Estero Park Center, Monterey
Info

Santa Cruz Día de los Muertos (MAH)

Music, dance, and art to celebrate the Day of the Dead.
When: October 26, 1 PM
Where: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Info: santacruzmah.org/events

Watsonville Downtown Candy Crawl

Costume parade and trick-or-treating. Ages 13 and under.
When: October 26, 2–6 PM
Where: City Plaza, Watsonville
Info: watsonville.gov

Halloween-Themed Teen Escape Challenge

For grades 6–12 only. Free snacks and drinks. Registration required.
When: October 28, 3:30–4:15 PM or 4:30–5:15 PM
Where: The Little House at Jewell Park, Pacific Grove
Info: 831-648-5760

Trick-or-Treat on the Row Family Festival

Pumpkin decorating, live music, and trick-or-treating.
When: October 28, 10 AM–12 PM
Where: Santana Row, San Jose
Info: santanarow.com

Historic and Haunted Walking Tour

Explore Colton Hall and the Old Jail at night with a guided tour.
When: October 29, 6 PM
Where: Colton Hall, Monterey
Info: montereypl.libcal.com

Haunted Library in Pacific Grove

Costume-friendly Halloween event in the Children’s Room.
When: October 30, 3:30–5:30 PM
Where: Pacific Grove Public Library
Info: pacificgrovelibrary.org

Halloween Storytime and Parade

Spooky stories followed by a costume parade on the Colton Hall lawn.
When: October 31, 10:15 AM
Where: Colton Hall lawn, Monterey
Info: montereypl.libcal.com

Aptos Halloween Parade

Face painting, crafts, and family fun in Aptos Village.
When: October 31, 3–4:30 PM
Where: Aptos Village Green
Info: aptoschamber.com

Halloween on the Wharf

Trick-or-treating with participating merchants.
When: October 31, 4–7 PM
Where: Old Fisherman’s Wharf, Monterey
Info: montereywharf.com

Malloween at Northridge Mall

Trick-or-treating, science show, costume contest, and meet-and-greets.
When: October 31, 4–8 PM
Where: Northridge Mall, Salinas
Info: northridgemall.com

Halloween Dog Costume Contest

Dogs in costume compete for prizes.
When: October 31, 5–6 PM
Where: Abbott Square Market, Santa Cruz
Info: downtownsantacruz.com

Downtown Boulder Creek Trick-or-Treat

Trick-or-treating with local businesses.
When: October 31, 5–7 PM
Where: Downtown Boulder Creek
Info: santacruzcounty.us

Seaside Halloween Bonanza

Games, haunted house, crafts, and costume contest.
When: October 31, 6–9 PM
Where: Oldemeyer Center, Seaside
Info: ci.seaside.ca.us

Halloween Spooktacular BunnyFest

Family movies (Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice), trick-or-treating, and costume contest.
When: October 31, 6–9 PM
Where: Lighthouse Cinema, Pacific Grove
Info: lighthousecinema.com

Festival Los Muertos in the Park

Art, vendors, and prizes for best altar.
When: November 1, 4–8 PM
Where: Chanticleer County Park, Santa Cruz
Info: countyparkfriends.org

Watsonville Plaza: Día de los Muertos

Community altars, live music, dance, family activities, and market of the dead.
When: November 1, 4–9 PM
Where: Main Street, Watsonville
Info: watsonville.gov