


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
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