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Halloween time has arrived, and with it comes a packed Peninsula events calendar. Expect an extra spirited holiday with Halloween falling on a Friday this year, but there’s also a wide variety of festivities in the days leading up to Oct. 31.
From kids’ activities like trick-or-treating, movie nights and spooky storytimes to immersive experiences like Filoli’s “Nightfall” and a murder mystery dinner in Mountain View, local events cater to those who want to embrace the scarier side of the holiday as well as people who prefer treats over tricks.
Our guide to Silicon Valley Halloween festivities covers all ages and includes parties and special events; concerts, screenings and performances; family-friendly festivities; and food-and-drink events and restaurant celebrations. Avoid the frightful fear of missing out and read on for details.
Special events
Filoli Nightfall The Filoli estate transforms its historic house and gardens for Halloween, with creepy decorations and a glowing garden display, and opens for night visits with nighttime walks, live music, games and crafts, refreshments and the chance to see the “Trolls” exhibition by moonlight. VIP experiences available. Witches Tea, a daytime activity for young guests and their families, offers sweet treats and bubbly brews, plus storytime.
Nightfall takes place through Nov. 10; $45-$49 adults, $35-$39 children. Witches Tea takes place weekends, 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. through Nov. 2; $75 per person. Both events are held at Filoli, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside. filoli.org/nightfall.
Town & Country Village Halloween Hunt Pick up a map at Books Inc. and keep an eye out for the Gus the Ghost cutout at participating stores at the Palo Alto shopping center. After receiving 17 stamps, participants can return to Books Inc. to be entered to win grand prizes from retailers and restaurants.
Oct. 17-31, noon to 6 p.m. at Town & Country Village, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto; free. instagram.com/townandcountryvillage.
Scare Faire and Costume Swap The Museum of American Heritage and Transition Palo Alto will host a free costume and decoration swap plus crafts, games and activities for all ages.
Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m. at the Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto; free. moah.org/moahevents/scare-faire-costume-swap.
Well-Known Underground Residents of Colma The John Daly Library will host a special presentation from the Colma Historical Association about some of the famous and infamous individuals that are among the 1.5 million people who call Colma their final resting place.
Oct. 20, 4 p.m. at the John Daly Library, 134 Hillside Blvd., Daly City; free. instagram.com/dalycitylibrary.
Spooky Streets Halloween Decorating Contest Participation is open to San Carlos homes and businesses. Winners will be announced via social media on Halloween.
Entry deadline is Oct. 22. cityofsancarlos.org/business_detail_T10_R221.php.
Haunt Your Home Redwood City’s sixth annual home decorating contest returns. Winners will be selected for Best Effects, Most Creative, Scariest and Judges’ Favorite. Winners will receive a Parks & Recreation gift basket and a yard sign to display in front of their home.
The deadline to enter is Oct. 22, 11:59 p.m. Entries are free and capped at 40 participants, so early sign-up is encouraged. redwoodcity.orghauntyourhome.
Santa Clara Halloween Home Decorating Contest Santa Clara residents whose homes are decorated for Halloween can enter the city’s home decorating contest. Fill out the online form and submit two to three photos.
Deadline to participate Oct. 27, 5 p.m. instagram.com/santaclaracityparks.
Thistle & Tonic Workshops The Pacifica shop will host The Witch’s Charm Bar Oct. 19, where attendees will create Halloween-inspired charm necklaces. A ticket includes one custom necklace and two drinks. On Oct. 24 Broom & Bloom is back, where guests will design their own flower-adorned cinnamon brooms and drink “seasonal elixirs and spooky sips.”
Witch’s Charm Bar is Oct. 19 from noon to 2 p.m.; $85. Broom & Bloom is Oct. 24, 5-6:30 p.m.; $60. Both events are at Thistle & Tonic, 1625 Palmetto Ave., Suite A, Pacifica. thistleandtonic.com/events.
Springline Barks & Boos Dress up your pup for a night at the dog park featuring pet vendors, a live DJ, a costume contest, complimentary food and drinks available for purchase.
Oct. 24, 5-7:30 p.m. at The Glade Dog Park, 1300 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; free. eventbrite.com/e/barks-boos-tickets-1632782920669?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Redwood City Night Market Find food and wine booths, craft vendors, live performances and music, an outdoor movie night and a costume contest at this two-day festival.
Oct. 25, 2-9 p.m. and Oct. 26, noon to 8 p.m. in downtown Redwood City; free. eventbrite.com/e/redwood-city-night-market-enjoy-good-food-and-feel-the-halloween-vibe-tickets-1830406889279?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Sip Shop Eat Cityline Sunnyvale will host more than 80 vendors, a costume contest for prizes, DIY stations, mocktails and cocktails (with a VIP ticket) and food trucks.
Oct. 25, noon to 5 p.m. at Cityline Sunnyvale, 241 S. Taaffe St., Suite 180, Sunnyvale; free, VIP upgrades available. citylinesunnyvale.com/events.
BraveMaker Halloween Party This annual costume party and spooky film fest with horror-themed short films will be held at Alhambra Irish House. The event will also include a DJ and a costume contest.
Oct. 25, 7-10:30 p.m. at Alhambra Irish House, 831 Main St., Redwood City; $32.78 general admission, $38.12 for admission plus feature film viewing, $44.52 at the door. eventbrite.com/e/halloween-party-annual-october-costume-event-by-bravemaker-tickets-1740504609139?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Boos and Brews The downtown San Mateo pedestrian mall will host trick-or-treating, arts and crafts, music and a photo booth. Devil’s Canyon Brewing Company will also sell beer and wine on-site.
Oct. 25, 3-5 p.m. on B Street between 1st and 3rd avenues, San Mateo; free. cityofsanmateo.org/4740/Boos-and-Brews-on-B-Street.
Sunnyvale Halloween Pet Parade Families can dress up their pets for this annual tradition, which includes a parade and pet costume and talent contests.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in downtown Sunnyvale (check-in 9-9:30 a.m. at S. Murphy Ave and McKinley avenues, Sunnyvale; free, but registration required; sunnyvalepetparade.com.
Witches Paddle Wear your witch outfit or a Halloween costume and get ready to kayak or stand up paddle board in Pillar Point Harbor. The paddle may be canceled in the event of high winds or bad weather.
Oct. 26, 10 a.m. (arrive by 9 a.m.) at Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay; free. smharbor.com/2025-10-26-witches-paddle-pillar-point-harbor.
Ameswell Barks & Boos Dress up your pet for a Halloween costume contest and pet parade. The event will also feature treats and local vendors.
Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at The Ameswell Hotel, 800 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View; free. eventbrite.com/e/barks-boos-tickets-1549926645319?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Doggoween Bring your costumed pup to any Fieldwork Brewing Company location for a costume contest and parade Oct. 26 with Fieldwork gift cards as prizes.
Oct. 26, 1-3 p.m. at Fieldwork Brewing Company, 3030 S. Delaware St., San Mateo; free admission. instagram.com/fieldwork_sanmateo.
Halloween Bray Parade Join the Barron Park donkeys for a parade that starts and ends at Bol Park. All ages and costumes are welcome.
Oct. 26, 3:30 p.m. at Bol Park, 3590 Laguna Ave., Palo Alto; free. instagram.com/bpdonkeys.
Little Green A Plant Bar Workshops Plant shop and event space Little Green A Plant Bar presents two workshops for Halloween. On Oct. 26, participants can enjoy tea and create a pumpkin planter filled with succulents in a workshop led by Little Green staffers that will be held at Loveys Tea Room in Pacifica. On Oct. 30, guests can create their own Victorian-inspired curio shadow box full of specimens and oddities at Little Green’s Redwood City shop, filled with plants and spooky decor.
Succulent pumpkin workshop Oct. 26, 3-5 p.m. at Loveys Tea Room, 4430 Coast Highway, Pacifica; $70. Curio workshop Oct. 30, 6-8 p.m. at Little Green A Plant Bar, 1101 Main St., Redwood City; $85. littlegreenaplantbar.com/classes.
Open Makers: Halloween Edition Adult makers who are working on last-minute Halloween costumes or decorations can drop in to use the makerspace and its available tools, including sewing machines, 3D printers and Cricut machines.
Oct. 31, 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Downtown Library, 1044 Middlefield Road, Redwood City; free. tinyurl.com/openmakers.
Midnight at the Masquerade The Ameswell Hotel in Mountain View will host a murder mystery dinner where guests are encouraged to don formal attire and Venetian masks. The menu includes cress salad, choice of chicken saltimbocca or seared vegan chicken breast for entree and pavlova for dessert. Drinks will be available for purchase.
Oct. 31, 6 p.m. at Roger Bar & Restaurant in The Ameswell Hotel, 800 Moffett Blvd., Mountain View; $120.78 per person. rogerbarandrestaurant.com/halloween.
Halloween at the Hub This 21-and-over party will include music from Mermaid & The Crashers and DJ thevampcowboy, go-go dancers, pop-up burlesque performances and cocktails.
Oct. 31, 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. at The Hub RWC, 2650 Broadway, Redwood City; $10 cover. 21 and over. eventbrite.com/e/halloween-at-the-hub-tickets-1830648772759?aff=calendar.
Family-friendly festivities
Haunted Hangar Hiller Aviation Museum will be decorated for Halloween with its Haunted Hangar event Oct. 17-27. Weekend activities include a scavenger hunt, paint-a-plane, kids’ festival and the famed Helicopter Pumpkin Drop.
Haunted Hangar is open Oct. 17-27; Paint-a-plane Oct. 18-19, 10 a.m.-noon; Halloween Kid’s Festival and Pumpkin Drop Oct. 25-26, 10 a.m. to noon. All events take place at Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos, and are included with museum admission. Tickets are $24 for adults, $16 for seniors 65 and up, $16 for youth ages 4-17 and free for kids 3 and under. hiller.org.
Poolkin Patch Pick a pumpkin from the Jean E. Brink Pool in Pacifica and decorate it on-site.
Oct. 17, 7-9 p.m. at the Jean E. Brink Pool, 401 Paloma Ave., Pacifica; $15 fee covers swimming, a pumpkin and decorating. instagram.com/pacificarecreation.
Kids Night Out Kids ages 5-10 will participate in crafts and games; pizza and drinks provided. Costumes are encouraged.
Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. at the Sandpiper Community Center, 797 Redwood Shores Parkway, Redwood City; register for pricing details. redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/halloween-hub.
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival The festival returns for its 53rd year, drawing visitors for its display of weigh-off champion pumpkins and a wide assortment of pumpkin-flavored food and beverages, plus a parade, live music, fine art vendors, kids’ activities and more.
Oct. 18-19, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Main Street, Half Moon Bay; free. hmbpumpkinfest.com.
Halloween Extravaganza This family-friendly South City event features inflatables, a storybook walk, trunk-or-treat, food trucks, a Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA adoption tent, the Howl-O-Ween pet costume contest and both a floating pumpkin patch and an outdoor one.
Oct. 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Orange Memorial Park, 1 W. Orange Ave., South San Francisco; free. Preregistration required for the pumpkin patches and costume contest. ssf.net/Departments/Parks-Recreation/Events/Halloween-Extravaganza.
Halloween Movie Night Bring blankets and lawn chairs to watch “Shrek” at Grant Park.
Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m. at the Grant Park soccer field, 1575 Holt Ave., Los Altos; free. instagram.com/losaltosrec.
Spooky Storytime at The Foster Families with little ones are encouraged to wear costumes for a spooky afternoon that includes storytime, a Venus flytrap-themed puppet activity, dancing and a scavenger hunt.
Oct. 19, 10:30 a.m. to noon, at The Foster Museum, 940 Commercial St., Palo Alto; free. thefoster.org/storytime-with-anna.
San Carlos Halloween Movie Night Kids can watch “Hocus Pocus,” go through a haunted house, play games and eat treats.
Oct. 17, 6-8:45 p.m. at the San Carlos Youth Center, 1001 Chestnut St., San Carlos; free. cityofsancarlos.org/city_hall/departments_and_divisions/parks_and_recreation/index.php.
Serramonte Center Halloween Events Children can wear costumes and enjoy crafts, treats and a mini dance party at the Monster Mash Oct. 21. A pet costume contest with a $200 gift card and other prizes is Oct. 25; spaces limited.
Monster Mash is Oct. 21, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Halloween Pet Costume Contest is Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Both events are at Serramonte Center, 3 Serramonte Center, Daly City; free. instagram.com/serramontecenter.
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree The Palo Alto Children’s Library hosts a Halloween dance party for young children and their families, who are invited to attend in costume. The event also includes crafts and light refreshments.
Oct 23, 4-5 p.m., at Palo Alto Children’s Library Secret Garden, 1276 Harriet St., Palo Alto; free. tinyurl.com/PAKidsJamboree.
Haunted Treehouse Cinema The Treehouse Hotel will screen a PG-rated Halloween movie and provide unlimited popcorn plus snacks by Valley Goat featuring your choice of pita and dip, an empanada and a cookie. Vegetarian options and beverages will be available for purchase. Costumes are encouraged.Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m. at Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, 1100 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale; $35. eventbrite.com/e/haunted-treehouse-cinema-club-at-treehouse-hotel-silicon-valley-tickets-1787092013319?aff=oddtdtcreator.
Jack O’Jaunt The city of Palo Alto’s sixth annual pumpkin carving competition and display invites the community to vote for the scariest, cutest and most creative jack-o’-lanterns. Participants can carve their own pumpkins ahead of time at home and bring them to the display, or carve them in a workshop at Lytton Plaza on the day of the event. All participants must use real pumpkins.
Oct. 24, display and competition takes place 6:30-8:30 p.m.; carving workshop takes place 3-5:30 p.m.. Both events take place at Lytton Plaza, University Avenue and Emerson Street, Palo Alto. $25 resident, $28.75 nonresident fee for those carving on-site (fee includes a pumpkin and carving kit, but no instructors will be present.) tinyurl.com/2025PAJaunt.
PAL-O-Ween Block Party The PAL Center will host a family-friendly event with a spooky trail, a photo station, food, a live DJ, candy bags, a costume contest and a jump castle.
Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. at the Pal Center, 3399 Bay Road, Redwood City; free. rcpalcenter.org/pal-o-ween.
Goblin Walk Children 7 and under (accompanied by an adult) are invited to trick-or-treat down Laurel Street from San Carlos Avenue to Arroyo Avenue and stop by businesses with a Goblin Walk sign. The first 600 trick-or-treaters can pick up a Goblin Walk trick-or-treat bag at Harrington Park or from a volunteer.
Oct. 24, 4-5:30 p.m. on Laurel Street, San Carlos; free. cityofsancarlos.org/business_detail_T10_R151.php.
Monster Mash Bash Families can enjoy a night of candy, games, activities and a costume contest.
Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. at the San Bruno Recreation & Aquatic Center, 251 City Park Way, San Bruno; $12 for residents, $14 for nonresidents, $16 day of event, free for RAC members and kids 2 and under. All kids 13 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Preregistration ends Oct. 23. sanbruno.ca.gov/recsignup.
Colma Trunk or Treat The city’s fifth annual Trunk or Treat will include a low-sensory session to kick off the evening. Trick-or-treaters will vote for their favorite decorated trunks, and winners will receive prizes.
Oct. 24, 6-8 p.m. (split into half-hour sessions) at the Colma Community Center, 1520 Hillside Blvd., Colma; $2 for Colma residents, $5 for nonresidents. All trick-or-treaters must be registered by Oct. 17. colma.ca.gov/event/trunk-or-treat-2025.
Trick-or-Treat at the Market Kids can trick-or-treat and complete a scavenger hunt for a prize at the downtown Palo Alto farmers market. There will also be decorations and a guess-the-candy-corn competition.
Oct. 25, 8 a.m. to noon on Gilman Street at Hamilton Avenue, downtown Palo Alto; free. instagram.com/paloaltofarmersmarket.
Palersize PALiversary Party Join Mr. Bones and Pal Mel for the Palloween Pumpkin Routine exercise program. This event is geared toward kids ages 3-8 with their families.
Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to noon at the Red Morton Community Center (Community Activities Building), 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; $30 for a family of four. redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/halloween-hub.
Electric Vehicle Frunk or Treat Acterra and the city of Sunnyvale host a trick-or-treating event where attendees can visit electric vehicle owners’ “frunks” and complete a scavenger hunt for candy and entry into a raffle for a gift card. Car owners will be on hand to answer questions about EVs. There will also be a costume contest, electric bike test rides for ages 16 and over, a food truck and kids’ face painting.
Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 433 Charles St., Sunnyvale; free. eventbrite.com/e/electric-vehicle-frunk-or-treat-registration-1497759291359?aff=SunnyvaleSocialMedia.
Cupertino Monster Mash Families are encouraged to dress in costume for an evening of games, trick-or-treating and crafts. This event will be held outdoors, rain or shine, and is geared toward children ages 2-11.
Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Quinlan Community Center, 21121 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; Registration includes two adults and one child 2 years or older; register for pricing details. Preregistration is required for children to participate, and kids must be accompanied by an adult. cupertino.gov/monstermash25.
Halloween Festival Families can enjoy a day with games, a magic show, trick-or-treating for ages 2-12, a costume contest (pets in costume are welcome) and a kids’ fashion show.
Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Leo J. Ryan Park meadow, 650 Shell Blvd., Foster City. Entrance only (no trick-or-treating) is $5 for residents, $7 for nonresidents; entrance and trick-or-treating is $10 for residents, $12 for nonresidents. Preregistration required; kids under the age of 10 with a trick-or-treat ticket must be accompanied by an adult with an entrance ticket. fostercity.org/parksrec/page/2025-halloween-festival.
Children’s SpooktaClara This fun-filled afternoon for children 10 and under will include trick-or-treat row, a petting zoo, carnival games and a slide, arts and crafts, a pumpkin walk and food.
Oct. 25, noon to 4 p.m. at the Central Park meadow, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara. santaclaraca.gov/halloween.
Family Fun Days Bring the family to the Los Altos Community Center for Halloween-themed crafts, games, treats, a movie and a scavenger hunt.
Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Ave., Los Altos; free. instagram.com/losaltosrec.
Pillar Point Harbor Trunk or Treat Kids can trick-or-treat from open car trunks at the harbor.
Oct. 25, 2-5 p.m. at Pillar Point Harbor, 1 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay; free.
Halloween Spooktacular Families can enjoy carnival games, a monster maze, crafts, spooky photo backdrops, a mini pumpkin patch and prizes. This event is suitable for children ages 1-10.
Oct. 25, noon to 3 p.m. at the Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City; $10 per child, parents and guardians are free with child admission. Preregistration is encouraged to secure your spot. rwcparks.org/spooktacular.
Halloween for Families Gamble Garden’s annual Halloween event will include face painting, crafts, trivia, treats and a scavenger hunt. The Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo will showcase Eloise the opossum and her zoo pals.
Oct. 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at Gamble Garden, 1431 Waverley St., Palo Alto; $45 for adults ($36 for members), $55 for kids ($44 for members), free for children 1 and under. gamblegarden.org/event/halloween-for-families.
Boo Bash The Pacifica event will include a haunted house and carnival.
Oct. 25, 5-8 p.m. at the Pacifica Community Center, 540 Crespi Drive, Pacifica; tickets are $5 through Oct. 24, $10 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at the community center Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30-5 p.m. instagram.com/pacificarecreation.
Halloweek Menlo Park’s Halloween festivities include a parade where kids can trick-or-treat at downtown merchants, followed by a carnival at Fremont Park; the Pumpkin Splash at the Belle Haven and Burgess pools, featuring floating pumpkin patches; and a trunk-or-treat at the Belle Haven Community Campus.
Halloween Hoopla Parade and Carnival is Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; parade starts in the parking lot behind Cheeky Monkey (640 Santa Cruz Ave.); carnival is at Fremont Park, Santa Cruz Avenue at University Drive, Menlo Park; free. Pumpkin Splash is Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Belle Haven Pool (100 Terminal Ave.) and Burgess Pool (501 Laurel St.), Menlo Park. Tickets are $12 each and include swim time, pumpkin decorations and a treat bag. Trunk-or-treat is Oct. 28 from 4:30-6 p.m. at the Belle Haven Community Campus, 100 Terminal Ave., Menlo Park; free. tinyurl.com/menloparkhalloweek.
Monster Bash Little ghouls and goblins are invited to wear their costumes to this family festival hosted by the city of Mountain View, which features a treat trail, spooky games, performances, a stilt walker, an inflatable zone, a “Lil Ghouls Corral” for the youngest attendees, a bike circus (bike safety training and bike course for kids), and a “Creepy Crawly Ooey Gooey Zone,” highlighting the sometimes-spooky elements of nature and featuring live animal guests. Visitors can grab a bite at several food trucks.
Oct. 25, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., at Rengstorff Park, 201 S. Rengstorff Ave., Mountain View; free. tinyurl.com/monsterbashmountainview.
Spooky Storytime Author Victoria Fong will read her book “The Legend of Sutro Tower” along with other titles. A costume contest will also be held. This storytime is recommended for ages 4 and up.
Oct. 26 starting at 11 a.m. at the Peninsula Book Collaborative, 441 Westlake Center, Daly City; free. instagram.com/peninsulabookcollaborative.
First Palo Alto United Methodist Church Trunk-or-Treat The Palo Alto church invites families to wear costumes, decorate cookies and pumpkins and visit the decorated car trunks for treats.
Oct. 26 starting at 4 p.m. at First Palo Alto United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto (event taking place in the Byron Street parking lot); free. firstpaloalto.com.
Costume Contest at Fall Fest Downtown Burlingame’s festival features music, rides, games, drinks and food plus a costume contest with categories for family, DIY/handmade creative, scariest, fan favorite and funniest.
Oct. 26, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (costume contest 1 p.m.) in downtown Burlingame; instagram.com/downtownburlingame.
Halloween Kid and Pet PAWlooza This party designed for children and pets features trick or treating, entertainment and a costume showcase, plus a local pet business showcase. The event is a fundraiser for the Street Dog Coalition
Oct. 26, 2:30-5:30 p.m., check in at Los Gatos Town Plaza, Montebello Way, Los Gatos; $12.51. tinyurl.com/LGPAWPalooza.
Creepy Crawly Halloween Trick-or-Treat This Campbell tradition includes a costume party and trick-or-treating. Organizers warn that this event is very popular, so participants should not expect to leave with a full bucket of candy. Dogs are welcome.
Oct. 26, 4-6 p.m. in downtown Campbell; free. downtowncampbell.com/creepycrawly.
Trunk or Treat Daly City Daly City Recreation hosts an event for families who can collect treats and candy from a variety of trunks decorated for Halloween.
Oct. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m., at Westlake Park, 145 Lake Merced Blvd., Daly City; instagram.com/dalycityrec.
Grassroots Ecology Night Hike Naturalists will lead a guided hike to see the creatures that emerge when the sun goes down, including bats, spiders and glow-in-the-dark scorpions. Attendees should expect a 2.5- to 3-mile hike on dirt and gravel trails with limited visibility; UV flashlights or headlamps are recommended. Costumes are optional.
Oct. 26, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, 1530 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto; free. Spaces limited. tinyurl.com/grassrootsnighthike.
Boo Bash The first-ever Boo Bash will be held at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space in Redwood City. Billed as a “not-too-scary” Halloween event, it includes a costume parade led by the Fernside Dragons, cookie decorating, storytime, a photo booth, a “Sorting Spooktacular” with Recology and Halloween books from Fireside Books & More.
Oct. 28, 3-7 p.m. (entry is by reserved time slot) at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space, Redwood City; $7 for adults, $12 for kids, free for children 1 and under. aftontickets.com/boobash.
Belmont Boo Bash This all-ages Halloween celebration includes a trunk-or-treat, a haunted house, live music and food trucks. Costumes are highly encouraged.
Oct. 29, 5:30-7 p.m. in Twin Pines Park, 1 Twin Pines Lane, Belmont; free. belmont.gov/i-want-to/find/list-of-meetings-events/-item-8412.
Halloween Queeraoke Outlet and the San Mateo County Pride Center host a karaoke night. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite animal or mythical creature.
Oct. 29, 5-8 p.m., Adolescent Counseling Services, 1779 Woodside Road, Suite 200, Redwood City; tinyurl.com/SMCPCHLWNQueeraoke2025.
Halloween Costume Party Kids and teens can come by for an afternoon of games, music and snacks plus a costume contest.
Oct. 30, 2-5 p.m. at the Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Ave., Redwood City. $1 each, ages 10-17. redwoodcity.org/departments/parks-recreation-and-community-services/halloween-hub.
Mountain View Library Trick-or-Treat Kids can trick-or-treat for non-food treats at library desks. This event is geared toward ages 18 and under; costumes are optional.
Oct. 31, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Mountain View Library, 585 Franklin St., Mountain View; free. instagram.com/mvpubliclibrary.
Trick-or-Treat on Broadway Kids can trick-or-treat at participating businesses all afternoon.
Oct. 31, noon to 5 p.m. on Broadway, Burlingame; free. instagram.com/p/DQXaQ3ckosx/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D.
Rancho Shopping Center Trick-or-Treat Kids can trick-or-treat through the shopping center and pets can be entered into Los Altos Veterinary Clinic’s pet costume contest.
Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m. at Rancho Shopping Center, 600 Foothill Expressway, Los Altos; free. instagram.com/ranchoshoppingcenterlosaltos.
Family Boo(k) and Movie Night Families are invited to an evening of snacks, pizza, candy, arts and crafts and a movie.
Oct. 31, 6:30-8 p.m. at the Gene Mullin Community Learning Center, 520 Tamarack Lane, South San Francisco; free, preregistration required. ssf.net/Events/GMCLC-Family-Book-and-Movie-Night.
Trick or Treat on Castro Street Kids can trick-or-treat at downtown Mountain View businesses on Halloween.
Oct. 31, 4-6 p.m. at Castro Street, Mountain View. instagram.com/p/DQCs3BFE6K-/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D.
Palmetto Avenue Trick-or-Treating Kids can trick-or-treat after school in Pacifica on Halloween. Participating businesses will have an orange or green balloon outside.
Oct. 31, 3-5 p.m. on Palmetto Avenue, Pacifica; free. instagram.com/reel/DPnHnlqkaMz/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA==.
Halloween Night at the Museum The Palo Alto museum hosts a night of weird history and artifacts, mad science, tarot card readings, a flashlight ghost hunt and Halloween candy.
Oct. 31, 5-9 p.m. at the Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Ave., Palo Alto; free. moah.org/moahevents/halloween-night-at-the-museum.
Food and drink events
Downtown Los Altos Witches & Warlocks Wine Stroll Costumes are encouraged at this Halloween-themed wine stroll with over 20 tasting sites. Tickets include a collectible wine glass and a map to tasting sites.
Oct. 17, 6-9 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.) in downtown Los Altos; $65.87 each. tinyurl.com/witchesandwarlockswinestroll.
Out of the Barrel The San Carlos taproom is screening spooky movies every Wednesday in October at 6:30 p.m. and hosting Howl at the Barrel Oct. 25 with costume contests, pumpkin painting, cornhole, beer slushies, candy, a mummy wrap contest and a DJ.
Movie night is Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m. (“The Nightmare Before Christmas”). Howl at the Barrel is Oct. 25, 3-9 p.m. Both events are at Out of the Barrel, 555 El Camino Real, San Carlos; free entry. instagram.com/outofthebarrelsancarlos.
Trick-or-Treat By the Sea Humble Sea and The Ube Bae team up for an afternoon of spooky fun for all ages. Costumes encouraged.
Oct. 25, noon, Humble Sea, 5560 Cabrillo Highway, Pacifica; free admission. instagram.com/humblesea.pacifica.
Alhambra Irish House The downtown Redwood City Irish pub has a busy week of Halloween happenings planned, starting with the aforementioned BraveMaker dance party Oct. 25. A Halloween drag brunch show will round out the weekend Oct. 26, followed by live band karaoke, a costume contest and craft cocktails Oct. 27. On Oct. 28 there will be Halloween-themed line dancing lessons with a costume contest.
Halloween Bachata on Oct. 29 is for singles 21 and up; costumes optional. Oct. 30 will feature Trivia or Treat with another costume contest and prizes. And the Halloween Spook-Easy is set for Oct. 31 with live music from Magic Nostalgia, a costume contest with prizes (1920s attire encouraged) and a late night DJ dance party.
Karaoke is Oct. 27 starting at 8 p.m.; no cover. instagram.com/alhambra_irish_house. Line dancing lessons are Oct. 28 starting at 7:30 p.m.; $5 cash entry fee. Halloween Bachata is Oct. 29, 7:30-9:30 p.m.; $23.18 each or $15.18 for two. tinyurl.com/halloweenbachata. Trivia or Treat is Oct. 30 starting at 7:30 p.m.; free entry. Halloween Spook-Easy is Oct. 31, 8 p.m. to midnight; $10 each. tinyurl.com/alhambraspookeasy.
Stephens Green The Mountain View Irish pub (and Alhambra Irish House’s sister pub) hosts a Halloween drag brunch Oct. 25, Trivia or Treat with a costume contest Oct. 27 and the Night of the Living Keys, a Halloween pre-party with piano rock musician Connor Morrison, Oct. 30. Halloween will feature a Haunted Happy Hour and a party with a costume contest and live DJ.
The Halloween drag brunch is Oct. 25, 12:30-2:30 p.m.; $10. eventbrite.com/e/halloween-drag-brunch-tickets-1725263903779?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacv-DUNOtW8YQ615BZcGtcTLHuubTHVbbKdOWiRo652kqDSc5Gl53RkA6lpZQ_aem_Q11s237aVgtbeQcURgs0lA. Trivia or Treat is Oct. 27 starting at 8 p.m.; free admission. Night of the Living Keys is Oct. 30, 9 p.m.; free admission. Haunted Happy Hour is Oct. 31 from 4-6 p.m.; free admission. Halloween party is Oct. 31 starting at 10 p.m. All events are at Stephens Green, 223 Castro St., Mountain View. instagram.com/stephensgreen.
Barebottle Brewing Company The Santa Clara taproom will host a Boos & Brews event for singles with craft beer (including nonalcoholic options), costumes, icebreakers and games.
Oct. 30, 7-11 p.m. at Barebottle Brewing Company, 2520 Augustine Drive, Santa Clara. Tickets at the door are $22. This event is 21 and over. events.getthursday.com/event/thursday-boos-brews-21-santa-clara.
Khartoum Lounge DJ Davey K is featured Oct. 30, with Andrew Posada and Skyeline DJing on Oct. 31.
Oct. 30-31, 9 p.m. at Khartoum, 300 Orchard City Drive, Suite 101, Campbell. instagram.com/khartoumlounge.
Feast & Floral The second annual Halloween Candy + Cheese + Wine pairing is back at the Redwood City wine bar.
Oct. 31, noon to 9 p.m. at Feast & Floral, 3770 Florence St., Redwood City; prices vary, reservations encouraged by calling 650-313-3616. instagram.com/feastandfloral.
Ghostwood Beer Company The Redwood City brewpub will offer drink specials – including “ghost hours” with 50% off all liquids from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. – along with costume contests, treats, prizes and DJ Klean Kut during ghost hours.
Oct. 31 at Ghostwood Beer Company, 911 Main St., Redwood City. instagram.com/ghostwoodbeer.
Valley Goat The restaurant hosts a party with spooky cocktails and bites, music and dancing. Costumes encouraged.
Oct. 31, 7 p.m.-midnight, at Valley Goat, Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley, 1100 N. Mathilda Ave., Sunnyvale. instagram.com/valleygoatsv.
Apple Jack’s Inn The tavern hosts its 10th Annual Slap Frost Tour, AKA its Hip-Hop Halloween Costume Contest, with live music by Z-Man, True Justice, Vocab Slick and others. Costume contest with $200 prize.
Oct. 31, 8 p.m. at Apple Jack’s, 8790 La Honda Road, La Honda; no cover. instagram.com/applejackslahonda.
St. James Gate The evening will include Halloween cocktails, a costume contest and music from Drive! The Band playing ’80s music and contemporary dance hits.
Oct. 31, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at St. James Gate, 1410 Old County Road, Belmont; $10 cover after 8 p.m. instagram.com/thegatebelmont.
Blue Oak Brewing Company The San Carlos taproom will host its Broo-ery Halloween Party with its Scary Spice Stout and a Halloween costume contest with prizes for best couple, scariest and funniest costumes (plus the “Best in Show” award for costumed canines).
Oct. 31 starting at 5 p.m. at Blue Oak Brewing Company, 815 Cherry Lane, San Carlos. blueoakbrewing.com/events/4UYdP1vejUCVwqMur3uA7H.
Freewheel Brewing Company Skullfest is back for its 12th year, featuring apple bobbing, beer discounts, costume contests and live music from The Smooth Grooves.
Oct. 31, 6-10 p.m. at Freewheel Brewing Company, 3736 Florence St., Redwood City; free entry. instagram.com/p/DQXnCjPDDrJ/?igsh=NjZiM2M3MzIxNA%3D%3D.
Taplands Santa Clara The taproom and bottle shop hosts Great Notion for a pre-Halloween tap takeover on Oct. 23, with cans, draft and merch giveaways. On Oct. 31, Taplands teams up with Ghost Town Brewing for a party with spooky beats, Halloween beers from Ghost Town Brewing, a costume contest and tricks and treats.
Tap takeover Oct. 23, 5 p.m.; Halloween party Oct. 31, 6 p.m. Both events at Taplands Santa Clara, 1171 Homestead Road, Santa Clara. instagram.com/taplandssantaclara.
Terún Pac-Man Night Terún hosts an ‘80s-themed Halloween with themed pizzas and cocktails. Guests are encouraged to come in costume as their favorite Pac-Man character or retro vibe. Prizes will be awarded for best costume.
Oct. 31 starting at 5 p.m. at Terún, 448 California Ave., Palo Alto; free admission. instagram.com/terunpizza.
The Swingin’ Door It’s Halloween Skare-Aoke Night at the San Mateo pub with karaoke, a costume contest and giveaways.
Oct. 31, 9:30 p.m. to close at The Swingin’ Door, 106 E. 25th Ave., San Mateo; free admission. instagram.com/theswingindoor.
Winters Tavern Halloween Hullabaloo Winters Tavern hosts live music with Janky Band, Remedy Feelin; Sunkissed, Palace of Fine Arts, The Swamp Lights and Nevolia
Oct. 31, 4-9 p.m. at Winters Tavern, 1522 San Francisco Blvd., Pacifica; tinyurl.com/HullaballoWinters
El Camino Real Pub The pub hosts a party featuring dancing to DJ Kriptive, DJ4Fifteen, DJ Scotty Fox, DJ Glenn Aure and DJ Rick Lee; fiery dishes from Amelia’s Mexipino Cuisine and cocktails. Costumes encouraged.
Oct. 31, 9 p.m. at El Camino Real Pub, 864 El Camino Real, Belmont; $15 advance/$20 at the door; instagram.com/ecr.pub.
Fibbar Magees The pub’s Halloween bash includes a DJ, costume party with prizes, $10 cocktails and giveaways.
Oct. 31, 156 S. Murphy Ave., Sunnyvale. instagram.com/fibbarmagees.
Concerts, screenings and performances
Cinema at the Cemetery The city of Colma Recreation Services hosts a screening of Disney’s “The Haunted Mansion” outdoors on the Italian Cemetery Mausoleum lawn.
Oct. 18, 6-9 p.m., at the Italian Cemetery, 540 F St., Colma; free. colma.ca.gov.
Laser Halloween Spooktacular De Anza College’s planetarium presents a display of Halloween-themed laser-drawn images accompanied by spooky tunes such as “Thriller,” “Monster Mash,” music from “Ghostbusters” and “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Oct. 18 and 25, 7-8 p.m. at the Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza College, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino; $13.40. deanza.edu/events.
Dracula Sunnyvale Community Players stage Steven Dietz’s adaptation of Bram Stoker’s vampire novel, which plays up the fantasy elements of the book.
Oct. 25-Nov. 9 at Sunnyvale Community Center Theater, 550 E. Remington Drive, Sunnyvale; $47.08-$55.08 (opening night $49.08-$57.08). sunnyvaleplayers.org/dracula.
2025 Thrill the World Zombie Crawl Dancing zombies will head from one end of downtown Campbell to the other, performing Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” dance as they stop throughout the evening.
Oct. 25, 7-9 p.m. in downtown Campbell; free. downtowncampbell.com/event/2025/10/2025-thrill-world-zombie-crawl.
Scary Tales and Spooky Music An hourlong program will feature scary tales and haunting organ music from Pastor Burke Owens and organist Diane Keller.
Oct. 26, 6:30 p.m. at First Palo Alto United Methodist Church, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto. firstpaloalto.com.
Scary music from Disney, movies and the classics The Redwood Symphony’s family-friendly concert features the Suite from “Wicked,” “The Sorcerer’s Apprentice,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas Suite” and “The Imperial March (Darth Vader’s Theme).” A behind-the-scenes tour kicks off the event and concludes with 10 raffle winners getting a chance to briefly guest conduct the symphony.
Oct. 26, 3 p.m., at Cañada College theater, 4200 Farm Hill Blvd., Redwood City. redwoodsymphony.org.
Halloween Music with Lori & RJ Magical Bridge Playground Palo Alto will host the musicians for a sensory-aware Halloween concert. Costumes encouraged.
Oct. 26, 2-3:30 p.m. at Magical Bridge Playground, Mitchell Park, 600 E. Meadow Drive, Palo Alto; free. instagram.com/magicalbridge.
The Hustle ‘70s Disco Halloween A Halloween dance party inspired by 1970s disco favorites such as Donna Summer, ABBA, Sister Sledge, Earth, Wind & Fire and others.
Oct. 25, 8 p.m., at The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; $29.49. guildtheatre.com.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show The Bawdy Caste performs alongside two screenings of the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Oct. 26, 4 and 7 p.m., at The Guild Theatre, 949 El Camino Real, Menlo Park; $28.49. guildtheatre.com.
Blues Jam Halloween Costume Bash Blues vocalist, instrumentalist and bandleader Lara Price hosts Club Fox’s weekly blues jam all dressed up for Halloween.
Oct. 29, 6 p.m., at Club Fox, 2209 Broadway St., Redwood City; $13.38. tinyurl.com/ClubFoxHalloweenBlues.
Deadwood Halloween Multi-instrumentalist Alex Jordan heads a lineup of special guests for a concert that revisits the Grateful Dead’s iconic Halloween 1983 show at the Marin County Veterans Auditorium. Featuring Dark Star Orchestra members Jeff Mattson, Rob Eaton and Skip Vangelas, with Jerry Saracini. Partial proceeds benefit Grateful Guitars Foundation music education initiatives.
Oct 31, 7:30 p.m., at the Fox Theatre, 2221 Broadway St., Redwood City; $63-$73. foxrwc.showare.com.
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