Photo: Enjoy Orange County
It’s almost time for ghouls and goblins to kick off the Halloween events in Orange County. Here is a list of fun annual events that are fit for the whole family. Check back often! We’ll be adding more events as they are created.
Adventure City’s Boo-tastic Halloween Party – Anaheim
1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804
October 11th, 18th, 25th, & 31st, 2019
5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
$26.95 per person
The kid-friendly Halloween Party at Adventure City is sure to be a hit with the whole family. The special, private event is for ticketholders only and includes a Trick-or-Treat street for collecting goodies, a Vortex Tunnel, tricks from the Mad Scientist Magician, a Halloween Scavenger Hunt, a Spooktacular Dance Party, and eleven rides. 2018 tickets sold out so be sure to purchase your tickets early! Guests are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes (not required) and enjoy the spirit of the spooky season.
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade – Anaheim
Downtown Anaheim
Broadway & Clementine, Anaheim, CA
Saturday, October 26, 2019
All Day
Parade Begins at 6:00 p.m.
For nearly 100 years, the community of Anaheim has taken to the streets celebrating the season with a Fall Festival and Halloween Parade. Kids 12 and under are invited to dress up in their best costumes and take part in the Kiddie Costume Contest, and the best dressed pets can take part in the Halloween Pooch Pawrade. The parade travels down Center Street Promenade through Downtown and ends at the Anaheim Packing House. The Anaheim Festival and Parade is rich in history, with the first parade being held in 1924, and led by baseball stars Babe Ruth and Walter Johnson. At the peak of its popularity, the parade drew approximately 150,000 spectators into the streets and the event was televised in LA and Orange County. Don’t miss out on this exciting annual Anaheim tradition.
Boo at the Zoo – Santa Ana Zoo – Santa Ana
1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
October 20-21 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
October 27-28 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
$9.95 for ZooMembers
$19.95 for Non Members
The Santa Ana Zoo at Prentice Park will hold the annual Boo at the Zoo event for “Merry not scary” Halloween fun for the whole family, and perfect for kids ages 2-12. Come in costume and trick or treat from 10 treat stations to collect toys, books, snacks, and candy. Participants will enjoy entertainment, games, stories, animal presentations, a walk through the “Teen Scream” haunted house, and a costume parade. For an additional fee, guests can take a ride aboard the “Boofari Express” train and carousel. Food and drinks are available for purchase at the snack bar near the playground and the gift shop. Children under three are free.
Camp Spooky at Knott’s Berry Farm – Buena Park
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
Saturdays and Sundays, Sept. 28 – Oct. 27, and Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019.
Every Fall, Camp Snoopy transforms into Camp Spooky at Knott’s Berry Farm for kid-friendly Halloween fun with activities that are ideal for ages 3-11. In addition to enjoying the rides and the Halloween decorations, guests can see all their favorite Peanuts characters dressed up in costume and watch the Halloween-themed performance at the Camp Snoopy Theater. Kids will also enjoy taking a trip to the pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating throughout the park, a costume contest with Snoopy and Friends, a Dia De Los Muertos Celebration, and much more.
Cops N’ Goblins – Buena Park
In front of City Hall and Buena Park Police Department
6650 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA
Thursday, October 31, 2019
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Free
The Cops N’ Goblins Halloween Trick-Or-Treating Spooktacular is a free annual community event where families can meet members of the Police Department as well as favorite characters from local attractions like Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times, and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Kids can come out in costume and trick-or-treat for candy. The event also includes a haunted maze, music, and other fun family activities.
Cryptozoology Night at the Santa Ana Zoo
1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, CA 92701
September 21, 2019
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
$39
Enthusiasts of the unexplained and aficionados of the paranormal won’t want to miss the Cryptozoology Night at the Santa Ana Zoo. Hosted by Haunted OC guide Charles Spratley, guests will learn more about the not-so-normal creatures of the night like the Yeti, Chupacabra, and Sasquatch. Spratley will discuss the origins, sightings, and possible explanations of these elusive creatures and more. Ben Hansen, the former host of Fact or Faked: Paranormal Files will also speak about his experience searching for these cryptid creatures (legendary or undiscovered creatures) and share stories about his exciting cases. After the presentations, guests will enjoy a night walk around the zoo in search of the nocturnal animals who come out after dark. General admission is $39 for the 7:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. event. Guests who purchase Bigfoot Admission for $50 will enjoy early entry at 5:30 p.m., unlimited ride time until 6:30, VIP seating for the presentation, and the after dark night walk.
Dia De Los Muertos Celebration – Garden Grove
11551 Trask Avenue, Garden Grove, CA 92843
TBA
4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Free
The Dia De Los Muertos Celebration in Garden Grove is a FREE community event for the whole family at the Elks Lodge #1952. Participants will enjoy face painting, music, a photo booth, giveaways, crafts, and food will be available to purchase. Cap off the evening with a screening of the movie Coco. Please do not bring outside food or beverages.
Discovery Cube’s Spooky Science – Santa Ana
2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana, CA 92705
Weekends in October
During regular museum hours
$14.95 for kids, $19.95 for adults
Discovery Cube is inviting visitors of all ages to learn about the world of Wizards and Dragons. Engaging, hands-on activities and experiments will teach kids more about STEM concepts in a fun, Halloween-themed environment and discover the world of chemistry in the Wizard of Ooze performance. There will be five costume-themed weekends to enjoy including:
Super Hero Weekend
Animal Science Weekend
Community Leaders Weekend
Sci-Fi Weekend
Halloween Weekend
Halloween Animal Art – Orange
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA
October 19th 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Park entrance $5 per car
Zoo entrance $2 per person
The Orange County Zoo is hosting a one-hour class for kids ages 5-10. Participants will learn about the animals that are associated with Halloween, do a Halloween themed craft, and meet an animal up close. Registration is required for this event and there is a fee of $5 per child. One parent is allowed per child with $5 fee.
Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens – Corona Del Mar
2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd., Corona del Mar, CA 92625
August 30 – October 31, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Free
Come explore Malice in Wonderland, the Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens in Corona Del Mar. Slip down the rabbit hole and explore a labyrinth of oddities and designs in the Mad Hatter’s Workshop a sip a cup of tea at the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party. Enjoy the unique and imaginative decor, but don’t lose your head in the Red Queen’s domain!
Halloween Fest – Huntington Beach
Downtown Huntington Beach on Main Street and 5th & PCH
Thursday, October 31, 2019
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Bring the kids out for a safe and fun trick or treating event in Downtown Huntington Beach. Local businesses will be handing out candy, and police, fire, and marine safety will be there with treats to pass out and equipment to show off. Visitors will enjoy bounce houses, inflatable slides, games, an obstacle course, creepy critters, and Halloween-themed photo stations. There is a costume contest for dogs at 5:30 and a costume contest for kids at 6:00.
Halloween Fest at Villa Park
Oct. 26, 2019
4:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The annual Halloween Fest in Villa Park will be held on a Saturday this year. The free community event includes a coloring contest, costume contest, and a pumpkin carving and decorating contest. Other free activities include a hayride, trick or treating from local merchants, crafts, dancing, and more. Food and beverages will be available for purchase, and additional activities are often added to this fun Halloween event.
Halloween Fun with Family & Friends – Stanton
Stanton Central Park
10660 Western Ave, Stanton, CA 90680
October 26, 2019
4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The city of Stanton is hosting this fun Halloween event for community members at Stanton Central Park. Guests wil enjoy music played by a DJ, games to play, spooky story times, crafts, a costume contest, and trick or treating. Dress up in your costume and bring your treat bag and have a fun Halloween time with the whole family.
Halloween Happenings at the Westminster Mall – Westminster
Westminster Mall
8200 Westminster Boulevard, Westminster, CA
Thursday, October 31
4:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
The annual Halloween Happenings event is coming back to Westminster Mall. Families are invited to come out and trick or treat throughout the mall, and visit game booths to win prizes and fun treats. Everyone is invited to come in costume. No masks for adults and children over 12 please.
Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort – Anaheim
Disneyland Park & California Adventure
September 6 – October 31, 2019
Included with regular price of admission
Every year, Disneyland dresses up for Halloween with fun and spooky decorations throughout the park and characters in costume. Guests will love the Main Street Pumpkin Festival with hundreds of hand-carved jack-o-lanterns on display. California Adventure will be decked out in Halloween Decorations, too with fun activities like Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree, Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween, and Guardian of the Galaxy’s Monsters After Dark. Disney fans won’t want to miss Mickey’s Halloween Party, a separately priced special event on select nights during September and October that includes trick-or-treating, Halloween Scream fireworks, Villain’s Square, and the Frightfully Fun Parade kicked off by the Headless Horseman.
Halloween Wigged Out 5K/10K – Huntington Beach
Sunday, October 20, 2019
10K Start: 8:30 am
5K Start at 8:35 am
Kid’s 1/2 Mile Pumpkin Patch 8:00 am
Bolsa Chica State Beach- Eastern Lot 25
17243 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, 92649
The Halloween Wigged Out 5K/10K race is part race, part Day of the Dead celebration for the whole family. Racers are invited to come in costume or wearing wigs. The event will also include Halloween goodies, carnival games, and live music. There are a variety of course lengths in addition to the 5K and 10K, including the half mile youth run, and the 200 yard Diaper Dash. Visit the website for more information on race day events and entry fees.
Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo – Orange
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA
October 26, 2019
10 am – 4 pm
Park entrance $5 per car
Zoo entrance $2 per person
The Halloween Zoo-tacular at the Orange County Zoo includes trick-or-treating for kids 12 and under, a scavenger hunt, spooky crafts, and games. Watch the zoo animals enjoy treat-filled pumpkins during this fun Halloween event. Come in costume! The first 100 kids wearing a costume will receive a free gift. Also, during the month of October, the OC Zoo will host Halloween Animal Art preschool programs on select days. Check the calendar for details.
Haunted Hills Whiting Ranch 5K/12K – Trabuco Canyon
Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park
27901 Glenn Ranch Rd., Trabuco Canyon, CA 92679
October 19, 2019
Check in at 7:30 a.m.
5K – $50; 12K – $60
The Haunted Hills Whiting Ranch race sponsored by Rock It Racing takes runners through the trails of Trabuco Canyon. Whiting Ranch is a favorite spot for hikers and mountain bikers and is home to Red Rock Canyon, Orange County’s own geological masterpiece. Dogs are not allowed in the park and strollers are not allowed on the course. The Haunted Hills race is paper cupless, so wear a hydration pack to fill up at the start, finish, and at aid stations along the racecourse.
Haunted OC Ghost Walks
Locations Vary
Events are recurring through October 31
Approximately $23 – $25 per person
Haunted Orange County Paranormal Tours & Events offers a selection of eerie ghost walks that explore the most haunted locations around the community. The Black Star Canyon Haunted History Night Hike takes you away from the safety of the city streets out into the darkness where mysterious lights circulate, and apparitions appear. The Old Towne Orange Haunted History Ghost walk dives into the not-so-glamorous past of Orange Plaza and explores haunted destinations like the Chapman Antique Mall, the Royer Mansion, and Rutabegorz Restaurant. The Santa Ana Haunted History Ghost Walk tells tales of murder and execution, and takes guests into the city’s most haunted homes, the Howe-Waffle Victorian Mansion. The San Juan Capistrano Ghost Walk explores the streets of Los Rios where restless spirits wander and learn about the tragic 1812 earthquake that crushed 42 people to death with falling stone as they sat in church. The Ghost Walks are all led by experienced local historians, and while the walks are offered year-round, it’s a little more fun when Halloween is around the corner.
Hauntington Harbour Place Trick OR Treat – Huntington Beach
Huntington Harbor Mall
16847 Algonquin St, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
Oct. 11, 2019
4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The annual trick or treat event at the Huntington Harbour mall is a fun opportunity for local families. Come out and trick or treat at all the shops at the mall, enjoy a bounce house and face painting, games and activities. This year there will also be a raffle and funds collected will benefit Waggin Trails Rescue Foundation, and they are collecting blankets and towels for local dog rescue organizations. Come on out and have a goulish good time.
Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch – Orange
1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869
September 14 – October 31, 2019
Weekends 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Park Entrance Fee: Weekdays $3.00 per vehicle, Weekends $5.00 per vehicle, Holidays $7.00 per vehicle
The annual Irvine Park Pumpkin Patch is back with more Halloween family fun. Guests can choose the perfect pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to take home, and watch the Great Pumpkin Weigh-Off on September 22nd to see who grew the biggest pumpkin this year. Climb aboard the 1/3 scale train for a trip around the park and the big green tractor-pulled wagon for a hay ride with family and friends. Face painting and cookie decorating will be available for those who like getting creative. Kids will have a blast jumping in the moon bouncer and playing carnival games and the ring toss. Mini John Deere races are available for kids ages 5-8 and kids can stop in the mining area to pan for gold and take home a bag of gold that they found themselves. Wander through the not so scary haunted house and get lost in the hay maze. Don’t forget to capture pumpkin patch memories at one of the many photo stands around the park set up with fall and Halloween-themed props to take pictures of the whole family. Most activities require tickets which can be purchased for $6 each or $75 for a book of 15 tickets. Pumpkin prices vary based on size.
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree – Garden Grove
13630 Atlantis Way, Garden Grove, CA 92844
Saturday, October 26, 2019
1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
$10 per person
The annual Jack O’Lantern Jamboree is coming to Atlantis Play Center in Garden Grove. Only 1,000 tickets will be sold to this exciting Halloween event that is fun for the whole family. Tickets must be purchased in advance online, in person, or by phone and the cost is $10 per person, ages 2 and under are free. Tickets will be on sale beginning October 7th through October 24th. Those lucky ghouls who get tickets will enjoy train rides, bounce houses, a pumpkin patch, balloons, crafts, a magic show, and more plus all the exciting play structures and activities that kids love at Atlantis Play Center.
Spooky Seas at the Ocean Institute – Dana Point
Ocean Institute – 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, CA 92629
TBA
6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
$10 per person; $35 for Family Four Pack; 2 and under free
Come out to the Ocean Institute in Dana Point for an evening of spooky and spellbinding fun and excitement. Kids are invited to wear their costumes and trick or treat through the Mad Scientist’s lab. They will explore experiments with ghostly bubbles, fizzing eyeballs, and glowing slime, meet some creepy animals and more.
Mini Monster Bash – La Habra
The Children’s Museum at La Habra
301 S. Euclid St., La Habra, CA 90631
October 31, 2019
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Free with paid admission to the Children’s Museum
The Mini Monster Bash at the Children’s Museum at La Habra is a great way for toddlers and preschoolers to kick of a day of Halloween Fun. Guests are invited to wear costumes and join in for games, crafts, a mini maze, and much more, all while enjoying the wonderful children’s museum.
Monster Dash 5K, 10K, 15K, Half Marathon – Huntington Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Parking in Jack in the Box parking lot at PCH and Warner
17243 CA-1, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
October 19, 2019
Check in begins at 7:00 a.m.
The Monster Dash in Huntington Beach is hosted by A Better World Running. The small event is on an open course along the paved bike path at Bolsa Chica State Beach just steps from the water’s edge. Approximately 150 racers will complete the Monster Dash. The 5K loop will have an aid station offering water, Gatorade, Gu gel, granola bars, bananas, and more to re-hydrate and energize racers.
Pretend City Halloween Events – Irvine
29 Hubble Drive, Irvine, CA 92618
Dates and times vary
During the month of October, Pretend City hosts a variety of special Halloween activities. Costume week kicks off on October 25th and runs through October 31st. Guests are invited to wear their costumes to Pretend City and receive 25% off the price of the second admission. Come out on Friday, October 25th for Frankenstein Friday to dance to the Monster Mash, make fun crafts lie Frankenprints, and do Monster-themed math and science activities. Saturday, October 26th, come out for the OC Ghostbusters event. Kids will learn about science and make slime, play ghostly games, and have the opportunity to have their picture taken n the Ghostbusters car. On October 31st, Pretend City will host a Trick-or-Treating extravaganza for kids to collect goodies at various stations throughout the museum. There will even be a Monster Mash Dance Party. Come out and join the fun.
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch & Fall Harvest Festival – Irvine
5380 3/4 University Drive, Irvine, CA
September 21st-October 31st
Daily 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Admission is $4 per person
The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is a popular activity among Orange County locals. Come in and choose your own pumpkin from acres of pumpkins growing in the fields of Tanaka Farms. During the week, visitors to the pumpkin patch can enjoy wagon rides, a petting zoo with goats, sheep, and an alpaca, a corn maze, and a u-pick vegetable patch. On Saturdays and Sundays during the month of October, Tanaka Farms hosts the Weekend Fall Harvest Festival. In addition to the regular weekday activities, guests will also enjoy ATV rides, games, interactive kids activities, face painting, a pumpkin cannon, and food to purchase and enjoy. Tickets are required for the activities.
Wagon Ride – $6/unlimited rides
Petting Zoo – $6
Sanrio Entry Package – $20 – includes admission, wagon ride, petting zoo, limited edition Hello Kitty Plush
Game & Activity Tickets – $5 each or 5 for $20
Parking Passes – $10 (required on weekends)
Terrifying 10-Miler & Halloween 5K-10K-Kids Run – Dana Point
Salt Creek Beach
33333 Pacific Coast Hwy Dana Point, CA 92629
October 27, 2019
Check in begins at 6:30 a.m.
The Terrifying 10-Miler & Halloween 5K – 10K – Kids Run is hosted by Renegade Racing. The Halloween-themed race includes a kids Superhero half-mile run. The course is paved the whole way and runs along the Orange County coastline with views of the ocean at Salt Creek Beach. There will be trick and treat aid stations, a costume contest, a pumpkin patch, and a pumpkin decorating contest. All participants, including the kids, will receive medals for completing the race.
The Seance
Cross Roads Escape Games
4245 E La Palma Ave, Anaheim, CA 92807
October 2 – November 3, 2019
The Séance is a frightening interactive theatre experience with live actors and special effects. Madam Ruby invites you to be her guest to step beyond the veil and participate in her Séance. Who or what will be waiting for you? During the Seance, you will be required to interact with your surroundings and others, living or dead, in the room. Participants ages 16+ only. There are limited tickets available with up to 8 guests per show. Cross Roads Escape Games is home of the award winning Hex Room, Psych Ward, and Fun House escape games and was voted top ten in the nation by USA Today.
Treats in the Streets – Orange
Old Towne Orange Plaza
1 Plaza Square, Orange, California 92866
Thursday, October 24, 2019
4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Come on out to Orange Circle for the annual Treats in the Streets event. Local merchants fill the streets to hand out goodies to little trick-or-treaters. Families are encouraged to dress up in their favorite costumes and join in the Halloween Parade. The Treats in the Streets event features entertainment and games for everyone to enjoy and local non-profit groups will have food and drinks available to purchase for a small fee to feed all the hungry goblins.
Vampirates! at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure – Buena Park
7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620
September 30 – October 31, 2019
See website for showtimes and tickets
Come out to the Pirate’s Dinner Adventure theater for the Annual Mascarade Ball at Treasure Bay, but don’t become another victim to the evil pirate Sebastian the Black and his crew of vampire pirates. This family friendly 2-hour Halloween show runs for a month and includes a Halloween costume contest on weekends. All costumes must be family friendly and masks and weapons are not allowed. Like the other shows at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure, Vampirates! includes a four course feast. Special requests for dietary restrictions and allergies are accepted. Call ahead to make reservations.
Zoomars Pumpkinpalooza – San Juan Capistrano
Zoomars Petting Zoo
31791 Los Rios Street, San Juan Capistrano, CA
October 1 – 31, 2019
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Daily
Children/Seniors $12
Adults $15
Military $10
Zoomars Petting Zoo invites you out for a rustic pumpkin patch in addition to the normal activities that are already on site. Guests can search for their favorite pumpkin, pan for gems, gold, and fossils, meet friendly animals including llamas, horses, sheep, cows, an emu, bunnies, and more. Take a ride on the train, or on a pony, and have a great time with family and friends making fall memories.
Enjoy Orange County is a lifestyle destination site covering all things Orange County, from food and culture to arts and entertainment, plus hidden gems, fashion, and more. We venture out to discover all the best things to do in Orange County to help you plan your next best day ever.
