Celebrate Halloween in San Francisco

Things to do for Halloween in San Francisco: Halloween Events, Activities and more.

When it comes to Halloween, few cities do it as grandly as San Francisco. The City by the Bay comes alive with a bewitching blend of events, activities, and things to do that cater to everyone. From the biggest pub crawl in the United States to frightening haunted houses, San Francisco offers an array of options to ensure you have a hair-raising, spine-tingling, and altogether unforgettable Halloween experience. There are lot of different options for things to do during Halloween in San Francisco, so the CrawlSF Team put together the San Francisco Halloween Guide to make things a little easier.

Halloween Events:

If you are looking for the best Halloween events in San Francisco, you can choose from a variety of parties, pub crawls, cruises, festivals and more.

Crawloween: The San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl is the biggest event in the city, with over 15,000 attendees in 2023. The event takes place at over 40 bars in fun neighborhoods like the Marina, Russian Hill and North Beach and features drink specials, party bus rides, party favors, DJs and more.

Nightmare House on Franklin Street: Step into a realm where Victorian elegance meets psychological horror. Set within the historic Haas-Lilienthal House, Nightmare House on Franklin Street offers an immersive Halloween experience to add some much-needed scares to your Halloween experience. Expect unexpected thrills as actors, fog effects, and soundscapes blur the line between reality and nightmare.

Pumpkin Decorating & Halloween Cocktails at Jaxson: Get into the Halloween spirit at Jaxson with a night of pumpkin decorating and themed cocktails! Unleash your creativity, sip on spooky drinks, and enjoy a cozy, fun-filled evening in the Marina.

21st Annual Pirate Ship Party: Set sail on a full-blown Pirate ship and cruise the San Francisco Bay. The 3 hour cruise will offer views of Alcatraz and The Golden Gate Bridge while enjoying a fun, pirate-themed costume party..

See the full list of events on the San Francisco Halloween Event Guide

Halloween Activities:

As the rest of the country starts to see cooler temperatures, the Bay Area enjoys the best time of the year. Warmer temperatures and plenty of sun create the perfect time to enjoy some outdoor activities and outdoor events. Football games take over the weekends as the 49ers, Stanford and Cal begin their Seasons and locals start gearing up for Fleet Week weekend. However, our favorite thing about this time of year is all of the fall activities like visiting pumpkin patches and going to haunted houses. Below are some of the fun activities that you can look forward to in the San Francisco Bay Area in the Fall.

Find the Perfect Halloween Costume

When the calendar flips to October, and the anticipation of Halloween looms, there’s one quest that captures the imagination of both young and old: finding the perfect Halloween costume. It’s a creative & exciting endeavor that allows individuals to transform into their favorite characters, mythical creatures, or spooky entities for one enchanting night. The search for the ideal costume is a journey of self-expression, creativity, and the opportunity to step into another world, if only for a little while.

Check out the best Halloween costumes for 2024

Haunted Houses

For thrill-seekers and lovers of the eerie and macabre, visiting a haunted house is an exhilarating experience like no other. These spine-chilling attractions are designed to send shivers down your spine, keep you on edge, and immerse you in a world of frightful encounters. As the air turns crisp and leaves rustle underfoot, haunted houses come to life, drawing brave souls eager to face their deepest fears.

Winchester Mystery House: Amidst the eerie tales and ghostly legends that permeate the Halloween season, there exists a mansion in San Jose, California, that embodies the very essence of supernatural intrigue—the Winchester Mystery House. Built by the enigmatic Sarah Winchester, widow of the inventor of the Winchester rifle, this sprawling architectural marvel has long been associated with ghostly tales and unexplained phenomena. As Halloween approaches, the Winchester Mystery House takes on an even more haunting allure, transforming into a haunted house experience like no other.

Terror Vault: Starting on October 4, The San Francisco Mint will be transformed into one of the best Halloween Attractions in San Francisco. This attraction dares to plunge visitors into a world of darkness, where chilling tales come to life, and the boundaries between reality and nightmare blur. As Halloween draws near, the Terror Vault emerges as a sinister gem in the city’s haunting landscape, promising an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and lovers of the macabre.

Fear Overload: In the quiet city of Newark, California, a frightening transformation occurs every year before Halloween. Amidst the suburban serenity, the Fear Overload Haunted House Attraction emerges as a heart-pounding epicenter of terror and dread. Here, the very concept of fear is taken to its limits, and brave souls from across the Bay Area gather to face their darkest nightmares. As Halloween looms on the horizon, the Fear Overload Haunted House Attraction offers an electrifying experience that plunges visitors into a world of relentless frights and hair-raising thrills.

See all of the Best Haunted Houses in the Bay Area

Pumpkin Patches

Carving a pumpkin into a Jack O’Lantern is something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and offers a great way to express your creativity and get in the Halloween Spirit. But rather than just digging through the piles of pumpkins at Safeway, picking out the perfect specimen at a pumpkin patch is just way more fun. These rustic havens of harvest delight offer more than just the opportunity to select the perfect pumpkin; they provide an immersive experience, transporting visitors into the heart of fall’s enchantment. From hayrides through golden fields to navigating corn mazes and sipping warm apple cider, a trip to a pumpkin patch is a quintessential autumn adventure.

The Great Pumpkin Patch: Although the city of San Francisco doesn’t have a lot of room for typical farms and larger agricultural areas, a unique attraction opens on Sloat Boulevard that captures the heart of the Halloween season — the Great Pumpkin Patch. Nestled amidst the city’s urban landscape, this delightful patch of fall enchantment beckons visitors of all ages to experience the timeless joy of pumpkin picking for Halloween. Families and friends gather to explore the pumpkin-strewn rows, searching for the perfect pumpkin to carve and decorate.

G&M Farms: As October graces the East Bay with its enchanting colors and cool breezes, families and adventure-seekers alike make their way to G&M Farms in Livermore. Here, acres of pumpkins, a sprawling corn maze, and a medley of festive attractions unite to create an idyllic Halloween experience.

Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch: This charming destination bursts into life in October, offering an enchanting blend of pumpkin picking, hayrides, and corn mazes. However, what sets Spina Farms apart is the chance to take control of a pumpkin blaster and launch pumpkins out of a giant cannon.

Find out more about Halloween Pumpkin Patches in San Francisco

Apple Picking

For people who spend most of their time in the city, enjoying some nature and fresh air can really be refreshing. While not an exclusively Halloween-related activity, Apple Picking is a fun, wholesome activity that sets the stage for the festive spirit of Halloween.

Check out the top places to go Apple Picking in the Bay Area

Visit Haunted Attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area

From the Catacombs of Paris to the Tower of London, there are lots of well known haunted places around the world. Although the Bay Area may not be on any “most haunted places” lists, a hidden world of spectral stories and eerie legends awaits those with a taste for the supernatural. From historic buildings with chilling pasts to spine-tingling cemeteries and otherworldly encounters, the Bay Area is home to a treasure trove of haunted attractions and places that beckon the curious and the brave. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply captivated by tales of the unknown, embarking on a journey to explore these haunted sites promises a thrilling adventure through history, folklore, and the unexplained.

See the best Haunted Attractions in the San Francisco Bay Area

Go on a Ghost Tour

A city steeped in history, San Francisco is ripe with tales of the supernatural, making it the perfect backdrop for ghost tours, especially during the Halloween season. A journey through the hidden and haunted corners of the city on a ghost tour promises an unforgettable experience, blending chilling tales of restless spirits with the rich tapestry of San Francisco’s past. Step into the eerie shadows of the city and uncover the creepy stories of San Francisco’s past.

Head to the Movies

When October comes around each year, there’s an age-old tradition that beckons thrill-seekers and horror enthusiasts alike: heading to the movies to see spine-tingling and blood-curdling scary films. In the weeks leading up to Halloween, cinemas across the country offer a chilling array of cinematic treats, where ghosts, monsters, and the supernatural take center stage. It’s a time when popcorn becomes the perfect accompaniment to screams, and the silver screen transforms into a portal to otherworldly frights.

Click Here for a list of upcoming Halloween Movies

Go on a Pub Crawl

When it comes to celebrating Holidays, you can’t go wrong with a pub crawl. Whether you are trying to maximize fun on a budget, looking to meet people or just want to throw back some drinks with friends, a pub crawl offers a little bit of everything. It’s a bewitching adventure that beckons the brave, offering a night of eerie enchantment where the boundaries between the living and the supernatural blur. Joining a Halloween pub crawl is like stepping into a haunted carnival of libations, where every venue becomes a portal to thrilling encounters and spine-tingling fun.

San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl

Take a Halloween Cruise

Celebrate Halloween on the water in 2023 with a Halloween party cruise. Imagine setting sail under a moonlit sky, surrounded by fellow party people in their most creative costumes, while the gentle lull of the waves adds a mesmerizing backdrop to the night’s festivities. A Halloween party cruise promises an unforgettable blend of eerie elegance and nautical merriment, where the usual shoreside celebrations give way to a seafaring adventure filled with spine-tingling delights.

Dance the Night Away at a Nightclub

When Halloween arrives, the night takes on an electrifying aura, and one way to embrace this spirit of enchantment is to head to one of San Francisco’s nightclubs. The thumping beats of DJs serve as your sonic guide through a mesmerizing dance of shadows and music. Dressed in your showstopping Halloween costume, you become part of a pulsating crowd, losing yourself in the music, the rhythms, and the intoxicating energy of the night. There will be a lot of great nightclub parties to choose from, so make sure to check out all of the options before you buy tickets.

Check out the best Halloween decorations in the Bay

Halloween is a fun holiday to celebrate, but some people like to take things up a level when it comes to decorating. Shows like Outrageous Home Makeover and The Great Halloween Fright Fight have showcased the obsessive attention-to-detail that you need to have one of the best decorated houses in the nation. If you want to see some decked out Halloween-themed homes, then you will have some great options in the Bay Area (if you know where to look)

Other Things to Do:

Concerts

The San Francisco Bay Area is a great place for live music from large venues like Shoreline Amphitheater and Levi’s Stadium to small music venues like The Independent and Great American Music Hall. When October descends upon the San Francisco Bay Area, it brings not only the best weather of the year, but also a symphony of sounds that fill the air with electrifying energy.

Comedy Shows

Laughter, they say, is the best medicine, and in the San Francisco Bay Area, October serves up a generous dose of humor and wit. With a thriving comedy scene, the region becomes a hub for side-splitting performances during the autumn months. As Halloween approaches, comedians add a spooky twist to their routines, infusing humor into the eerie and supernatural.

Bay Area Sports

October in the San Francisco Bay Area marks a special time for sports enthusiasts, as the region comes alive with a thrilling array of sporting events. Local college football teams and the San Francisco 49ers have started their seasons, Major League Baseball playoffs are starting and we are anxiously awaiting the start of Warriors Basketball at Chase Center. From the roar of the crowds at the ballpark to the electrifying energy of stadium lights, this month offers a sports extravaganza like no other. Whether you’re a fan of baseball, football, or other athletic pursuits, October in the Bay Area promises a diverse and action-packed lineup of sporting events that will have you on the edge of your seat.

Halloween Guide for San Francisco: Spooky Fun in the Bay Area

Halloween is a beloved holiday celebrated on the 31st of October every year. The holiday originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, where people would light bonfires and wear costumes to ward off ghosts. Today, Halloween has evolved into a celebration of all things spooky, with people dressing up in costumes, decorating their homes, and indulging in candy and treats.

People celebrate Halloween in different ways all over the world. In the United States, it is common for people to go trick-or-treating, attend costume parties, visit haunted houses, and watch scary movies. Some people even host elaborate Halloween-themed dinners and decorate their entire homes with spooky decor.

There are plenty of reasons why Halloween is such a great holiday. For starters, it’s a chance for people of all ages to let loose and have fun. Whether you’re a kid collecting candy or an adult dressing up in costume, Halloween is a time when everyone can embrace their creativity and sense of adventure.

Another reason why Halloween is so beloved is that it gives people a chance to escape from reality and indulge in the supernatural. From witches and ghosts to vampires and werewolves, Halloween allows us to explore our fascination with the unknown and the eerie.

Here are some interesting facts about Halloween:

-The tradition of carving pumpkins originated in Ireland, where people would carve faces into turnips and potatoes.

-The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve,” which was the evening before All Saints’ Day.

-Black cats are often associated with Halloween because of their connection to witches and superstitions.

-Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas.

San Francisco Bay Area is a great place to celebrate Halloween. The city is known for its vibrant culture and diverse communities, and Halloween is no exception. The Bay Area offers a range of activities and events that cater to all ages and interests. Here are some things to expect:

Events: There are plenty of Halloween-themed events happening in the Bay Area throughout October. From haunted houses and ghost tours to pumpkin patches and costume contests, there is something for everyone. Some of the most popular events include the Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival, The San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl and the San Francisco Ghost Hunt.

Activities: Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or something a bit more adventurous, there are plenty of activities to enjoy during Halloween. You can visit the Winchester Mystery House, go on a haunted hayride, or attend a Halloween-themed dance party.

Food: San Francisco is known for its food scene, and Halloween is no exception. You can indulge in pumpkin spice everything, try some seasonal beers, or sample some spooky treats like eyeball cupcakes and witch’s brew.

Best Places to Celebrate: San Francisco is home to some of the best Halloween celebrations in the country. From the Castro District’s outrageous street party to the massive Crawloween pub crawl, there is no shortage of places to celebrate. Other popular spots include the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood and North Beach.

What to Wear: San Francisco can be chilly in October, so make sure to bring layers. When it comes to costumes, anything goes in San Francisco. Whether you want to dress up as a classic monster or get creative with a group costume, the Bay Area is a place where anything is possible.

Weather: The weather in San Francisco can be unpredictable in October, so make sure to check the forecast before you head out. It’s a good idea to bring a jacket and umbrella just in case.

Traffic: Traffic can be heavy in San Francisco, especially during Halloween weekend. If you’re driving, make sure to plan your route ahead of time and allow plenty of extra time for travel.

One of the biggest and best Halloween events in San Francisco is Crawloween, the San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl.Crawloween is a massive pub crawl that takes place at over 40 bars in The Marina, Polk Gulch, Russian Hill, North Beach and more. Participants wear Halloween costumes and crawl through a series of bars and pubs, enjoying drink specials and music along the way. This event has become a San Francisco Halloween tradition, attracting thousands of people each year.

If you’re looking for other things to do during Halloween in San Francisco, there are plenty of options. You can visit the San Francisco Dungeon for a spooky experience, take a haunted walking tour of the city, or attend a screening of classic horror movies at the historic Castro Theatre.

Halloween is a holiday that brings people together to celebrate all things spooky and fun. The San Francisco Bay Area is a great place to experience Halloween, with its diverse communities and vibrant culture. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities or adult-only parties, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So grab your costume, indulge in some treats, and join in the Halloween festivities in the Bay Area. And don’t forget to check out Crawloween, the biggest and best Halloween event in San Francisco!

Here are the top ten reasons why San Francisco is a great city for Halloween celebrations:

• Diverse Culture: San Francisco is known for its diverse culture, which translates into a variety of Halloween celebrations that cater to different ethnicities and communities.
• Creative Spirit: San Franciscans are known for their creative spirit, and Halloween provides an opportunity to showcase that creativity through costumes and decorations.
• Weather: San Francisco’s weather in October is perfect for Halloween celebrations, with cooler temperatures and a slight chance of rain adding to the eerie ambiance.
• Halloween-themed Events: There are plenty of Halloween-themed events happening throughout the city, from haunted houses and ghost tours to pumpkin patches and costume contests.
• Historic Landmarks: San Francisco is home to many historic landmarks, some of which are said to be haunted, making them popular destinations for Halloween tours and events.
• Food: San Francisco is renowned for its food scene, and Halloween is no exception. You can indulge in seasonal treats like pumpkin spice everything, try some seasonal beers, or sample some spooky treats like eyeball cupcakes and witch’s brew.
• Nightlife: San Francisco’s nightlife is legendary, and Halloween is a time when the city’s bars and clubs go all out with Halloween-themed events and parties.
• Neighborhood Celebrations: San Francisco is known for its unique neighborhoods, and many of them celebrate Halloween in their own way, from the Castro District’s outrageous street party to North Beach’s Italian-themed celebrations.
• Crawloween: The biggest and best Halloween event in San Francisco is Crawloween, a massive pub crawl that takes place in the city’s popular Union Street neighborhood.
• Scenic Beauty: San Francisco is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, and Halloween provides an opportunity to experience its scenic beauty in a new light, from the fog-shrouded Golden Gate Bridge to the eerie beauty of Alcatraz Island.