Halloween weekend in Orange County comes with a choice: brave the fog at Knott’s Scary Farm, pick pumpkins at Tanaka Farms or settle into a coastal bar where the cocktails get dressed up, too. From Oct. 30–Nov. 1, 2026, the calendar mixes closing-weekend haunts with costume parties, seasonal food and family activities. These 10 things to do in Orange County this Halloween weekend include daytime outings with the kids, after-dark scares and a few stops worth building dinner plans around.
* Prices and availability vary by date and ticket type. Check the linked event calendars before booking; some attractions and experiences require separate purchases.
1. Knott’s Scary Farm — Buena Park
Oct. 30–31. Halloween weekend marks the final two nights of Knott’s Scary Farm, the long-running haunt that transforms the Buena Park theme park with mazes, scare zones, live shows and more than 1,000 roaming creatures. This year’s additions include Inked, where a cartoonist’s creations turn murderous, and Unearthed, set inside an excavation disturbed by an ancient force. Between mazes, visitors can catch shows and ride select attractions after dark. A separate Scary Farm ticket is required; regular daytime admission does not include the event.
Hours: Friday–Saturday, 7 p.m.–2 a.m. Not recommended for children younger than 13. Ticket prices vary by date.
Location: 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park.
Tickets and information
2. The 17th Door — Buena Park
Oct. 30–Nov. 1. Horror fans looking for a more intense experience can enter Perpetuum Penitentiary during The 17th Door’s closing weekend. Small groups move through 17 rooms in an approximately 35-minute attraction built around elaborate effects, close encounters and a prison storyline. This is a contact haunt: performers may touch participants, and guests may get wet. A separately priced backstage tour explores the cast areas, costumes and control room after the maze. Recommended for ages 16 and older; all participants must sign a waiver.
Hours: Friday, 7 p.m.–midnight; Saturday, 6 p.m.–midnight; Sunday, 7–11 p.m.
Where: 8420 On the Mall, Buena Park
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3. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch — Irvine
Oct. 30. Start Halloween weekend with a farm outing at Tanaka Farms, where pumpkin picking, wagon rides, a corn maze and barnyard activities offer a daytime alternative to haunted attractions. This season’s barnyard addition introduces visitors to an Omlet chicken exhibit, with a look at how hens live and short educational talks led by the farm team. Allow time to explore the patch, browse the produce stand and take family photos before the evening’s Halloween plans.
Hours: Friday’s published October hours run until 9 p.m., with the last entry at 8 p.m.
Where: 5380¾ University Drive, Irvine.
Reservations and calendar
4. Pumpkin Palooza at Discovery Cube — Santa Ana
Oct. 31–Nov. 1. Discovery Cube Orange County closes its Pumpkin Palooza season with two days of hands-on science, trick-or-treating and Halloween dancing. Jack-O-Lynn leads the dance parties, while activities include bumper cars, mini tractor trails, midway games and an interactive pumpkin experience exploring composting and organic waste. Pumpkinology demonstrations connect the seasonal decorations to experiments involving decomposition and bubbling reactions. Families can attend multiple dance sessions throughout their visit.
Hours: Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; dance parties at 11 a.m., noon, 2, 3 and 4 p.m.
Where: 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana
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5. Pete’s Spookeasy — Huntington Beach
Oct. 30–Nov. 1. Pete’s Sunset Grille trades its usual surf-inspired setting for Halloween décor, themed cocktails and a menu full of horror-movie wordplay. Inside Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach, the seasonal pop-up serves dishes such as pumpkin hummus with pepitas and grilled naan, crab-and-artichoke dip, and squid ink spaghetti with shrimp and lobster cream sauce. The restaurant also offers a children’s menu, making an early meal an option for families before trick-or-treating.
Hours: Restaurant service daily, 11:30 a.m.–10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday bar service until 11 p.m.
Where: 21500 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
hyatt.com
6. Kuromi’s Mischief Mansion at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe — Irvine
Oct. 30–31. Kuromi takes over the seasonal menu at Hello Kitty Grand Cafe for the final days of her Mischief Mansion celebration, ending on Halloween—also the character’s birthday. The Irvine Spectrum Center café serves limited-time treats including Kuromi soft serve and sugar cookies, alongside its regular selection of pastries and drinks. Sanrio’s announcement also includes a complimentary Kuromi tote bag with café purchases exceeding $35, subject to availability. It’s an easy Halloween stop for Sanrio fans who would rather spend the afternoon over sweets than inside a haunted maze.
Hours: Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m.
Where: 860 Spectrum Center Drive, Irvine.
Details: sanrio.com
7. Halloween Headlamp Night at Sender One — Santa Ana
Oct. 30. Trade the usual Halloween party for a climbing session after dark at Sender One Santa Ana. The gym’s Halloween Headlamp Night invites participants to navigate the walls by headlamp, with costumes encouraged and a one-month membership awarded through the costume contest. Bring a headlamp or purchase one at the Sender One Shop, then register at the front desk before joining the evening’s activities. The event is included with gym entry, so visitors should budget for their admission and any equipment they need
Hours: Friday, 8–10:45 p.m.
Where: Sender One Santa Ana, 1441 Village Way, Santa Ana
senderoneclimbing.com
8. Halloween Boo-Nanza at Anaheim Hills Festival — Anaheim
Oct. 31. Families can get an early start on Halloween at Anaheim Hills Festival’s free Boo-Nanza celebration. The shopping center hosts two hours of trick-or-treating, face painting and balloon twisting, with a live DJ providing music and seasonal photo opportunities giving costumes their moment in front of the camera. The late-morning schedule leaves room for lunch afterward and neighborhood trick-or-treating later that evening. Children are encouraged to arrive dressed up and ready to collect candy while exploring the activities with their families. Free admission.
Hours: Saturday, 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: Anaheim Hills Festival, 8020 E. Santa Ana Canyon Road, Anaheim.
anaheimhills.com
9. Fall Fun and Mall-O-Ween at The Shops at Mission Viejo
Oct. 30–31. Two days of family activities bring Halloween to The Shops at Mission Viejo. Friday’s Fall Fun with the Family features music, games, face painting, crafts and giveaways hosted by MC/DJ Mr. Bear Sanchez at the lower-level play area near Round1. On Saturday, children can arrive in costume for Mall-O-Ween, with complimentary candy available while supplies last. The Halloween event is based at the lower-level center court near Chagee Modern Teahouse. Families can also visit the newly remodeled Build-A-Bear Workshop during their outing.
Hours: Friday, 10:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.; Saturday, 1–5 p.m
Where: 555 The Shops at Mission Viejo, Mission Viejo
simon.com
10. The Last Boorah at Frisby Cellars — Dana Point
Oct. 31. Halloween heads to the waterfront as Frisby Cellars hosts The Last Boorah at Dana Point Harbor. A live DJ and costume contest anchor the evening, with wine, beer and bites available for those making a night of it. Gather a group, arrive dressed for the contest and work a harbor stroll into the plans before the party begins. The four-hour celebration offers a South County option for visitors seeking music and drinks in a coastal setting.
Hours: Saturday, 5–9 p.m. Food and drinks priced separately; contact the venue for admission details.
Where: Frisby Cellars, 34673 Golden Lantern, Dana Point
danapointharbor.com
Photo credits: All images are courtesy of the venues featured.
