Celebrate Halloween with these 10 Festive San Diego Happenings
1. Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s Pumpkin Patch
Through Nov. 6. This family farm’s fall wonderland is fun for all ages. After picking your perfect gourd from the pumpkin patch, wander through an enchanting corn maze; take a tractor ride; meet Shetland sheep and Nubian goats; and explore fields of marigolds and lavender. There’s even a separate haunted corn maze for teens and adults (F-Sa 7-10 p.m.); plus festive fall treats and beverages. Open daily 9 a.m.-6 p.m. $6 general admission (ages 5 and under are free); $25 per person for haunted corn maze admission. See website for full pricing details. 1050 Cannon Road, Carlsbad, 760.603.9608. More Info
2. Coronado Pumpkin Patch
Select Dates Through Oct. 30. They had us at “slime station.” This Halloween extravaganza by the bay in Coronado features an actual slime station; plus games, face painting, balloon art, pumpkin-painting kits, cookie-decorating kits, Julian hot-apple cider, cotton candy, a candy wagon, and the Corn Box—where you can actually swim in a jumbo box of corn kernels. Oh, and there’s plenty of actual pumpkins in all shapes and sizes from which to choose. It’s the perfect place to make some family-friendly Halloween memories. See website for dates and hours. General admission is free. Coronado Ferry Landing, 1201 First St., Coronado. coronadopumpkinpatch.com
3. “HalGLOWeen” at San Diego Zoo
Through Oct. 29. The San Diego Zoo comes aglow at night with its Halloween-themed spectacular—running Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October (except Oct. 30). Enjoy plenty of family fun—including “Boolamoves” with activities to get the kiddos moving; concerts by the Skeleton Band; the Boo Crew scarecrow stilt-walkers; the Spooky Revue, comprising acrobats, jugglers and unicyclists, hosted by Scare D. Cat; the glowing “Python Path” through the Reptile House; and much more. Starting at 5 p.m. See website for admission info. 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515. sandiegozoo.org
4. “Howl-O-Scream” at SeaWorld
Through Oct. 31. Are you afraid of ghosts? SeaWorld San Diego invites you to face your fears, as the park transforms into a haunted playground after sundown. This means haunted houses; “scare zones” and “roaming haunts” (watch your back, literally!); live performances from sinister dancers and zombie DJs; creepy cocktails and treats; and a chance to ride SeaWorld’s most thrilling coasters and attractions after dark. “Howl-O-Scream” takes place on select dates through October, beginning at 7 p.m.; check website in advance for schedule and admission info. 500 SeaWorld Drive, Mission Bay, 619.222.4732. seaworld.com
5. San Diego Zombie Crawl
Oct. 27-29. Can you handle three days of partying with the undead? Get ready for one hell of a weekend (pun intended) at this bonanza of booze, ghouls and graveyards in the Gaslamp. The chaos kicks off with the official Opening Party at American Junkie and also grants guests free entry to 21 other venues and over-the-top parties; plus “welcome potions,” live entertainment and DJs, dancing, “costume insanity” and more. See website for all details. Starting at 6 p.m. each night. $35-$100. 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. Tickets
6. Nightmare on Normal Street
Oct. 29. Eat, drink and be scary with the return Hillcrest’s infamous Halloween block party and costume competition. Highlights include libations and local food trucks; a main stage with DJs and dancers from Rich’s Nightclub; a massive outdoor dance floor; “Upside Down” selfie stations throughout the venue; and the evening’s signature cocktail: “Vampire Punch.” The famed costume contest promises more than $2,000 in prizes, complete with local celebrity guest judges. There’s even a pet costume competition! 5-11 p.m. Tickets start at $20. Pride Flag Plaza, 1500 University Ave., Hillcrest. More Info
7. Seaport Village’s “Treatport Village”
Oct. 30. Spend your Sunday by the bay at this family-friendly Halloween hoopla. Festivities include trick-or-treating at participating Seaport Village shops; the Seaport Fudge costume contest, with categories including pets, kids, adults and groups; a Mr. Moto Pizza pop-up; a Halloween-themed dessert bar; carnival games; live DJs; and raffle giveaways. Noon-5 p.m. Free general admission. 849 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.530.0704. seaport village.com
8. Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin Patch
Through Oct. 31. Pick your preferred pumpkin patch experience with a variety of offerings. Visit in-person to pick out your own pumpkin and partake in family-friendly activities and games, including a bounce house and mazes; as well as shop for Halloween costumes and decorations such as hay bales and corn stalks. Or order items online (at wholesale prices in bulk) for delivery or pickup—including pumpkin-carving kits and decorating kits. Open daily (see website for hours). Free admission and parking. 6710 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 844.452.2567. More Info
9. “Hard Rock Things” Halloween Bash
Oct. 29. The Hard Rock Hotel San Diego is going big with its Halloween bash this year—cheekily warning guests that “abnormal” and “Strange Things” are in store for them. The all-hotel party will span three floors and seven rooms—including the 10,000-square-foot Legends ballroom, which will transform into a Dungeons & Dragons-themed club; Float Pool Club, which will host the Gaslamp’s biggest rooftop party; VIP lounges throughout the property; and more than 15 DJs, including headliner Thomas Jack. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. $50-$150. 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter. More Info
10. “Fright Nights” at AleSmith
Select Dates Through Oct. 30. Care for a craft beer with a side of fear? AleSmith Brewing Company invites you on a haunted tour through its brewery—from its shipping docks back to the Zien Family Farm. Learn firsthand what makes the company’s famous Evil Dead Red ale so intriguing; just beware of the “Red Harvest” as you stroll through the wheat fields. The faint of heart are welcome to wait for the rest of their party in the main tasting room (not recommended for young children). 7-11 p.m. Tickets start at $25. 9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar, 858.549.9888. More Info
Photo credits: Opening photo by Romolo Tavani. All other images are courtesy of the venues featured.
