By late October, the air in Carlsbad hums with anticipation—salt from the Pacific mixing with the sweet scent of candy and kettle corn. On Saturday, October 25 from 2–5 p.m., The Forum Carlsbad once again transforms into North County’s most spirited destination for families, friends, and costume-clad kids ready to trick-or-treat their way through a Halloween wonderland.
The Halloween Spooktacular isn’t just a shopping-center event—it’s a full-scale community celebration. Picture a crowd of tiny superheroes and princesses darting between shops like Anthropologie, YETI, and Nike, their tote bags swinging as live music spills into the courtyard. Around each corner, something stirs: a cackling witch, a dancing skeleton, the Sanderson Sisters posing by their haunted cauldron, and Jack and Sally Skellington greeting fans for photos that will live on long after the sugar rush fades.
Trick-or-Treat, Carnival Games, and a Whole Lot of Magic
Guests are encouraged to arrive in costume for center-wide trick-or-treating at participating stores and restaurants. From Casa de Bandini to McConnell’s Fine Ice Creams, local favorites add their own flavor to the festivities. Carnival-style games dot the pathways, where kids can test their aim, spin for prizes, and collect stamps of spooky triumph.
And while the event may be designed for little ghouls, the vibe stays pure Southern California—open air, easy laughter, and sunlight bouncing off costumes and pumpkins. Each child will receive a complimentary Halloween tote bag (while supplies last) to gather their candy bounty.
“We love seeing The Forum Carlsbad filled with families in costume, music in the air, and kids discovering magical characters around every corner,” says Trish Pruitt, vice president of marketing for Northwood Retail. “The Halloween Spooktacular is about creating joyful experiences that bring our community together year after year.”
A Seasonal Tradition With Heart
Free and open to the public, the Halloween Spooktacular has become a North County staple—an afternoon that blends the nostalgia of small-town festivities with the coastal charm of Carlsbad’s premier outdoor destination. It’s the kind of event that reminds locals why this corner of San Diego County feels so connected: families returning each fall, friends reuniting over coffee from Parakeet Café, and kids chasing bubbles across the plaza while parents snap photos under the orange-lit palms.
Whether you come for the candy, the music, or the magic, The Forum Carlsbad’s Halloween Spooktacular promises one thing above all—a celebration that feels like home.
Visit The Forum Carlsbad – Halloween Spooktacular
📍 The Forum Carlsbad – 1923 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad
📅 Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 2–5 p.m.
🎟️ Free & open to the public
🌐 theforumcarlsbad.com/events/the-forum-carlsbad-halloween-spooktacular-2025
📲 Instagram: @theforumcarlsbad
Photo credits: Photos courtesy of The Forum Carlsbad
