Check out these frightfully fun festivities in the San Francisco suburbs.
It’s the spookiest season in the Bay Area suburbs. Join in on the Halloween fun by attending some of the area’s best festivals and trick-or-treating events. There will be plenty of candy and nothing too scary. And best of all you’ll get to show off your costume.
Here are a few of our favorite Halloween events in the Bay Area.
North Bay
#1. Novato
Safe trick or treating is back in downtown Novato this year on October 29 from 11am – 2pm. Tons of local stores will be participating. Once the hunt for candy is over, grab a bite to eat at one of the many great restaurants in the area, like Mi Pueblo Taqueria or Grazie Restaurant.
#2. San Anselmo
If you have kids aged 10 and younger, bring them to San Anselmo Avenue on October 28th for the Goblins Spooktacular. Starting at 5pm, local volunteers will hand out candy (and sugar-free treats) to little ones. Stop by Fire Station #19 for water and cookies and then head to Creekside Pizza which has a good kid’s menu.
#3. Mill Valley
Mill Valley is hosting its trunk or treat event on October 28th from 4pm – 6pm. Get everyone in costume and head to Halloween at the Center for fun crafts and spooky surprises.
Make a night of it and enjoy dinner at Super Duper Burgers, Joe’s Taco Lounge or Tamalpie Pizzeria. Sycamore Park – complete with a playground – is also nearby if the little ones need to get some energy out.
#4. Belvedere
On October 23 from 10:30am – 1pm the Belvedere Community Center will transform into a Halloween Carnival. This event is designed for kids ages 3-10 and families and will include inflatables, a magic show, pumpkin decorating, carnival games and tons of treats.
From there, head to Tiburon for lunch at the beloved Sam’s Anchor Cafe. If oysters are your thing, this is the place to go.
#5. Sausalito
Considering Sausalito? Plan to visit during the Goblin Jamboree at the Bay Area Discovery Museum. If you have young kids, this will be a place you’ll want to visit year round but the Halloween event offers extra-special seasonal fun. The kids can come dressed in costume and have a blast with spooky science experiments, web weaving, a hay maze and more. The celebration will take place October 22 – 23 and 26 – 30.
East Bay
#6. Dublin
Start planning your costume now so you’ll be ready for the Halloween Block Party in Dublin on October 30. From 1pm – 4pm adults and kids can join the Halloween scavenger hunt in Ted Fairfield Park. It’s also a potluck so consider bringing some snacks to share. This could be a great way to get a head start on meeting future neighbors.
And if you want to check out more of the town, you won’t be far from Fallon Sports Park. This recreation complex includes soccer fields, walking trails, a playground and even a BMX course.
#7. San Ramon
The historic Forest Home Farms invites kids to trick or treat on October 29 from 11am – 2pm. Get dressed up in costume and follow the trail to find different activities and treats.
Make your way to the heart of town for some post trick-or-treating fun. Grab a drink at the family-friendly beer garden Fieldwork or get takeout from Mixt or Shish Grill to enjoy in the nearby Central Park.
#8. Fremont
Pacific Commons is a major retail center where you may soon find yourself running errands if you move to town. On October 23 from 2pm – 4pm, stop by for the Halloween Spooktacular celebration. In addition to a goodie bag filled with tasty treats, you’ll find a balloon maker and an arm painter.
The party will take place right next to Koja Kitchen – a local chain serving incredible Korean-American fusion.
#9. Walnut Creek
We love Walnut Creek’s walkable downtown and if you have little ones, why not explore this area by trick-or-treating? The town’s annual Halloween event is scheduled for October 28 from 2pm – 5pm with tons of downtown businesses participating. When things wrap up, head to the Civic Park afterparty or check out one of the many delicious dining options nearby. No matter what you are in the mood for, from Southern BBQ to Spanish tapas, there’s something everyone will enjoy.
#10. Alameda
Alameda’s Halloween Family Fest will take place on October 29 from 1pm – 4pm. Show up in costume to receive a free tote bag and look for the stores with orange balloons outside to know where to collect treats. Keep an eye out for the Halloween stilt walker and face painting booth.
Looking for frights? Brave the Teen Haunted House. Local teens put on this annual tradition which is recommended for ages 5 and up. It’s taking place from October 28-30 and promises to be “spookier than ever.”
#11. Piedmont
Kids 5 and under can take part in the Halloween Spooktacular in Piedmont Park. On October 30 from 11am – 1pm bring the little ones to the event for crafts, games and even a costume parade. Keep the fun going with a picnic in the park. The nearby Mulberry’s Market should have everything you need.
#12. Albany and Berkeley
If you’re looking for trick-or-treating on Halloween, this is one of the best options in the Bay Area. Get everyone in costume and head to Solano Ave where the kids can go store to store in search of candy. The event runs from 3pm – 5pm and a costume contest is taking place after in Peralta Park. When your crew gets hungry, there’s a convenient casual taqueria by the park.
South Bay
#13. Gilroy
The whimsical Gilroy Gardens theme park is hosting a Halloween event all October long. The celebration, called A Bigger Better Boo, includes musical shows, trick-or-treating, light displays and more. Downtown Boo Alley is the center of the action and here you’ll find photo ops, treats and themed drinks.
#14. Los Altos
Trick-or-treating in downtown Los Altos is scheduled for October 31 from 12pm – 4pm. Look for stores with orange pumpkins to know where to go. Besides treats, there will be crafts, games and balloon art. Want to get a bite afterward? State of Mind Public House and Pizzeria and Bao Bei (in the State Street Market) are great options.
#15. San Jose
Santana Row offers a “Mummy & Me” Halloween event with live entertainment, trick-or-treating, pumpkin decorating and face painting. If you’re around on October 25 from 10am – 12pm, stop by to check out the event and meet some other local parents. There are tons of great eateries in this shopping district (like Dumpling Time and The Veggie Grill ) where you can get lunch after.
#16. Santa Clara
Pup parents can get in on the Halloween fun, too. Wag Hotels in Santa Clara is hosting its annual Haunted Howl-o-ween party on October 27 from 6:30pm – 8pm. Bring your dog in costume for a night filled with fun activities like photo ops with Cruella de Ville and “tricks for treats.” There will also be a silent auction benefiting Hearts for Paws Rescue.
#17. Cupertino
Families with kids 12 and under are invited to the Quinlan Community Center on October 28 for the Monster Mash Halloween Bash. Starting at 7, little ones can play games, trick-or-treat and make crafts. Kids will even get the chance to show off their costumes during a costume parade.
If you want to grab dinner nearby, Tasty Pizza and Dish n’ Dash are two popular picks.
Searching the suburbs doesn’t have to be scary. Get in touch today and let’s get a strategy in place!