Halloween is on a Friday this year, which means celebrations will stretch into the weekend in Northern California. Adding to the fun, Halloween won’t fall on a Friday again until 2031.
There’s still time to get in on the Halloween fun at haunted houses, costume parties, haunted train tours, and even spooky wine tastings.
Below, we’ve rounded up eight Halloween events to appeal to a variety of tastes.
Find out what’s happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Are you planning a Halloween or other fall event? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!
Spooky Night at Vic Stewart’s Plaza & Good Morning Maxwell
Where: 70 Eagle Rock Way, Brentwood, CA, 94513
When: Fri, Oct 17, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Details: Join a free, family-friendly Halloween celebration on October 17th at Vic Stewart’s Plaza (50 Eagle Rock Way) for trick-or-treating, music, a movie, costume contests for humans and dogs, and giveaways. Good Morning Maxwell (70 Eagle Rock Way) offers a Photo Booth, Wizard Wand Making, and Witch Hat Decorating. Participating businesses include The Real Plant Moms, Johnson’s Wood, Thruhim Creations, Chill Tea & Coffee, Cofrette Pamper & Play, and Good Morning Maxwell.
Find out what’s happening in Across Californiafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
2025 Haunted Train at Ardenwood Historic Farm
Where: Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94555
When: Fri, Oct 17, 2025 at 7 p.m.
Details: Experience the Haunted Train at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont, a spooky, family-friendly ride perfect for children under 12. Enjoy live actors, including the Witch of Ardenwood, and colorful Halloween displays. Operating for over 30 years, this event ensures no jump scares. The train runs the two weekends before Halloween: October 17-19 and October 24-26. Friday and Saturday trains run 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm; Sunday trains run 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult, and those 6 and under must sit on an adult’s lap. Tickets are $19.50 for ages 3+, free for 2 and under. Call 510-544-2797 for information.
Gothic Feast – A Culinary Adventure in Darkness
Where: Saluhall SF, 945 Market St, SF, CA, 94103
When: Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Details: Indulge in a “Gothic Feast” cooking class, a unique culinary journey into the macabre, where you’ll learn to craft visually striking and delicious dishes, including Black Sesame Crusted Crackers with Glazed Beetroot, Squid Ink Tagliatelle with Nduja and Sweet 100s, a Herbal Charcoal Quencher, and a Dark Chocolate Caramel Tart with Pomegranate, celebrating all things dark and deliciously spooky.
FREE Halloween Costume Swap & Open Gym at Top Flight Gymnastics
Where: Top Flight, 5127 Mowry Ave, Fremont, CA, 94538
When: Sat, Oct 18, 2025 at 5 p.m.
Details: Top Flight Gymnastics (5127 Mowry Ave, Fremont) hosts a FREE Halloween Costume Swap & Open Gym on October 18 (5-8pm). Enjoy obstacle courses, free play, face painting, cookie decorating, treats, and meet coaches. Children need adult supervision. RSVP at https://forms.gle/8gRsJu4XGSUyMn2H9. Drop off gently used costumes by October 17 (Mon-Fri, 1-7pm; Sat, 10am-1pm) for a swap ticket (package with size/description). Donating isn’t required, but day-of swaps need similar packaging. Costumes will also be for sale.
Free Halloween Bingo all month in the Elmwood
Where: Your Basic Bird, 2940 College Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705
When: Sun, Oct 19, 2025 at 9 a.m.
Details: Pick up a game card at any participating store, or print one out, and play bingo! Find the Halloween object in each store and keep playing until you get bingo to instantly win a prize. Achieve a blackout to be entered into a drawing for a $25 gift certificate to the Elmwood.
Spooky Stories & Pours with Ward Four
Where: 2945 College Ave, Berkeley, CA, 94705
When: Tue, Oct 21, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Details: Join Winemaker Justin Ward for an evening of spooky stories and wine pours. Enjoy frightening tales from her short story collection and tastings of her new releases. This intimate book club-style gathering includes exclusive Ward Four Wines pours, with bottles available for purchase. Spooky attire encouraged. Secure tickets early!
THE HEADLESS HORSEMAN + VIVA LA VIDA; $10 OFF only 10/25, 4:00; OCEÁNICA BALLET
Where: College of San Mateo Theatre, 1700 W Hillsdale Blvd, San Mateo, CA, 94402
When: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 at 4 p.m.
Details: Oceánica Ballet presents The Headless Horseman + Viva La Vida for 2025, a two-act, family-friendly Halloween and Día de los Muertos inspired production. Act One adapts Washington Irving’s “Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” while Act Two is an original story celebrating life and transcending loss, infused with folklórico. Praised as “delightful” and “bewitching entertainment,” it attracts all ages, though it includes creepy sounds and spooky puppetry.
Halloween Bash at Bon Air!
Where: Bon Air Greenbrae
When: Sat, Oct 25, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Details: Get ready for Bon Air’s festive Halloween Bash, a family-friendly event that also kicks off our Holiday Food Drive to support local families, featuring interactive dance performances by E.N.A. at 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM, a live DJ, face painting, balloon twisting, Woodland’s Pet Contest & Parade for furry friends at noon with a parade at 1 PM, and trick-or-treating at all Bon Air merchants.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.