{"id":503433,"date":"2026-10-21T22:40:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T22:40:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/503433\/"},"modified":"2026-10-21T22:40:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T22:40:12","slug":"your-oakland-guide-to-halloween-and-day-of-the-dead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-ca\/503433\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Oakland guide to Halloween and Day of the Dead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Town goes big on Halloween and Day of the Dead. To help you navigate the options, we\u2019ve compiled a curated list of 21 events so diverse that it contains something for everyone. From the 10th anniversary of the Oakland Ballet\u2019s \u201cLuna Mexicana\u201d to the Day of the Dead festival in Fruitvale, holiday-themed burlesque shows and spooky movie screenings, you\u2019ll find something to check out from Friday, Oct. 24, through Sunday, Nov. 1.<\/p>\n

If you are looking for a place where to dance the night away dressed in your best costume, bars and lounges all around Oakland will have a special-themed event. There\u2019s Halloweentown at Zanzi<\/a> on Friday, Oct. 30; Frightnight<\/a> on Friday, Oct. 30, and Freakfest<\/a> on Saturday, Oct. 31, both at For The Culture; and Hyphy Halloween at Crybaby<\/a> on Saturday, Oct. 31; just to name a few.<\/p>\n

Have an event you\u2019d like to see included here? We do our best to stay on top of what\u2019s happening in our community, but we love a tip. Send us a note at azucena@oaklandside.org<\/a>. You can also use the self-submission form on our events page<\/a> to add it to our calendar for free.<\/p>\n

Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch<\/p>\n

Now in its 30th year<\/a>, the Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch<\/a> is ready to welcome visitors again. Owner and operator Jon Goldstein can help you find the perfect pumpkin, pick up Halloween decor, or sell you tickets to the haunted house, complete with kid-friendly and adult versions. The pop-up remains open through the first week of November. And don\u2019t worry, no pumpkins go to waste: any leftovers are devoured by the animals at the Oakland Zoo.\u00a0
Through the first week in November, free to enter, $10 for the haunted house, 4414 Piedmont Ave.<\/p>\n

Adults-Only Monsters Ball at Children\u2019s Fairyland<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s Fairyland is known for its after hours events for adults, but the park has never hosted an adults-only Halloween night \u2014\u00a0until now. The event will include cocktails, food trucks, a haunted park and scare zone, spooky scenes throughout the grounds, and an open-air dance floor with sounds by DJ heyLove<\/a>. Costumes are encouraged.
Friday, Oct. 23, 6 to 10 p.m., 21 and up, $23 for members, $28 general admission<\/a>, Children\u2019s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave.<\/p>\n

Double-feature screening of \u2018Coco\u2019 and \u2018The Book of Life\u2019<\/p>\n

The Unity Council is opening the doors of Juntos Fruitvale, the nonprofit\u2019s new co-working and event space above the Public Market, for a double-feature movie screening<\/a> of \u201cCoco\u201d and \u201cThe Book of Life,\u201d movies about the tradition of Day of the Dead. The free screening includes snacks and refreshments, a \u201cCoco\u201d-sing-along, and special treats for those in costume.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., free, 3357 International Blvd.<\/p>\n

\"PiedmontThe Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch has been operating since 1996. Credit: Amir Aziz\/The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

Lakeshore Avenue Candy Crawl and Harvest Festival<\/p>\n

The annual event is co-hosted by the Lakeshore Avenue Business Improvement District<\/a> and the Lakeshore Avenue Baptist Church<\/a>. The family-friendly event will kick off at 11 a.m. with a parade from Lakeshore Baptist Church to the corner of Mandana Boulevard and Lakeshore Avenue for a candy crawl that will include a fresh baked cookie from Arizmendi and surprises from other local businesses. The Harvest Festival, which takes place back at the church, will include crafts, games, cupcake decorating and a pumpkin carving station hosted by Trader Joe\u2019s.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3534 Lakeshore Ave.<\/p>\n

Tricks, Treats and Traditions in the Laurel<\/p>\n

The annual family-friendly event by the Laurel District Association<\/a> will kick off at Golondrinas Mexican Grill with free commemorative trick-or-treat tote bags (while supplies last), Day of the Dead-themed crafts, and sounds by DJ Tok@Ritmo<\/a>. Plus, a community altar and a photobooth. Children will be able to trick-or-treat at MacArthur Boulevard merchants between 35th Avenue and High Street.
Saturday, Oct. 24, 12 to 3 p.m., free, Golondrina\u2019s Mexican Grill parking lot, 4171 MacArthur Blvd.<\/p>\n

39th annual Piedmont Avenue Halloween Celebration<\/p>\n

The event kicks off at Pet Food Express with Orchestra Euphonos. From there, follow the band up the street and look for the Candy Station signs to trick-or-treat at your favorite businesses along Piedmont Avenue, which will be closed to traffic between Yosemite and Linda avenues. There will also be live music, haunted houses and pumpkin patches.\u00a0
Saturday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., between Yosemite and Linda Avenues<\/p>\n

34th annual Rockridge Halloween Parade<\/p>\n

Rockridge will host its own family-friendly event, where children of all ages can trick-or-treat at over 40 businesses on College Avenue from Broadway to Alcatraz Avenue. The parking lot of the Oakland Public Library\u2019s Rockridge Branch and the courtyard of the College Avenue Presbyterian Church will host family activities as well, with free commemorative trick-or-treat bags (while supplies last) for kids.\u00a0
Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Rockridge Branch parking lot, 5366 College Ave.<\/p>\n

Halloween Fun at Montclair Village<\/p>\n

The Montclair Village Association is hosting a family-friendly event that includes an Oakland Fire Department parade rig, face painting by Lily\u2019s Art, a photo booth hosted by Najee Tobin of Rough Thesis Photography, lawn games, and a haunted hunt at the Farmers\u2019 Market.\u00a0
Sunday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., free, Montclair Village, 2038 Mountain Blvd.<\/p>\n

\"20240428_rollinwitthehomos\"\/Angel Food Cakes performs on skates during a Rollin\u2019 With the Homos event at the Oakland Township Commons in Oakland on April 28, 2024. Credit: Amaya Edwards for The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

Rollin\u2019 with the Homos Halloween costume contest<\/p>\n

Rollin\u2019 with the Homos<\/a>, the music-filled soiree hosted by Bay Area drag queens<\/a> at Brooklyn Basin is putting on its last event of the year with host Angel Food Cakes<\/a>. There will be performances at 5 and 6 p.m., music throughout the afternoon, and a Halloween costume contest that the organizers say will be \u201cjudged by an esteemed panel of homosexuals.\u201d
Sunday, Oct. 25, 4 to 7 p.m., $7.50 suggested donation (Venmo.com\/rollinhomos<\/a>), Oakland Township Commons, 288 9th Ave.<\/p>\n

The event at Oakland Museum of California will kick off with a procession to the gardens led by the museum\u2019s D\u00eda de los Muertos Committee for the dedication of an ofrenda and an opening ceremony with the ceremonial dance company Danza Xitlalli. There will be poetry readings, live music by Mexican American band Los Cenzontles and Oakland rapper Gina Madrid, plus a performance by Oakland\u2019s Ballet Folklorico de Carlos Moreno. Also, a market by Bay Area Latinx vendors and ancestral traditions such as ritual cleanses.
Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., $10<\/a>, members and children under 12 free with advance reservations, OMCA, 1000 Oak St.<\/p>\n

The cultural organization in East Oakland is hosting a day of workshops to get ready for Day of the Dead including candle making, lino prints for writing letters to loved ones who have passed, and journaling. Then, on Nov. 2, the organization will host altar installations with a traditional drumming performance to honor the ancestors.
Wednesday, Oct. 28, 4 to 7 p.m., free, EastSide Arts Alliance, 2277 International Blvd.<\/p>\n

Th\u00ea\u00e0tre Des Vampires: The Vampire Lestat drag show<\/p>\n

If you enjoyed Anne Rice\u2019s gothic horror novel \u201cThe Vampire Lestat\u201d and the AMC show by the same name, then put this event on your calendar. The show includes a night of drag, burlesque, and live music featuring Oakland rock goth band Pretty Frankenstein<\/a> playing a full set of the vampire Lestat covers.
Thursday, Oct. 29, 8 p.m., 21 and up, $13.40<\/a>, $16.49 at the door, Thee Stork Club, 2330 Telegraph Ave.<\/p>\n

Trick-or-Treat in Chinatown<\/p>\n

Kick off the afternoon at the Oakland Asian Cultural Center by following the \u201cTrick or Treaters Welcomed\u201d signs at participating Oakland Chinatown storefronts to collect Halloween treats. From there, head back to the Oakland Asian Cultural Center to participate in a costume contest, with prizes for the top three winners. The center will also offer games, activities, and community resources hosted by local organizations.\u00a0
Friday, Oct. 30, 2 to 4 p.m., free, Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St.<\/p>\n

\"DiadeloMuertos_EG017\"\/An ofrenda decorated by Lilia Olsen, 72, with photos and several mementos important to her loved ones at the Dia de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale on Nov. 3, 2024. Credit: Estefany Gonzalez for The Oaklandside<\/p>\n

A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics<\/p>\n

This moody concert by a live quartet performing in front of a mesmerizing backdrop of thousands of candles will feature renditions of spooky tracks including the theme from the Netflix show \u201cStranger Things,\u201d selections from \u201cThe Nightmare Before Christmas\u201d and Michael Jackson\u2019s \u201cThriller\u201d and more.
Friday, Oct. 30, 8:45 p.m., $46.50 to $70<\/a>, First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway<\/p>\n

Driveway Follies Halloween puppet shows<\/p>\n

A Halloween marionette show, first performed in 2007<\/a> by the late artist and puppeteer Larry Schmidt in his Trestle Glen driveway, has continued to mesmerize kids and adults alike every year. Besides the spooky entertainment it provides, Driveway Follies<\/a> helps preserve the art of marionette puppetry<\/a> with back-to-back shows beginning at sundown. Adults are encouraged to attend the late night shows. Event organizers encourage attendees to wear a well-fitted mask to prevent the spread of flu and COVID.\u00a0
Friday, Oct. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 31, back-to-back shows starting at dusk and running through the evening, 3854 Greenwood Ave.<\/p>\n

Oakland Ballet\u2019s \u2018Luna Mexicana\u2019 10th anniversary<\/p>\n

The Oakland Ballet<\/a>, under the guidance of artistic director Graham Lustig<\/a>, is celebrating the 10th anniversary of its Day of the Dead show, \u201cLuna Mexicana.\u201d To mark this milestone, Lustig has enlisted Esteban Hern\u00e1ndez, a principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet, with a new work entitled \u201cLineal,\u201d set to traditional Mariachi music.
Friday, Oct. 30, and Sunday, Nov. 1, see website<\/a> for tickets, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway<\/p>\n

20th Annual Scraper Bike Halloween Ride<\/p>\n

The Scraper Bike Team<\/a>, an organization serving youth in deep East Oakland and led by Tyrone \u201cBaybe Champ\u201d Stevenson Jr., is hosting its annual bike ride around East Oakland. The event will kick off at Arroyo Viejo Park with games and trick-or-treating from 2 to 6 p.m., followed by a bike ride from 6 to 8 p.m. Kids who want to get their bikes tricked out for the ride can stop by the park this Saturday and Sunday between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.\u00a0
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2 to 8 p.m., free, Arroyo Viejo Park, 7701 Krause Ave.<\/p>\n

\"\"Oakland Ballet dancer Jazmine Quezada as Luna in the ballet\u2019s production of \u201cLuna Mexicana.\u201d Credit: courtesy of the Oakland Ballet<\/p>\n

Screening of 1931 \u2018Frankestein\u2019 in 35 millimeter<\/p>\n

The Paramount Theatre\u2019s classic movie screenings came back this summer<\/a> after a multi-year hiatus. To celebrate the spooky season, the historic theater will screen the 1931 film \u201cFrankenstein\u201d in 35-millimeter. The pre-screening entertainment includes a performance on the theater\u2019s original Mighty Wurlitzer Opus 2164, plus classic trailers and cartoons.
Saturday, Oct. 31, 3 p.m., $12.50<\/a>, Paramount Theatre, 2025 Broadway<\/p>\n

Dia de los Muertos in Fruitvale<\/p>\n

One of Oakland\u2019s biggest annual festivals, Fruitvale\u2019s Day of the Dead<\/a> always includes colorful community altars honoring loved ones, live music, food and vendors. And this year\u2019s street fair features something new and spectacular: a 34-foot Catrina sculpture handcrafted in Mexico<\/a>. The sculpture, one of this year\u2019s main festival attractions, will be on display through Nov. 5.\u00a0
Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., free, International Boulevard between Fruitvale and 41st avenues<\/p>\n

D\u00eda de los Muertos on the Oakland waterfront<\/p>\n

The event includes performances by folklorico and mariachi dancers, as well as crafts and a costume contest.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 1 to 3 p.m. free, at the plaza near Scott\u2019s Seafood and Grill, 2 Broadway<\/p>\n

Screening of the Portuguese film \u2018The Tree of Knowledge\u2019<\/p>\n

This screening is part of the DIY monthly movie screening series called Vital Signs. The live-action film, \u201cThe Tree of Knowledge\u201d is about a young man from the Lisbon suburbs who falls in with a mysterious ogre bound by a demonic pact \u2014 then flees with two animal companions to a rural farm, where folklore and danger collide. The film will screen with English subtitles.
Sunday, Nov. 1, 2 p.m., $16<\/a>, Shapeshifters Cinema, 567 5th St.<\/p>\n

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