Did you feel that nip in the air before it hit 78 degrees? Are your sweaters making their way back into rotation? Or maybe you’re beginning to envision your ultra-niche concept costume that only real fans will get. (Don’t steal my idea, but I’m going as the bear from Celestial Seasoning’s Sleepytime tea.) Conditions call for some spooky shindigs and eerie affairs, so here are 13 killer Halloween events in San Diego.
Ghosts & Gravestones Tour
Many establishments across San Diego have reported sightings of permanent residents in their halls. For a full overview of the city’s notorious hauntings, hop on the Old Town trolley and relish in eerie stories on a Ghosts & Gravestones Tour. For the month of October, patrons can take a 90-minute jaunt around the haunted sites and historical buildings in San Diego with a guide who can share all the gory details.
4008 Twiggs Street, Old Town
Whaley House Museum After Hours
Every October, the Whaley House hosts its After Hours Paranormal Investigation, providing up-close, exclusive access to its legendary phantoms. This two-hour experience includes a midnight tour of America’s most haunted house with specialized ghost-hunting equipment and a smaller, more intimate group.
2476 San Diego Avenue, Old Town
Balboa Park’s Haunted Trail
For a short and sweet scare, try out the Haunted Trail at Balboa Park. As you wander through the dimly lit paths, prepare for encounters with ghostly figures—think of them as the original park rangers, but with a haunting twist.
Balboa Drive & Juniper Road, Balboa Park
Hauntings at Hotel del Coronado
Fright nights are taking place throughout the month at the Hotel del Coronado, featuring paranormal séances and tours of its most haunted rooms. For a cozier and less bloodcurdling affair, sign up to carve pumpkins with fellow guests or roast s’mores around the fire with a side of ghost stories.
1500 Orange Avenue, Coronado
Drag-o-ween at Lips
Drag show venue Lips is hosting themed performances all month long. Guests can count on a fabulous dining experience as they watch talented queens serve face and frights in performances that feature music, comedy, and killer costumes.
3036 El Cajon Boulevard, North Park
Witchy Afternoon Tea Service at The Westgate Hotel
October 11–26
If you’re hoping to live out your Bridgerton dreams this Halloween, step inside the Regency room at The Westgate Hotel in downtown for a spooky spin on its acclaimed afternoon tea service with Witches of The Westgate Tea. Tickets include the tea service, a complimentary glass of Champagne, and a treat to take home.
1055 Second Avenue, Downtown
Escondido Bark Bash
October 20
The Makers & Shakers Market will host its second-annual Bark Bash dog festival on Oct. 20. At the Rancho Guejito Vineyard in Escondido, over 70 vendors will offer pet-friendly treats and themed drink specials. The free event will also include costume contests for pets and their owners, puppy portraits, an adoption event, and small-business shopping throughout the vineyard.
17224 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido
Ghost Light Masquerade Ball
October 24–30
Set on a traveling stage, the Ghost Light Masquerade Ball from local contemporary ballet The Rosin Box Project invites audiences to engage in a surreal, choose-your-own-adventure experience guided by resident spirits. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their finest (and most ghostly) attire and either bring their own masks or use provided ones.
2995 Commercial Street, Logan Heights
San Diego Halloween Pub Crawl
October 25–26, 31
Halloween falls on a Thursday this year, which means patrons looking to haunt the city’s night scene may be celebrating the weekend prior. Grab your map of the Gaslamp and explore some of downtown’s most popular bars and night-time venues in your costume at the zombie-themed Halloween Pub Crawl. The weekend’s biggest event will take place on Oct. 26; however, all three evenings will include specials and waived covers at more than 10 bars.
Gaslamp Quarter
Trick or Drink Pacific Beach Pub Crawl
October 25–26, 31
The Pacific Beach “Trick or Drink” three-day bar crawl offers party ghouls free entry and discounted drinks at some of the neighborhood’s top hot spots. Check in at The Sand Box for a bite before venturing off to each of the six participating bars and venues.
1466 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach
Halloween Party Cruise at Bahia Hotel
October 26
Bahia Resort Hotel has decked the William D. Evans sternwheeler out to create a Freddy Krueger–themed beachside Halloween Party Cruise that will steam around Mission Bay on Oct. 26. Expect live DJs, a photobooth, and flowing drinks flowing.
998 West Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay
Halloween Yacht Party Spirits & Booze Cruise
October 26
Set sail with Cher Amie Yacht Charters for an alternate to your usual Halloween plans. On the Halloween Yacht Party Spirits & Boos Cruise, all you’ll need for a spine-tingling night is a cocktail and a view of the San Diego skyline.
1403 Scott Street, Point Loma
Nightmare on Normal Street
October 26
Hillcrest’s haunted Halloween dance party and costume competition, “Nightmare on Normal Street,” is returning on Oct. 26. This vibrant event promises late-night live entertainment, a massive costume competition with over $2,000 in prizes, and outdoor bars for the best people-watching in San Diego.
1500 University Avenue, Hillcrest
