Haunted Happenings
The Whaley House
Visit one of the most historic—and haunted—buildings of San Diego this Halloween. Thomas Whaley built his house in 1857 on the old hanging grounds in downtown, and it has been haunted ever since. Visitors travel far to experience the paranormal activity that still occurs in the halls of the mansion. Experience the spook this month with a variety of ghostly events each week. From ghost hunting to silent films, you are bound to find something worthy of a trip. Festivities start the beginning of October. Silent Screams: Silent Era films, Wednesdays, Oct. 1, 8, 15, 22 at 6:30pm and 8:30pm; Past & Presence Ghost Tours, Oct. 3, 4, 24, 25 at 10:30-11:45pm; Whaley House Ghost Hunting Tours, Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18 at 10:30pm-Midnight; Scary Stories Sunday, Oct. 19, 26 at noon, 2pm, & 4pm; Halloween hours 10am-7pm, Nighttime event at 7pm-midnight.
Tickets and information available at: whaleyhouse.org
2476 San Diego Avenue; 619.297.7511
The Haunted Hotel
Looking for an evening of creepy dolls, ghastly dissectors, and eerie clowns? The Haunted Hotel, located in the Gaslamp District, will provide you with room upon room of frightening sights. Haunt World Magazine listed the Haunted Hotel as one of the top 13 haunted houses in America. Events occur evenings from September 26 – November 1.
Tickets and information available at: hauntedhotel.com
424 Market Street; 619.696.7227
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
Enter if you dare. You’ll find a haunted plantation, live scenes from American Horror Story, and a ghoul bus full of clowns as you walk the mile-long trail in Balboa Park. Need even more terror? Try out the haunted maze, where spirits stalk you as you twist and turn trying to find your way out. Events occur evenings from September 26 – November 1.
Tickets and information available at: hauntedtrail.net
6th & Juniper at Marston Point; 619.696.7227
Old Town’s Most Haunted
Hunt for lost souls in Old Town with the expert hunter Michael Brown, who has searched and found ghosts in Old Town for 14 years. During this 90-minute tour, you will experience voices of the dead and the “vortex,” or the energy that hovers above the ground. Walking Ghost Tour, 9pm, Thursday-Sunday; After Hours Walking Ghost Tour, 11pm, reservations only.
Tickets and information available at: oldtownsmosthaunted.com
2754 Calhoun Street, 619.972.3900
Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours
If you love history, San Diego, and a good spook, then this tour is for you. Within two hours you can tour 5 locations and learn about the people who used to live in San Diego—and how they still prowl the city in their ghostly form. Reservations are recommended because this suspenseful tour fills up fast! Tours are held Wednesdays-Mondays at 7pm and 9pm.
Tickets and information available at: hauntedsandiegotours.com
4041 Harney Street; 619.255.6170
Haunted Tales of our Seafaring Past
Are land-locked ghosts not your thing? Come aboard the Star of India to hear tales of seafaring past. Stories are shared for three hours, covering creepy legends of the sea. This event is only for three nights, so don’t miss out! Haunted Tales occur October 24, 25, & 31 from 6pm-9pm.
Tickets and information available at: sdmaritime.org/haunted-tales/
1492 North Harbor Drive; 619.234.9153
The Scream Zone
North County celebrates terror this fall season at the 17th annual Scream Zone at the Del Mar Racetrack.The Scream Zone features four terrifying attractions: Zombie Paintball Safari, House of Horror, The Chamber maze, and Haunted Hayride. Screams are on their way—it is called the Scream Zone, after all. This attraction is open on September 26, 27, October 3-5, 9-12, 16-19, 22-31 and November 1. Gates open at 6:45pm.
Tickets and information available at: thescreamzone.com
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard; 858.755.1161
Monster Manor
Enjoy a fright while giving back to the community! The Monster Manor is an annual charity event hosted by the Mira Mesa Theatre Guild, with all proceeds from the event directly benefiting non-profit organizations in the area. Haunts occur at 7:30pm-11pm on Oct. 10, 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 30, & 31.
Tickets and information available at: monstermanor.org
Target Shopping Center off Mira Mesa Boulevard, Mira Mesa Mall South; 858.222.4815
Arts & ‘Ghoul’ture
San Diego Halloween Guide 2014
Halloween Spooktacular
Improv on Halloween—expect laughter instead of fright.The San Diego National Comedy Theatre showcases professional comedians who are bound to get you laughing on the spookiest night of the season. For one night only, enjoy their special show: Halloween Spooktacular on Oct. 31. Shows begin at 7:30pm and 9:45pm.
Tickets and information available at: nationalcomedy.com
3717 India Street; 619.295.4999
Cinema Under the Stars Presents ‘Psycho’ and ‘Frankenstein’
Catch Alfred Hitchcock and Mel Brooks’ freaky films this Halloween in the beautiful Cinema Under the Stars venue—an outdoor spot stocked full of recliners, heaters, blankets, and concessions. Enjoy ‘Psycho’ on Oct. 32, 24, & 25 at 8pm and ‘Young Frankenstein’ on Oct. 30, 31, & Nov. 1 at 8pm.
Tickets and information available at: topspresents.com
4040 Goldfinch Street; 619.295.4221
The Zombie Ball
Have a ball and give back to the community in one night! The Zombie Ball at the San Diego Museum of Man is hosted by the Moolelo Performing Arts Company and helps raise funding for community-focused theater performances. Party with fellow theater-loving people with music, dancing, live performances, and costume contests. The event will be held Friday, Oct. 31 from 7pm-midnight.
Tickets and information available at: moolelo.net/zomebie-walk
1350 El Prado, Balboa Park; 619.231.4137
Silent Movie: ‘Phantom Of The Opera’
Nothing screams Halloween more than classic organ music, and the Spreckles Organ Society knows it! Listen to organist Russ Peck as he plays alongside the silent movie screening of ‘Phantom of the Opera.’ This free showing will be on Halloween night, Oct. 31 from 7:30pm-9:30pm.
Tickets and information available at: spreckelsorgan.org
Spreckels Organ Pavilion, Pan American Rd E; 619.702.8138
Hitchcocktober
The annual hit of Hitchcocktober is back at the Reading Cinemas. Screening every Thursday in October, starting with Hitchcock’s The Birds on Oct. 2 and ending with Dial M For Murder on Oct. 30, you are bound to find a film that meets your frightful needs. Shows start at 6:30pm at the Town Square location. Screenings: The Birds 10/2, To Catch A Thief 10/9, Vertigo 10/16, Rear Window 10/23, Dial M For Murder in 3D 10/30 (The Town Theatre and Town Square locations).
Tickets and information available at: readingcinemasus.com
4665 Clairemont Dr.; 858.274.9994
Family Festivities
San Diego Halloween Guide 2014
Haunted Aquarium: Shipwrecked!
Learn while having fun with the family at the Birch Aquarium’s Shipwrecked! event on Oct. 24 & 25 from 6-9pm. Explore the underworld of sunken treasures and bright sea creatures while collecting candy in costume attire.
Tickets and information available at: aquarium.ucsd.edu
2300 Expedition Way; 858.534.3474
Halloween Spooktacular®
SeaWorld is the perfect place for family adventures and this Halloween season brings spooky shows, trick-or-treating, and silly characters. Be sure to dress up in costume for the perfect photo opportunities. Spooktacular® is held each weekend from Sept. 27 – Oct. 26.
Tickets and information available at: seaworldparks.com
500 Sea World Drive; 800.257.4268
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
LEGOLAND celebrates the fall season every Saturday in October with Brick-or-Treat, the nighttime party event for families. Each night is full of LEGO® Halloween models, fireworks, live entertainment, and more. Come dressed up and ready for treats. Entry begins at 4pm.
Tickets and information available at: legoland.com
One LEGOLAND Drive; 760.918.5346
Balboa Park Halloween Family Day
This special event treats kids to free museum admission at Balboa Park, creepy craft centers, mini-carnival games, and costume parades. Bring the entire family to celebrate the Halloween season from 11am-3pm on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Tickets and information available at: balboapark.org
1549 El Prado, Balboa Park; 619.239.0512
Boomont Park Fall Festival and Haunt
For its 2nd year of Halloween festivities, Belmont Park is hosting Boomont Park, a family-friendly event throughout the month of October. Activities include: free trick-or-treating, a haunted house, zombie laser tag, pumpkin patch and paintings, superhero zip line and rock wall, beachfront s’mores and more. Festivities begin at 5pm on Friday and last the entire weekend.
Tickets and information available at: belmontpark.com
3146 Mission Blvd,; 858.228.9283
Pumpkins & Pancakes
Munch on pancakes while the kids decorate pumpkins, get their face painted, and dance to the monster mash band. The full pancake breakfast is held at the Harbor House Restaurant from 9am-10:30am on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Tickets and information available at: seaportvillage.com
849 West Harbor Drive; 619.235.4014
BOO BASH!
Kroc Center invites locals to celebrate Halloween at their annual BOO BASH! Events include: carnival games, bounce houses, rock climbing, pumpkin decorating, and more. The event is $1 a person and begins at 1pm on Saturday Oct. 25.
Tickets and information available at: kroccenter.org
Recreation Field, 6845 University Ave; 619.287.5762
Mysterious Midnight on the Marsh
Join the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista for after-dark fun this fall season. On Oct. 25 & 26, enjoy an educational family hike to the marsh while searching for animal sightings. The sunset walk starts at 5:45pm.
Tickets and information available at: thelivingcoast.org
1000 Gunpowder Point Drive; 619.409.5908
Running From Monsters
Light the Night Against Crime 5k
Runners can choose to be a cop or a robber for this active event. The robbers will start off the race, with the cops following soon after the “jail break.” Both cops and robbers will race to the finish line, with the first 50 teams of cops and robbers winning a bag of goodies. The race day registration begins at 5pm on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Tickets and information available at: sdcrimstoppers.org
Balboa Park; 619.275.8240
Trick or Trot 5k & 3k Fun Run
Race in costume this Halloween season at the Trick or Trot Fun Run event. Prizes will be awarded for best costume and best time. The event supports the Roosevelt Middle School PTSA and proceeds go towards after-school clubs and enrichment programs. The race day registration begins at 8am on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Tickets and information available at: active.com
2221 Morley Field Drive
Spooktacular Half Marathon 10k/5k Run-Walk
Dress up in costume and race along the scenic beach shores for this half marathon event. The race ends with a pumpkin pie award, motivating all runners to keep racing towards the finish line. Also, the event’s proceeds benefit Patrick Henry High School in Del Cerro. The race day registration begins at 7:30am on Sunday, Oct. 26.
Tickets and information available at: spooktacular10k.com
NTC Park at Cushing Rd. and Dewey Rd.; 619.491.0677
Mature Audience
San Diego Halloween Guide 2015
Monster Bash
Monster Mash
91X Boo’s Cruise
The annual 91X Boo’s Cruise is boarding again and sure to put anyone into the spooky spirit. Put on your scariest costume and come ready to join contests and dance the night away to live music provided by Priory and Glass Spells. The cruise leaves from San Diego Grape St. Pier on October 30 at 8:30pm (boarding time: 7:30pm) and will ride along the bay for 2.5 hrs.
Tickets and information available at: hornblower.com
San Diego Grape St. Pier, 1800 N. Harbor Dr.; 619.686.8715
Pier Pressure: Yacht Party Titanic Masquerade
Ghosts and ghouls arise from the dead as San Diego Nightlife hosts a Titanic inspired Halloween party on a triple-decker cruise line come Friday, October 31 from 1pm -1am. Dress to impress and bring your friends as there will be not one but four DJ’s spinning the night away. Masks preferred but not required.
Check-in and boarding begins at 9:00pm, Ticket prices vary, start at $30.
Ticket and information available at: ournightlife.com
1800 North Harbor Dr.; 619.330.9430
Monster Bash
This year marks the 14th Annual Dos XX’s Monster Bash and the streets of Gaslamp and East Village will yet again be filled with the creepiest of creatures and best live music. Whether G.A. (tickets $35 through Oct 21) or V.I.P. (tickets $75 through October 21) be sure to put some effort into your costume as a $5,000 cash prize goes to winner. Event is Friday the 31 from 6pm- midnight.
Ticket and information available at: sandiegomonsterbash.com
Located in East Village at 7th Ave. and Island Ave.; 619.233.5008
Nightmare on Normal Street
For well over a decade, The San Diego LGBT Community Center has produced the Halloween-themed block party fundraiser “Nightmare on Normal Street.” The event has become the very first place “to see, and be seen” for costume-clad revelers in Hillcrest. For just $10, over 2,500 community members will gather on Oct. 25 to enjoy dance music and various entertainment—including the legendary one-hour costume contest. The event raises over $20,000 for The San Diego LGBT Community Center’s 40+ programs and services. This is a 21+ event with adult content; ID is required. Event begins at 6pm.
Ticket and information available at: ourlgbtevents.org
University Ave. and Normal St.; 619.299.3330
Hallo-wine & Spirits Party
Sip some wine this Halloween season at the Hotel del Coronado’s Hallo-wine and Spirits event. Enjoy fine dining and fabulous drinks at the dinner reception on Oct. 25 and then stay around to dance the night away at the hotel’s personal costume party. This is a 21+ event and begins at 7pm.
Ticket and information available at: hoteldel.com
1500 Orange Avenue; 619.522.8490
San Diego Halloween Guide 2014
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
