by San Francisco, California — Halloween celebrations are taking over San Francisco as families, costume lovers and local residents prepare for the final weekend of October. With Halloween falling on Saturday, October 31, 2026, the city has a packed lineup of family festivals, trick-or-treating opportunities, Halloween parties and seasonal attractions.
Anyone searching for Halloween events in San Francisco, CA, in 2026 can find activities throughout the week, from free children’s celebrations to nighttime entertainment. Here are several scheduled events to consider before making Halloween weekend plans.
Family Halloween Day at Randall Museum
Families with younger children can start with Family Halloween Day at Randall Museum on Saturday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event features free admission and a variety of Halloween-themed activities.
Visitors can expect games, spooky crafts, costume prizes, live music and entertainment. The celebration is designed for children ages 12 and younger and their families, making it a useful daytime option before Halloween night.
The museum is located at 199 Museum Way. Parking is expected to be extremely limited, so organizers recommend arranging alternative transportation when possible.
Trick-or-Treat at the Ferry Building
The San Francisco Ferry Building Marketplace will host a Halloween trick-or-treat celebration on Thursday, October 29.
The event includes candy collection at participating shops, Halloween crafts, spooky music and games. Activities are advertised as free and open to the public, while candy and craft supplies last.
The Ferry Building’s event listing gives the hours as 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Families should check the latest organizer announcement before attending in case of schedule changes.
Halloween Boonanza at Salesforce Park
Another daytime option is Halloween Boonanza at Salesforce Park on Friday, October 30, from 10 a.m. to noon.
The celebration features candy collecting, festive crafts, character appearances and a special Halloween performance. Children are encouraged to arrive in costume and enjoy the themed activities.
The event takes place around the park’s Central Lawn and Main Plaza. Families should verify the latest event details before visiting.
Scaregrove Halloween Event at Stern Grove
San Francisco’s Halloween celebrations continue on Friday, October 30, with Scaregrove at Sigmund Stern Grove from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The city’s Recreation and Parks calendar describes the event as free Halloween fun for the entire family. It offers another opportunity for residents to celebrate before Halloween Saturday.
Families planning to attend should check the official event listing for updated programming and any arrival instructions.
Boo at the Zoo on Halloween Day
One of the main Halloween Day attractions is Boo at the Zoo at San Francisco Zoo and Gardens on Saturday, October 31, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The celebration includes a costume parade, a costume contest, candy collection, crafts and a DJ dance party. The parade begins at 11 a.m., followed by the costume contest at noon.
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Halloween activities are included with paid daytime zoo admission or zoo membership. Visitors are also asked to avoid full-face masks because they may frighten the animals.
Families should review the zoo’s current admission details and event instructions before arriving.
Nightmare on Front Street Halloween Block Party
Adults and older visitors looking for a downtown Halloween atmosphere can consider Nightmare on Front Street on Friday, October 30, from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The free block party takes place in the Front Street Entertainment Zone, around Front Street between California and Sacramento streets. The program features themed activities, live music, costumes and entertainment.
The event is advertised as open to all ages, although alcohol service is restricted to adults aged 21 and older with valid identification.
Plan Your Halloween Weekend in San Francisco
San Francisco offers several ways to celebrate Halloween in 2026, whether families prefer daytime crafts and trick-or-treating or visitors want a downtown block party.
The most useful dates to remember are October 24 for Randall Museum Family Halloween Day, October 29 for Ferry Building trick-or-treating, October 30 for Scaregrove and Nightmare on Front Street, and October 31 for Boo at the Zoo.
Before heading out, confirm event hours, admission requirements and transportation arrangements with the organizers. Some activities are free, while others require paid admission.
Which San Francisco Halloween event are you planning to attend this year? Share your favorite local celebrations and help other residents find something fun to do.
