by Riverside, California — Halloween 2026 is bringing a mix of family festivals, trick-or-treating opportunities and spooky attractions to Riverside, giving residents plenty of ways to celebrate throughout October.
Whether you’re searching for free Halloween activities or a nighttime attraction filled with scares, checking event schedules and admission details ahead of time can help you plan your Halloween weekend.
Halloween Events to Explore in Riverside in 2026
1. Halloween Carnival at Nichols Park
Riverside’s Halloween Carnival at Nichols Park offers a family-friendly way to celebrate the spooky season. Scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., the event welcomes visitors of all ages.
Families can enjoy trick-or-treat stations, carnival games, costume activities and other Halloween-themed entertainment. Children can arrive in their favorite costumes and collect treats while enjoying an evening with friends and neighbors.
The carnival is free to attend and provides an option for families looking for Halloween activities without purchasing expensive tickets.
2. Monster Bash at the Youth Opportunity Center
Teenagers looking for a Halloween celebration of their own can check out Monster Bash at Riverside’s Youth Opportunity Center.
The event is scheduled for Thursday, October 29, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and is listed as a free, all-ages gathering. The Halloween-themed celebration gives young visitors an opportunity to enjoy seasonal entertainment in a community setting.
Families should confirm the program’s activities and any participation requirements before attending.
3. Spooky Spooktacular Festival at Hunt Park
The Spooky Spooktacular Festival is another option for families planning Halloween activities in Riverside. The event is scheduled for Friday, October 30, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Hunt Park.
The free festival features themed trick-or-treat stations, spooky decorations, games and seasonal activities. Children can explore the decorated park, collect treats and enjoy the Halloween atmosphere without having to visit multiple neighborhoods.
Its early-evening schedule makes it a practical choice for parents planning activities with younger children.
4. Ghoul’s Night Out at Bryant Park
Families who want to celebrate Halloween on the actual holiday can attend Ghoul’s Night Out at Bryant Park.
Scheduled for Saturday, October 31, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., this free community event features ghostly games and Halloween-themed activities for visitors of all ages.
Children can dress up in costumes and participate in the festivities while parents enjoy an opportunity to celebrate with other local families. The event’s timing also allows families to combine the park celebration with neighborhood trick-or-treating later in the evening.
5. Halloween at Castle Park
Castle Park offers a combination of daytime fall entertainment and nighttime scares during the Halloween season. Located in the Riverside area, the amusement park features separate seasonal experiences for families and visitors seeking a more frightening outing.
Its Fall Fest includes a trick-or-treat trail, rides and autumn-themed entertainment on Saturdays and Sundays through November 1, 2026, generally from noon to 5 p.m.
For guests who enjoy haunted attractions, Castle Dark runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings through November 1, generally from 7 p.m. until midnight. The nighttime experience features haunted mazes, scare zones and live entertainment.
Fall Fest and Castle Dark require separate tickets, so visitors should choose the experience that best suits their group.
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6. Haunted Walking Tours in Downtown Riverside
Riverside’s historic downtown offers a different type of Halloween experience through guided haunted walking tours. These tours combine local history with spooky stories about historic buildings, unusual occurrences and reported paranormal activity.
The city’s historic architecture and landmarks provide an atmospheric backdrop for an evening walk. Visitors interested in local legends can learn about the area’s past while exploring downtown streets.
Tour availability and schedules may vary, so guests should confirm dates, age recommendations and ticket prices before planning their visit.
7. Riverside’s Halloween Trick-or-Treating Activities
Traditional trick-or-treating remains a popular way for families to celebrate Halloween in Riverside. Children can dress in costumes, carry candy bags and visit participating homes or organized community events.
For families who prefer a structured setting, city park celebrations offer designated trick-or-treat stations and activities in one location. These events can be particularly convenient for parents with younger children.
Riverside does not have one universal citywide trick-or-treating schedule for every neighborhood. Families should check local announcements and make plans based on the activities available in their area.
Which Halloween event in Riverside are you planning to attend this year? Share your favorite local Halloween activities and traditions in the comments.
