Halloween in San Francisco is not just a holiday; it’s a city-wide celebration marked by creativity, community spirit, and a dash of eerie fun.
As October approaches, the cityscape transforms into a canvas of spooky decorations, haunted houses, and thrilling events that draw locals and visitors alike.
In 2024, San Francisco promises to uphold its reputation as a Halloween haven with a lineup of exciting activities that cater to every age group and interest.
When Is Halloween in San Francisco?
Halloween falls on Thursday, October 31, 2024. In San Francisco, the celebration is not confined to just one night. The city begins to buzz with festive energy as early as mid-October.
Residents and businesses alike start decorating their spaces with pumpkins, cobwebs, and all things spooky, setting the stage for the numerous events and activities that take over the city as Halloween approaches.
Halloween Events In San Francisco
Upcoming Halloween events in San Francisco for 2024:
1. San Francisco Halloween Festival
- Date & Time: October 26-27, All day
- Venue: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
Explore the darker side of San Francisco with guided tours of the city’s most haunted spots. This walking tour provides a chilling narrative of the city’s ghostly history, ideal for those who love a mix of history and horror.
2. Haunted SF Walking Tour
- Date & Time: October 25-31, Evening tours
- Venue: Various historical locations across San Francisco
Explore the darker side of San Francisco with guided tours of the city’s most haunted spots. This walking tour provides a chilling narrative of the city’s ghostly history, ideal for those who love a mix of history and horror.
3. Halloween Pub Crawl
- Date & Time: October 27, 6:00 PM onwards
- Venue: Bars along Polk Street, San Francisco
Join the vibrant crowds hopping between bars along Polk Street. This event offers themed drinks, costume competitions, and an electrifying atmosphere, making it a top pick for adults looking to celebrate Halloween in a lively setting.
4. Ghost Ship Halloween
- Date & Time: October 27, 8:00 PM to midnight
- Venue: Pier 70, San Francisco
Ghost Ship Halloween hosts a massive party on a decorated ‘haunted’ ship with multiple stages for DJs and live performances. Known for its elaborate decorations and creative costumes, it’s a must-visit for those seeking a spectacular Halloween night.
5. Terror Vault
- Date & Time: October 1-31, Various times available
- Venue: The San Francisco Mint
The Terror Vault is an immersive haunted attraction at the historic San Francisco Mint. The event combines theatre, haunted mazes, and interactive experiences to create a uniquely frightening adventure.
6. Supernatural Halloween
- Date & Time: October 31, 9:00 PM onwards
- Venue: The Great Northern, San Francisco
This adults-only party features electronic music, themed decor, and costume contests. The Great Northern turns into a haunted nightclub for a night of dancing and Halloween festivities.
7. Zombie Brew Crawl
- Date & Time: October 20, 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
- Venue: Japantown, San Francisco
Participants dress as zombies and roam Japantown tasting different brews. This quirky crawl combines a love for beer with Halloween fun, ideal for groups and individuals alike.
8. Alcatraz Night Tour
- Date & Time: October 25-31, Nightly tours after sunset
- Venue: Alcatraz Island
Experience Alcatraz at night with a special Halloween twist. These tours highlight the eerie history and spooky tales associated with the former federal prison, offering a creepy yet captivating insight into one of San Francisco’s most notorious landmarks.
9. Haunted Halloween Ball
- Date & Time: October 27, 8:00 PM to 2:00 AM
- Venue: Hotel Whitcomb, San Francisco
The Haunted Halloween Ball is a glamorous event where attendees enjoy live music, DJs, and a chic atmosphere. Held in the historic Hotel Whitcomb, it’s known for its sophisticated crowd and elaborate costumes.
10. Day of the Dead Festival
- Date & Time: October 28, 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Venue: Mission District, San Francisco
This cultural festival celebrates Dia de los Muertos with music, dance, and beautifully crafted altars. It’s a family-friendly event that honors the traditions and memories of deceased loved ones in a vibrant community setting.
Each event offers a unique way to experience the Halloween season in San Francisco, catering to different interests and age groups, from family-friendly activities to adult-o
11. San Francisco Halloween Festival
- Date & Time: October 26-27, All day
- Venue: Civic Center Plaza, San Francisco
This festival features spooky attractions, food vendors, costume contests, and live entertainment for all ages.
12. Haunted Ghost Ship
- Date & Time: October 26-31, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
- Venue: Pier 70, San Francisco
Step aboard the haunted ghost ship for an eerie experience filled with themed bars, DJs, and haunted mazes.
13. Zombie Brew Crawl
- Date & Time: October 19, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Venue: Various breweries in San Francisco
Dress up as a zombie and join this pub crawl through San Francisco’s craft breweries, featuring Halloween-themed drinks and prizes.
14. Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
- Date & Time: October 27, 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
- Venue: Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Enjoy family-friendly Halloween fun with pumpkin carving, costume parades, and live entertainment in a beautiful garden setting.
15. The Speakeasy Halloween Ball
- Date & Time: October 31, 8:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Venue: Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
Step back in time to the Prohibition era for a glamorous Halloween ball with live jazz, dancing, and immersive theater experiences.
16. Scary Symphony: Halloween Concert
- Date & Time: October 30, 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
- Venue: Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Enjoy a spooky evening with the San Francisco Symphony performing chilling classics and film scores.
17. Trick or Treating in the Castro
- Date & Time: October 31, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Venue: The Castro District, San Francisco
Join the community for a vibrant Halloween celebration with trick-or-treating at local businesses and festive street performances.
18. Halloween International Ball
- Date & Time: October 27, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Venue: The Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
Experience a multicultural Halloween party with DJs, costume contests, and themed rooms representing different countries.
19. Nightmare on Van Ness Halloween Bash
- Date & Time: October 26, 9:00 PM – 2:00 AM
- Venue: The Regency Center, San Francisco
Dance the night away at this massive Halloween party featuring multiple DJs, themed areas, and spooky decor.
20. Ghostly Tours and Paranormal Investigation
- Date & Time: October 19-31, Various times
- Venue: Various locations in San Francisco
Explore haunted places in San Francisco with ghostly tours and paranormal investigations led by experienced guides.
Overview Of Halloween Events In San Francisco
Certainly! Here’s an expanded table format listing more upcoming Halloween events in San Francisco for 2024:
Event Name | Date | Location | Description |
---|---|---|---|
San Francisco Halloween Festival | October 26-27 | Civic Center Plaza | Celebrate with live music, food trucks, and costume contests. |
Haunted SF Walking Tour | October 25-31 | Various locations | Guided tour exploring haunted spots in San Francisco. |
Halloween Pub Crawl | October 27 | Polk Street Bars | Bar crawl with themed drinks and costumes. |
Ghost Ship Halloween | October 27 | Pier 70 | Massive Halloween party on a haunted ship with DJs and performances. |
Terror Vault | October 1-31 | The San Francisco Mint | Immersive haunted attraction inside a historic mint. |
Supernatural Halloween | October 31 | The Great Northern | Halloween night party with electronic music and themed decor. |
Zombie Brew Crawl | October 20 | Japantown | Beer tasting event where participants dress as zombies. |
Alcatraz Night Tour | October 25-31 | Alcatraz Island | Special night tours exploring the spooky history of Alcatraz. |
Haunted Halloween Ball | October 27 | Hotel Whitcomb | Grand costume ball with live music and DJs. |
Day of the Dead Festival | October 28 | Mission District | Celebrate Dia de los Muertos with music, dance, and traditional altars. |
Fright Nights at the Aquarium | October 26-27 | California Academy of Sciences | Adults-only Halloween party with drinks, music, and exhibits. |
Halloween Hoopla | October 28 | Yerba Buena Gardens | Family-friendly event with carnival games, crafts, and costume parades. |
Spirits & Skeletons Ball | October 20 | California Academy of Sciences | Costume party with live bands, food trucks, and science exhibits. |
Haunted House | October 25-31 | Various Locations | Various pop-up haunted houses throughout the city. |
Pumpkin Carving Contest | October 29 | Golden Gate Park | Family event with pumpkin carving, contests, and seasonal treats. |
Haunted Hotel Halloween Party | October 27 | W San Francisco Hotel | Rooftop party with panoramic views and themed decorations. |
Halloween Concert Series | October 29-31 | Davies Symphony Hall | Symphony orchestra performing eerie classics and film scores. |
Halloween Haunt at Great America | October 20-31 | Santa Clara | Theme park transformed with haunted mazes and scare zones. |
Halloween Rendezvous | October 31 | The Grand Nightclub | Nightclub party with DJs, costume contests, and drink specials. |
Spooky Silent Disco | October 28 | SoMa StrEat Food Park | Outdoor silent disco with Halloween-themed music and costumes. |
Halloween Activities in San Francisco
San Francisco offers a diverse range of Halloween activities for all ages, making it an exciting destination to celebrate the spooky season. From family-friendly events to thrilling haunted tours, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this vibrant city.
1. Haunted House Tours
Explore the eerie side of San Francisco with haunted house tours that delve into the city’s supernatural history. Guided by expert storytellers, these tours take you through ghostly tales and haunted locations, offering a spine-chilling experience.
2. Pumpkin Patch Adventures
Visit local pumpkin patches where you can pick your perfect pumpkin for carving or decoration. These patches often feature hayrides, corn mazes, and seasonal treats, providing a festive atmosphere for families and friends to enjoy together.
3. Halloween Costume Parties
Join in lively Halloween costume parties held at various venues across San Francisco. Whether you prefer classic themes or trendy costumes, these parties offer music, dancing, and contests, creating a fun-filled night of celebration.
Best Halloween Spots to Visit in San Francisco
San Francisco comes alive during Halloween with an array of events that cater to both the thrill-seekers and those who prefer milder festivities. Here are some top spots to check out:
1. Alcatraz Island
- What to Do: Experience the chilling allure of Alcatraz at night with special Halloween tours that delve into the prison’s eerie past.
- Why Visit: Alcatraz provides a unique blend of historical intrigue and spooky ambiance, perfect for a Halloween adventure.
- Special Tip: Book your tickets early as these tours are highly popular and tend to sell out quickly during the Halloween season.
2. Winchester Mystery House
- What to Do: Explore the labyrinth-like corridors of the Winchester Mystery House with its maze of hallways and staircases leading nowhere.
- Why Visit: This famed architectural oddity is known for its supposed hauntings and bizarre constructions, making it a must-visit for ghost hunters and history buffs alike.
- Special Tip: Try the evening flashlight tour for an extra thrill.
3. Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
- What to Do: Engage in festivities like pumpkin carving, pie-eating contests, and crafts fairs.
- Why Visit: Known as the “World Pumpkin Capital,” Half Moon Bay offers one of the best seasonal celebrations, complete with giant pumpkins and beautiful fall scenery.
- Special Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the day’s activities.
4. San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
- What to Do: Join a guided walking tour to explore haunted sites and learn about the city’s ghostly tales.
- Why Visit: It’s a fun way to see the city from a different perspective while getting a bit of spooky history.
- Special Tip: Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves a fair amount of walking.
Conclusion
Halloween in San Francisco offers a vibrant mix of spooky attractions, festive events, and cultural experiences that cater to all ages and interests. Whether you’re into haunted houses, family-friendly activities, or lively parties, San Francisco provides a memorable Halloween experience for everyone.
FAQs
Families can enjoy pumpkin patches at local farms, participate in trick-or-treating events in neighborhoods like Pacific Heights, or attend kid-friendly festivals at places like Ghirardelli Square.
Yes, there are several haunted houses and spooky tours around the city, such as the Fear Overload Scream Park and the San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour.
Notable Halloween parties include events at major venues like the Fillmore, various themed pub crawls like Crawloween, and extravagant costume contests at local bars and clubs.
Halloween is celebrated on October 31st every year in San Francisco, with various events leading up to the day.
Popular costume ideas include creative themes like tech-inspired outfits, historical figures, and classic horror movie characters.
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