What makes the spooky season such a particular time of 12 months is that it provides everybody permission to search out their edge. For some, that’s about attempting on totally different personas by way of foolish and ingenious costumes. For others, that’s confronting their fears: Scary sights make thrill-seekers’ hearts pound, however they will relaxation realizing that it’s all fantasy. In the meantime, true-crime fanatics get to discover the true darkish aspect of humanity by way of gory tales. Others simply get giddy having a inexperienced gentle to upend society’s guidelines of decorum, even for a brief window of time.
And what might be a greater place to rejoice Halloween than the Bay Space? We have now death-dropping drag queens, ingenious marionette reveals, macabre homicide balladeers and people who construct elaborate haunted sights of their yards. With solely two weeks left to let your freak flag fly, we’re right here that will help you discover the occasion that permits you to do you.
‘Nightfall’ at Filoli, Woodside
A household poses with one of many illuminated trolls on the Filoli grounds. The ‘Dusk’ Halloween occasion runs by way of Nov. 10 on the Woodside property. (Photograph courtesy of Filoli)
Particulars: “Nightfall” is on by way of Nov. 10 at 86 Canada Highway, Woodside. Admission, $45-$49 adults, $35-$39 youngsters; members obtain 20% off. Tickets: https://filoli.org/
Fratello Marionettes’ Spooktacular
These entertaining Fratello marionettes are all about giggles this time of 12 months, not frights. This 12 months’s family-friendly present guarantees pleased ghosts, a goofy Frankenstein and a not-so-scary large spider. From Oct. 21-30, youngsters can benefit from the hourlong present at libraries all through the Bay Space: Hercules, Lafayette, San Jose, Danville and Berkeley. Admission is free.
Particulars: Free. Discover the schedule at https://fratellomarionettes.com
Frightmare Residence Hang-out, Livermore
Steve Profumo and his household began the Frightmare Residence Hang-out in Livermore, pictured on Oct. 19, 2022, on the entrance of their house practically a decade in the past. (Jane Tyska/Bay Space Information Group)
This long-running haunted home is so well-known that greater than 2,000 individuals toured it final 12 months; a significant sweet firm as soon as even teamed as much as advertise. This 12 months’s development began greater than a month in the past and, whereas particulars are nonetheless beneath wraps, guests ought to count on technical wizardry and critical scares. Earlier iterations have featured creepy characters in black robes and masks – each actual actors and mannequins, to maintain people guessing – in addition to a “laser swamp” with a fog machine and issues reaching out of the gloom. On Oct. 28-29, there are lights-on excursions that youngsters and scaredy-cats may go for. And for the primary time, on Nov. 1 the Residence Hang-out is staging a “Blackout Night” the place the one supply of illumination is one glow stick per group.
Particulars: Open 7-11 p.m. Oct. 24-25, 4-6 p.m. Oct. 28-29 (no scares) and Oct. 31, and 7-10 p.m. Nov. 1 at 697 Sonoma Ave., Livermore; free, fb.com/frightmarehomehaunt
The Nice Huge BOO!, Gilroy
Halloween season on the Gilroy Gardens theme park is a family-friendly affair with stage reveals, enjoyable character encounters and trick-or-treating. Youngsters are inspired to come back in costume and begin off their go to on the BOO City Corridor with Sammy Jo Scarecrow and the BOO crew earlier than heading to Skull’s Mad Lab, Princess Priscilla’s Good Tea Social gathering and the animated Mild Tunnel. Fridays are the evening to take care of take pleasure in further actions like singing and dancing on the Nice Huge BOO Musical Present, because the crew tries to save lots of Halloween from the curse of Wendella the Witch.
Particulars: 5-10 p.m. on daily basis by way of Nov. 2. Costs for admission and extras range, however we checked and the financial savings are vital if you buy your tickets on-line upfront, not on the gate. 3050 Hecker Cross Freeway, Gilroy. www.gilroygardens.org
Witch’s Paddle, Alameda and Half Moon Bay
A canine and human put on their vacation threads as they be a part of greater than 50 witches for the Capitola Sea Witches’ annual Halloween paddle in 2024. (Shmuel Thaler/Santa Cruz Sentinel)
Again within the day, individuals used to toss suspected witches into the water to see in the event that they sank. These days, we don’t do this anymore – however there’s nonetheless the chance to look at it occur accidentally (heavens forbid!) at Witches’ Paddles. A nationwide phenomenon, these Halloween occasions see people dressed as witches and warlocks taking to the waves on kayaks and stand-up paddleboards. There are a minimum of two taking place through the morning hours within the Bay Space: Alameda on Oct. 25 and Half Moon Bay on Oct. 26. Please keep in mind to put on a life vest over your costume – which in actual fact doesn’t need to be witchy, simply spooky or enjoyable (and never dragging within the water).
Particulars: Alameda paddle takes place September 11:30 a.m. Oct. 25 at 1120 Ballena Blvd., #200, Alameda; for pricing and particulars go to seatrek.com/witches-on-water; Half Moon Bay individuals are requested to reach by 9 a.m. Oct. 26 at 2 Johnson Pier, Half Moon Bay; for pricing and particulars go to smharbor.com
Diablo Escapes, Walnut Creek
A Halloween-themed escape room is on the menu at Diablo Escapes, the place as much as six gamers can soar right into a room, strap on the virtual-reality tools and enter three totally different spooky adventures. There’s the basic alien journey, the place you could seek for grandma’s lacking cat in a spooky forest, a haunted hospital that requires exploration, or a mad scientist’s manor. Plan for a minimum of an hour of intense Halloween enjoyable.
Particulars: Open Tuesdays by way of Thursdays, 1-10 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m.-10:30 p.m. at 1948 Mt. Diablo Blvd. in Walnut Creek; $47.99-$54.99 per participant. diabloescapes.com.
Competition Fright Nights, San Jose
A performer dances within the ballroom of the Winchester Thriller Home as a part of Competition Fright Nights, which opened on the San Jose landmark attraction Sept. 26, 2025. (Sal Pizarro/Bay Space Information Group)
The Winchester Thriller Home is creepy on a median sunny day in San Jose. However on Halloween? Thirteenth Flooring Leisure Group goes all out to rework the historic mansion right into a go-to Halloween vacation spot. Set in 1924, two years after Sarah Winchester’s dying, this immersive expertise has a masquerade ball, performers, and loads of spooky mysteries — simply head to the seance room. Get a VIP ticket for entry to a speakeasy and masquerade ball. Extra sights like axe-throwing and a go to to the darkish “underhouse” are additionally obtainable.
Particulars: Thurdsays-Sundays nights by way of Nov. 1; $58-$88. festivalfrightnights.com
Driveway Follies, Oakland
Every October, one of many smallest reveals within the Bay Space – with proportionately the largest viewers – takes place within the entrance yard of an Oakland house. Half Wes Anderson, half Tim Burton, the “Driveway Follies” stars a creepy-crawly solid of handmade “trick marionettes” and set items accompanied by Halloween-appropriate music. The professionalism is astounding: Nearing 20 years in its run, there at the moment are 9 puppeteers and 5 acts throughout a typical efficiency, which attracts benches of households and thrilled youngsters questioning how that wood skeleton acquired its head to pop off and land again on its neck like a ring-toss sport. It’s an ideal antidote to the computer-generated leisure that prevails in all places now. Observe: There’s additionally primo trick-or-treating on Halloween on the identical avenue as “Driveway Follies.”
Particulars: Present begins at nightfall and normally runs till 9 p.m. on Oct. 30 and Oct. 31 at 3854 Greenwood Ave., Oakland; free. drivewayfollies.org
Slash and Sip, San Jose
Regardless of the blood-curdling title, this occasion is a reasonably civilized one, good for haunt-averse adults who wish to rejoice the season with out having the wits scared out of them. The parents at Historical past San Jose host this 21-and-up occasion close to the historic Gonzales/Peralta Adobe on the San Pedro Sq. Market. Individuals will obtain a big pumpkin, carving instruments and inspiration for locating their inside artist. You’re by yourself for liquid inspiration.
Particulars: 7-9 p.m. Oct. 24 at 87 N. San Pedro St., San Jose. Guide tickets, $30, at https://historysanjose.org/programs-events/
Boo Bash, Danville
The annual Boo Bash at Danville Livery options tractor hayrides, a petting zoo, youngsters actions, trick-or-treating and stay leisure. (Courtesy of Danville Livery).
The annual Halloween spectacular turns the general public parking zone into a celebration at Danville Livery. Tractor hayrides, a petting zoo, face portray and stay leisure are on deck whereas the youngsters may also go trick-or-treating with the native companies, which take part within the enjoyable. Canyon Membership Brewery, for instance, shall be gifting away free pretzels.
Particulars: Midday-3 p.m. Oct. 25 at Sycamore Valley Highway and San Ramon Valley Blvd. in Danville. danvillelivery.com
‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ fiftieth anniversary
Let’s do the “Time Warp” once more — again to 1975, the debut of the movie that made this banger a school-dance commonplace. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” an adaptation of a 1973 rock-’n’-roll musical, attracts upon Common monsters, Atomic Age B-movies and flamboyant rock stars like David Bowie and Little Richard. Starring Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf, the film is a deliriously unhinged and unabashedly queer intercourse romp with Tim Curry stealing the present because the magnetic, androgynous and homicidal Dr. Frank-N-Furter. It’s additionally, at occasions, problematic and tedious to observe alone. However “Rocky Horror” turned a campy cult basic due to the communal midnight film expertise, the place costumed devotees shout on the display screen and throw toast, water, sizzling canines and bathroom paper, a decadeslong custom. Some film homes even host “shadow casts,” who act out the present together with the movie. Now that “Rocky Horror” has reached its golden anniversary, it’s a good time to bust out your fishnets, platform footwear and thickest pink lipstick for a rollicking enjoyable evening on the cinema.
Particulars: Bay Space “Rocky Horror” performing troupe, Barely Authorized, is performing together with the movie across the Bay Space this fall. Little Nell, who performs Columbia, seems at two occasions: 8 p.m. Oct. 23 on the Curran Theatre, San Francisco, and eight p.m. Oct. 24 on the Bankhead Theatre, Livermore. Barely Authorized can be performing a Halloween evening screening on the UC Theatre, Berkeley, and in November and December at 3Below Theaters & Cafe, San Jose. For tickets and pricing, go to barelylegal.rhps.org
From proper, Christy Robinson, who performs Janet Weiss, for the Barely Authorized stay solid of the “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” hams it up with fellow solid members Lizzie Bernard and Amanda Gordon who play Transylvanians, on the San Jose Pleasure Competition at Discovery Meadow on Aug. 18, 2012. (LiPo Ching/Workers)
Homicide Ballads Bash, Berkeley
The salacious fixation on true-crime tales isn’t a contemporary phenomenon. Cultures all over the world have historic traditions of narrating occasions, typically ugly, by way of tune. The time period “murder ballad” goes again to the Sixteenth-century British Isles, and that custom of telling “ripped from the headlines” cautionary tales by way of people music made its method to America, the place it was popularized in Appalachia. Twenty-three years in the past in Berkeley, members of Americana noir band Loretta Lynch launched the annual Homicide Ballads Bash, a showcase of artists throughout musical genres, every taking part in one bone-chilling tune. This 12 months, the lineup contains Loretta Lynch, Out of City Couple, Joyful Clams, Plonsey Scheme, Nashville Honeymoon, Z-Trane Electrical Band, Lisa & The Franks, Berge & Kennedy and Third Thursday Band. Funeral apparel is inspired, and there shall be a dressing up contest.
Particulars: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31 at The Starry Plough, 3101 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley; $16 advance, $20 door. thestarryplough.com
Halloween Drag Brunch: ‘Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun,’ Mountain View and Redwood Metropolis
October is all about being over-the-top, so why accept a hoo-hum brunch? Take it up a notch “Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun” drag brunch at an Irish pub. Drag efficiency, with its abundance of wigs, campy make-up and dying drops, is customized for Halloween. Whilst you sip mimosas and nosh on eggs bennie, Irish breakfast or French toast, watch Chai Auntea, Charity Kase, Tori Tia and mates sashay and shantay of their finest “ghoulish glamour” and “creepy couture.” Costumes are inspired.
Particulars: 12:30-2:30 p.m. Oct. 25, St. Stephen’s Inexperienced, 233 Castro St., Mountain View, and noon-2 p.m. Oct. 26, Alhambra Irish Home, 831 Predominant St., Redwood Metropolis; $10, brunch not included. eventbrite.com
The Bernal Scream, ‘Forbidden Symphony,’ San Jose
Abel Barrera ready to scare some friends in The Bernal Scream haunted home outdoors of Westfield Oakridge Mall in San Jose on Oct. 18, 2016. (Nhat V. Meyer/Bay Space Information Group)
The favored San Jose haunted attraction, The Bernal Scream, has a surprisingly candy origin story: Abel Barrera first constructed it in 2013 in his yard as a method to bond along with his son, Mike. Initially free and meant for neighborhood youngsters, the attraction blew up in recognition, so the household took it business in 2016, establishing in a shopping center parking zone. The hang-out went on a seven-year hiatus after Abel died, however Mike, decided to honor his father’s legacy, introduced it again in 2023. Since then, he’s resolved to make the Bernal Scream, now 4,000 sq. toes within the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, extra twisted and terrifying yearly.
Particulars: Stroll-throughs begin at 7:30 p.m. each evening, besides Oct. 20, by way of Nov. 2 at Santa Clara County Fairgrounds Gate C, 200 Previous Tully Highway, San Jose; tickets $29.99-$59.99; parking $15-$30. https://www.thebernalscream.com/
Le Bal des Vampires, Alameda
If you wish to get an eyeful of next-level Halloween costumes, how about attending a celebration placed on by skilled costumers? The Interval Occasions and Entertainments Re-Creation Society Inc., made up of oldsters who know their means round a corset, commonly hosts era-specific events just like the Victorian twelfth Evening Ball or a Nineteen Thirties Valentines dance. Nonetheless, PEERS’ spooky season occasion, Le Bal des Vampires, brings all of those seems to be collectively, as a vampire might originate from any style interval. This 12 months’s ball options two dance flooring, one with a contemporary DJ and the opposite with stay music from Greenwich Imply Time, who play waltzes, polkas, tangos and extra. You too can take social-dance courses and have your tarot learn. Costume as your individual distinctive bloodsucker and paint the Alameda Elks Lodge pink.
Particulars: 7 p.m.-midnight Nov. 1, Alameda Elks Lodge, 2255 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda; $45. peersdance.org/vamps2025.html
Halloween Jam at Kids’s Fairyland, Oakland
On the lookout for extra family-friendly fare? This Halloween season, there are a few choices for celebrating spooky season at Kids’s Fairyland. With basic admission the weekend earlier than Halloween, there are a number of themed Halloween actions on provide, together with themed crafts, actions, puppet reveals and STEM actions. Then, day-of, the park shall be remodeled into an extended-hours mad science laboratory — full with “glowing goo, bubbling brews, frightful formulas, and eek-citing experiments,” its web site says. Search for trick-or-treat stations, a Mad Science Fairy enjoyable home, spooky STEM actions, stay performances and family-friendly DJs, meals vans and sensory play zones.
Particulars: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 24-26 for the First Weekend of Halloween Jam ($18-$20), and 12-7 p.m. Oct. 31 for the Mad Magic Halloween Jam ($25). fairyland.org/halloween-jam.
The Turnsworth Cemetery in Redwood Metropolis, run by Brady and Kaitlin Sullivan, encompasses a horde of shifting skeletons, a laser capturing gallery and loads of unhealthy Halloween puns. (Brady Sullivan)
Turnsworth Cemetery, Redwood Metropolis
Annually, Brady and Kaitlin Sullivan flip their yard right into a cemetery bustling with skeletons throughout Halloween week. Final 12 months’s occasion featured a cemetery, haunted bar, mad scientist’s lab and an interactive capturing gallery. Practically two dozen skeletons are organized in scenes which have included taking part in poker, barbecuing a head, tending a bar the place glasses mysteriously slide round, and plucking the “Deliverance” tune in a laser-activated capturing vary. Don’t overlook to say hello to Skully, the rooftop skeleton.
Particulars: Opens Oct. 18 and sometimes runs 6-9 p.m. weekdays and 6-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings at 224 Iris St., Redwood Metropolis. fb.com/turnsworthcemetery
Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park, Pleasanton
The 35-year-old Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park on the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton isn’t one, however 4, walk-through haunted sights throughout 6 acres with dozens of actors leaping out to scare you. With tickets beginning at $45, that’s a number of bang in your buck. Much more spectacular than the scale of the attraction is the artistry of the stunts. Once you’re not quaking in your boots, you’ll be able to admire the craftsmanship that went into each decaying skeleton or disembodied cranium. The attraction additionally affords meals, carnival video games, stay steel bands and a virtual-reality expertise.
Particulars: Pirates of Emerson runs from now till Nov. 2 on the Alameda County Fairgrounds, Gate 8, 2005 Valley Ave., Pleasanton; $45-$125. For tickets, occasions and dates, go to piratesofemerson.com
Tara Sypriano of Tahoe Metropolis, and her father Wealthy Sypriano of Walnut Creek, stroll by way of a haunted home on the Pirates of Emerson on the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton on Oct. 20, 2016. (Doug Duran/Bay Space Information Group)
Bay Space Derby, Richmond
Youngsters, adults and everybody in between are welcome to come back to the Halloween curler derby season-closing bout that includes the Oakland Outlaws and the San Francisco Rolling Useless (a number of of whom, with names like Corpse Silver and Grave Robbins, gown up as ghouls all season). Early fowl ticket holders can take part in a Halloween costume celebration and trick-or-treat for the youngsters. Meals vans and distributors will provide nourishment whereas VIP passes include two drink tickets and unique trackside seats. There could even be some youngsters of the Bay Space Derby Juniors (12-17 12 months olds) taking part.
Particulars: 4-9 p.m. Oct. 25 at Richmond Memorial Auditorium on 403 Civic Middle Plaza in Richmond; $12.51-$55.20. bayareaderby.com
Peaches Christ’s Terror Vault, ‘Hexed,’ SF
Three witches are performing darkish rituals on this theatrical, immersive expertise produced by fashionable drag queen Peaches Christ. It’s form of a haunted home, however with a full storyline and stay actors who will make you a part of the expertise. This spooky and intense expertise options nudity, violence and robust language, so depart the youngsters at house. Whilst you wait in your timed entry, you’ll be able to lurk on the Fang Bang Bar, “the only vampire bar in San Francisco.”
Particulars: Open Thursdays by way of Sundays by way of Nov. 1 on the San Francisco Mint, 88 Fifth Avenue, San Francisco; $85.29-$142.72. terrorvault.com
Peaches Christ, an underground drag performer, talks contained in the Previous Mint in San Francisco in regards to the constructing’s transformation into the Terror Vault, a totally immersive and interactive Halloween attraction on Oct. 8, 2018. (Karl Mondon/Bay Space Information Group)
Spookeasy Twenties Halloween Social gathering, Redwood Metropolis
Have a good time Halloween Prohibition-style at Alhambra Irish Home, a captivating pub in Redwood Metropolis, which is remodeled right into a speakeasy for the evening with stay music and a DJ. Flapper or gangster apparel inspired, however all costumes are welcome, with prizes for one of the best costumes.
Particulars: 8 p.m.-midnight Oct. 31, Alhambra Irish Home, 831 Predominant St., Redwood Metropolis; alhambra-irish-house.com
Halloween Bay Bingo, Berkeley
Not your grandma’s bingo evening, this high-energy occasion comes with a stay DJ with R&B, Afrobeats, throwbacks, hip-hop and Latin tunes. Get pleasure from video games like dance and lip-synch battles, plus drinks and mingling.
Particulars: 8:30 p.m. Oct. 31, Ciel Artistic House, 2611 Eighth St., Berkeley; $50. eventbrite.com
