There’s nothing the Bay Area loves more than a festival, and Halloween is no exception. There are so many Halloween events going on the next few weekends, you’re going to have to strategize. Good luck out there. Don’t let the goblins get you.
In San Francisco
11th Annual Children’s Halloween Hootenanny in the Haight, Saturday October 22nd, Free
This year’s theme is Classic Monsters. There will be a costume contest, raffle, games, and music.
SuperNatural Halloween at Cal Academy, Friday October 28th, $50 adults/$35 children
They’ll have “scientists and specimens”, face painting, pumpkin carving, magic shows and more. (There may also be a wine bar? According to a parent at a birthday party last weekend.)
Scaregrove at Sigmeund Stern Grove, Friday October 28th, $8
Hay rides, carnival rides, haunted houses, and a costume contest in lovely Stern Grove
San Francisco Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, October 29th & 30th, free with zoo admission
A costume parade and costume contest, with trick or treating stations set up throughout the zoo. Kids can also walk through the “Haunted Nature Trail” or take on the hay maze. For adults, there’s a Zoo Brew Haus with German dishes and set up near the railroad crossing.
Exploratorium, Sunday October 30th is Halloween Free Day
Seems to be just the museum, but free.
Trick or treating throughout the Japantown Mall as well as JPop and taiko performances, in addition to the usual face painting, games, and arts and crafts.
16th Annual Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens, Sunday October 30th, Free
Performances, crafts, and even a palm reader. The Children’s Creativity Museum and Cartoon Art Museum lend a hand with crafts and photo ops.
In Marin and North
Halloween Faire in Marin, Sunday October 30th, $8/child
Carnival games, prize hunts, and a costume parade
Napa Haunted Harvest Halloween Carnival, Saturday October 29th, free
Disney characters walk through Downtown Napa where merchants give out candy. The Oxbow Commons will have live music, games, and crafts for kids.
In the East Bay
Jack O’ Lantern Jamboree at Children’s Fairyland, October 29th & 30th, $10
There’s a full weekend of events, with puppet shows, juggling, plays, crafts, live music, and a dance party.
Happy Creepy Hall-oween at the Lawrence Hall of Science, October 29th & 30th, free with admission
It’s nerd-o-rific all weekend at the Lawrence Hall of Science, with a pumpkin catapult, hydraulic pumpkin lifts, and a chance to get hands-on with some furry spiders.
Oakland Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo, October 29th & 30th, free with admission
The zoo will be teaming up with the Bay Area Science Festival for hand-on demonstrations with creepy critters, in addition to a zoo-wide Scavenger Hunt.
In the South Bay
Calling all Thomas the Train enthusiasts! Face painting, storytelling, and cookie decorating and of course a 20-minute train ride.
If you have any other family-friendly Halloween event tips, drop them in the comments!
