Calling all ghosts, goblins, pumpkin lovers, and thrill seekers! Whether you’re a little kid or a big kid at heart, there are Halloween events for you and your family to have a real scream in Berkeley this year. Enjoy a season of tricks and treats for this California city in 2024. Wear your spookiest costume, attend a ghost tour, or family-friendly event, or dare to visit a haunted house. It’s scary how much there is to do on the east side of San Francisco Bay for Halloween before and after dark if you dare!
Harvest Festival
A family-friendly and free event hosted by the City of Berkeley will get everyone in on the fun this year on October 19th with Harvest Festival 2024. It will be a perfect way to enjoy some spooky activities with your whole gang with plenty of activities for kids. The “Kids Zone” will be packed with fun for your little “boos,” featuring a zipline, giant inflatables, scarecrow crafting, pumpkin decorating, face painting, and carnival games with prizes. Bring your blanket and a lawn chair and groove to live music and an entertaining DJ. Grab some snacks from a variety of food trucks and vendors and try not to steal candy from the kids. It promises to be a wonderful day to make lifelong memories.
Fear Overload
Voted scariest haunted house in California, Fear Overload Scream Park is the Bay Area’s most terrifying place to be this Halloween season. With two
hauntingly good themes, you will be begging to escape from this real-life horror movie. After a brutal riot left everyone dead, Darkmoor Penitentiary was abandoned but visitors still hear ghostly whispers, feel cold hands, and see shadows moving. The warden is looking for souls to torment. New fears will be unlocked for a frightfully fun experience. Your nightmares will be realized at the Slotch Sanitorium, a shadowy ruin haunted by its twisted past. Feel the spirits that were once tormented patients as their whispers linger through the decaying halls. Be warned-you can never turn back, and you may not escape! You will have an insanely good time.
Alcatraz City Cruises Tours
For a chilling experience, visit Alcatraz for the haunted side of history this Halloween season and feel the many moods of the island. For an unforgettable and compelling evening, take part in an Alcatraz Night Tour and enjoy the sunset silhouette of the Golden Gate Bridge, witness a cell door demonstration, and hear eerie stories about the island’s history and residents as expert historians reveal the dark secrets on a variety of topics that change nightly.
Discover areas not otherwise available to the public on a guided adventure with an Alcatraz Behind the Scenes Tour as you explore off-limit areas. Hear little-known secrets with your small group of 30 people or fewer as you uncover the island’s fascinating past guided by a National Park Service Ranger or expert historical educator. After the guided tour, discover the island on your own by taking the award-winning Cellhouse Audio Tour, or learn about the history from additional optional programs and exhibits throughout the island. You will be amazed at the spectacular views on the island’s west side, facing San Francisco and the Golden Gate Bridge. As a Behind the Scenes Tour guest, you will have an opportunity to participate in the full Alcatraz Night Tour experience. Plan for a full evening of mystery and intrigue as you soak in breathtaking views in this extremely popular program. The spooky season is the perfect time to explore the haunted side of Alcatraz’s history.
Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park
Located at the Pleasanton Fairgrounds for the entire month of October, Pirates of Emerson Haunted Theme Park returns for another year of spine-tingling
excitement. As you step into the adventure, you’re plunged into a world of suspense and fear, where survival is the only thing that matters. The fun never stops with food, games, and live music keeping the energy high. This attraction is not for the faint of heart.
Halloween Jam at Children’s Fairyland
Featuring rides, games, and arts and crafts stations, Halloween Jam promises to be a spooktacular time for the entire family. This festive fall celebration is brewing up fantastic activities with performances, storybook sets, puppet shows, bounce houses, games & prizes, and a photo booth to capture it all. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever with bewitching surprises in store.
A Boo-tiful Experience with City Cruises Berkeley
There’s something magical in the air during the fall season and there’s no better way to capture it than taking a cruise around San Francisco Bay with City Cruises. The cool breeze off the bay, the twinkling city skyline, and the spooky atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re enjoying themed drinks, listening to live music, or just soaking in the incredible iconic landmarks like the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, it’s a festive and unique way to celebrate the season for eerie and enchanting fun on the water.
