Halloween Events in Monterey

Spooktacular Monterey: Your Complete Guide to Halloween Festivities

Get ready for a spooktacular Halloween in Monterey and the surrounding areas! This season brings everything from inclusive family carnivals to eerie ghost tours, pumpkin plunges, costume parades, and trick-or-treat fun. Whether you’re rolling pumpkins in Carmel, exploring haunted mines, or joining a masquerade ball, there’s something for everyone this Halloween.

Saturday, October 18

Join Special Kids Connect at Monterey County Fairgrounds for a fun Halloween event -- just for special needs families. The Halloween Carnival & Resource Fair features carnival games, face painting, crafts, and more — making this a fun, jam-packed two hours. Kiddos will get a plastic Pumpkin Tote, upon entry, to fill with prizes and giveaways offered throughout the event. Costumes are encouraged but are not mandatory.

Experience "Halloween at Point Sur Lightstation," a spine-chilling evening that begins with a sunset walk to the lighthouse and a light buffet at the Barn. Professional actor and storyteller Kevin Hanstick will captivate you with eerie tales of Pt. Sur's ghostly past, and a paranormal investigator will reveal findings from recent ghost hunts. For those daring enough, explore the genuinely haunted, un-restored Triplex. The night concludes with dessert and hot drinks at the Visitor Center.

The City of Seaside's Pattullo Swim Center will be holding its Annual Pumpkin Plunge! This event includes free recreational swimming and activities! Plunge for a pumpkin and decorate it using provided supplies!

Saturday, October 25

Carmel's Annual Pumpkin-Rolling Contest, taking place from 11am to 1pm, is a highlight of the town's month-long birthday celebrations, featuring a course on Ocean Avenue lined with hay bales and fencing for spectator safety. Participants can find a truckload of pumpkins at the intersection of Ocean Avenue and Santa Fe Street to join in the action.

Ghosts and goblins of all ages are also invited to Pacific Grove's Trick or Treat. This free family event includes activities, candy, giveaways, music and special offers at participating businesses.

The Pebble Beach Zombie Race & Emergency Preparedness Fair will take place in picturesque Pebble Beach on the Fire Defense Roads, from 9am-12pm. There are two running courses planned, the challenging 5K Zombie Crawl (think 3.1 miles of steep hills) and the 2K Survivor Stroll (a flat mile that is perfect for strollers and youngsters).

This is a second opportunity to experience "Halloween at Point Sur Lightstation," a spine-chilling evening that begins with a sunset walk to the lighthouse and a light buffet at the Barn. Professional actor and storyteller Kevin Hanstick will captivate you with eerie tales of Pt. Sur's ghostly past, and a paranormal investigator will reveal findings from recent ghost hunts. For those daring enough, explore the genuinely haunted, un-restored Triplex. The night concludes with dessert and hot drinks at the Visitor Center.

If you're into costume contests, don't miss Howl-o-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest! Bring your four-legged friends to strut their stuff in the Howl-o-ween Pet Parade at Carmel Plaza. 

Another exciting event is the Pumpkin Plunge and Dia de los Muertos Family Evening at the Sports Center from 2pm to 9pm. This festive gathering features the popular Pumpkin Plunge, 2pm to 4pm, where families can dive into a pool filled with pumpkins for a truly unique seasonal experience. Following the plunge, immerse yourself in music, dance, and presentations celebrating Dia de los Muertos from 6pm to 9pm, an important cultural celebration for many families on the Peninsula.

Come celebrate Halloween with your family at The Del Monte Shopping Halloween Family Festival. Enjoy live music, pumpkin decorating, trick or treating at DMSC, stilt-walkers, balloons and so much more! Bring your Trick-or-Treat Bags and costumes for a Halloween fun filled day.

Friday, October 31

Trick or Treat by the Bay at Old Fisherman's Wharf! Come in costume and enjoy this free, family-friendly event with trick or treating available at participating merchants on the Wharf from 4-7pm. *Editor's Choice

The City of Seaside will be holding its annual Halloween Bonanza at the Oldemeyer Center from 4-7pm. The event will also feature games, a haunted house, activities, interactive crafts, treat bags and refreshments. The first 300 people get a spooky filled Halloween bag!

Last, but not least come and join us at Carmel-by-the-Sea Birthday at 4pm. The City of Carmel-by-the-Sea was incorporated on Halloween in 1916, so it celebrates its birthday and the country’s favorite costume-and-candy holiday with a Halloween Parade through downtown. This is not to be missed event!

Your Halloween Adventure Awaits

Monterey, along with its charming neighbors Carmel and Pacific Grove, offers a variety of festive activities for all ages. From the thrilling Pumpkin-Rolling Contest to the enchanting Trick or Treat by the Bay, there are plenty of ways to celebrate. So don your favorite costume and prepare for a Halloween filled with fun and unforgettable memories. Join in the excitement and make this Halloween a celebration to remember!

Have a wonderful and safe Halloween! If you’re looking for other events, check our upcoming events calendar. For accommodations, browse our top picks for hotels and inns.

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