With Halloween just around the corner, there are so many delightfully terrifying activities to enjoy and get the most out of the fall. October 31st seems to creep up on us faster every year, so it’s important to check out what super spooky activities are coming to haunt us this Halloween weekend in San Diego. Sure, blasting our favorite scary songs never fails to get us feeling the frightening festivities, but the city has a ton of eerie events going on to get us feeling all the fear of the spooky season.
From utterly bewitching Halloween Candlelight concerts to ghostly haunted trails, these are some of our favorite things to do this Halloween weekend in San Diego.
1. Halloween Candlelight concerts
There are multiple utterly bewitching Candlelight concerts celebrating the spooky season inside some of San Diego’s most beautiful venues. From Mt. Helix Park to Adams Avenue Theater, these already enchanting settings will be lit up by thousands of candles to set the hauntingly beautiful scene for this series of Halloween Candlelight concerts.
On October 27 and 29, Candlelight will be celebrating the spine-tingling scores from movies such as Psycho, Halloween and more. On November 1, Candlelight presents a magical evening inspired by the songs of Día De Los Muertos including “La Llorona” and “La Bruja.”
2. Nightmare On Normal Street
On Saturday, October 28, prepare for a frightful evening at Hillcrest’s Halloween dance party and costume competition! Known as Nightmare On Normal Street, this haunted night will take place at the Pride Flag Plaza at Normal and University on Saturday from 5-11 pm. Be sure to dress to the scary nines because the costume competition has over $2,000 in prizes. There will also be an amazing dance party, along with other surprises.
Location: 1601 University Ave., San Diego, California, 92103
3. Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
This pumpkin farm is an Autumnal wonderland! Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm is the place to go to get the most out of the season’s activities. They have an excellent selection of bountiful pumpkins perfect for fall decorations. They have fantastic rides, a petting zoo, and deliciously cozy food and drinks. This place is the biggest pumpkin patch in SoCal, and it’s also home to several rides, attractions and even a petting zoo.
Location: 32335 Live Oak Canyon Rd, Redlands, CA 92373
4. The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
You have until Halloween Day to venture through the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park. The ordinarily idyllic Balboa park has been completely transformed into a terrifying and thrilling mile-long trail. This attraction is not for the faint of heart or children under 10, so only take on the super spooky challenge if you feel brave enough.
Location: Balboa Dr & Juniper Rd., San Diego, CA 92103
5. Thunder Spring Trail Loop
There’s nothing like a beautiful SoCal hike in the fall to get you in the seasonal mood. This heavily wooded hike down Thunder Ridge has a fantastic view of magnificent black oaks. This hike is located in Palomar Mountain State Park. At just 62 miles from San Diego, it’s the perfect day trip from the city where you can enjoy the best that nature has to offer.
Location: Camp Palomar, 34798 Doane Valley Rd, Palomar Mountain, CA 92060
6. A Real PSL as S3 Coffee Bar
Looking for a caffeinated kick this spooky season? This Halloween, you can pick up a delicous PSL in an actual pumpkin! S3 Coffee Bar is bringing back its iconic treat, which in our eyes, is the ultimate fall drink. Enjoy the cozy vibes with their fall drinks and you’ll also receive a free Pumpkin Cravory cookie with any fall drink that you purchase.
Location: 6225 Mission Gorge Rd, San Diego, CA 92120
7. Westfield Dia De Los Muertos
The Westfield Plaza Bonita has a vibrant array of events to celebrate Día de Los Muertos on Saturday, October 21, from 1–5 pm. This family-friendly event for an afternoon of traditional celebrations featuring festive décor, lively performances from a Mariachi Band, Folklorico dancers and Aztec dancers, meet and greets with Pixar’s Coco characters, face painting, a speech from Mayor Sotelo-Solis and more.
Location: 3030 Plaza Bonita Rd Ste 2075, National City, CA 91950