October is when San Francisco gives itself over to the season. Haunted attractions open, pumpkin festivals take over Main Streets up and down the coast, and the city’s theaters, parks, and waterfront fill with events built around Halloween.

Here’s what’s on around San Francisco this October, organized by where you’ll find it.

If you only make it to a few: the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is the one people build a weekend around – its 54th year, two free days taking over the coast’s Main Street. Nightfall at Filoli is the most immersive, an after-dark walk through a historic estate and gardens that runs into November. And the free Beetlejuice screening at Crane Cove Park is the easiest to fit into an evening – one night, outdoors, no ticket.

On the Waterfront

Two of the month’s events sit along the water.

After Dark at the Exploratorium
Dates: October 22 and October 29, 2026 (Thursdays, 6:00-10:00 PM)
Location: The Exploratorium, Pier 15 (Embarcadero at Green Street)
Cost: Ticketed, 18 and over

The Exploratorium’s Thursday evening After Dark series opens the science museum after hours, with special programming and a bar. This month brings a Día de los Muertos event on October 22 and the returning “Creepatorium” for Halloween on October 29.

Sundown Cinema: Beetlejuice
Date: Friday, October 16, 2026, early evening
Location: Crane Cove Park, 701 Illinois Street (Dogpatch)
Cost: Free

The free outdoor movie series closes out its season with Beetlejuice (1988) at Crane Cove Park. Arrive early for pre-show entertainment and food trucks, and claim a spot before the film starts around sunset.

On Union Street

The Nightmare Bar
Dates: October 8-31, 2026
Location: The Blue Light, 1979 Union Street
Cost: Ticketed (welcome drink included)

A 90-minute Halloween pop-up with horror-themed decor, interactive games, and seasonal cocktails. Costumes encouraged. It leans more festive hangout than haunted house.

Around the City

The Empire Strips Back
Dates: October 15 – November 15, 2026
Location: Victoria Theatre, 2961 16th Street (the Mission)
Cost: Ticketed

The Star Wars burlesque show returns to San Francisco for a new run, with sold-out runs behind it in cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.

Halloween Candlelight Concerts
Location: Historic venues around the city, including St. Ignatius Church
Cost: Ticketed

The candlelit concert series adds Halloween-themed programs this month, with string ensembles playing seasonal and screen favorites by flickering candlelight. Check the series page for dates and venues.

Halloween Pub Crawls
Cost: Ticketed

Several crawls move through the city’s bars this month:

• Trick or Drink – October 24, 30, and 31
• Walk With Spirits – select Saturdays and Sundays through October 31
• Crawloween – October 24, 30, 31, and November 1

SF Ghost Tours

Guided evening tours drawing on the city’s Gold Rush and Barbary Coast history. Options include the After Dark Ghost Hunt and the San Francisco Ghost and True Crime Tour.

Beyond the City

A few of the season’s biggest events are a short drive out.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival
Dates: October 17-18, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Location: Historic Main Street, Half Moon Bay
Cost: Free

Now in its 54th year, the coast’s signature harvest festival brings live music, pumpkin carvers, the Great Pumpkin Parade, crafts, festive food, and thousands of pumpkins to historic Main Street.

Nightfall at Filoli
Dates: September 26 – November 1, 2026
Location: Filoli House & Garden, 86 Cañada Road, Woodside
Cost: Ticketed

An immersive after-dark event across the historic estate and gardens, with candlelit rooms, jack-o’-lanterns, and a seasonal bar.

Festival Fright Nights at the Winchester Mystery House
Dates: Select nights, September 18 – November 1, 2026
Location: 525 S. Winchester Blvd, San Jose
Cost: Ticketed

The historic San Jose estate turns its mansion and grounds into a multi-zone Halloween festival of haunts and immersive experiences.

Also worth knowing about

• Bay Area pumpkin patches – Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay) and Spina Farms (Morgan Hill)
• Horror screenings at the Balboa Theater and Alamo Drafthouse
• SF Halloween parties at DNA Lounge, The Great Northern, and Public Works
• Costume shops – Haight Street Costumes and Decades of Fashion
• Metaphysical shops – Sword and Rose (Cole Valley) and Paxton Gate (the Mission)

Every one of these happens within reach of a neighborhood someone calls home. That’s part of what makes San Francisco worth putting down roots in – not just the market, but the life that comes with it.

If you’re curious what it’s like to live near the waterfront, Union Street, or any neighborhood on this list, we’re glad to talk through it.

Sources: Event details compiled from Secret San Francisco’s Halloween 2026 events guide and confirmed against official venue and organizer listings. Dates and details are subject to change – confirm with each venue before attending.

By DA Team – Dale Boutiette, J.D. & Alla Gershberg, MBA, Compass

SFRealEstate@DaleAndAlla.com | M: 415-845-5614 DA Team – Dale Boutiette & Alla Gershberg | @compass | DRE #01768604 | DRE #01357822