2017 Halloween Events in the Sacramento Area You Don’t Want to Miss
NOTE: This post is from 2017. Click here for an updated list of 2018 Halloween events!
Believe it or not, Halloween is creeping up just around the corner! There are several ways to celebrate the holiday in and around Sacramento — from festive kid-friendly events to beer festivals, and everything in between. It’s almost guaranteed that there will be costumes, tasty food and pumpkins at whatever event(s) you choose!
Sacramento Area Halloween Events Include:
Mystique Dining | Pumpkin Nights | Ghost Tours | Monster Bash | Harvest Haunt Express Train Rides | Spookomotive Train Rides | Sacramento Spooky Halloween River Cruise | Safe & Super Halloween in Space | Auburn Community Harvest Festival | Dia de los Muertos | Wee Halloween | Haunted Howl-o-ween Party | Ofrenda Dia de los Muertos | Sips & Spirits | Safetyville Halloween Haunt | Trick-or-Treating in Historic Folsom | Hope For Hearing Halloween Run | Sacramento RiverTrain Beer and Wine Bash | Midtown Halloween Festival | Flick or Treat at Raley Field | Boo at the Zoo | Spooktacular Halloween at Funderland | Masterworks I: Halloween Spooktacular | Food Truck Cinema: Hocus Pocus | Bridgeway Play Fall Festival | Old Sacramento Crawloween | Haunted Headlights Tour
Mystique Dining
September 12–October 31
During the entire month of October, you may make a reservation at Mystique Dining, a unique dining experience in historic Folsom. At arrival, you will be greeted by a butler as you enter through two ominous chamber doors. You are then formally announced to the Manor’s hostess, who seats you in the intricately designed dining chamber. A five-course dinner is served, after which a Master of Magic appears, performing mind-bending magic tricks that will suspend belief, forsaking logic and reality. Through the end of October, Mystique Dining presents “A Magically Macabre Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe,” a special tribute to Edgar Allan Poe and some of his short stories accompanied by special effects. Purchase your tickets to this mesmerizing dinner experience before they disappear…
Pumpkin Nights
Friday, October 13 – Sunday, October 29
Photos Courtesy of Pumpkin Nights
As you may have read in one of our earlier posts, Pumpkin Nights is coming to Auburn for the first time this year at the Gold Country Fairgrounds! This exquisite event invites visitors to experience the essence of Halloween while walking through eight immersive lands created with over 3,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Purchase your tickets in advance for specific dates and times October 13–29. A very limited number of tickets will be sold at the door, so advance ticket purchases are highly encouraged!
Ghost Tours
October 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 + 28
Every October, the Sacramento History Museum and Old Sacramento Living History team up for the ever-popular Ghost Tours. Join the ghosts of early Sacramento as you embark on an eerie journey back in time — but beware of wayward miners, murder victims, and other colorful Gold Rush characters. Hear tantalizing stories from the past on this mile-long guided tour lasting about an hour. Old Sacramento Ghost Tours depart from the Sacramento History Museum, and run every Friday and Saturday night from October 13–28. Tours run every half hour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets should be purchased in advance, since tours are limited and often sell out. Ghost Tours tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for youth.
Sacramento Children’s Museum Monster Bash
Saturday, October 14
The Sacramento Children’s Museum is hosting their annual Monster Bash, a night of ghoulish fun with a DJ, dancing, refreshments, and of course — museum play! Get dressed up in your best costume and get your tickets for a night of adventure at the museum.
Railtown 1897 Harvest Haunt Express Train Ride
October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 + 29
Hop on board a spooky (but not too spooky!) train, staffed by a “skeleton crew.” Railtown 1897’s Harvest Haunt Express Train Rides run every weekend in October for non-stop family fun. Railtown 1897 State Historic Park in Jamestown combines railroad heritage, local history, and the lure of Hollywood, and is home to one of only two authentic and still-operating steam-era railroad roundhouse complexes in the entire country. Tickets for Harvest Haunt Express train rides, which include park admission, are $15 for adults, $10 for youth ages 6-17, and free for children under 5.
California State Railroad Museum’s Spookomotive Train Rides
October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 + 29
Photo Courtesy of Kelly B. Huston via California State Railroad Museum
For three weekends in October, the California State Railroad Museum presents their annual Spookomotive Train Ride! This delightful (and not so frightful) train is just the ticket for the whole family. Enjoy decorations including cornstalks, scarecrows, skeletons, bats and spiders, on a fun train ride with a special theme, on-board entertainment, and a tasty Halloween treat. Hourly departures take off from Old Sacramento between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Purchase your tickets in advance!
Sacramento Spooky Halloween River Cruise
October 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 + 29
Cruise along the Sacramento River on this spooky boat ride suitable for all ages. During the one-hour Sacramento Spooky Halloween River Cruise, enjoy family-friendly activities such as Halloween crafts, face painting, and a special Halloween party favor! The boat takes off at 3 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. each day of the Halloween cruise, but be sure to arrive 15 minutes early for boarding. Purchase your tickets in advance so you’re guaranteed a spot on the boat!
Fairytale Town’s Safe & Super Halloween in Space
Friday, October 20–Sunday, October 22
Head to Fairytale Town for three nights of trick-or-treating and family fun in space at the 31st Annual Safe & Super Halloween! Embark on a space adventure as you meet legendary intergalactic characters, take part in Jedi training, and even travel to Dagobah, Endor, and Tatooine. Enjoy 15 treat stations, a nightly costume parade, hands-on activities, and more. Each night, Sevilla Magic FX will perform a magic show in the Children’s Theater. If purchased before October 20, tickets cost $10 for non-members and $7 for members. Day-of tickets purchased after October 20 cost $12 for members and non-members. Tickets for children 1 and under are free!
Auburn Community Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 21
The Auburn Community Harvest Festival will feature a number of activities, including live music, giant pumpkin and scarecrow contests, arts and crafts booths showcasing local artisans, and a costume contest parade for young and old alike. Kids can play carnival games, go on a pony ride, and visit with Auburn’s own Sugar Plump Fairies. But the best part is that the Auburn Community Harvest Festival is completely free thanks to generous sponsors!
Dia de los Muertos at the Davis Cemetery District
Sunday, October 22
The annual Dia de los Muertos Celebration is taking place at the historic Davis Cemetery grounds on Sunday, October 22. Through a variety of performances and cultural demonstrations, this event in Davis is intended to create community, a sense of belonging, and global awareness of cultural richness in our multicultural society. This event is free and open to the public, and everyone is encouraged to bring chairs, blankets and enjoy the day.
Crocker Art Museum’s Wee Halloween
Wednesday, October 25
Children ages 3 through 5 are invited to Crocker Art Museum for one of Sacramento’s best Halloween parties for little ones. Dress up your child in their best costume and head to the museum for a morning of enchanting music and dance performances, special Halloween treats, and a silly dance party. This program sells out each year and space is limited — so register in advance as soon as possible! Siblings under 18 months are welcome to tag along for free. Tickets cost $10 for members and $15 for non-members.
Haunted Howl-o-ween Party
Thursday, October 26
Don’t miss Wag Hotels’ 4th Annual Haunted Howl-o-ween Party on October 26 from 6–8 p.m.! This pet hotel in West Sacramento is turning into a haunted hotel for the evening, and will even be inviting some mummies and zombies to the party. Person and pup alike will enjoy trick-or-treating and mingling with other costumed pets. This festive event will feature beer, wine and light snacks, a costume contest with fun prizes, local vendors, a silent auction, photo opportunities with Cruella de Vil, wag swag, and even adoptable dogs! Purchase your tickets for $15 in advance or pay $20 at the door. 100 percent of the proceeds from the Haunted Howl-o-ween Party will be donated to animals in need.
Ofrenda Dia de los Muertos
Friday, October 27
The Day of the Dead Celebration, also known as Dia del los Muertos, is a beautiful holiday celebrating the diversity of Mexican culture manifested through festivals, traditions and colorful customs. Ballet Folklórico de Sacramento is honored to present “Ofrenda Dia de los Muertos,” a magical tour through the customs of this renowned holiday with on-stage performances and live musical accompaniment by Coríma.
Sips & Spirits: The Train Ride
Friday, October 27
The California State Railroad Museum Foundation presents an all-new Halloween-inspired event for adults — Sips & Spirits: The Train Ride. Ticketed guests will depart on Friday evening at 7 p.m. for a frightfully fun train ride along the Sacramento Southern Railroad while enjoying a blood-shot signature cocktail, entertainment by a Mad Scientist and his minions, Monster Mash dancers, and more. Plus, indulge in hard cider and delicious appetizers from Fat’s Catering! Tickets for this exclusive events cost $60 per person, and all train ride guests must be 21 or over.
Safetyville Halloween Haunt
Saturday, October 28
Safetyville’s Annual Halloween Haunt is back for another year of family-friendly fun! Head to Safetyville, the unique miniature city, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for carnival games, a costume parade, safety demonstrations and activities, a harvest maze, face painting, raffles, live entertainment, and of course — trick-or-treat stations. Admission is $5 per person for those 3 years and older.
Trick-or-Treating in Historic Folsom
Saturday, October 28
Trick-or-treat in historic Folsom this year from 1–4 p.m. on October 28! Dress up in your Halloween finest and take a stroll along the beautiful historic district, keeping an eye of for signs that read “Participating Merchant” to pick up your special treats at local shops.
Hope for Hearing Halloween Run
Saturday, October 28
Photo Courtesy of the Hope For Hearing Halloween Run
Head to William Land Park this Halloween weekend for a costumed 5K and 1K fun run benefitting Children’s Choice for Hearing and Talking and Hope for Healthy Families Counseling Center. Register online to take part in this exciting race with an exceptional cause!
Sacramento RiverTrain Beer and Wine Bash
Saturday, October 28
Hop on board the Sacramento RiverTrain for a Halloween experience you will never forget. Their two most popular events, Beer Train and Old Vine Express, are joining efforts for a costumed 2.5-hour train ride with beer and wine tasting and a live band. Sample from four tasting stations featuring a variety of breweries and 10 wines sourced from Northern California. Halfway through the trip, the train stops at a riverside park with fire pits and a costume contest. Purchase tickets in advance for this unique train ride experience!
Midtown Halloween Festival & Pooch Parade
Saturday, October 28
People and pups alike are invited to the Midtown Halloween Festival & Pooch Parade at Marshall Park! Four-legged friends will strut their stuff and show off their creative costumes for a chance to win prizes. Get an opportunity to check out Midtown’s popular mobile off-leash “Pop-Up Dog Park” and enjoy family-friendly activities, including face painting, a bounce house, hands-on arts and crafts, and live music entertainment. Head to Midtown on Saturday from 1–3 for an experience you (and your pup!) won’t forget.
Dinger’s Drive-In Flick-or-Treat at Raley Field
Saturday, October 28
Dinger’s Drive-In presents a special Flick-or-Treat movie experience at Raley Field on Halloween weekend! Watch Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone on the big screen, and go trick-or-treating before the movie with themed games and prizes. Doors open at 4:30 and the movie starts at 6 p.m.! Tickets cost $6 for adults and $4 for kids, and parking is free.
Sacramento Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo
Saturday, October 28 + Sunday, October 29
Photo Courtesy of the Sacramento Zoo
Slip on your costumes, grab a trick-or-treat bag, and head to the Sacramento Zoo for a unique Halloween experience. Boo at the Zoo offers trick-or-treating throughout the entire zoo at 15 different candy stations, face painting for kids, festive games, themed stage shows, magic shows, keeper chats, and animal enrichment activities. Ride the spooky zoo train or take a ride on the creepy carousel for an additional fee. Tickets purchased before October 22 cost $13 for non-members and $10 for members. Tickets purchased after October 23 cost $16 for non-members and $13 for members. Children under 2 are free.
Spooktacular Halloween at Funderland
Saturday, October 28 + Sunday, October 29
Funderland is the ultimate paradise for kids throughout the year, and Halloween is no exception! Their annual Spooktacular Halloween features trick-or-treating, a hay maze, special visits from special friends, costume contests, free crafts, vendors and more. You can even get free ride tickets with a donation to River Oak Center for Children! Trick-or-treating costs $3 per person.
Masterworks I: Halloween Spooktacular
Saturday, October 28 + Sunday, October 29
The Auburn Symphony presents Masterworks I: Halloween Spooktacular at the Placer High School Theatre in Auburn. Enjoy musical favorites such as “Night on Bald Mountain” and “Danse macabre,” plus selections from Harry Potter, Ghostbusters, Psycho, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and more. You may even dress up in costume if you wish! Attend the performance on either Saturday at 7:30 p.m. or Sunday at 3 p.m. Purchase tickets in advance or at the door. Seating begins 30 minutes before the performance.
Food Truck Cinema: Hocus Pocus
Saturday, October 28 + Tuesday, October 31
Food Truck Cinema is an interactive experience combining gourmet food trucks, local live music, and pop culture films. On both Saturday, October 28 and Halloween night, head to Woodcreek Golf Club in Roseville for this unforgettable cinematic experience! Watch Hocus Pocus on a 35-foot outdoor screen, snack on food truck fare, enjoy refreshments from the craft beer garden and wine bar, and listen to live music from Island of Black and White.
Bridgeway Play Fall Festival
Sunday, October 29
Don’t miss Bridgeway Play’s 3rd Annual Fall Festival at Bridgeway Lakes Community Park in West Sacramento. This free event features food trucks, bounce houses, face painting, dancers, and vendor booths. Wristbands for activities will be available for purchase, and trick-or-treat prizes and toys will be given instead of candy! Head to the park for a family-friendly experience from 3–6 p.m.
Old Sacramento Crawloween
Tuesday, October 31
On Halloween night, visit the historic bars in Old Sacramento for the spookiest pub crawl in the city. Make sure you’re wearing a costume so you can participate in the costume contest at Sactown Sports Bar at 11 p.m.
California Automobile Museum Haunted Headlights Tour
Tuesday, October 31
Embark on the first ever Haunted Headlights Tour at the California Automobile Museum this Halloween! Guests will be led through the museum’s exhibits to encounter strange, creepy and gory stories from automotive past. The first tour begins at 6:30 p.m. and tours will depart from the lobby every 15 minutes until 7:30. Tickets include the tour, a complimentary beverage (which includes alcoholic drinks for those over 21), and snacks. Tickets cost $18 for members and $20 for the general public. Kids under 13 years of age are not advised to attend this spooky event!
Happy Halloween!
Sounds like your Halloween plans are set. Now to figure out what costume you’ll wear this year…
Category Local Events
Windermere Signature Properties
With the California Local blog, Windermere Signature Properties strives to deliver the most valuable information to both home buyers and sellers while highlighting our favorite local gems that make Sacramento the best place to live in California.