TL;DR: The best Halloween events in Orange County are the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventure Park and Knott’s Scary Farm. The Oogie Boogie Bash offers family-friendly characters, entertainment and trick-or-treating, while Knott’s Scary Farm is best for adults looking for frights from its haunted mazes and creepy park transformations.
Orange County is one of the most festive places to spend Halloween on the West Coast.
Many neighborhoods throughout the region are dedicated to decorating for the season and offer perfect trick-or-treating opportunities.
And if you’re looking for spooky, you’re in luck–Southern California does terrifying haunted houses like no other!
I’ve broken up the events depending on the level of scare as well as Halloween events in Orange County for adults and children.
Regardless of whether you’re looking for free family fun or a spooky night out on the town, my extensive list of events will not disappoint you.
Finding the right Orange County Halloween events for your style will be quick and easy.
Give this list a thorough read, and then mark your calendar and head into this fall season with lots of fun on your plate!
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Scary and 21+ Halloween Events in Orange County
From Halloween movies to late nights out on the town, these are the best and scariest Halloween bashes in Orange County for adults.
Knott’s Scary Farm
When: select Nights Sept. 21 – Oct. 31, 2023
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
Cost: starting at $149
Knott’s Scary Farm is Southern California’s longest-running and scariest haunted theme park Halloween event.
The park combines haunted mazes, terrifying creatures lurking in the shadows, spooky shows, haunted rides, and lots of other attractions to offer a one-of-a-kind scare to its brave visitors.
Escape Halloween 2023
When: October 27th & 28th
Where: National Orange Show Events Center, San Bernardino, CA
Cost: $199.99
If you’re an electronic music fan, you won’t want to miss this Escape Halloween.
Escape is a Halloween-themed outdoor music festival filled with costumed characters, multiple stages, food trucks, and thrilling experiences.
Best Haunted Houses
The 17th Door Haunt Experience
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: 8420 On the Mall, Buena Park, CA
Cost: starting at $34 [based on last year]
At Perpetuum Penitentiary, darkness has come over the horrendous prison, bringing one of the most frightful experiences of the Fullerton Halloween events.
This Halloween season, VR, projection, and real-life effects create an immersive scare like no other.
The 17th Door House of Horror will be an interactive experience “without mercy,” and anyone under the age of 18 needs a parent or guardian accompanying them.
You’re even required to sign a waiver.
Dark Harvest Haunted Attraction
When: weekends throughout October (see FAQ page on website)
Where: 10201 Garden Grove Blvd, Garden Grove, CA
Cost: $25- $30 [based on last year]
Dark Harvest takes on a new theme each year and does not hold back on the fright factor.
I’m serious when I say that this interactive and fully immersive haunted house/haunted maze is designed to give you a proper scare.
Best Halloween Bar Crawls & Parties
Santa Ana Halloween Pub Crawl (21+)
When: Saturday, October 21st
Where: Check-in at Congregation, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: $15-$25
First, you can Do The Crawl, an annual Halloween pub crawl in downtown Santa Ana. You’ll start the evening at 4pm and haunt six different pubs as the sun goes down.
Be sure to wear your best costume for the costume contest and a night of ghoulish games alongside food and drink specials.
Plus, tickets include free entry to several of Santa Ana’s best nightlife venues.
Newport Beach Official Halloween Bar Crawl (21+)
When: Saturday, October 28th
Where: Check-in at Baja Sharkeez, Newport Beach
Cost: $15 – $30
If you’re looking for spirited Newport Beach Halloween events for adults, this extensive bar crawl is jam-packed with Halloween fun.
Costume contests, lots of drink and food specials, free entry to multiple Newport venues, live DJs, photographers, and even an after-party are on the menu in Newport this Halloween season.
The Newport Bar Crawl is sold out for 2023. This is a super popular event, and I’m including it so that you can plan to get tickets early in 2024. As of July 21, 2023, there are still tickets available for Bar Crawl’s Long Beach and Ventura parties.
Huntington Beach Zombie Crawl (21+)
When: Saturday, October 28th
Where: Fred’s Mexican Cafe, Huntington Beach, CA
Cost: $15 – $35
If you thought you were safe from the zombies in Huntington Beach, think again!
The Huntington Beach Halloween events are not holding back this season, and this bar crawl will be sure to bring the Halloween spirit.
Food and drink specials, costume contests, free entry into multiple Huntington nightlife venues, and lots more Halloween fun are in store. Over 300 guests are expected to attend!
Boo Ha Ha Haunted Oktoberfest Costa Mesa (21+)
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost: $45 general admission, $70 VIP [based on last year]
The Boo Ha Ha haunted craft beer festival features some of the US’s top breweries.
Guests enjoy unlimited tastings for three hours in the evening.
Plus, there are lots of food trucks, vendors, and adult Halloween fun to explore as you meander around the grounds.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events in Orange County
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party
When: Select nights September 5 through October 31
Where: Disney California Adventure Park, Anaheim, CA
Cost: $134-$189
A Disney Halloween bash for all ages, Disney California Adventure Park hosts the annual Oogie Boogie.
Expect your favorite Disney characters, trick-or-treating, lots of photo opportunities, live entertainment, and fun throughout the evening!
Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo
When: Select dates in October
Where: The Santa Ana Zoo, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: starting at $14.95
This year, head to the Santa Ana Zoo to follow the trick-or-treat street, enjoy the petting zoo, and explore the “merry, not scary” seasonal decorations.
Get inspired by guests wearing family-friendly costumes, make fun crafts, play carnival games, take photos, and explore the creatures of the zoo at this Halloween family-friendly event.
Halloween Boutique at the Roger’s Gardens
When: 2023 date TBD
Where: Roger’s Gardens, Corona del Mar, CA
Cost: Free admission
Visit Roger’s Gardens Halloween-themed spin on a “classic boutique meets cabinet of curiosities.”
You’ll need a brave face to explore the eerie rooms of this creeky, century-old home.
Each room has its own theme, so come ready to browse and get curious for an afternoon of time travel and shopping.
Monster Dash 5K San Clemente Community Center
When: 2023 date TBD
Where: San Clemente Community Center, San Clemente, CA
Cost: starting at $18
The city of San Clemente puts on an annual Halloween fun run and 5k for all the folks looking to celebrate Halloween with some sweaty and fun family activities of the fitness variety.
Run in costume and compete, or just show up and participate for fun.
Vampirates: Pirates Dinner Adventure
When: Select nights in October
Where: 7600 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA
Cost: from $68.95
Each October, the well-known Pirate’s Dinner Adventure in Buena Park presents a Halloween spooktacular event that is sure to top your list if you love pirates AND vampires.
Climb aboard the ship and travel back to the 1800s with this spooky, interactive dinner theatre experience of adventure, romance, and a three-course meal.
There will be costume contests on select nights and lots of opportunities to interact with the crew.
Casa Creepy Haunted House
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: Casa Romantica Cultural Center, San Clemente, CA
Cost: $12
One of the largest San Clemente Halloween events, this 1920s-themed haunted house offers 2.5 acres of haunt.
Creepy crawlers and lurking creatures wait throughout the gardens and haunted mansion. This one best suits kids ages ten and up.
Huntington Halloween & Thanksgiving Pet Costume Parade & Contest
When: Sunday, October 22nd
Where: Old Town Huntington Beach, Huntington Beach, CA
Cost: $5
This annual pet costume parade takes place in Huntington Beach’s Old Town, amongst the cobblestone streets of the Old World German Village.
Join fellow pet lovers and enter one of the costume contests, which offer over $500 in prizes!
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit at Downtown Disney
When: September 8th – November 1st
Where: Multiple Disneyland Resort locations, Anaheim, CA
Cost: $9.99
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit is an ongoing scavenger hunt throughout Disneyland.
You’ll work as a team with your family to search for character-themed pumpkins hidden around the grounds to bring home Disney keepsakes. Everyone leaves with a prize!
Knott’s Spooky Farm
When: Weekends through October
Where: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
Cost: from $59.99
Knott’s Berry Farm offers a family-friendly, “spooky” version of their iconic Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween event each year.
Knott’s Spooky Farm is the theme park’s take on kids’ Halloween.
A spooky–not scary–haunted house is set amongst the Calico Halloween town, which gives the kiddos a chance to trick or treat and face some spooky surprises without the fright!
Pumpkin Palooza, Santa Ana
When: Select dates through October
Where: Discovery Cube, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: $10 [based on last year]
There are lots of Santa Ana Halloween events to choose from, and this one should be on your list.
The Pumpkin Palooza will run lots of family-friendly activities for all ages throughout October.
Their “Pumpkinology 101” activities will keep you busy for a while.
Afterward, you can participate in the Pumpkin Palooza Halloween Dance Party, get lost in the inflatable corn maze, check out the trunk-or-treat area, ride the bumper cars, and lots more!
Creep It Real OC
When: September 16th & 17th
Where: Heritage Museum of Orange County, Santa Ana, CA
Cost: starting at $15; kids under 10 are free!
The annual Creep It Real returns each year to the Heritage Museum of Orange County to bring together local artists, food trucks, businesses, and Halloween superfans for two fun-filled days in September!
Shop local vendors, trick-or-treat, and wear your most extravagant costumes!
Best Halloween Festivals & Parties
Samlarc’s Halloween Family Festival
When: Tuesday, October 31st
Where: Central Park, 30842 La Miranda, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Cost: Free admission
Nothing says fun like a Halloween festival, right!?
This annual family-friendly Halloween carnival will have lots of Halloween-themed activities for the whole family.
Enjoy trick or treating, lots of food vendors, bouncy castles, a costume contest, Halloween-themed music, and plenty of Halloween-themed photo opportunities.
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
When: Saturday, October 28th
Where: Center Street, Anaheim, CA
Cost: Free admission
This annual Anaheim Halloween event is a fall-themed celebration that brings favorite attractions to the Anaheim community year after year.
The hometown traditions include a Halloween exhibit, a beer fest, local film projects, a giant Halloween parade, vendors, and lots more in a safe and welcoming environment.
OC Parks Fall-O-Ween, Heritage Hill Historical Park
When: Select weekends in October
Where: Heritage Hill Historical Park, Lake Forest, CA
Cost: Free admission
The 3rd annual Fall-O-Ween will decorate the Heritage Hill Historic Park in October for this free, fun family event.
This one is great if you’re seeking a Halloween event in Orange County for toddlers!
Come get your picture taken at the festive photo booth, participate in the kids’ costume contest, try your hand at pumpkin decorating, make your way through the straw maze, and leave with a bag full of goodies.
Adventure City’s Boo-tastic Halloween Party
When: Select dates through October
Where: Adventure City, Anaheim, CA
Cost: $28.95
Head to Adventure City for their annual Boo-tastic Halloween extravaganza.
Celebrate Halloween with a kid’s costume parade, trick or treating, a Halloween scavenger hunt, a spooky dance party, a magic show, and even take the kiddos on their favorite rides.
Cops N’ Goblins Fall Spooktacular
When: Tuesday, October 31st
Where: Buena Park City Hall, Buena Park, CA
Cost: Free admission
The Buena Park Police Department offers this annual family-friendly event.
Cops N’ Goblins Fall Spooktacular is an afternoon of trick-or-treating, games, costume contests, and Halloween-themed craft activities for all ages.
La Palma Halloween Carnival
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: Central Park, La Palma, CA
Cost: Free admission
In La Palma, goblins don’t just trick or treat; they celebrate with a Halloween Carnival at Central Park.
Put on your fairy wings and witness Central Park hosting fun family activities in the spooky spirit.
There will be carnival games, treats, pumpkin picking, and lots more family fun.
Downtown Fullerton Market Octo-Boo-Fest
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: Downtown Fullerton Plaza, Fullerton, CA
Cost: Free admission
Fullerton’s Farmer’s Market has you covered if you’re looking to enjoy Halloween-themed activities with the family this fall.
Pumpkin decorating, a costume contest, arts and crafts, spooky music, and lots more kid-friendly activities will make this a worthwhile festive afternoon!
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
When: 2023 dates TBD
Where: Atlantis Play Center, Garden Grove, CA
Cost: Kids ages 3-11 are $12 each; 12 & over are free!
This one is an annual favorite for families.
The Jack O’Lantern Jamboree brings puppet shows, a reptile show, trick-or-treating, a petting zoo, a pumpkin patch, and lots more family fun to the Atlantis Play Center this Halloween!
Aliso Viejo Fall Fest
When: Saturday, October 21st
Where: Grand Park/Town Cente Amphitheater, Aliso Viejo, CA
Cost: Free admission; activities by donation
Celebrate with neighbors and ring in the season at the Aliso Viejo Fall Fest.
It’s always great to know about the free Halloween events in Orange County. This one offers lots of family fun!
Bring the kids out to play carnival games, watch or participate in the costume parade, browse the community booths, do some trick-or-treating, and even go on a pony ride!
**Bring five canned food items to donate, and your child will receive a free pony ride wristband!**
Scarecrow Festival – Lion’s Park Event Lawn
When: 2023 date TBD
Where: Lion’s Park Event Lawn, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost: Free admission
Come out to appreciate the traditional art form of scarecrows with this free family fall festival at the Lion’s Park Event Lawn in Costa Mesa. This festival has been a local tradition since the 1930s.
There will be train rides, a pumpkin patch, face painting, activities, trick or treating, and lots more.
Newport Beach FREE Annual Fall Fair & Pumpkin Patch
When: October 15th, 2023
Where: Environmental Nature Center, Newport Beach, CA
Cost: Free admission
The annual fall fair in Newport Beach takes over the Environmental Nature Center.
There will be environment-based games and activities, performances, a pumpkin patch, lots of delicious treats, and even a “Craft Crawl!”
Best Pumpkin Patches
Enchanted Country Pumpkin Patch
When: Select dates in October
Where: 480 N State College Blvd, Brea, CA
Cost: Free admission
California’s first entertainment pumpkin patch, the Enchanted Country Pumpkin Patch in Brea, offers plenty of Halloween fun.
Enjoy carnival games, a petting zoo, and lots of pumpkin variety in the pick-your-own pumpkin patch!
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch
When: throughout September & October
Where: Tanaka Farms, Costa Mesa, CA
Cost: $10
If you’re looking through the Costa Mesa Halloween events and trying to find something for the whole family, this one is for you!
The annual pumpkin patch at Tanaka Farms is a family favorite– just be sure to bring a wagon to put your pumpkins and sunflowers in when you leave!
Irvine Park’s Railroad Pumpkin Patch
When: September 16th – October 31st
Where: Irvine Regional Park, Orange, CA
Cost: Free admission, with an option to pay $7 for activities
Among the most classic of all Irvine Halloween events, the pumpkin patches at Irvine’s Regional Park are an annual family favorite.
There will be activities, crafts, trick-or-treating, hay rides, and lots more excitement each day.
The climax of this event is the annual Pumpkin Weigh-Off on September 23rd, where local pumpkin growers come out to compete for the largest pumpkin. There are over $6000 in prizes!
Get your FREE California Travel Planner – including printable checklists and my favorite two-week itinerary for the state.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Taylor Neal
Taylor is a multi-disciplinary artist, writer, yoga instructor and frontline worker who spends most of her time in her van (Vannigan) winding through the coastal and mountain roads of California where she feels most at home. From navigating the realities of van-life to the fluctuations in diverse climates and landscapes, Taylor is excited to bring everything she’s learned about California to fellow wanderers seeking beauty and adventure.
Looking for more Orange County and fall travel inspiration? Check out these related articles below!
Halloween Events in San Francisco
Halloween Events in Los Angeles
Halloween Events in Sacramento
Best Restaurants in Newport Beach
Best Ghost Towns in California
Where to See Falls Colors in California
Best Pumpkin Patches in California
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