October offers a full sack of tricked-out Halloween treats in downtown San Diego. You can get freaked out on one of two haunted trails in Balboa Park. Catch the original stars of scary movies at an outdoor movie theater. There are costumed parties in hotels, on cruise ships and even in the library. Some activities are adults-only, others are kid-friendly and some allow pets. Find out the best places to eat, drink, dance and get spooked during the most ghoulish month of the year.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
Open now through Oct. 31
This outdoor scare zone in Balboa Park has two haunting opportunities: The 3,500-square-foot eXperiment Maze, and a mile-long terror trail through twisted pines and gnarly oaks. (Not recommended for kids under the age of 10.) Price: $33-$48. Ticket info.
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero
October 1-31
The outdoor movie theater atop the Grand Hyatt San Diego is showing jump-scare flicks all month. Offerings include: Scream (I & II), Friday the 13th (1980 original) and on October 31, the 1978 original version of Halloween, with Jamie Lee Curtis at full volume. Price: $45 (includes ticket, popcorn and an alcoholic beverage. Dress warmly. Ticket info.
Friday the 13th at the Gaslamp Museum
October 13
Take a tour of downtown San Diego’s most haunted building, the Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House. Explore the paranormal by learning about spirit hunting methods. And hear ghost stories straight from the lips of people who’ve lived them. Price $45-$55. Ticket info.
Fright For Future
October 13-14
Existential dread here. This haunted maze of “true terrors” brings scary issues such as climate change, pollution, and animal rights to light. Located at the Centro Cultural de la Raza in Balboa Park, this free event is recommended for ages 10 and up. Ticket info.
Haunted Hangar Halloween Bash
October 21
A family-friendly “boo-tiful” evening that takes place at the USS Midway Museum. Crafts and magic for the kids; magic potion cocktails for moms and dads. Enter to win prizes in a Halloween costume contest. GA Price: $20, Children under 3 are free. Ticket info.
San Diego Zombie Crawl
October 27-28 & 31
Riding the wicked popularity of the Barbie movie, expect Bloody Barbies and Kreepy Kens all over downtown (starting at American Junkie) for the annual San Diego Zombie Crawl. It’s three nights of shuffling to 20 of the city’s top haunts for welcome potions, live entertainment and dining deals. Price: $29-$120. Ticket info.
Howl-o-Ween Costume Contest
October 28
Here’s the chance for you to dress up your pet for a chance to win a costume contest in three categories: Spookiest Dog; Best Dressed Dog; and Best Pet & Owner Paired Theme. Held outdoors at the San Diego Central Public Library in East Village. Free, all ages, please register. More info.
Barbie’s Scream House
October 28
The Hard Rock Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter will be transformed into Barbie’s Scream House. That’ll add up to an adults-only party on three floors with 10,000 square feet of themed ballroom space. VIP Lounges are sprinkled throughout the hotel. Price: $49-$149. Room packages available. Ticket info.
Quartyard’s Stranger Stranger Thaangs
October 28
The Quartyard event space in East Village will host an R&B Block Party and play the jams you don’t get in the clubs any more: R&B Fusion, Dance Hall Reggae, Aftrocentic Beats and more. Costumes encouraged. Price: $15-$25. Ticket info.
Black Pearl Halloween Yacht Party Cruise
October 28
The California Spirit sets sail from downtown’s Harbor Drive and cruises San DIego Bay from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. It’s an open-bar affair with comped apps and DJs. Costumes are suggested–pirate costumes arrrrgh preferred. Price: $45-$1,049. Ticket info.
Titanic Masquerade & Costume Party
October 28
The 11th annual Halloween party cruise from the creators of Pier Pressure will fill The Inspiration with close to 1,200 revelers, most dressed up as ghosts and ghouls in the spirit of the Titanic. Open bar, apps, and three decks of DJ-spun tunes. Price: $25-$250. Ticket info.
Trick-Or-Treat On India Street
October 29
Mucho family fun in Little Italy as participating businesses along India Street open their doors to give out Halloween candy and treats to urban families from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Everyone is encouraged to dress up and attend the free after-party at the Piazza della Famiglia. More info.
The Shout! House Dueling Pianos
October 29
The Shout! House in the Gaslamp Quarter turns into a family-friendly Halloween venue from 2-4 p.m. Along with kiddo-appropriate songs on the pianos, the afternoon will include an all-ages costume contest. Reservations recommended. Price: $10+. Ticket info. SDSun
