2018 Halloween: Oakland & East Bay Halloween Activities

The Halloween season is upon us, and that means local calendars will be packed full of fun, spooky activities for all ages. Of course, not all Halloween activities are created equal. To help you make the most of your October, we’ve gathered up some of the best East Bay Halloween activities.

Walk with the spirits on a devilishly delicious food tour…

Perhaps we’re just biased, but we think our Oakland Sweets Spirits & The Beyond Food Tour is the perfect way to spend an evening in October. Guests will enjoy frighteningly good mini red velvet and pumpkin spice cupcakes courtesy of renowned La Farine Boulangerie Patisserie before heading off on a tour of some of Oakland’s most haunted resting places. After the tour, we’ll head over to the Kona Club, where we’ll toast the life of Trader Vic with a signature Mai Tai (or a non-alcoholic beverage if you prefer).

Who it’s best for: Adventurous over-21s only

When to go: Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in October at 4 pm

Where it’s happening: Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA (reservations required)

Price: $30 ($25 without alcohol)

More details: Local Food Adventures Oakland Ghost Tour

Enjoy a spooktacular day of family fun…

If you’re looking for family fun that won’t break the bank, check out the Halloween Spooktacular at Pixieland. Kids from 1 to 8 can dress up in costumes, ride The Ghost Train, and trick or treat to their hearts’ content (or until naptime, whichever comes first). If food allergies are a concern for your family, please note that Pixieland is not able to provide an allergen-free trick or treating experience.

Who it’s best for: Families with little ones

When to go: October 28th

Where it’s happening: 2740 E. Olivera Road, Concord, CA

Price: Free admission and parking. Ride tickets are available for an extra fee.

More details: Pixieland Halloween Spooktacular

Learn more about Mexican culture at a Días de los Muertos Celebration…

This year marks the 24th annual community celebration of Día de Los Muertos at Oakland Museum of California. Guests will enjoy an afternoon full of traditional music, crafts, food, and dance, along with a market full of vendors. It’s sure to be a colorful and culturally-rich event for all.

Who it’s best for: Everyone

When to go: October 21st, 12pm – 4:30pm

Where it’s happening: 1000 Oak St., Oakland, CA 94607

Price: Varies by age and ticket options, $0-19.95. Parking is $7.

More details: 24th Annual Days of the Dead Community Celebration

Participate in an East Bay Halloween institution…

The Candle Lighters Ghost House has been helping East Bay families create wonderful Halloween memories for nearly 50 years. Candle Lighters is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising funds for a variety of groups and projects throughout the local area. The annual Ghost House is their sole fundraiser, and more than 100 volunteers come together to make it happen each year. The Ghost House is appropriate for all ages, and it features food, games, and just enough spookiness to keep things interesting.

Who it’s best for: Everyone

When to go: Most days in late October, check their calendar for details

Where it’s happening: 39169 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, CA 94537

Price: $3 admission, game tickets are 50 cents

More details: The Candle Lighters Ghost House

Boo at the Zoo…

This is definitely Foodie Toddler’s favorite! (Ok, other than mommy’s cemetery tour – see above.) Put on your best costume and see how the animals of Oakland Zoo celebrate Halloween. You can ride the spooky train, make special Halloween treats for the animals, and do a bit of trick or treating while you’re at it. Kids in costume receive a free ride ticket.

Who it’s best for: Families

When to go: October 27-28, 2018, 10am-3pm

Where it’s happening: 9777 Golf Links Road Oakland, CA 94605

Price: Included with zoo admission ($0-$24)

More details: Oakland Zoo Boo at the Zoo

Pick a Pumpkin…

The Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch is Oakland’s oldest pumpkin patch, and they also claim it’s the cutest. This impressive pumpkin patch has two haunted houses (one regular, one hold-the-scary), a Halloween shop, and every kind of pumpkin, gourd, or Halloween plant you could possibly hope for. Their website lists the following options: Orange, White, Cinderellas, Fairytales, Tonda Pandanas, Turban Squash, Long Gourds, Indian Corn, Corn Stalks, Straw Bales, Loose Straw for scarecrows, and Tiger Pumpkins.

Who it’s best for: Everyone

When to go: Open from 8 am – 8 pm every day in September and October

Where it’s happening: 4414 Piedmont Avenue, Oakland, CA

Price: Free to visit the pumpkin patch, $8 to enter the haunted house

More details: Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch

What Will YOU be Doing in the East Bay this Halloween?

With so many great East Bay Halloween activities, we couldn’t begin to cover it all – so tell us, what’s on your Halloween agenda this year?