A national directory of city celebrations, library programs, treat events, public parades and credible official-source watchlists.
Free Halloween events can deliver the season’s best atmosphere without an attraction ticket—but only when the details are honest. “Free” may still involve paid parking, optional activities, registration or normal venue admission. Old flyers also remain online long after a recurring program changes date or disappears.
DayZora compiled 101 official-source free-event listings and planning leads across U.S. metro areas, then labeled the 2026 status and cost language instead of guessing. Use the regional sections to compare major public celebrations with quieter library, parks and neighborhood choices. Each source link is the final place to confirm weather changes, capacity and day-of instructions.
Free Halloween events: national quick comparison
Start with these geographically varied options, then use the regional listings for more choices. “Free” refers to general event admission only; parking, transit, food, optional activities, timed reservations or normal venue admission can still apply.
47 entries were still awaiting a complete 2026 schedule when fact-checked. They are included as clearly labeled official-source watchlists, never as confirmed dates.
| Event | City | 2026 status | Cost | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval | Los Angeles, CA | 2026 confirmed | Free admission. | Adults, costumes and a high-energy street celebration. |
| Halloween Boo Bash at Randall’s Island | New York City, NY | Check the 2026 official listing | Free | Families and children |
| City of Orlando community Halloween programs | Orlando, FL | 2026 schedule not confirmed | Depends on listing; prioritize events marked free | Residents wanting a nearby option |
| Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade | Chicago, IL | Check the 2026 official listing | Free; no viewing ticket | All ages |
| San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween | San Diego, CA | Check the 2026 official listing | Free | Toddlers through teens |
| Anaheim Fall Festival 2026 | Anaheim, CA | Check the 2026 official listing | No general admission ticket is listed; verify optional costs | Families and mixed-age groups |
| The Great Hauntway at Sunset Dunes | San Francisco, CA | 2026 schedule not confirmed | Free | Verify organizer guidance |
| Halloween in Manayunk | Philadelphia, PA | 2026 schedule not confirmed | Verify current admission terms | Families and neighborhood visitors |
| Scream on the Green | Houston, TX | 2026 confirmed | Free admission | Verify organizer guidance |
| Dallas Halloween Block Party | Dallas, TX | 2026 schedule not confirmed | Street celebration generally free; venues charge separately | Adults, costumes and nightlife |
| St. Mary’s Basilica Día de los Muertos Festival | Phoenix, AZ | 2026 schedule not confirmed | Traditionally free; verify 2026 status | Families and cultural-event visitors |
| Viva la Vida Festival and Parade | Austin, TX | Check the 2026 official listing | Public festival and parade access generally free; verify any special activity charges | All ages and cultural-event visitors |
What counts as a free Halloween event?
DayZora treats an event as free only when the official source says there is no general admission charge, or when a public program is commonly free but the current listing still needs confirmation. “Included with admission” is not the same as free entry, so those cases are labeled in the cost field. A zero-dollar reservation may still be required, and giveaways can run out.
This guide intentionally includes public libraries, parks departments, downtown associations, municipal celebrations and cultural observances alongside major parades. Día de los Muertos programs are identified respectfully as a distinct remembrance tradition—not relabeled as Halloween.
Northeast Halloween options
Compare official-source listings across northeast destinations. A “schedule not confirmed” label means DayZora found a legitimate organizer or venue source but no current 2026 date to publish.
New York City, NY
Halloween Boo Bash at Randall’s Island
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026; Noon–3 p.m.
- Location
- Randall’s Island Park, New York, NY 10035; confirm the activity area on the event page
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families and children
Riverside Park Pup Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 24, 2026; Noon–3 p.m.
- Location
- Riverside Park near Dinosaur Playground, West 97th Street
- Price
- Free to watch; verify any contest registration
- Best for
- Dog owners, families and spectators
Hippo Playground Halloween Parade
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026; 3:30–5:30 p.m.
- Location
- Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument at West 89th Street and Riverside Drive
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Costumed children and caregivers
New York’s Village Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026; 7–11 p.m.
- Location
- Sixth Avenue from the Canal/Spring Street area north to 16th Street
- Price
- Free to watch; free participation requires a costume
- Best for
- Adults, teens and older children comfortable with dense crowds
Halloween Candy Giveaway at Halsey, Ralph & Howard Community Garden
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026; 4–7 p.m.
- Location
- New York City, NY
- Price
- Free while supplies last
- Best for
- Local children and caregivers
Fort Totten Fall Festival
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, October 3, 2026; Check the official listing before travel
- Location
- Fort Totten Park, Totten Avenue and 15th Road, Bayside, Queens
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families who prefer fall activities to scares
Queens Public Library Halloween programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Multiple October 2026 dates
- Location
- Participating Queens branches; see each listing
- Price
- Free; registration may apply
- Best for
- Children, teens and families depending on program
Brooklyn Public Library Halloween storytimes and activities
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Branch schedules vary throughout October; See the individual program page
- Location
- Participating Brooklyn Public Library branches
- Price
- Free; some programs have capacity limits
- Best for
- Varies from toddlers to teens
Philadelphia, PA
Halloween in Manayunk
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Not yet officially posted
- Location
- Main Street, Manayunk
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Families and neighborhood visitors
East Passyunk Avenue Halloween
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Not announced
- Location
- East Passyunk Avenue
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Preschool and elementary ages
Chestnut Hill Halloween programming
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Germantown Avenue, Chestnut Hill
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Families combining Halloween with shopping
South Street Headhouse District Halloween
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- South Street and Headhouse area
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Older children and mixed-age groups
Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Halloween programs
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Vary by facility
- Location
- Recreation centers citywide
- Price
- Usually free; confirm registration
- Best for
- A close-to-home celebration
Free Library of Philadelphia seasonal programs
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Branch-specific
- Location
- Branch libraries citywide
- Price
- Free; registration may apply
- Best for
- Crafts, stories and younger children
Salem, MA
Salem Haunted Happenings Grand Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 1, 2026; 6:30 p.m.
- Location
- Downtown Salem parade route
- Price
- Free curbside viewing
- Best for
- Opening-night visitors and families
Haunted Happenings Marketplace
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Weekends, September 26–November 1, 2026; Venue-specific daytime and evening hours
- Location
- Salem Common, Derby Square, Charlotte Forten Park and Essex Street areas
- Price
- Free to browse; food and purchases cost extra
- Best for
- Visitors wanting makers, food and open-air atmosphere
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October 10, 2026; 10:30–11:30 a.m.
- Location
- Derby Wharf area
- Price
- Free viewing; participation terms should be checked
- Best for
- Pet owners and families
Salem Zombie Walk
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 3, 2026; Gather 11 a.m.; walk begins 12 p.m.
- Location
- Salem Common
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Costume groups and families comfortable with gore
South Halloween options
Compare official-source listings across south destinations. A “schedule not confirmed” label means DayZora found a legitimate organizer or venue source but no current 2026 date to publish.
Atlanta, GA
Little 5 Points Halloween Festival & Parade
2026 confirmed
- Date
- October 17–18, 2026; Noon–8 p.m.
- Location
- Little 5 Points Community Center and district
- Price
- Free admission
- Best for
- All ages; parade, music and art fans
Austin, TX
Viva la Vida Festival and Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 24, 2026; Daytime; final parade and festival hours on the Mexic-Arte Museum page
- Location
- Downtown Austin / Mexic-Arte Museum
- Price
- Public festival and parade access generally free; verify any special activity charges
- Best for
- All ages and cultural-event visitors
Charlotte, NC
Great Elizabeth Pumpkin Wall
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Lighting ceremony October 25, 2026; display through November 1; Lighting around 6 p.m.; ongoing outdoor viewing
- Location
- Elizabeth neighborhood
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Community photos and a short evening stop
Mischief and a Movie at Rea Farms
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 17, 2026; 4–9 p.m.; program begins with music and costume activities
- Location
- Rea Farms
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- South Charlotte families
Dallas, TX
Dallas Halloween Block Party
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October 31, 2026; final city/organizer program should be verified; Evening
- Location
- Cedar Springs entertainment district
- Price
- Street celebration generally free; venues charge separately
- Best for
- Adults, costumes and nightlife
Dallas Farmers Market Halloween programming
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date not yet confirmed at fact check; Not announced
- Location
- Dallas Farmers Market
- Price
- Market entry free; activities and purchases vary
- Best for
- Families and downtown visitors
Fort Worth Zoo Boo at the Zoo
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 dates to be confirmed by the zoo; Daytime or early evening, schedule pending
- Location
- Fort Worth Zoo
- Price
- Not announced for 2026
- Best for
- Families
Houston, TX
Scream on the Green
2026 confirmed
- Date
- Friday, Oct. 30; 6–9 p.m.
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Price
- Free admission
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Nature Discovery Center Pumpkin Patch Fall Festival
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Oct. 17–18
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Price
- Festival admission free
- Best for
- Younger children and nature-focused families
Screen on the Green: Beetlejuice Beetlejuice
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 17
- Location
- Discovery Green
- Price
- Free public-park screening
- Best for
- Older children, teens and adults
Día de los Muertos at Discovery Green
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Sunday, Nov. 1
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Price
- Public-park program; verify activity fees
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Houston Public Library Halloween programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Branch-specific
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Price
- Free; registration may apply
- Best for
- Toddlers and elementary ages
Houston Parks & Recreation seasonal programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Facility-specific
- Location
- Houston, TX
- Price
- Usually free; confirm
- Best for
- Short, close-to-home outings
Nashville, TN
Nashville Public Library Halloween Programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Branch-specific
- Location
- Nashville Public Library branches
- Price
- Free; registration may be required
- Best for
- Neighborhood families and budget planners
Metro Parks Halloween and Fall Programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Site-specific
- Location
- Metro Nashville Parks and Recreation locations
- Price
- Many community programs are free; individual terms pending
- Best for
- Residents looking for nearby activities
Nashville Farmers’ Market Fall Activities
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Market-hour or event-specific
- Location
- Nashville Farmers’ Market
- Price
- Market entry is free; purchases cost extra
- Best for
- Families combining food shopping with a seasonal stop
Downtown Nashville Halloween Weekend Programming
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Venue-specific
- Location
- Downtown Nashville venues
- Price
- Some outdoor activity may be free; venue admission varies
- Best for
- Adults comparing downtown atmosphere and ticketed parties
Franklin Main Street PumpkinFest
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Daytime schedule pending
- Location
- Historic Downtown Franklin
- Price
- Street festival admission is typically free; 2026 terms pending
- Best for
- Families willing to travel south for a community festival
Orlando, FL
City of Orlando community Halloween programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Not announced when checked
- Location
- Orlando parks and neighborhood venues
- Price
- Depends on listing; prioritize events marked free
- Best for
- Residents wanting a nearby option
Orange County Library System Halloween activities
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Branch schedules still developing
- Location
- OCLS branches across Orange County
- Price
- Many library programs are free; verify registration
- Best for
- Toddlers, grade-school children and tweens
Lake Nona Town Center seasonal events
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Halloween program not announced when checked
- Location
- Lake Nona Town Center
- Price
- Verify the individual listing
- Best for
- Lake Nona families and casual evenings
Avalon Park community Halloween calendar
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Not yet verified
- Location
- Downtown Avalon Park
- Price
- Confirm admission and optional charges
- Best for
- East Orlando neighborhood families
Old Town Kissimmee Halloween watchlist
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Not verified when checked
- Location
- 5770 W. Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway, Kissimmee
- Price
- Verify event admission; rides and purchases cost extra
- Best for
- Families staying near US-192
City of Kissimmee fall and Halloween events
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October program not yet confirmed
- Location
- Kissimmee civic and downtown venues
- Price
- Verify each city listing
- Best for
- Osceola County residents and visitors
Winter Park public-event calendar
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- No Halloween listing verified when checked
- Location
- Winter Park
- Price
- Listing-specific
- Best for
- A walkable daytime plan
Orlando neighborhood and recreation-center activities
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Center-specific
- Location
- Neighborhood centers citywide
- Price
- Often low-cost or free; verify
- Best for
- Families prioritizing convenience
San Antonio, TX
Muertos Fest at Hemisfair
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 23–25, 2026; Fri 5–11 p.m.; Sat 10 a.m.–11 p.m.; Sun noon–9 p.m.
- Location
- Hemisfair
- Price
- Free admission
- Best for
- All ages; cultural-event visitors
Washington, DC
Air & Scare at the Udvar-Hazy Center
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 details not officially announced at fact check; 2026 schedule not yet announced
- Location
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Price
- Museum admission is free; parking fees may apply
- Best for
- Families, aviation fans and costume lovers
Día de los Muertos at Smithsonian American Art Museum
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 details not officially announced at fact check; 2026 program not yet announced
- Location
- Smithsonian American Art Museum
- Price
- Smithsonian museum admission is free; special registration may apply
- Best for
- Families and visitors interested in cultural celebration
DC Public Library Halloween programs
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 details not officially announced at fact check; Branch-specific
- Location
- DC Public Library branches
- Price
- Typically free; registration may be required
- Best for
- Neighborhood families and budget planners
Midwest Halloween options
Compare official-source listings across midwest destinations. A “schedule not confirmed” label means DayZora found a legitimate organizer or venue source but no current 2026 date to publish.
Chicago, IL
Arts in the Dark Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 6–8 p.m.
- Location
- Columbus Drive, Balbo Drive to Jackson Boulevard
- Price
- Free; no viewing ticket
- Best for
- All ages
Upside Down Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, noon–2 p.m.
- Location
- Washington Park on Russell Drive
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families and younger children
Haunted Halsted Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026; parade 7–8 p.m.
- Location
- Halsted Street from Belmont toward Addison
- Price
- Free to watch; costume contest registration is free
- Best for
- All ages, with a lively evening crowd
Spooky Zoo at Lincoln Park Zoo
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026
- Location
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families, trick-or-treaters and animal lovers
Fall Fest at Lincoln Park Zoo
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Fridays–Sundays, Sept. 25–Nov. 1, 2026
- Location
- Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark Street
- Price
- Free admission; rides and some activities cost extra
- Best for
- Families and casual visitors
Pumpkin Patch at Sheridan Park
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location
- Sheridan Park, 910 S. Aberdeen Street
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Youth and Near West Side families
Pumpkin Patch at Dvorak Park
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location
- Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton Street
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- All ages
Halloween Haunted Hallway at Franklin
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, 4–5:30 p.m.
- Location
- Franklin Park facility, Chicago
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- All ages; neighborhood families
Navy Pier Halloween Week public activities
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Oct. 24–31, 2026; times vary
- Location
- Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Avenue
- Price
- Many public activities free; attractions, food and parties may cost extra
- Best for
- Families and downtown visitors
Chicago Park District Halloween in the Parks
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Multiple dates through Oct. 31, 2026
- Location
- Parks and community centers citywide
- Price
- Many free; some low-cost or registration-only
- Best for
- Residents seeking the closest event
Columbus, OH
HighBall Halloween
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October 3, 2026; Official festival schedule should be checked before arrival
- Location
- Short North Arts District
- Price
- Free general admission
- Best for
- Costume, fashion and street-festival fans
Halloween at Thurber House
2026 confirmed
- Date
- October 10, 2026; 1–3 p.m.
- Location
- Thurber Center
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families who enjoy books, humor and crafts
Super Saturday Spook-tacular
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 25, 2026; 12–4 p.m.
- Location
- Columbus Metropolitan Library Main Library
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Readers, families and downtown residents
Woof & Witches
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 4, 2026; Check the city event listing for final hours
- Location
- City of Columbus event venue
- Price
- Free-entry community event; optional purchases may apply
- Best for
- Pet owners and families
Land-Grant Trivia and a Spooky Movie
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Tuesdays in October 2026; films to be announced; After evening trivia
- Location
- Land-Grant Brewing Company Beer Garden
- Price
- Movie viewing is free; food and drinks cost extra
- Best for
- Adults wanting a casual outdoor movie night
Statehouse Trick-or-Treat or Community Halloween Program
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date and operating details not officially announced at fact check; Not announced
- Location
- Capitol Square
- Price
- Expected public-program terms pending
- Best for
- Downtown families monitoring free civic events
West Halloween options
Compare official-source listings across west destinations. A “schedule not confirmed” label means DayZora found a legitimate organizer or venue source but no current 2026 date to publish.
Anaheim, CA
Anaheim Fall Festival 2026
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 24; 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Location
- Center Greens, beside Anaheim City Hall
- Price
- No general admission ticket is listed; verify optional costs
- Best for
- Families and mixed-age groups
Anaheim Halloween Parade 2026
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 24
- Location
- Downtown Anaheim parade route
- Price
- No spectator ticket listed
- Best for
- All ages
Anaheim Plaza Treat Street
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, October 24; 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location
- Anaheim Plaza
- Price
- Free family event
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Anaheim Town Square Spooktacular Halloween Celebration
2026 confirmed
- Date
- Sunday, October 25; 3–6 p.m.
- Location
- Anaheim Town Square
- Price
- Not stated on the official listing
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Downtown Disney District during Halloween Time
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Disneyland Resort area
- Price
- No theme-park ticket required for the district
- Best for
- Disney fans and visitors who prefer mild atmosphere
Anaheim Public Library Halloween programs
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Vary by branch; Check each listing
- Location
- Anaheim, CA
- Price
- Generally free; registration may apply
- Best for
- Children, teens and caregivers
Anaheim recreation-center and park events
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Facility-specific
- Location
- Neighborhood parks and community centers
- Price
- Often free or low cost; verify
- Best for
- Local families
Self-guided Downtown Anaheim Halloween day
2026 confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Center Greens and downtown public streets
- Price
- Walking and public viewing are free
- Best for
- Families planning festival plus parade
Denver, CO
BOOnion Station
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 29, 2026; 4–7 p.m.; costume judging begins 5 p.m., prizes at 6 p.m.
- Location
- Denver Union Station
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families using transit and downtown residents
South Broadway Halloween Parade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 17, 2026; Final parade time and street-closure details: confirm officially
- Location
- South Broadway
- Price
- Free curbside viewing
- Best for
- Community parade fans and costumed families
Samhain Market
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October 31, 2026; Official market hours should be confirmed
- Location
- Neon Skies Markets
- Price
- Market entry expected to be free; purchases separate
- Best for
- Adults seeking art, readings and witchy wares
Munchkin Masquerade
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- October 31, 2026; Downtown Boulder trick-or-treat hours: confirm officially
- Location
- Pearl Street Mall
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Children ages 12 and under
Los Angeles, CA
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
2026 confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, 6–11 p.m.
- Location
- Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.
- Price
- Free admission.
- Best for
- Adults, costumes and a high-energy street celebration.
DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids
2026 confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
- Location
- Grand Hope Park, 919 S. Grand Ave., Los Angeles.
- Price
- Free.
- Best for
- Families with young children.
Los Angeles Public Library Halloween programs
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
LA Parks recreation-center celebrations
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Downtown Culver City watch list
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Santa Monica community watch list
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Grand Park Día de los Muertos watch list
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- See official 2026 calendar
- Location
- Los Angeles, CA
- Price
- Verify current admission terms
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Phoenix, AZ
St. Mary’s Basilica Día de los Muertos Festival
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 date not yet confirmed; historically scheduled near early November; Not announced
- Location
- St. Mary’s Basilica plaza
- Price
- Traditionally free; verify 2026 status
- Best for
- Families and cultural-event visitors
Salt River Fields Spooktacular Balloon Festival
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- October 2026 date not yet confirmed on an official 2026 detail page at fact check; Not announced
- Location
- Salt River Fields
- Price
- Not announced for 2026
- Best for
- Families
San Diego, CA
San Diego Family Fun Fest: Halloween
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Location
- Kroc Center Corner Zone, 6845 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92115
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Toddlers through teens
Halloween at the Station
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026
- Location
- Ingram Plaza, Liberty Station, 2751 Dewey Rd, San Diego, CA 92106
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families, groups and costumed pets
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, 3:30–7:30 p.m.
- Location
- India Street businesses, Little Italy, San Diego
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families wanting an urban walking route
La Mesa Village Trick-or-Treating
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 4–6 p.m.
- Location
- La Mesa Blvd between Grant and Acacia avenues, plus adjacent streets
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- East County neighborhood families
Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
- Location
- South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas Blvd to K Street
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- North County families and merchant trick-or-treating
Downtown Chula Vista Día de los Muertos Celebration
2026 confirmed
- Date
- Sunday, Nov. 1, 2026, 3–7:30 p.m.
- Location
- Downtown Chula Vista, Third Avenue district
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Families seeking music, art and remembrance
Belmont Park Beachside Fall Fest
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Weekends, Sept. 10–Oct. 31, 2026
- Location
- 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109
- Price
- Free entry; rides, games and food extra
- Best for
- Mixed-budget groups
San Francisco, CA
The Great Hauntway at Sunset Dunes
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Sunday, Oct. 25; 1–4 p.m.
- Location
- Sunset Dunes, Judah to Taraval
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Randall Museum Family Halloween Day
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 24; 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
- Location
- 199 Museum Way
- Price
- Free admission; some activity tickets sold on site
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31; Noon–3 p.m.
- Location
- Children’s Garden, 799 Howard St.
- Price
- Free RSVP
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Chinatown Halloween Festival
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31; 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Location
- Waverly Place, Chinatown
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Fillmore After Dark Halloween Night Market
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31; 4–9 p.m.
- Location
- Fillmore & O’Farrell streets
- Price
- Free admission
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Ocean Avenue Halloween Block Party
Check the 2026 official listing
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31; Noon–3 p.m.
- Location
- Unity Plaza, 1002 Ocean Ave.
- Price
- Free
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Halloween on Cortland in Bernal Heights
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- Saturday, Oct. 31; Final 2026 schedule should be checked
- Location
- Cortland Avenue, Bernal Heights
- Price
- Free community event
- Best for
- Verify organizer guidance
Seattle, WA
Seattle Parks & community-center Halloween events
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 details not officially announced at fact check; Center-specific
- Location
- Seattle Parks and Recreation locations
- Price
- Many community events are free or low-cost; 2026 listings pending
- Best for
- Neighborhood families and budget planners
Pike Place Market Halloween programming
2026 schedule not confirmed
- Date
- 2026 details not officially announced at fact check; Not announced
- Location
- Pike Place Market
- Price
- Market entry is free; special activities may have separate terms
- Best for
- Visitors wanting a central, low-cost stop
Planning a genuinely free Halloween outing
Choose the nearest useful option before driving across a metro area: parking and fuel can cost more than a small local ticket. Open the official source on the day of your visit, confirm weather changes and capacity rules, and check whether supplies are first-come, first-served. Public transit is valuable for street closures, but late-night service and stroller access vary.
Frequently asked questions
Are all events in this guide completely free?
The guide distinguishes free admission, included-with-admission programs and listings whose 2026 cost still needs confirmation. Parking, food and optional activities may cost extra.
Why are some 2026 dates not confirmed?
Many libraries, parks departments and community organizers publish October schedules close to the event. DayZora keeps those entries as clearly labeled official-source watchlists rather than inventing dates.
Can a free Halloween event require a reservation?
Yes. A free timed ticket or RSVP may control capacity. Register only through the organizer’s official page.
How do I find events closest to me?
Use the DayZora Halloween Hub’s city and ZIP discovery tool, then open the nearest city guide for local planning details.
Are Día de los Muertos programs Halloween events?
No. Día de los Muertos is a distinct remembrance tradition. Related late-October cultural programs are identified respectfully and should be approached on their own terms.
When should I recheck an event?
Check when making the plan, after severe-weather forecasts and again on the day of the event. Free programs can change location or reach capacity.
Related Halloween guides
Final word
The best free plan is usually the closest well-verified one. Confirm the official listing, understand the hidden costs and keep a nearby backup in case weather or capacity changes the night.
