Discover a ghoulishly good time this spooky season with the following grownup-focused Halloween events in California, from wine tastings with ghosts to over-the-top parties on haunted boats.
Click here for family Halloween events in Southern California.
Oct. 13 to Oct. 31: Heartstoppers Haunt
Rancho Cordova
Get ready for heart-pounding scares at the Heartstoppers Haunt in Rancho Cordova, a k a Sacremento’s top haunted house and scream park. Explore four terrifying scare zones in a decked-out, three-story building that intertwines into one chilling story that will unravel before you. Afterward, unwind with carnival games, live performances and character photo opps in the outdoor area (if you can make it out).
Cost: $33 for general admission or $49 for the fast lane.
Tickets: heartstoppershaunt.com.
Oct. 13 to Oct. 31: Unhinged: Housewarming at Winchester Mystery House
San Jose
Experience the bizarre at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose during Unhinged: Housewarming. This Halloween event introduces two Old Hollywood characters throwing a welcome party, which takes a terrifying turn. Explore the Halloween Museum and catch your breath at Café 13 with snacks and drinks after the spine-tingling experience. Two experiences are available: one show at 7:15 p.m. for R.I.P. (V.I.P. ticket-holders) and another at 10:15 p.m. for general admission.
Cost: R.I.P. (V.I.P.) tickets start at $90 per person and general admission starts at $65 per person.
Tickets: winchestermysteryhouse.com.
Through Oct. 25: Boardwalk Fright Flicks
Santa Cruz
Enjoy scary movies and cocktails at Santa Cruz’s old-school Beach Boardwalk every Wednesday during the Halloween season. This 21-and-up event features a lineup of chilling films, including Us, Child’s Play, Zombieland and Halloween (2018). Each film will be accompanied by handcrafted cocktails, staple movie snacks, themed giveaways and a frightfully fun night. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., and the flicks start at 8 p.m.
Cost: $15 per person (includes one drink ticket).
Tickets: beachboardwalk.com.
Oct. 28: Estancia’s Wicked Black & White Ball
San Diego
Step into a world of glamour and dark enchantment at Estancia’s Wicked Black & White Ball at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Experience a night of spellbinding sophistication, mystery and endless culinary delights and libations. Dress in somber shades or ghostly hues and bring your most delightful companions for an unforgettable Halloween gathering. The Halloween event in California is set to begin at 7 p.m. and run into the long hours of the night.
Cost: $115.
Tickets: estancialajolla.com.
Through Oct. 31: Shaqtoberfest
Long Beach
Step aboard the historic Queen Mary ocean liner in Long Beach for a hauntingly good time at Shaqtoberfest. The exciting Halloween event in California is an immersive festival featuring haunted trails, live entertainment, themed bars and lounges, carnival rides and much more.
Cost: Prices vary depending on the date but start at $29.99.
Tickets: shaqtoberfest.com.
Through Oct. 31: HalGLOWeen at San Diego Zoo
San Diego
Experience San Diego Zoo like never before on select nights in October. The world-famous zoo stays open late for a unique Halloween event in California–HalGLOWeen–featuring music from Skeleton Band, stilt walkers, boolahoops, trick-or-treating, acrobatic shows, bubble parties and more, all illuminated by black lights. The fun runs from 5 to 9 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Cost: Tickets are included with admission; kids 11 and under are free during October.
Tickets: zoo.sandiegozoo.org/halgloween.
Through Oct. 31: Cutwater’s LaBARatory Speakeasy Experience
San Diego
Cutwater’s Tasting Room and Kitchen has been taken over by mad scientists and transformed into LaBARatory (Speakeasy Experience). Guests will immerse themselves in chilling cocktails curated for the season and explore the fermentation room’s illuminating experience. With a welcome cocktail, exclusive sips from mad scientists, radioactive concoctions and mystery test tube spirit samples, you won’t want to miss this unique Halloween event in California.
Cost: $25 per person.
Tickets: cutwaterspirits.com.
Through Dec. 29: Sonoma Plaza Ghost Tour
Sonoma Valley
Come for the wine and stay for the spirits at Sonoma Plaza Ghost Tour in Sonoma Valley. Led by local guides, uncover spine-tingling stories, paranormal investigations and the haunted history of this wine town during an outdoor tour. This spooky historic experience takes place Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 10 p.m.
Cost: $30.
Tickets: napaghosts.com.