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San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl, one of the best Halloween events in San Francisco
Photograph: Matt Olson/FlickrSan Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl

The best Halloween events in San Francisco

Celebrate the spookiest night of the year at one of these Halloween events in San Francisco, from haunted parties to freaky flicks

Clara Hogan
Written by
Shoshi Parks
Contributor
Clara Hogan
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Halloween in San Francisco is a festive affair. Houses across the city go all out with decorations, making for a spooky scene, especially as the fog rolls through the city's iconic hills. Truly, when October arrives, the area transforms into spooky celebrations everywhere you look, from fun-filled pumpkin patches to chilling escape rooms to iconic neighborhoods perfect for trick-or-treating. The city also hosts a range of Halloween events that appeal to everyone. This year, Halloween events in San Francisco range from a Titantic-themed masquerade part to a must-see dog costume contest to a lively pub crawl. Whether you're seeking spine-tingling thrills, family-friendly fun, or a night of masquerade and mystery, we'll take you on a tour of the most bewitching and entertaining Halloween events San Francisco has to offer. Still want more? Check out a corn maze, a local haunted spot IRL or stay in to watch one of the best horror movies.

Halloween events in San Francisco

The Bay Area has a long history of cult and cult-like groups—and this eerie history is being celebrated as the main storyline inside one of San Francisco's most immersive and spooky haunted experiences, Terror Vault. Titled "The Initiation," the event takes place inside the Old Mint, hosted by production company Terror Vault, and runs for five weeks, beginning in late September. The idea: you're invited to attend a recruitment seminar for “INsight,” a spiritual cult. Warning: the experience is not for the faint of heart. 

The infamous, multi-level Black Pearl is setting sail this Halloween to give reveling swashbucklers the finest views of the Bay. With three DJs and dance areas on board, this yacht bash should be the jolliest vessel for costumed roisterers (dressed as pirates or otherwise) this holiday. Snag the VIP pass, and drink up (me hearties) the free cocktails all night.

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All aboard this Titanic-themed Halloween party cruise on Friday, October 28, complete with three decks and two DJs for dancing the night away. Pick-up will occur at Pier 3 dock, where you'll board the San Francisco Spirit and take three hours of city views, open bar and dancing.

For a family-friendly affair, head over to Thrive City—the complex home to the Chase Center and Golden State Warriors—hosting "Thrill-O-Ween" on Saturday, October 28. The event will be full of afternoon activities for all ages, including a screening of Pixar's Elemental, a massive bounce house and a costume contest. 

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If creepy haunted hauses or roaring parties aren't really your thing, how does a candlelit concert that's still Halloween festive sound? Candlelight concerts will bring two different Halloween-themed shows to San Francisco. The first is on October 13 in celebration of Friday the 13th, with live musicians playing beats from scary movies such as The Exorcist, Psycho and A Nightmare on Elm Street. On October 26 and 27, the concert will feature Halloween classics such as "Thriller" by Michael Jackson and theme songs from Beetlejuice and Ghostbusters.

Every Thursday, the California Academy of Sciences in Golden Gate Park holds "Nightlife," a 21+ event after hours at the museum with cocktails, music and mingling after dark. On Thursday, October 26, the event will transform into a Halloween event, with spooky touches and performances by Oaklash, a group of drag and queer performers. The Morrison Planetarium will even be open with four different screenings. 

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If you're looking for a Halloween event that's less booze cruise or pub crawl, this Halloween concert, Death By Aria, is back by popular demand. Take in music from a line-up of artists, including soprano Julie Adams, tenor Zhengyi Bai, mezzo-soprano Nikola Printz, and pianist Ronny Michael Greenberg. Put on your costume and enjoy a night of music, themed cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres.

A pub crawl is akin to trick-or-treating for adults—and this is one of the best Halloween pub crawls in the city from 2 to 10pm on Saturday, October 28. Event organizers expect upwards of 8,000 attendees this year with more than 40 bars participating and offering drink specials. Get started by checking in at Mayes, Nick’s Crispy Tacos, or Del Mar to get your wristband before heading out to bars across Polk Street. Party shuttles will be offered from 3 to 8pm to help you move along throughout the evening.

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If you're looking to get wild on Halloween, don't miss the Naughty Halloween Ball hosted at the three-story adult club, Power Exchange. You can wear anything from a costume to your birthday suit, and fetish wear or lingerie are encouraged. Novices, exhibitions and voyeurs alike are welcome.

Who doesn't love to see a pup dressed up for Halloween? If you'd rather see furry friends in costume rather than people, head to the Haunted Howl-o-ween Party at Wag Hotels on Thursday, October 27 from 6:30 to 8pm—100% of ticket sales and silent auction proceeds will go to Hearts for Paws Rescue. Dress up Fido and take them to get photos with Cruella de Ville, do tricks for treats, and enter a costume contest. 

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