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Looking for things to do in San Jose this weekend? Halloween season is in full swing across Silicon Valley, with free festivals in Mountain View and Santa Clara, a zombie crawl and trick-or-treating in Campbell, a pet parade in Sunnyvale, Disney On Ice at SAP Center and a spooky Symphony San Jose concert. Here are the best Santa Clara County and South Bay Area events for Friday, October 23 through Sunday, October 25, 2026.
This weekend is packed with fun, excitement, and things to do around San Jose! Whether you’re looking for music, art, food, or unique experiences, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Below you’ll find every event organized by day, with the venue, time, cost and a link to each one, so you can plan your Halloween weekend in a few minutes. Times and prices can change, so confirm with the organizer before you go.
Honorable Mention: LEAP Sandcastle Classic in San Francisco (Oct. 24)
It’s about an hour’s drive from the South Bay Area, but this free beach-day tradition is worth the trip, especially if your kids love building in the sand.
LEAP’s 44th Annual Sandcastle Classic at Ocean Beach
Northern California’s largest sandcastle competition pairs teams of architects, engineers and designers with elementary school students to build giant sand sculptures on Ocean Beach. Expect a DJ, Ballet Folklórico and lion dancers, and every castle helps raise money for arts education in Bay Area schools.
Where: Ocean Beach (near Balboa Street), San Francisco
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, building 11 AM–2:30 PM; awards at 3:15 PM
Cost: Free
Event page: LEAP Sandcastle Classic event info
Friday, Oct. 23: Things to Do in San Jose Tonight
Kick off the weekend in San Jose with short films at Santana Row, Disney On Ice, a haunted mansion or a night of stand-up comedy.
18th San Jose International Short Film Festival at CinéArts Santana Row (Friday)
More than 100 short films from around the world screen in themed blocks from 11 AM to 9 PM, many followed by filmmaker Q&As. It’s one of the best indoor things to do in San Jose for film lovers, and day passes are the best value if you plan to stay a while.
Where: CinéArts at Santana Row, San Jose
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 11 AM–9 PM
Cost: $10–$15 per ticket; day passes $30–$50
Event page: San Jose International Short Film Festival schedule
Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero at SAP Center (Friday)
Mickey and Friends host Moana, Anna, Elsa, Olaf and the Disney Princesses as they skate into downtown San Jose for a 7 PM opening-weekend show full of figure skating, music and sing-along favorites.
Where: SAP Center, San Jose
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 7 PM
Cost: Tickets online
Event page: Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero tickets at SAP Center
Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Friday)
Silicon Valley’s biggest Halloween haunt takes over the Winchester Mystery House with 13 attractions and experiences, including haunted houses inside the famously haunted mansion and Harry Houdini’s live séance show. Add-ons include axe throwing and s’mores, and entry is timed, so book your slot ahead.
Where: Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
When: Friday, Oct. 23 (timed entry)
Cost: From $59.99 (tickets sold online only)
Event page: Festival Fright Nights tickets
Marlon Wayans at the San Jose Improv (Friday)
The comedian and actor from In Living Color, Scary Movie and White Chicks brings two 21+ stand-up shows to downtown San Jose, a perfect Friday date night.
Where: San Jose Improv
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 7:30 PM and 9:45 PM (21+)
Cost: $61+
Event page: Marlon Wayans tickets at the San Jose Improv
Saturday, Oct. 24: Silicon Valley Halloween Events and Festivals
Saturday is the biggest day of the weekend, with free family Halloween festivals in Mountain View, Santa Clara and downtown San Jose, a zombie crawl in Campbell and a spooky symphony concert. It’s a great day to explore Silicon Valley in costume.
Monster Bash at Rengstorff Park in Mountain View
Mountain View’s family Halloween festival brings a Treat Trail, spooky games and crafts, a towering stilt walker, the Bike Circus, bounce houses and costumed dancers performing “Thriller.” It’s one of the best free Santa Clara County Halloween events for little ones.
Where: Rengstorff Park, Mountain View
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 AM–2 PM
Cost: Free
Event page: Monster Bash details (City of Mountain View)
Farmer Mike Pumpkin Carving at Santana Row (Saturday)
Watch master carver Farmer Mike turn giant pumpkins into jaw-dropping jack-o’-lantern art right in Park Valencia, then stroll Santana Row’s shops and cafés.
Where: Park Valencia, Santana Row, San Jose
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 10 AM–1 PM
Cost: No price listed (public demo in the park)
Event page: Farmer Mike Pumpkin Carving at Santana Row
San Jose International Short Film Festival, Saturday Screenings
A full Saturday of short-film blocks, from drama and comedy to animation and documentary, running from 11 AM to the last block at 9:15 PM.
Where: CinéArts at Santana Row, San Jose
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 AM–9:15 PM
Cost: $10–$15 per ticket; day passes $30–$50
Event page: Saturday short film festival screenings
Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero (Saturday Shows)
Three Saturday shows make it easy to fit Disney On Ice around naps, soccer games and Halloween parties.
Where: SAP Center, San Jose
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 AM, 3 PM and 7 PM
Cost: Tickets online
Event page: Saturday Disney On Ice showtimes
Children’s SpooktaClara Halloween Party in Santa Clara
The City of Santa Clara’s annual kids’ Halloween party features Trick or Treat Row, a Pumpkin Walk, the SpooktaClara Express train, carnival games, Halloween inflatables, crafts and a stage full of entertainment. Come in costume!
Where: Central Park, 909 Kiely Blvd., Santa Clara
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 12–4 PM
Cost: Free
Event page: Children’s SpooktaClara Halloween Party (City of Santa Clara)
Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest in San Francisco
If you’re heading up to the city, Fisherman’s Wharf brings back its beloved chowder competition on the waterfront. General admission is free, and tasting passes let you sample every competing chowder and cast your People’s Choice vote.
Where: Fisherman’s Wharf, San Francisco
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 12–5 PM
Cost: Free admission; tasting passes $50–$125
Event page: Fisherman’s Wharf Chowder Fest details
Tunnel of Terror at San José City Hall Plaza
Downtown San Jose’s free Halloween night out features performances by Opera San José, the glowing Sonic Runway, a lowrider Trunk or Treat, the Circus of Sin and a makers market.
Where: San José City Hall Plaza, 200 E. Santa Clara St.
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 5–9 PM
Cost: Free
Event page: Tunnel of Terror event listing (Visit San Jose)
Marlon Wayans at the San Jose Improv (Saturday)
Two more chances to catch Marlon Wayans live in one of the South Bay’s favorite comedy clubs.
Where: San Jose Improv
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 7 PM and 9:30 PM (21+)
Cost: $61+
Event page: Saturday Marlon Wayans shows
Thrill the World Zombie Crawl in Downtown Campbell
Join the undead as costumed zombies dance “Thriller” at about a dozen stops along Campbell Avenue, starting near Elia around 7 PM and wrapping up at El Guapo’s around 8:55 PM.
Where: Downtown Campbell
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, starts around 7 PM at Elia; ends around 8:55 PM at El Guapo’s
Cost: Free
Event page: Thrill the World Zombie Crawl route and details
Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Saturday)
Saturday is the scariest night of the weekend to visit the haunted mansion. Book your timed entry early, because tickets are sold online only.
Where: Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
When: Saturday, Oct. 24 (timed entry)
Cost: From $59.99 (tickets sold online only)
Event page: Saturday Fright Nights tickets
Symphonic Spooktacular with Symphony San Jose (Saturday)
Symphony San Jose plays spooky and heroic favorites, from Batman and Ghostbusters to The Phantom of the Opera, the Imperial March and James Bond. Wear your costume for the costume contest!
Where: California Theatre, San Jose
When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 7:30 PM
Cost: $35–$125
Event page: Symphonic Spooktacular tickets (Symphony San Jose)
Sunday, Oct. 25: South Bay Area Weekend Events to Close It Out
Sunday brings a Halloween pet parade in Sunnyvale, trick-or-treating in Campbell, a symphony matinee and the final day of the San Jose International Short Film Festival.
Sunnyvale Halloween Pet Parade on Murphy Avenue
Dress up your dog, cat or any other pet and join this Halloween pet parade through downtown Sunnyvale, with prizes for the best pet costume and best pet trick after the parade.
Where: Murphy Ave. & W. McKinley Ave., Sunnyvale
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, parade at 11 AM (check-in at 9 AM)
Cost: Free
Event page: Sunnyvale Halloween Pet Parade registration (Eventbrite)
San Jose International Short Film Festival, Closing Day
The festival wraps up Sunday with screenings from 11 AM and the Audience Choice selections at 7 PM.
Where: CinéArts at Santana Row, San Jose
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 11 AM–7 PM
Cost: $10–$15 per ticket; day passes $30–$50
Event page: Sunday short film festival schedule
Farmer Mike Pumpkin Carving at Santana Row (Sunday)
Missed Saturday? Farmer Mike is back carving giant pumpkins in Park Valencia from noon to 2 PM.
Where: Park Valencia, Santana Row, San Jose
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 12–2 PM
Cost: No price listed (public demo in the park)
Event page: Sunday pumpkin carving at Santana Row
Disney On Ice: Find Your Hero (Sunday Shows)
Sunday’s 1 PM and 5 PM shows are a great way to end the weekend with the kids in downtown San Jose.
Where: SAP Center, San Jose
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 PM and 5 PM
Cost: Tickets online
Event page: Sunday Disney On Ice showtimes
Symphonic Spooktacular Sunday Matinee
The family-friendly 2:30 PM matinee is perfect for little ghosts and goblins who can’t stay up for an evening concert.
Where: California Theatre, San Jose
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 2:30 PM
Cost: $35–$125
Event page: Sunday Symphonic Spooktacular matinee tickets
Creepy Crawly Halloween Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Campbell
The Downtown Campbell Business Association’s annual two-hour costume party fills the streets with trick-or-treating, candy and freebies. Two- and four-legged ghouls are welcome, so bring the dog in costume too.
Where: Downtown Campbell
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 4–6 PM
Cost: Free
Event page: Creepy Crawly Halloween Trick-or-Treat details
Marlon Wayans at the San Jose Improv (Sunday)
Your last chance to see Marlon Wayans this weekend is an early 6 PM show.
Where: San Jose Improv
When: Sunday, Oct. 25, 6 PM (21+)
Cost: $61+
Event page: Sunday Marlon Wayans show
Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Sunday)
Close out the weekend with a Sunday-night scare at one of the most famous haunted houses in Santa Clara County.
Where: Winchester Mystery House, San Jose
When: Sunday, Oct. 25 (timed entry)
Cost: From $59.99 (tickets sold online only)
Event page: Sunday Fright Nights tickets
Planning More Halloween and Fall Fun in Santa Clara County
Halloween is next Saturday, so if you’re still planning, check out my guide to Silicon Valley Halloween events for families, or my roundup of Halloween bars in San Jose if you’re planning a night out. You can also still visit pumpkin patches or try more fall activities in the South Bay Area, and grab dinner at one of the new restaurants in San Jose. For a heads-up on events across the South Bay, the Visit San Jose events calendar is a helpful resource.
Thinking about living in downtown San Jose, or relocating to Silicon Valley and want to explore South Bay neighborhoods on a weekend like this one? I’m always happy to help you get to know the area. Just reach out.
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