Things to Do in San Jose This Weekend: Halloween & Día de los Muertos Events Oct 30-Nov 1, 2026

WEEKEND EVENTS
Written by Chloe Dertinger

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Looking for things to do in San Jose this weekend? It’s Halloween and Día de los Muertos weekend in Silicon Valley, with trick-or-treating in Willow Glen, Japantown, Saratoga and Morgan Hill, Día de los Muertos festivals at History Park, Mexican Heritage Plaza and Santana Row, Bluey’s Big Play, a Sharks game with sugar skulls, and costume parties all over downtown. Here are the best Santa Clara County and South Bay Area events for Friday, October 30 through Sunday, November 1, 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. One more reminder: daylight saving time ends early Sunday morning, so set your clocks back an hour on Saturday night.

Honorable Mention: Dusk to Dawn Halloween in San Francisco (Oct. 31)

It’s about an hour’s drive from the South Bay Area, but if you want the biggest Halloween night out in the Bay, this all-night party at the Palace of Fine Arts is worth the trip.

Dusk to Dawn Halloween at the Palace of Fine Arts

Billed as the largest Halloween party in the Bay, Dusk to Dawn moves into the Palace of Fine Arts for the first time, taking over 150,000 square feet. Big Wild, Vandelux, and Hercules & Love Affair (DJ set) headline a lineup spread across eight music areas, with a giant ship set framing the main stage, art cars, a foam pit lounge, silent disco, stilt walkers, Vau de Vire performers, themed bars, and food trucks. Costumes strongly encouraged!

Honorable Mention: DJ Mandy Presents: The Raveyard in San Francisco (Oct. 31)

DJ Mandy Presents: The Raveyard at The Castro Theatre

TikTok’s famously deadpan mash-up queen turned real-deal house DJ brings her Halloween “Raveyard” to the historic Castro Theatre, mixing classic house and driving tech house with her signature comedic, totally unexpected transitions. Taipei-born DJ Yuka Yu and LA.CO.NY. join the lineup, with doors at 7 PM and the show at 8 PM. It’s an all-ages event, so it’s a fun Halloween night out for teens and adults alike!

Friday, Oct. 30: Halloween Weekend Things to Do in San Jose

Start the Halloween weekend in San Jose with trick-or-treating in Willow Glen, a Halloween night market, downtown pop-up bars, Bluey on stage and a haunted mansion.

Trick-or-Treat Along Lincoln Avenue

Shops along Lincoln Avenue hand out candy during a toddler session and a school-age session, plus a free book for every child from Books for Treats. It’s one of the sweetest Halloween traditions in San Jose.

  • Where: Downtown Willow Glen, Lincoln Avenue from Minnesota Ave to Willow St

  • When: Friday, Oct. 30, 11 AM–12:30 PM (toddlers) and 3–4:30 PM (school-age)

  • Cost: Free

  • Event page: Willow Glen trick-or-treat info

Halloween by 365 Night Market (Friday)

The Bay Area’s popular night market goes Halloween with dozens of food and shopping vendors, global street eats, live entertainment, and free parking.

Downtown SJ Halloween Pop-Up Bars (Friday)

Five themed Halloween pop-ups sit within a few blocks of each other in downtown San Jose, and Friday is one of the last two nights to catch them.

  • Where: Downtown San Jose

  • When: Friday, Oct. 30, with Five Points pouring from 4 PM

  • Cost: Pay as you go

  • Dearly Departed: Alter Ego, an elegant vampire lair (reservations recommended, 21+) (event page)

  • The Haunting: Paper Plane, a candlelit Victorian mansion (21+) (event page)

  • A Nightmare on 2nd Street: MINIBOSS, with ’80s and ’90s horror (event page)

  • Ghostbusters: Dr. Funk (event page)

  • Terrifier Takeover: Five Points, open 4 PM–2 AM (event page)

Bluey’s Big Play (Friday)

Bluey and Bingo pull out every game they’ve got to get Dad off the beanbag in this 50-minute puppet stage show with an original story by Bluey creator Joe Brumm.

Trick or Drink Halloween Bar Crawl (Friday)

Barcrawlerz leads a costumed crawl through downtown bars like The Brit, 55 South, Cash Only, and Three Sisters, with drink specials all night.

The Emo Night Tour

The touring Los Angeles party brings a night of pop-punk and emo anthems, sing-along DJ sets, and covers to downtown San Jose.

Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Friday)

The Winchester estate becomes an evening Halloween festival with 13 attractions across four zones, including haunted houses inside the mansion, Houdini’s live séance show, axe throwing, and s’mores. Entry is timed, so pick your time slot online.

Saturday, Oct. 31: Halloween in Silicon Valley, From Trick-or-Treating to Costume Parties

Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so it’s the biggest day of the weekend. Families can trick-or-treat across Santa Clara County and celebrate Día de los Muertos at History Park, while the grown-ups have costume parties and bar crawls from downtown San Jose to Campbell, Los Gatos and Mountain View.

Tech or Treat

A not-too-scary Halloween with trick-or-treat stations throughout the museum, hands-on spooky science, and photo ops, plus Spooky Slime Workshops and Halloween laser shows for an extra ticket.

Bluey’s Big Play (Saturday)

Two kid-friendly Halloween showings bring the Heeler family to real life with brilliantly crafted puppets and new music by Bluey composer Joff Bush.

HypeCon Bay Area (Saturday)

A Halloween edition of the buy-sell-trade show for Pokémon and sports cards, K-pop, Funko, and collectibles, with bingo, random play dance, and prizes for costumes.

  • Where: Santa Clara Convention Center

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 11 AM–5 PM (VIP entry at 10 AM)

  • Cost: $20 GA, $45 VIP (kids 12 & under free)

  • Event page: HypeCon Bay Area tickets

Green Halloween at Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

A not-too-spooky, eco-friendly Halloween with a creepy crawly critter show, a costume parade, crafts, games, and animal encounters. Guests in costume get $3 off admission.

Skate Day & Halloween in Japantown

San Jose Taiko’s beloved neighborhood trick-or-treat gets a new Skate Day twist that includes a demo by pioneering skateboarder Judi Oyama with the Japanese American Museum of San Jose.

Sharks vs. Senators: Los Tiburones Game

The Sharks’ 10th annual celebration of Hispanic culture includes a limited-edition sugar skull for every fan, mariachi, and a community ofrenda, a perfect lead-in to Día de los Muertos weekend.

Earthquakes vs. Real Salt Lake: Monster Match

The playoff-chasing Quakes close the regular season with their first Halloween Takeover, featuring a Halloween maze, trick-or-treating at concession stands, a costume contest, and candy bars for the first 2,000 kids.

Día de Muertos at History Park (Saturday)

The 22nd annual Mexica celebration features artisans, food trucks, face painting, and a trunk or treat. It’s one of the biggest Día de los Muertos celebrations in Santa Clara County.

  • Where: History Park, San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2–10 PM (Danza Azteca 5–9 PM; trunk or treat 2–5 PM)

  • Cost: Free

  • Event page: Día de Muertos at History Park

Witchy Walk-A-Bout

Saratoga Village’s annual family stroll brings games, crafts, festive scarecrows, a giant bubble booth, the No Direction Ukulele Band, and trick-or-treating at Village businesses.

Safe Trick-or-Treat and Pumpkin Market

Monterey Road between Main Ave and Fourth St closes to cars so kids under 12 can trick-or-treat at downtown businesses.

Halloween Bar Crawls in Downtown San Jose

Pick your crawl! Three costumed bar crawls take over downtown San Jose on Halloween night.

  • Where: Downtown San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31 (all 21+)

  • San Jose Halloween Bar Crawl: from The Old Wagon Saloon, 3–10 PM, from $22 (event page)

  • Crawl With US: seven bars from 4–10 PM with three drink vouchers and an after-party at The Brit, $25 ($40 at the door) (event page)

  • Trick or Drink: checks in at The Brit and runs 4 PM–2 AM, from $26 (event page)

Halloween by 365 Night Market (Saturday)

Night two of the Halloween market brings street food, shopping, live music and dance, raffles, and free parking, so come in costume.

  • Where: Grand Century Mall, San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 4–10 PM

  • Cost: Free admission

  • Event page: Saturday 365 Night Market

Downtown SJ Halloween Pop-Up Bars (Saturday)

It’s the final night for downtown’s five Halloween pop-up bars.

  • Where: Downtown San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, with Five Points pouring from 4 PM

  • Cost: Pay as you go

  • Dearly Departed: Alter Ego, an elegant vampire lair (reservations recommended, 21+) (event page)

  • The Haunting: Paper Plane, a candlelit Victorian mansion (21+) (event page)

  • A Nightmare on 2nd Street: MINIBOSS, with ’80s and ’90s horror (event page)

  • Ghostbusters: Dr. Funk (event page)

  • Terrifier Takeover: Five Points, open 4 PM–2 AM (event page)

Avenida de Altares

The 10th anniversary of East San José’s Día de los Muertos festival closes Alum Rock Avenue for community altars, face painting, and an artisan market.

  • Where: Mexican Heritage Plaza, East San José

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 5:30–10:30 PM

  • Cost: Free (RSVP)

  • Event page: Avenida de Altares RSVP

Halloween Party at Guildhouse

The downtown gaming bar throws a Halloween bash with full-size candy bars for guests in costume, a costume contest at 8 PM, and DJs spinning dark wave and dance hits until close.

Bitten by the Bay

A dressier costume and dance party with cocktails, prizes, and a singles lounge.

  • Where: Hyatt Centric Mountain View

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6 PM–midnight (21+)

  • Cost: $42–$79 (online sales end Friday night)

  • Event page: Bitten by the Bay tickets

Tessora’s Halloween Party

A low-key Wild West–themed night with music, wine, and a costume contest, though any costume is welcome.

Fright Night at The Ritz

DJ Basura and special guest DJ Bit spin new wave, synth-pop, indie, disco, and old-school hits, with a cash-prize costume contest.

Halloween After Dark at IGNITE

DJs and patio party vibes in San Pedro Square.

  • Where: IGNITE, San Pedro Square

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 PM–midnight (21+)

  • Cost: $10–$15 (the $15 ticket includes a drink when you arrive before 10 PM)

  • Event page: Halloween After Dark tickets

Baddies Halloween at Tiki Pete

A late, high-energy night with DJ Dee2Lit in the mix and a costume contest.

  • Where: Tiki Pete, Downtown San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 9 PM–2 AM (21+)

  • Cost: Free–$13

  • Event page: Baddies Halloween tickets

Halloween Night: Wild Things at Second Story

Downtown Los Gatos goes wild with DJ Remedy, two bar areas, and a costume contest.

The Best Halloween Party in the Bay

Live banda, three DJs, two dance floors, and a $1,000 best-costume prize take over Castro Street.

Purani Haveli: Bollywood Halloween

The ninth annual Bollywood Halloween party brings DJ Arjav and dance-floor anthems, so go all out on your costume.

  • Where: 81 W. Santa Clara St., Downtown San Jose

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 10 PM–2 AM (21+)

  • Cost: $20

  • Event page: Purani Haveli tickets

Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Saturday)

Spend Halloween night exploring haunted houses inside the historic mansion, Houdini’s “Do Spirits Exist?” séance show, axe throwing, and s’mores.

Sunday, Nov. 1: Día de los Muertos in the South Bay Area

Sunday is all about Día de los Muertos, with ofrendas, mariachi, lowriders and family activities at Santana Row, History Park, Children’s Discovery Museum and Montalvo, plus the final weekend shows for Bluey and Festival Fright Nights.

Día de los Muertos at Children’s Discovery Museum

Families can try sand painting, sugar skull decorating, and monarch butterfly mask making.

Bluey’s Big Play (Sunday)

Final chances to catch the Emmy-winning series live on stage. Every guest, regardless of age, needs a ticket.

Día de Muertos at History Park (Sunday)

Day two brings a community ofrenda, artisan vendors, food trucks, and activities for kids.

Día de Los Muertos Celebration at Santana Row

Festivities start with brunch and community ofrendas at Zazil, followed by a cultural pop-up market from 12–5 PM, Catrina photo ops and face painting from 12–3 PM, and mariachi and dance from 1–3 PM.

HypeCon Bay Area (Sunday)

Day two of the cards, collectibles, Pokémon, and K-pop show, with free parking.

  • Where: Santa Clara Convention Center

  • When: Sunday, Nov. 1, 11 AM–4 PM (VIP entry at 10 AM)

  • Cost: $20 GA, $45 VIP (kids 12 & under free)

  • Event page: Sunday HypeCon tickets

4th Lowrider Art Showcase

Gleaming lowriders fill Montalvo’s historic lawn for a Día de los Muertos celebration with art making, DJs, dancing, and food. Park at West Valley College Lot 5 and take the free shuttle.

Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House (Sunday)

The final night of the season, with 13 haunted attractions and experiences across the estate, from mansion haunts to the shooting gallery.

Planning More Halloween and Fall Fun in Santa Clara County

Still planning your night? 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 grown-up night out. For little ones, Safe Kids Worldwide has Halloween safety tips, and the Teal Pumpkin Project helps make trick-or-treating inclusive for kids with food allergies. Check the National Weather Service Bay Area forecast before you head out, and remember that daylight saving time ends on Sunday, Nov. 1.

Once Halloween is over, there’s still time to visit pumpkin patches or try more fall activities in the South Bay Area, and my list of new restaurants in San Jose is perfect for a post-party brunch. Many downtown events are an easy ride on VTA, and you can find even more on the Visit San Jose events calendar.

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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More Blogs You Might Find Interesting

  • Best Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating in the South Bay Area | Link

  • Best Pumpkin Patches in the Bay Area | Link

  • Best Halloween Bars San Jose: Bar Crawls, Pop-Up Bars & 21+ Costume Parties in the South Bay | Link

  • Silicon Valley Family Friendly Halloween Events | Link

  • Best Coffee Shops in the South Bay Area | Link

Chloe Dertinger
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