Looking for the ultimate Halloween adventures for your little goblins and ghouls? Kids and families come together every October in Encinitas for a spooky handful of safe, creative, and exciting events, loaded with costumes, candy, and local flair. Get ready for pumpkin decorating, trick-or-treating, and laughter echoing down the coast. Here’s your complete guide to the top Halloween happenings for families in Encinitas.
Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat: Main Street Magic
When October 31 rolls around, the action happens right downtown. Encinitas Safe Trick-or-Treat transforms South Coast Highway 101 into a buzzing Halloween paradise from 5 to 8 pm. Parents give high marks for safety, and kids love zipping between decorated shops and sweet-themed booths, collecting treats from friendly local businesses—all while wearing their favorite costumes.
Live music fills The Lumberyard Courtyard thanks to the band Bucket Ruckus, while the 101 Artists Colony sets up Halloween games and pumpkin displays. Creative costumes are more than welcome—expect everything from superheroes to spooks and plenty of adorable animals. With the community spirit running high and sheriff deputies on patrol, families can relax and focus on the fun. Admission is completely free, and everyone is encouraged to join.
Encinitas Halloween Spooktacular at the Community Park
If you’re ready for even more delight, the annual Encinitas Halloween Spooktacular is a must-do event at Encinitas Community Park. This year, the fun happens on Saturday, October 18, 2025, from 3 to 7 pm. The park is the ideal place for little ones to run wild and show off their costumes while hopping between trick-or-treat stations.
There’s live entertainment, a pumpkin decorating area, and a costume contest tailor-made for photo ops. Local vendors line up to serve seasonal goodies, and there’s always a little something for every taste bud. Grandparents, parents, and even teens have plenty to keep them smiling—no scary surprises here, just fun, safe, autumn vibes. Parking is free in the main lot, though spots fill quickly, so early birds catch the best candy.
Olivenhain Haunted Hotel: Mystery and Candy
Ready for a family challenge? Check out the Olivenhain Haunted Hotel at the Olivenhain Meeting Hall on October 10 to 25, from 6 to 9:30 pm. Inside, Scouts ages 12 to 18 set the stage for scenes like a Zombie Banquet, Dr. Frankenstein’s Laboratory, and a Candy Mystery Trail. Ticket sales support youth programs, and there are carnival games for kids who like their goosebumps with a side of giggles. Entry is only $8, and both cash and cards are accepted at the door.
More Fall Festivities: Day of the Dead and Beyond
If you’d like a mix of culture and spooky fun, try the Día de los Muertos Celebration on October 25, 12 to 4 pm, at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus. Enjoy live music, dance, colorful art, and face painting. And for costume-lovers who like their holidays with a salty sea breeze, Encinitas even has beach bonfire parties where costumes and marshmallow roasts are the perfect combo.
Quick Tips for a Great Halloween in Encinitas
- Costume contests are everywhere, so don’t hold back on creativity.
- Bring a reusable bag for treats, especially for big hauls.
- Arrive early for parking to avoid long walks with tired feet.
- Plan multiple stops: plenty of events means you can fit more fun into Halloween week.
- Check the event websites for any last-minute updates or changes.
For families seeking the best blend of excitement, safety, and local flavor, Encinitas is filled with Halloween cheer. Whether you want sweet treats, playful scares, or a community of costume-loving neighbors, this town is the perfect spot for October fun.
Sources: visitencinitasca.com, sandiegofamily.com, kmcoastal.com, lajollamom.com, encinitas101.com, hiddensandiego.com, sandiego.org, eventbrite.com, coastalencinitasrotary.org, sandiegomagazine.com
Header Image Source: Jay Alexander on Unsplash
