Halloween in Santa Barbara: Events & Activities 2025
Ghost tours through historic downtown and more fun events
Dates: October
Beautiful Santa Barbara, with its Mediterranean-style red-roofed houses, boasts a long and rich history. Hence, there's no shortage of haunted places where mysterious or tragic events have occurred in the past. Take a spooky walking tour with Santa Barbara Ghost Tours to stroll through the downtown streets and learn about all the dark secrets of Santa Barbara and the terrible crimes committed here. The walking tour can also include an optional gourmet dinner to share those scary stories.
Santa Ynez Scarecrow Fest (October 1 -31, 2024)
Solvang is celebrating autumn with its 14th Annual Solvang Scarecrow Fest and Contest. Throughout October and ending on Halloween, local businesses and organizations will display creatively crafted scarecrows at various locations around town. Admission to the festival is free.
Boo at the Zoo at Santa Barbara Zoo (October 18-27, 2024)
With six nights of “spell-a-bration,” the Zoo offers plenty of opportunities to get into the Halloween spirit. As one of Santa Barbara’s most beloved Halloween events, Boo at the Zoo features trick-or-treating, Zoo Train rides, a hay bale maze, animal encounters, mad science experiments, bounce houses, dancing, and more. Tasty treats and adult beverages are available for purchase. The event runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and is held weekly on Fridays through Sundays.
Spooky Tours with Santa Barbara Ghost Tours (Ongoing)
Santa Barbara is known for its friendly ghosts, and a thrilling spooky experience, visitors can join Professor Julie Ann Brown for a ghost tour of Downtown Santa Barbara. Santa Barbara Ghost Tours offers several options, including the Downtown Paranormal Wine and Spirits Tour, Legends, Myths and Mayhem Tour, and the Dead of the Night Tour. For a premium experience, the VIP Historical Dinner Tour includes an exclusive dinner at a private club, followed by a historical walking tour. Prices range from $35 to $150 per person, depending on the tour.
Dia de Los Muertos (early November 2024)
University of California, Santa Barbara, holds one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the city. Its annual Dia de Los Muertos event, which occurs in late October, features interactive workshops, performances, and giveaways.
Santa Barbara might not be the scariest Halloween destination, but thanks to pleasant weather and beautiful beaches, it's perfect for those not yet ready to say goodbye to the summer.
