As October rolls along and the days grow shorter, Encinitas transforms into a festive hub of Halloween excitement. From family-friendly events to spooky activities for adults, our coastal town offers plenty of ways to celebrate the season. Here’s a guide to the best things to do in Encinitas for Halloween!
Olivenhain Haunted Hotel
The historic grounds of the Olivenhain Meeting Hall are transformed into a Haunted Hotel on Friday and Saturday nights on Oct. 25-26 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Put on every year as a fundraiser for the local Boy Scout Troop 2000 and the Olivenhain Town Council, there will be spooky scenes ranging from a Zombie Banquet, Dr. Frankenstein’s laboratory and a Witches’ Lair to a Candy Mystery Trail. Actors in the Haunted House are Scouts, ages 12 to 18. The event also includes carnival games. Tickets are $8, cash and credit are accepted at the door. 423 Rancho Santa Fe Road, Olivenhain.
Haunted Ghost Town
Ovation Theatre and the Heritage Ranch present Haunted Ghost Town, which transports visitors to the doomed town of Bitter Gulch from 5 to 8:45 p.m. Oct. 25-27 at Heritage Ranch, 450 Quail Gardens Drive. Encinitas. This year’s ghost town tour features the arrival of a ghostly pirate ship, a cursed pirate crew and bone-chilling performances by professionally trained actors. Less scary experiences for children are from 5 to 6:30 p.m. followed by more spine-tingling presentations for ages 12 and older from 7 to 9 p.m., with the last entry at 8:45 p.m. Admission is $28; $16.80 for children ages 10 and younger. Tickets are at hauntedtown.org.
22nd Annual Safe Trick-or-Treat in Encinitas
The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association presents its 22th Annual Safe Trick-or-Treat on Thursday, Oct. 31, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Thousands of costumed trick-or-treaters and other revelers will stroll through downtown Encinitas, aka South Coast Hwy 101, from Encinitas Blvd to K Street. Many downtown Encinitas businesses stay open late to welcome trick-or-treaters with candy. Kids also enjoy Halloween-themed activities and games in The Lumberyard Courtyard, courtesy of the 101 Artists Colony, plus dancing to the live music of Bucket Ruckus. There will also be a pumpkin display in front of the SRF Books & Gifts shop along the sidewalk. For more information visit www.encinitas101.com
Costume Contests and Parties
Check out local bars and restaurants, as many host Halloween-themed costume contests and parties. Duckfoot Brewing in Leucadia is having a Fright Foot Market & Costume Party October 26th. The day begins with their Makers Market at 2pm, featuring local artists and clothing sellers. DJ Tykes will be spinning from 5-8pm and limited-edition Fright Foot glassware and merchandise will be on sale, with a keep the pint discount included. Costumes are highly encouraged and a $1 discount will be applied to each beer for costume-wearers. https://duckfootbeer.com/leucadia/.
Dia de los Muertos
A Dia de los Muertos celebration, held at the MiraCosta College San Elijo campus in Cardiff on October 27, brings local and regional talent to highlight the visual and performing arts related to this significant Mexican cultural event. From noon to 4 p.m., visitors can experience a variety of artist workshops and demonstrations, student exhibitions, live Mariachi music and other performances while having an opportunity to participate in a Community Ofrenda, which is a recognition of family and friends. The MiraCosta campus is located at 3333 Manchester Ave. More information is available at the Encinitas Friends of the Arts event page.
Movie Nights
The historic La Paloma Theater in downtown Encinitas is hosting screenings of classic Halloween films October 26-31, from Young Frankenstein to Practical Magic and the original Halloween slasher classic Halloween. For showtimes go to https://www.lapalomatheatre.com/.
Host Your Own Beach Bonfire Costume Party
Celebrate Halloween with a twist by organizing a beach bonfire. Gather friends, dress in costumes, and enjoy the cool October evenings by the ocean. Roast marshmallows, share ghost stories, and enjoy a unique Halloween celebration with a coastal backdrop.
Whether you’re looking for family-friendly fun or a thrilling night out, Encinitas offers a variety of activities to celebrate Halloween. Grab your costume, gather your friends and family, and get ready for a hauntingly good time!
Author: Laura Charlton
Laura is the owner of Laura Charlton PR, a boutique public relations firm based in the San Diego area. With extensive experience working within the music, travel, entertainment, non-profit, education and consumer lifestyle industries, and for companies such as Disney, Make-A-Wish and the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center, Laura brings more than 25 years of experience in corporate and consumer public relations, media relations and public affairs to her clients.
