Your guide to Halloween happenings around Santa Barbara | October 2026
Spooky season, Santa Barbara style! From witches on paddleboards and trick-or-treating through Montecito to outdoor music festivals and a little Halloween magic, there's something for everyone.
Here's your guide to Halloween happenings around Santa Barbara, in chronological order!
Boo at the Zoo 🦁🎃
October 16–31 | Santa Barbara Zoo
The Santa Barbara Zoo is getting a spooky makeover! Enjoy festive decorations, costumes, treats, and plenty of family-friendly fun. Choose from daytime celebrations, after-dark adventures, or a special adults-only Halloween night.
All Hallows Evening at the Botanic Garden 🌿👻
October 23 | 5–7 PM | Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
A little Halloween magic in the garden! Enjoy trick-or-treating, seasonal crafts, and a special sneak peek at the whimsical new Garden Casitas playhouse. A sweet way to celebrate spooky season surrounded by nature.
Currently sold out.
Fields of Funk 🎶🪩
October 24 | Noon–10 PM | Elings Park
Costumes, dancing, and good vibes under the Santa Barbara sky! This 21+ Halloween music festival brings live music, a silent disco, immersive art, food trucks, and plenty of funky fun to Elings Park.
Santa Barbara Trunk-or-Treat 🚗🍭
October 29 | 5–7:30 PM | 1212 De La Vina Street
Costumes, candy, and a parking lot full of Halloween fun! Bring your little trick-or-treaters and their candy bags for this free, family-friendly celebration hosted by Santa Barbara Police Activities League and community partners.
BOO-Cara at The Ritz-Carlton Bacara 🏰🎃
October 30 | 5–7 PM | The Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Goleta
A little spooky, a little fancy, and a whole lot of Halloween fun! Explore the resort's haunted hideaways, enjoy trick-or-treating, festive crafts, family games, and a haunted house during this special seaside celebration.
State Street Ballet Presents: Dracula 🩰🦇
October 30 at 7:30 PM & October 31 at 2 PM | Granada Theatre
Halloween with a dramatic twist! Step into the haunting world of Dracula as State Street Ballet brings this gothic classic to life with breathtaking choreography and live music from the Grammy Award-winning Kronos Quartet.
Annual Witchy Paddle 🧙♀️🌊
October 31 | 10:30 AM–Noon | Santa Barbara Harbor
Who needs a broomstick when you've got a paddleboard? Watch a coven of witches and warlocks take to the water for one of Santa Barbara's most delightfully quirky Halloween traditions. Better yet, grab your witch hat and join them!
Event details & registration →
Ghost Village Road 👻🍬
October 31 | 3–6 PM | Coast Village Road, Montecito
Coast Village Road transforms into Ghost Village Road! Dress up your little ghosts and goblins for an afternoon of trick-or-treating at local businesses, festive storefronts, and the Great Pumpkin Challenge.
Whether you're dressing up, dancing the night away, or watching witches paddle through the harbor, there's no shortage of Halloween magic around Santa Barbara. Pick your favorites, grab your costume, and get out there! 🎃
👋🏼 Dianne & Brianna Johnson, Village Properties
📞 805-455-6570 • 805-450-6078
💌 [email protected]
DRE 00947199 & 01943572
