October brings not only shorter days and a chill in the air, but also the opportunity to get creative with pumpkins and scare yourself silly! Enjoy these festivities in Northern California, and see where the Capitol Corridor can take you.
Auburn Pumpkin Nights
At the far eastern end of the Capitol Corridor you’ll find an amazing display of more than 4,000 pumpkins and jack-o’-lanterns at Auburn’s Pumpkin Nights. Open October 13 through October 29, there’s something for everyone – artist pumpkin creations and carving stations, food and drinks, and kid-friendly fun including a hay bale maze, face painting, and a bike course. Costumes are welcome, and on weekend nights, catch the screenings of festive movies. Visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance, as a limited number are sold at the door.
Where? Gold Country Fairgrounds, 1273 High Street, Auburn
Getting there? Take the train to Auburn Station, which is a mile from the fairground by bike, Uber, Lyft, or cab.
Old Sacramento Underground Tours
This underground tour showcases the history that has been lying under the streets of Old Sacramento for more than 150 years. With tours every weekend until the end of the year, it’s an activity for families, groups, and school trips. Adult-only evening tours are also available, featuring an after dark experience that unfolds some of the racier secrets and darker tales of Old Sacramento history.
Where? California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Getting there? Take the train to the Sacramento Station , which is a short stroll to Old Sacramento and the Railroad Museum.
Spookomotive Train Ride
The Spookomotive appears normal from the outside, but inside is a fantastically decorated Halloween world. As a family event guests are welcome to participate in the experience by dressing up. Riders are treated to on-board entertainment and tasty Halloween snacks during the 45-minute trip. Furthermore, VIP guests will have the opportunity to visit the First Class Mad Scientist Laboratory! This special train runs every weekend till the end of October so book your seats soon.
Where? California State Railroad Museum, 125 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
Getting there? Take the train to the Sacramento Station , which is a short stroll to Old Sacramento and the Railroad Museum.
Albany Haunt
Get scared for a good cause! The Albany Haunt is open Sunday, October 29, 6:30-10pm and on Halloween, 6-9:30pm, with a full on scary version and a toned down version for the kids. Suggested donation is $5, and half of all donations will go to the Alameda County Food Bank.
Where? Albany Haunt, 1048 Peralta Ave, 94706 Albany
Getting there? Take the train to the Berkeley Station. From there, take Uber, Lyft, or cab to get to the house.
Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch
Located in Oakland, the Piedmont Avenue Pumpkin Patch is a family-friendly option for pumpkin picking and a haunted house thrill. At the patch you’ll find costume accessories, Halloween gifts and treats, carving tools, and of course pumpkins to take home with you! Open 8am to 8pm every day, there is a haunted house for adults, but can accommodate little ones with their “not-so-scary” tour.
Where? 4414 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Getting there? Take the train to the Oakland Jack London Station and take AC Transit Bus #12.
Jack O’Lantern Jamboree
For a kid friendly option, visit the Jack O’Lantern Jamboree at Fairyland October 28 and 29. Fairyland is a storybook theme park on the northern shore of Lake Meritt in Oakland. Kids can participate in crafts, storytelling and theater, and of course parade in their costumes. Spend the day at the event and explore the enduring magic of Fairyland.
Where? Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Avenue, Oakland
Getting there? Take the train to the Oakland Jack London Station where you can connect to AC Transit Bus #12. Or hop on the Broadway Free Shuttle that will drop you within a short walk to the park. You can also take Uber, Lyft, or a cab.
San Francisco Ghost Hunt Walking Tour
Although these tours run throughout the year, it’s always fun to go searching for spirits on a dark, chilly fall night. San Francisco Ghost Hunt is a long-standing walking tour showcasing the haunted hotels, homes, and corners of the city. The tour is 90 minutes long and takes place most nights. Be aware, slots fill up quickly this month, so book soon!
Where? Tour begins on the corner of Octavia and Bush St.
Getting there? Take the train to the Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station to transfer to the BART. You can then transfer to SF MUNI and take line #2, #3, or #4 bus to Octavia St.
Halloween Hoopla
Bring children 10 and under to the 17th Annual Halloween Hoopla in Yerba Buena Gardens. They will participate in unique crafts and Halloween themed activities, enjoy live musical performances, and show off their costumes in a parade! This year the hoopla will be held Sunday, October 29, from 12-2pm. Entry is free to everyone which makes it a great Sunday afternoon event!
Where? Esplanade, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission St. between 3rd & 4th Sts. San Francisco, CA
Getting there? Take the train to the Richmond or Oakland Coliseum Station to transfer to BART. Exit Powell station and make the five minute walk to the gardens.
Winchester Mystery House
The Winchester Mystery House is renowned in the Bay Area for its quirky layout, but it’s also known as one of America’s most legendary haunted mansions. Visit this Halloween to check out their new Explore More Tour, which has opened more rooms of this architectural wonder for visitor exploration. For a more festive experience, take a candle-lit tour of the mansion and see some the house’s more “active” rooms.
Where? 525 S Winchester Boulevard, San Jose
Getting there? Take the train to the San Jose/ Diridon Station. From there, walk to the VTA 323 stop (ride free using a Transit Transfer) which will drop you about a half mile from the house. Or catch an Uber, Lyft, or cab to the house.
Great America’s 10th Annual Halloween Haunt
Special Halloween edition of Great America is back! For those willing to brave the Haunt there will be mazes, rides, spooky scare zones, and of course, monsters roaming. The Haunt is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays until October 29. Prices are higher at the door so book online for discounted tickets.
Where? California’s Great America, 4701 Great America Pkwy, Santa Clara, CA 95054
Getting there? Take the train to the Santa Clara/Great America Station. Hop on the VTA light-rail to the Great America stop and from there make the short walk to the entrance. You can skip the connection and walk about 15 minutes from the Capitol Corridor station to the entrance.