Where to Trick-or-Treat 🎃 in San Francisco
Halloween in San Francisco is a neighborhood affair. From elaborately decorated Victorians and beloved residential traditions to merchant trick-or-treat trails and family-friendly festivals, the city offers plenty of ways to get into the spirit. Whether your little ghosts and goblins are ready for a serious candy haul or you're simply looking for a festive afternoon close to home, there's a Halloween adventure waiting somewhere in the city.
Halloween falls on Saturday, October 31, 2026, which means a full weekend of spooky fun. Here are some neighborhood favorites, organized events and practical tips to help you plan your route.
Classic San Francisco Neighborhoods for Trick-or-Treating
Some of the city's best Halloween traditions happen right on residential streets. Neighbors deck out their homes, pumpkins line the steps, and costumed kids take over the sidewalks. Just remember that participation varies from block to block, so check local announcements before making a special trip.
Cole Valley: Belvedere Street
Belvedere Street has long been a Halloween favorite, with elaborate decorations and a festive atmosphere that draws families from across the city. The stretch between 17th Street and Parnassus Avenue is particularly popular.
Expect crowds, creative costumes and plenty of Halloween spirit. If you're bringing younger children, consider arriving earlier in the evening, and be prepared for a busy walk.
Noe Valley: Fair Oaks Street
Noe Valley's Fair Oaks Street is another neighborhood favorite, known for its charming homes and enthusiastic Halloween participation. The stretch between 21st and 26th streets has traditionally attracted costumed crowds and decorated front steps.
It's a quintessential San Francisco Halloween scene: families out walking, neighbors greeting one another, and plenty of opportunities to admire the city's residential architecture along the way. Confirm local plans before heading out, as street closures and activities can vary from year to year.
North of the Panhandle: Grove Street
In NoPa, Grove Street has been a gathering place for neighborhood Halloween celebrations. Residents have embraced the occasion with glowing pumpkins, spooky displays and a lively parade of trick-or-treaters.
Check neighborhood announcements for the exact blocks and any planned traffic restrictions before setting out.
Inner Richmond: Lake Street
With leafy sidewalks, classic San Francisco homes and a strong residential feel, Lake Street is worth considering for a Halloween stroll. Some blocks have traditionally attracted plenty of trick-or-treaters and decorated homes.
As with any residential route, candy stops aren't guaranteed at every door. Look for local recommendations closer to Halloween, and be mindful of traffic on blocks that aren't officially closed.
The Sunset and Parkside
The Sunset's residential streets offer another option for families who want to explore decorated homes and enjoy a neighborhood Halloween atmosphere. Check local announcements for participating blocks and permitted street closures.
The neighborhood is also home to one of the city's more unusual Halloween celebrations: The Great Hauntway, which brings trick-or-treating and family entertainment to the coast.
West Portal
West Portal has a long history of Halloween celebrations, with families gathering around the neighborhood's residential streets and commercial district. Its walkable layout makes it a natural place to combine a little trick-or-treating with a stop for a snack or an early dinner.
Look for updated announcements from local merchants and neighborhood groups before making plans, particularly if you're hoping to find a specific haunted house or organized block party.
Bernal Heights: Cortland Avenue
Cortland Avenue is the heart of Bernal Heights' commercial district, making it a natural starting point for a Halloween outing. Local businesses and neighborhood groups have organized seasonal festivities in the past, offering an alternative to going door to door on residential streets.
Check with the Cortland Avenue merchants and neighborhood organizations for this year's confirmed activities.
St. Francis Wood and Sea Cliff
For families who enjoy elaborate decorations and a more leisurely walk between homes, St. Francis Wood and Sea Cliff may be worth exploring. Both neighborhoods have beautiful residential architecture, and individual homeowners sometimes go all out for Halloween.
These are less about a guaranteed, concentrated candy route and more about enjoying the displays. Plan for longer walks between houses, and don't assume every home is participating.
Organized Halloween Events Around San Francisco
Prefer a planned event over figuring out which doors might have candy? These gatherings offer a different way to celebrate, whether you're introducing a toddler to Halloween or looking for an afternoon activity before the main event.
The Great Hauntway — Sunday, October 25
Where: Sunset Dunes, along the Great Highway, from Judah Street to Taraval Street
When: 1–4 p.m.
Cost: Free
The Great Hauntway brings Halloween fun to San Francisco's western edge, with beachside trick-or-treating, performers, music and family activities. Past programming has included bounce houses and other kid-friendly entertainment.
It's a particularly fun option for families who want to combine Halloween costumes with a coastal outing. The setting is a little different from a traditional residential candy route, and the daytime schedule can be a welcome option for younger children.
Check the event organizer's website for the latest program details before you go. Public transit or biking is worth considering, as parking in the surrounding neighborhood can be limited.
Halloween on Hayes — Friday, October 30
Where: Hayes Valley, including the Hayes Promenade and PROXY
When: Trick-or-treating from 4–6 p.m.; outdoor movie scheduled for 7:30–9 p.m.
Hayes Valley offers a chance to celebrate Halloween while supporting local businesses. Halloween on Hayes has a merchant trick-or-treat trail, with participating businesses welcoming costumed visitors, along with entertainment, food and shopping.
The evening is scheduled to wrap up with a free outdoor movie at PROXY. It's a good choice for families who want to make a full evening of it, or for anyone who prefers a commercial district to a residential door-to-door route.
Check the Hayes Valley event announcements for the final schedule and movie details.
Scaregrove at Sigmund Stern Grove — Friday, October 30
Where: Sigmund Stern Grove
When: 3–9 p.m.
Cost: Free
San Francisco Recreation and Parks lists Scaregrove as a family Halloween event featuring seasonal activities in the park. It offers a chance to enjoy the holiday outdoors, with activities scheduled through the afternoon and evening.
Check the San Francisco Recreation and Parks calendar for the confirmed program, activity details and any age recommendations before heading over.
BalBOOa Fright Fest — Saturday, October 31
Where: Balboa Street, between 33rd and 41st avenues
When: 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Balboa Street's annual Fright Fest brings Halloween to the Outer Richmond's commercial corridor. The planned festivities include merchant trick-or-treating, a scavenger hunt, games and pumpkin painting.
It's a good option for families who want a daytime outing, and an opportunity to explore a neighborhood shopping district while picking up treats along the way.
Check local event announcements for the final schedule and participating businesses.
Boo at the Zoo — Saturday, October 31
Where: San Francisco Zoo
When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Cost: Included with daytime zoo admission or membership
For animal lovers, Boo at the Zoo adds a Halloween twist to a day at the zoo. The scheduled festivities include a costume parade, a trick-or-treat station, crafts and animal enrichment activities.
It's a natural choice for younger children who might prefer a daytime event to an evening of walking from house to house. Standard zoo admission or membership is required, so check the San Francisco Zoo website for current admission prices, event details and any changes to the schedule.
How to Choose Your Halloween Route
San Francisco has no shortage of Halloween spirit, but the best destination depends on the kind of outing you're planning.
For younger children: Consider daytime events such as Boo at the Zoo, BalBOOa Fright Fest or the Great Hauntway. Earlier hours can make for a more relaxed outing.
For a classic neighborhood experience: Start with residential favorites such as Cole Valley, Noe Valley or the Inner Richmond, and check local announcements for participating blocks.
For a merchant-based trick-or-treat: Halloween on Hayes offers a chance to visit local businesses and enjoy additional entertainment.
For elaborate decorations: Explore residential streets known for Halloween displays, while allowing extra time to walk between homes.
For a full afternoon or evening out: Combine a neighborhood stroll with a festival, a meal or a stop at a local business.
A little advance planning goes a long way. Popular streets and organized events can get crowded, so think about transportation, walking distances and your children's stamina before setting out.
A Few Practical Tips Before You Go
Confirm street closures. San Francisco's Municipal Transportation Agency maintains information about its trick-or-treat street-closure program. A permitted closure means a street is closed to through-traffic; it doesn't necessarily mean there's an organized festival or that every home will distribute candy.
Check event details before leaving home. Dates, times, participating businesses and activities can change. Follow the official organizer or neighborhood association for last-minute updates.
Plan your transportation. Street closures and crowds can make parking difficult. Muni, walking and biking may be more convenient for some destinations.
Make visibility part of the costume. Reflective details, glow sticks or small lights can help children stand out as the afternoon turns to evening. Keep an eye on intersections, even on familiar neighborhood streets.
Be a considerate guest. Stick to public sidewalks, respect private property, and follow posted event guidelines. Not every household participates in Halloween, and that's part of the neighborhood mix.