Find Halloween events in Berkeley

Families, skaters, and dog owners can dress up, compete, and join Halloween activities at City parks and recreation facilities throughout October.

Skate in costume after dark. Swim to find a pumpkin to decorate and take home. March in a kids’ costume parade. Or dress up your pup for a parade and contest. Some events are free, while others have a fee.

Register in advance for events that require registration. The Floating Pumpkin Patch does not offer on-site registration, so choose and reserve a swim session before it fills up.

Find a Halloween event from October 23 to 31 for your family, your skater, or your pooch. Review each event below for details or find more activities on the City events calendar.

Skateboard into the night, Oct. 23

Get on your board and throw down some sick tricks! Costumes are encouraged. Helmets are required.

Skaters can join a costume contest, a skate contest, an open skate session, and more. Throughout the event, we’ll give out skateboard prizes like wheels, boards, trucks, and stickers.

Dive into pumpkins at our floating patch, Oct. 24

Register in advance to swim among pumpkins, decorate them on the pool deck, and bring one home with you. Play cornhole and enjoy some poolside fun.

Dress up however you like on the pool deck, but you’ll need to shed your face paint and costume for proper swimwear before you enter the water. Register for one of three session times: 10:00 am - 11:30 am, 12:15 pm - 1:45 pm, 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm.

Kids’ parade and costume contest, Oct. 30

Kids in transitional kindergarten (TK) up to grade 5 can participate in costume contests and a parade.

Starting at 4 pm, the group will parade around San Pablo Park to show off their costumes, escorted by the Berkeley Police and other City staff. Then, at 5 pm, head to the auditorium where we’ll have a costume contest divided by grades from TK up to 5th grade.

Contestants will be judged in the following costume categories: Most Creative, Ugliest, and Scariest. First, second, and third-place winners from each category will receive certificates and a goodie bag.

Strut and howl at the dog parade, Oct. 31

Berkeley dogs and their owners will be able to parade around James Kenney Park. Afterward, we’ll crown winners for their getups, including categories for: Scariest, Cutest, Most Creative, and Best Doggie-Owner Duo.

Dogs must always be on a leash, be up-to-date on their rabies vaccinations, and behave safely around other dogs. Dogs displaying aggressive behavior will be asked to leave.

Getting to recreation events

To travel to these events without a car, try the AC Transit's route planner, borrow an e-bike or scooter, or bicycle using our bike boulevards.

This event is organized by the City's Parks, Recreation, and Waterfront Department, which offers a variety of camps, classes, and activities for people of all ages and backgrounds. Check our events calendar for more ways to get involved.

Find a Halloween event for your family, your skater, or even your dog from October 23–31 and register in advance when required.

Berkeley Halloween events

• Friday, October 23: Halloween Skate Jam
• Saturday, October 24: Floating Pumpkin Patch
• Friday, October 30: Halloween Parade and Costume Contest (TK-5th grade)
• Saturday, October 31: Halloween Howl Dog Parade and Costume Contest