Halloween events in Berkeley for everyone, 2023

Halloween in Berkeley means our parks, pool, and community centers have events for a variety of ages and interests.  

For those who dress up, we have parades and costume contests for young kids -- or even one for dogs and their owners. You can also get decked out in character and then shred at our skatepark.

If pools are your playground of choice, jump in the water at our floating pumpkin patch. Or you can show off your cool costume from the pool deck.

Those seeking a scare can dare to traverse our haunted house.

Whether you're young or old, dressed up or not, there are Halloween events for you and your family to enjoy in Berkeley.

Dive into pumpkins at our floating patch, Oct. 28

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 garb for proper swimwear before you enter the water. Register for one of three session times: 10:00 am - noon, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm.

Strut and howl at the dog parade, Oct. 28

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: spookiest, cutest, most creative, and best doggie-owner duo.

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

Skateboard into the night, Oct. 28

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

The Skate Jam will also have a costume contest, a skate trick contest, and a race. Throughout the event we’ll give out skateboard prizes: wheels, boards, trucks, and stickers.

Parade and kids’ costume contest, Oct. 31

Dress up and join others from Berkeley in a parade. Kids in kindergarten up to 5th grade can participate in a costume contest.

Starting at 4 pm, the group will stroll around San Pablo Park to show off their costumes. At 5 pm, head to the auditorium, where we’ll have a contest divided by kindergarten up to 5th grade for costumes that are the scariest, cutest, and most creative. 

First, second, and third-place winners from each category will receive certificates.

Experience the haunted house thrills, Oct. 31

After the parade, head to MLK Jr. Youth Services Center if you're looking for something a little more frightful. Twist and turn your way through a haunted house with a Clown Room, Insane Room, Alien World, Corn Field, and the Graveyard.

Enjoy additional activities, including music, popcorn and cotton candy, a photo booth, and jumpers for the little ones, age 5 to 10. Kids will receive a goody bag with treats.

Guests must remove all costume masks and hoods before entering the haunted house. They may not touch or hit the characters. Security will be on site.

These events are organized by the City of Berkeley's Recreation Division, which offers dozens of camps, classes, and other activities for participants of all ages. Learn more and sign up via our registration portal and see more opportunities on our events calendar.

To get to these events without a car, you can use AC Transit's route planner. Or bike there using our bike boulevards.

Dress up. Seek a fright. Parade your pooch. Or swim among the gourds.  Whether you prefer our parks, pools, or community centers, we have a Berkeley Halloween event for you.

Links

• Saturday, October 28:
  • Floating Pumpkin Patch
  • Halloween Howl Dog Parade & Costume Contest
  • Halloween Skate Jam
• Tuesday, October 31:
  • Halloween Parade and Costume Contest
  • House of Screams Haunted House