When the ocean fog rolls in and the pumpkins line neighborhood porches, Ventura County transforms into a haven of Halloween magic. Here on the coast, we celebrate spooky season with a uniquely local twist—think witches on paddleboards, costume parades by the harbor, and haunted mazes that echo with screams. Whether you’re chasing family-friendly festivities or looking for spine-tingling scares, there’s something for every ghoul and goblin.
Get ready to fill your October calendar with unforgettable memories. Below is your ultimate guide to the top Halloween events happening around the county—so dust off your broomstick, grab a costume, and let’s dive into the Halloween happenings you won’t want to miss.
Table of Contents
Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights: Where Halloween Sets Sail
Saturday, October 26, 2025 | 10 AM – 4 PM
Channel Islands Harbor | 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035
The annual Parade of Frights at Channel Islands Harbor is one of Ventura County’s most beloved Halloween events. Picture a waterfront festival packed with pirates, superheroes, and sea creatures of all kinds. From trick-or-treating along the harbor’s shops to a thrilling costume parade, this event is perfect for families.
Highlights include:
•Children’s Costume Parade: Starts at 3 PM and winds along the waterfront promenade.
•Trick-or-Treat Stations: Businesses at the Harbor hand out candy and Halloween goodies.
•Spooky Boat Displays: Local boaters deck their vessels out in Halloween lights and décor.
•Free Family Fun Zone: Games, crafts, face painting, and more.
Tip: Arrive early for easy parking and to explore the Harbor’s local eateries and shops while you’re there.
The Witches Paddle: A Bewitching Sight at Ventura Harbor Village
Friday, October 24, 2025 | Launch Time: 4:00 PM
Ventura Harbor Village | 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Is it a mirage, or did you just spot a coven of witches floating across the sea? The Witches Paddle is one of the most unique Halloween events in Ventura County. Dozens of paddleboarders dressed in witch costumes glide across the Ventura Harbor waters, casting a festive spell over onlookers and locals alike.
What to Expect:
•Visual Spectacle: Watch as witches, warlocks, and mystical creatures paddle past in full costume.
•Great Photo Ops: The golden hour lighting and floating silhouettes make for Instagram-worthy shots.
•Family-Friendly Viewing Areas: Bring a chair and settle in near the harbor for a magical experience.
While the paddle is intended for experienced paddlers, it’s just as fun to cheer from the shoreline.
HOWL-O-Ween at Ventura Harbor Village: Halloween Goes to the Dogs
Saturday, October 25, 2025 | 12 PM – 2 PM
Ventura Harbor Village | 1583 Spinnaker Dr, Ventura, CA 93001
Paw-sitively adorable and packed with furry fun, HOWL-O-Ween at Ventura Harbor is one of the cutest Halloween events on the calendar. This canine costume contest invites dog lovers from all over Ventura County to dress their pups in their Halloween best.
Event Features:
•Dog Costume Contest: Judged by creativity, theme, and personality.
•Photo Booths: Capture the moment with your pet in festive backdrops.
•Pet-Friendly Vendors: Treats, toys, and accessories for your four-legged friends.
•Adoption Opportunities: Meet adoptable pets from local shelters and rescues.
This one’s perfect for families who treat their pets like kids (or better).
Reign of Terror Haunted House: Enter If You Dare
Open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October
Janss Marketplace | 197 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
For those who like their Halloween with a side of terror, Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks is not for the faint of heart. With over 130 rooms of professional-grade scares, live actors, realistic effects, and eerie ambiance, this haunted attraction is one of the largest and most highly rated in Southern California.
Haunted Attractions Include:
•The Asylum
•Infected
•The Fun House
•Un-Hallowed Ground
•…and several more!
Timed-entry tickets help avoid long wait lines, and VIP passes are available for those who want to skip straight to the screams. Proceeds support local charities, making it a scare for a cause.
Halloween in the Park: Community, Costumes, and Candy
Thursday, October 31, 2025 | 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Community Center Park | 1605 Burnley St, Camarillo, CA 93010
Hosted by the Pleasant Valley Recreation & Park District, Halloween in the Park offers a safe and festive space for kids and families to celebrate Halloween night. This free event is one of the best neighborhood-style Halloween events in Ventura County, offering classic fun in a local setting.
Activities to Look Forward To:
•Trick-or-Treat Village
•Costume Contests for All Ages
•Pumpkin Decorating
•Inflatable Games and Obstacle Courses
•Live DJ and Entertainment
This event is ideal for families looking to celebrate on Halloween night in a walkable park environment. It’s a great alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating.
Nights of the Jack: A Spellbinding Pumpkin Wonderland Near Ventura County
While not technically in Ventura County, Nights of the Jack in Calabasas is just a short drive up Mulholland Highway—making it a perfect add-on to your Halloween Events itinerary. This family‑friendly immersive pumpkin experience transforms King Gillette Ranch into a glowing autumn spectacle that kids and adults love.
Event Details
•Dates: Select evenings from September 27 through November 2, 2025 (Note: check dates—some nights are closed, like October 14 & 28)
•Time: Grounds open at 6 PM; trail entry begins between 6:30–6:50 PM, with the trail closing at 9:15 PM and the event wrapping up by 10 PM
•Location: 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
•Admission: Tickets range from $29.99+ depending on the date and time, with kids under 3 entering free
Why It’s Worth the Drive for Halloween Events Fans
1.Mile‑Long Jack‑O’Lantern Trail
An enchanting walk through thousands of hand‑carved, illuminated pumpkins, showcasing intricate scenes and themed displays. The experience is spooky—but gently enough for younger visitors .
2.Family‑Friendly Activities
•Enjoy live pumpkin‑carving demos
•Snap Insta‑worthy photos
•Let kids pick Halloween souvenirs
•Get faces painted
•Experience carnival‑style games and Hay Maze exploration
3.Food, Drinks & Fall Atmosphere
•LA food trucks serving seasonal treats and warm drinks
•The Spookeasy bar offers craft cocktails, beer, and wine for the adults
4.Accessibility & Safety
Trail is on paved paths and ADA‑friendly, with pre‑show activities onsite. Bathrooms and parking pass (around $9.99) are available .
5.Not Too Scary, Perfectly Spooky
It’s designed to delight rather than terrify—ideal for families who want Halloween enchantment, not nightmares .
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring to these Halloween events?
Costumes are encouraged for both kids and adults! For outdoor events, bring sunscreen, water, a camera, and cash for vendors. For haunted attractions, comfortable shoes and a good set of nerves are recommended.
Are these Halloween events in Ventura County free?
Many of them are! Events like the Parade of Frights, Witches Paddle (as a spectator), HOWL-O-Ween, and Halloween in the Park are free to attend. Haunted attractions like Reign of Terror require ticket purchase.
Can I bring pets?
Check each event’s policy, but HOWL-O-Ween is specifically designed for pets. Most outdoor harbor events are dog-friendly as long as pets are leashed and well-behaved.
Where should I park?
Public parking is available at all event locations, but it’s recommended to arrive early—especially for Harbor Village and Channel Islands events, where spaces fill up fast.
Wrapping Up the Spooky Season
Ventura County may be known for its beaches and coastal charm, but during October, it becomes something else entirely—a playground for pumpkins, pirates, and spooky fun. From witchy paddle boards on the water to haunted houses that shake you to your core, these Halloween events in Ventura County offer something for everyone.
Whether you’re planning a full weekend of festive fun or looking for something to do on Halloween night, now you know where the magic is happening. Don’t forget to grab your pumpkin at one of the Best Pumpkin Patches in Ventura County! Mark your calendar, plan your costumes, and get ready for a wickedly good time on the coast.
Stay safe, stay spooky, and enjoy everything this Halloween season has to offer—right here in your own backyard.
