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 halloween events and 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.
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Channel Islands Harbor Parade of Frights: Where Halloween Sets Sail
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3 PM – 8 PM (boat parade at 7 PM) Channel Islands Harbor | 3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard, CA 93035
The 5th 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, with family-friendly activities on land all afternoon and free candy for the kids. Then as the sun goes down, decorated boats light up the harbor for the spooky boat parade.
Highlights include:
- Pumpkin Paddle: 10 AM (see below)
- Family-friendly landside activities: starting at 3 PM
- Free candy and trick-or-treat fun
- Halloween Boat Parade: 7 PM
Channel Islands Harbor Pumpkin Paddle: Costumes, Kayaks & Coastal Fun
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 10 AM – 12 PM Location: Launching from the East Bank Day Dock between Fisherman’s Wharf and the public launch ramp. Route: Paddle to the docks at Peninsula Park
If you thought witches were the only ones taking to the water, think again. After a fun first year, the 2nd Annual Channel Islands Harbor Pumpkin Paddle is set for Saturday, October 24 at 10:00 a.m. Grab your kayak or stand-up paddleboard and take part in a festive paddle to the docks at Peninsula Park.
Participants are encouraged to wear their most creative Halloween costumes – even while on the water. After the paddle, a costume contest awaits, with winners taking home gift cards to dine at local Harbor businesses. Registered paddlers get a pair of festive pumpkin sunglasses and other Harbor giveaways. Then stick around for the Parade of Frights that evening for a full day of Halloween fun at the Harbor.
Tip: Register in advance to get your giveaway! Register here!
The Witches Paddle: A Bewitching Sight at Ventura Harbor Village
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (group photo at 3:30 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 8th Annual Ventura Harbor 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: Paddlers gather for a group photo at 3:30 PM near the Ventura Harbor sign on the promenade.
- Family-Friendly Viewing Areas: Bring a chair and find a spot along the Ventura Harbor Village promenade.
Want to paddle? All participants must RSVP in advance. Bring your own board or kayak, or rent one from Ventura Boat Rentals (arrive early – rentals go fast). Those with their own gear can launch from “C” Dock, Harbor Cove Beach or the public launch ramp. Not a paddler? It’s just as fun to cheer from the shoreline. Event details and RSVP
HOWL-O-Ween at Ventura Harbor Village: Halloween Event Goes to the Dogs
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 12 PM – 2 PM Ventura Harbor Village Main Lawn | 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 dog costume contest invites dog lovers from all over Ventura County to dress their pups in their Halloween best.
Event Features:
- Dog Costume Contest: Categories include Best in Show, Spookiest, Most Sea-Worthy, Most On-Trend and Most Creative.
- Prizes for Every Pup: Every registered dog gets a goodie bag and a pup cream coupon from Coastal Cone, and five grand prize winners take home prizes from Harbor businesses.
- Professional Photographer: Capture the moment with your pet in costume.
- Pup Parade: After judging, join the costumed parade down the waterfront promenade.
Good to know: The contest is limited to the first 75 dogs. Online registration opens about one week before the event, and a few day-of spots open at 11:30 AM at the check-in booth. Spectator pups are always welcome! Event details
This one’s perfect for families who treat their pets like kids (or better).
Reign of Terror Haunted House: Enter If You Dare
September 25 – November 1, 2026 | 18 select nights, Thursdays – Sundays | 7 PM – 10 or 11 PM Janss Marketplace | 285 N. Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360 (across from the parking structure, free parking)
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 145 rooms across 35,000 square feet, live actors, realistic effects, and eerie ambiance, this haunted attraction is the largest indoor walk-through haunted house in Southern California.
Haunted Attractions Include:
- NEW for 2026: Backwoods
- NEW for 2026: The Hotel
- A completely reimagined Funhouse
- …and 12 connected haunts in all!
Tickets: General admission is $39.99 on opening weekend (Sept 25-26), $44.99 on regular nights and $49.99 on premium nights (Oct 16, 17, 23, 24, 30, 31). Skip-the-line tickets start at $64.99. Tickets are timed in 30-minute arrival windows, and all sales are final. Brave souls can come back Sunday, November 1 for “Lights OUT,” when you walk the whole haunt in total darkness. Purchase Tickets
Train of Terror at Ventura Beach RV Resort: Three Weekends of Spooky Fun
2026 dates not yet announced (last year ran three October weekends, Fridays – Sundays) 800 West Main Street | Ventura, CA 93001
If you’re looking for Halloween events that combine family fun with a hint of fright, keep an eye on the Ventura Beach RV Resort for their annual Train of Terror celebration. This spooky seasonal favorite has run for three weekends, bringing a mix of thrills and lighthearted scares to the coast.
Festivities Have Included:
- Costume contest (all ages)
- Site decorating contest
- Food vendors
- Movies under the stars
The Train of Terror is perfect for families, RV travelers, or anyone looking to experience Halloween in true Ventura fashion – relaxed, community-driven, and filled with festive charm. Sites tend to fill quickly, so call 805-643-9137 or visit Ventura Beach RV Resort for this year’s dates and reservations.
Halloween in the Park: Community, Costumes, and Candy
Wednesday, October 28, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Community Center Park | 1605 E. 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. 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-treating throughout the event
- Costume contest (starts at 6 PM)
- Games and crafts
- Food trucks (food and drinks available for purchase)
This event is ideal for families looking for a walkable park celebration during Halloween week. It’s a great alternative to door-to-door trick-or-treating. Event details
Nights of the Jack: A Spellbinding Pumpkin Wonderland Near Ventura County
While not technically in Ventura County, Night 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, and for its 9th season it has been reimagined from beginning to end.
Event Details
- Dates: 30 nights from Friday, September 25 through Sunday, November 1, 2026. Open Sept 25-27, Oct 1-4, Oct 7-11, Oct 14-18 and Oct 20 – Nov 1 (closed the other nights).
- Time: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM. Timed tickets are required, and the trail closes at 9:15 PM.
- Location: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
- Admission: Tickets start at $29.35 and parking passes at $15.98 (both including fees). Parking passes must be bought in advance – none are sold onsite. Buy tickets here
Why It’s Worth the Drive for Halloween Events Fans
- A Brand-New Jack-O’-Lantern Trail – An all-new trail layout with thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins, glowing lanterns, projection mapping and LED displays. It’s spooky – but gentle enough for younger visitors.
- NEW: First-Ever Carnival – Rides, inflatable attractions, classic carnival games and specialty treats.
- Food, Drinks & Fall Atmosphere – LA food trucks serving seasonal treats and warm drinks, and The Spookeasy bar with craft cocktails, beer, and wine for the adults (21+).
- 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 event season has to offer—right here in your own backyard.
