Halloween events in Santa Barbara County, from Santa Barbara to the Santa Ynez Valley. Use the finder to compare attraction types and the host’s age guidance before planning a visit.
SoCal Spooky lists 5 Halloween events and spooky places in Santa Barbara County for 2026, across 2 cities and neighborhoods. 1 is free. The season here runs from Oct. 22 to Oct. 29. The biggest groups are haunted houses, music events and trunk-or-treats. Schedules vary by host, so check each listing’s official site before you go.
Fri. Oct. 23, 2026 · public 7–9pm (5–7pm junior high students only)
Santa Barbara · Haunted House · 12+ (host fright level)
One night only: the Santa Barbara Police Activities League and Santa Barbara Junior High put on a haunted house beneath the school. 5–7pm is for junior high students only; 7–9pm is open to the public. Rated Fright Level 12+, with narrow hallways, strobe lights, loud noises and immersive scares. Not recommended for young children. Buy tickets ahead or at the door.
Santa Barbara Junior High School, 721 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Solvang Parks & Rec’s 32nd annual Halloween haunt: a haunted maze inside the open-air Solvang Festival Theater, themed “Nightmares” this year. The first half hour (6–6:30pm) is kid-friendlier. Tickets are sold at the door only.
Solvang Festival Theater, 420 Second St, Solvang, CA 93463
The Santa Barbara Zoo’s first-ever Adult Night, a 21+ Halloween party with drag hosts Pam Cakez and Maple, a DJ and dance floor, an animal encounter, cocktails, food trucks, a photo booth, beer and wine tastings and a costume contest. It needs its own ticket (not daytime zoo admission) and tickets can’t be refunded. No full-face masks, full-face paint or realistic weapons. The gate reopens at 5:45pm.
Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
A free, family-friendly outdoor trunk-or-treat from Santa Barbara PAL, the Santa Barbara Police Department and City Parks & Rec. Costumes encouraged. Bring your own bag for candy.
Spencer Adams Parking Lot, 1212 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Halloween after dark at the Santa Barbara Zoo: trick-or-treating, bounce houses, a DJ and dance floor, Zoo Train rides, a costume contest at 5:30pm and an animal encounter at 6:30pm. Separate ticket from daytime admission; tickets can be swapped to another Nighttime Boo date if there’s space, but not refunded. Kids must come with an adult. The zoo closes at 3:30pm on these days and the gate reopens at 4:45pm.
Santa Barbara Zoo, 500 Niños Dr, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
Choose the family filter in the finder, then read the host’s age guidance. Family suitability does not guarantee that every child will enjoy an attraction.
Which places are open on a particular date?
Season date ranges can include selected nights and closures. Check the source calendar; a date range is not a daily opening schedule.
Why aren’t ticket prices listed?
Prices change through the season, so we don’t list them. Follow each listing’s official site for current tickets and availability.
How many Halloween events are in Santa Barbara County in 2026?
SoCal Spooky lists 5: 2 haunted houses, 1 music event, 1 trunk-or-treat and 1 other spooky event.
When does Halloween season start in Santa Barbara County?
The earliest listing starts Oct. 22 and the latest runs through Oct. 29. Each listing shows its own dates.
Are there free Halloween events in Santa Barbara County?
Yes, 1: SB PAL Trunk-or-Treat — Santa Barbara.
Are there family-friendly Halloween events in Santa Barbara County?
Yes. These are listed as good for families: Nighttime Boo at the Zoo — Santa Barbara Zoo and Solvang Halloween Haunt: “Nightmares” — Solvang Festival Theater.
