San Diego goes big on Día de los Muertos this weekend, with Old Town leading the way. Add a haunted trail in Balboa Park, a 21+ museum night and a Gaslamp zombie crawl, and you've got a full weekend.
Plans change, especially around Halloween, so check the organizer’s link before you head out.
Friday, Oct 30
Secret Society of Adultologists (21+)
- When: Fri Oct 30, 6–11 PM
- Where: San Diego Natural History Museum, Balboa Park
- Cost: $55 ($45 members); VIP $100 ($85 members)
- Info: www.sdnhm.org
An after-hours Halloween party among the exhibits. Bring ID; costumes can’t cover your face.
The Haunted Trail of Balboa Park
- When: Fri Oct 30, 6:30–11:55 PM (runs through Nov 1)
- Where: Balboa Park
- Cost: From $34.99; Fast Pass $49.99; VIP $99.99
- Info: hauntedtrail.net
A mile-long scare trail plus the eXperiment Maze. Saturday and Sunday hours: confirm on the official site.
Saturday–Sunday
Old Town Día de los Muertos (our pick)
- When: Sat Oct 31, 10 AM–7 PM; Sun Nov 1, 10 AM–5 PM; candlelit procession Mon Nov 2, 6 PM
- Where: Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and San Diego Ave.
- Cost: Free (paid parking in State Park lots; overflow at the Caltrans lot, 4300 Taylor St.)
- Info: www.oldtownsandiego.org
More than 40 altars, a weekend mercado on San Diego Ave. and Harney St., and the Catrina contest Sunday at 2 PM. State Park activities run 10 AM–5 PM both days.
San Diego Zombie Crawl (21+)
- When: Fri–Sat Oct 30–31, 6 PM–2 AM
- Where: Check-in at American Junkie, 628 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter
- Cost: From about $39
- Info: gaslamp.org
Entry to 25-plus venues, welcome shots and drink deals downtown.
LEGOLAND Brick-or-Treat
- When: Sat–Sun Oct 31–Nov 1; Halloween fun from 3 PM to park close
- Where: LEGOLAND California, Carlsbad
- Cost: Included with park admission
- Info: www.legoland.com
Candy stations and costumes around the park. The final weekend of the season. Park closing time: confirm on the official site.
Have a SD event we should know about? Send it our way, and have a happy (and safe) Halloween.