By Patch
Everyone's favorite holiday for dressing up, scaring their friends, and eating candy is upon us again and we couldn't be more excited. Thankfully San Francisco is serious about Halloween so it'll be a creepy calendar of good times this October. Here are 14 things to do this Halloween to get in the spooky spirit.
1. Stow Lake
Photo Credit: Derek Quessenberry
What better way to celebrate ghosts and ghouls than going to find one? Stow Lake houses the notorious White Lady. Stick around past sunset and she might ask you where her baby is.
2. Fear Overload Scream Park
Photo Credit: Fear Overload Scream Park
Of course, waiting around at night for ghosts isn't everyone's jam. That's why SF brings the haunted houses - and hard. This pair of haunted houses is not for the faint of heart: one takes place inside a serial killer's mind, and in the other you only have a flashlight to see. You've been warned.
3. Ghost Ship
Thunderdome, one of the attractions to be found at this year's Ghost Ship, photo credit Ghost Ship Halloween
Arguably the Bay's biggest Halloween nightlife hit, the annual party Ghost Ship is a DJ-scored immersive art installation party featuring "interactive kinetic games and sculptures." This year is Atlantis-themed, so pack your oxygen tank.
4. Crawloween: San Francisco Halloween Pub Crawl
Photo Credit: Mayes Oyster House, one of the participants in Crawloween
And if you're looking to get spooky before a long night of scares, Crawloween offers a large-scale bar crawl, costumes encouraged. "Think of it as Trick or Treating…for adults."
5. SF Costume Dash 5K
Photo Credit: active.com
Speaking of costumes, this fun race includes a costume contest and free gifts! The morning of October 30, it's the perfect pregame to a spooky Halloween.
6. Clancy's Pumpkin Patch
Photo Credit: Whimsy Soul
But there's plenty of family-friendly fun in SF, too! Visit this local three-generation pumpkin patch for a corn maze, hay rides, and of course, pumpkin carving!
7. Free Day at The Exploratorium
photo credit Bruce Damonte
The beloved interactive museum is opening its doors for free on October 30. Bring the family and show up early to make sure you get in!
8. Arcane: A Tale of All Hallows' Eve
photo credit Natalia Perez
Company C Contemporary Ballet is bringing back its annual one-hour, family-friendly ballet about the star at the top of the harvest moon that descends to Earth each Halloween. An original story compiled from many cultures' mythologies, it's sure to be a treat.
9. Dudamel Conducts the LA Philharmonic
And if it's culture you're after this Halloween, the world-renowned conductor Gustavo Dudamel is bringing Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4 to the Davies Symphony Hall on Halloween. Buy your tickets while you still can.
10. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
photo credit 20th Century Fox
If you're looking for something to do Halloween night, head over to The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall for an interactive screening of the cult classic that needs no description.
11. The Rocky Horror Show
If Rocky Horror's your thing (or if you're yet to experience the Time Warp), you can also see it live at the Victoria Theatre in Ray of Light Theatre's Halloween-time production.
12. Beach Blanket Babylon
An SF classic that boasts being the longest running musical revue in the world, Beach Blanket Babylon has fabulous costumes all year round, not just in October. Still, could there be a better time to go?
13. Hedwig and the Angry Inch
photo credit Joan Marcus
And last but certainly not least, the rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch is currently playing at SHN Golden Gate Theatre, starring Darren Criss, who you can meet after Sunday matinee performances exclusively through TodayTix! Happy Halloween! Celebrate responsibly. Looking for something slightly less spooky? Check out these other shows playing this October in San Francisco.