After a long and arid summer, we Sacramento locals love it when fall comes around. The soft breezes, fall foliage, and cool weather create a fantastic autumn. Sacramento and local events go hand in hand, and the fall season is no different. Check out this list of everything to do from Halloween until after Thanksgiving!
Bar Crawls
For our 21+ friends, Halloween is one of the best times to let loose and get into the spirit by dressing up and grabbing a drink. What better way than a bar crawl? Check out our three favorites happening this Halloween:
When: Friday, October 27th & Saturday, October 28th
Where: The Zebra Club
Address: 1900 P St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $10 – $15
With over $1,000 in prizes, free drinks and specials at various Sac venues, AND an after-party, there’s no question why hundreds flock to this crawl every year.
Trick or Drink: Sacramento Halloween Bar Crawl - Get Tickets
When: October 27th, 27th, & 31st
Where: Tipsy Putt
Address: 630 K St. #120, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $15 – $45
Look no further if you’re looking for a non-stop party during your Halloweekend. Spanning 3 days, this crawl features tons of food and drink specials, free entry to some of the best bars in Sacramento, and, of course, Tricks and Drinks.
The Haunted Hotel Costume Ball - Get Tickets
When: Saturday, October 28th
Where: Sheraton Grand Sacramento Hotel
Address: 1230 J St, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $23 – $369 (VIP)
For those who see Halloween as just another cosplay convention, this is the Halloween party for you. Featuring Northern CA DJs, giant VIP tables, drink specials, complimentary refreshments, and, of course, a grand costume contest, you’re not going to want to miss it.
Boo at the Sacramento Zoo
When: Dates for 2023 are still TBD
Where: The Sacramento Zoo
Address: 2920 West Land Park Drive, Sacramento, CA
Cost: Starting at $10
You will definitely want to see the Sacramento Zoo’s Halloween transformation.
Every Halloween, the zoo morphs into a multi-day Halloween festival filled with family-friendly activities, including arts and crafts, pumpkin bowling, live entertainment, treat stations, a nightly costume parade, and tons more!
Hocus Pocus at Crest Theater - Get Tickets
When: Sunday, October 29, 3-5 PM
Where: The Crest Theater
Address: 1013 K St., Sacramento, CA
Cost: FREE!
In 1912, the Crest Theater opened as a vaudeville palace but now features everything from cinema to live stage shows.
Every year, they open up their doors to kids and adults alike and invite them to watch a screening of the Halloween classic, Hocus Pocus. You can also enjoy treats and activities in the lobby while you wait for the show to start.
Haunted Houses
We couldn’t leave out the horror from Halloween, and there’s no better way to celebrate than a haunted house. Luckily, there are tons here in Sac. Here are our favorites:
Heartstoppers Haunted House - Get Tickets
When: September 29th - October 31st (13 Nights Total)
Where: Heartstoppers Haunted House
Address: 2300 Mine Shaft Ln Rancho Cordova CA 95742
Cost: Starting at $33
As one of the highest-rated and longest-running haunted houses in Sac, there’s no surprise it’s returning this year for another 13 spooky nights of fun.
They have four different “haunts” to choose from + a ghost town carnival:
- Deadlands
- The Ward
- Blightwoods
- Misery Mine
Sacramento Ultimate Terror Scream Park - Get Tickets
When: September 23rd - November 5th (41 Nights Total)
Where: Haunted House Sacramento
Address: 4909 Auburn Blvd Suite 3, Sacramento, CA
Cost: $19.99 – $32.99
As the most extensive haunted house event in Sacramento, Scream Park will have you shaking in your boots but still wanting more.
They have four attractions (including a new one debuting this year) + tons of other special/themed day events. Even for kids!
Attractions:
- Swamplands Hollow
- Happy Days Asylum
- House of Phobia - Rise of Monsters
- NEW - The Haunted Schoolhouse
Cemetarium Haunted House Attraction - Get Tickets
When: October 21st – 31st (11 Nights Total)
Where: Cemetarium Haunted House
Address: 6826 Hazel Ave, Orangevale, CA 95662
Cost: Starting at $5
Great for all ages, this haunting event has something for everyone. From a scary haunted house for all ages to non-scary experiences for your little one, all will have fun.
Besides the Cemetarium itself, the grounds have two other attractions, including The Psycho Circus and Zombie Heights + a mini haunt for the kiddos.
Sacramento Harvest Festival - Get Tickets
When: November 17th – 19th
Where: Cal Expo - Pavilion
Address: 1600 Exposition Blvd. Sacramento, CA
Cost: FREE - $9
Hosting “the original arts and crafts show” plus a bunch of other entertainment, food, and drinks, the Sacramento Harvest Festival is just plain fun.
Happening the weekend before Thanksgiving, this event offers hundreds of vendors -- plenty of time to do holiday shopping!
Apple Hill
When: Any weekend this fall
Where: Apple Hill
Address: 2952 Carson Rd #1, Placerville, CA 95667
Cost: Free to visit; event & vendor costs may vary
Indulge in a local Autumn tradition by spending a fall day in Apple Hill. They have over 50 ranches, some of which offer a U-pick event where you can enjoy upwards of 50 different varieties of apples. But that’s not all.
The area is also full of amazing vendors selling souvenirs, locally made arts and crafts, and delicious food and drink – including apple beers!
Visit A Pumpkin Farm
If you don’t get your pumpkin at Apple Hill, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to find one and decorate. Sacramento has an abundance of pumpkin farms literally ripe for the picking, so get out there and check out these four must visits:
Pumpkin Patch Express - Get Tickets
When: Throughout September and October
Where: Yolo County Farmland
Address: 18095 County Road 117, West Sacramento, CA
Cost: $59.95
If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, the Pumpkin Patch Express is an excellent way for kids and the whole family to pick up pumpkins, play games, participate in costume contests, and enjoy the amenities and treats scattered throughout.
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm - Get Tickets
When: Open 7 days a week from September 9th – November 5th (Hours vary)
Where: Bishops Pumpkin Farm
Address: 1415 Pumpkin Ln, Wheatland, CA
Cost: Admission is free; attraction ticket prices vary
Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm might as well be an amusement park when it comes to fall. They have nine ticketed attractions, plus eight other free things to do, as well as tons of entertainment and shopping; your day will fly by.
Little Field Farms
When: Opens up for the season on September 23rd
Where: Little Field Farms
Address: 9000 Horseshoe Bar Road, Loomis, CA
Cost: Admission is free, vending and attractions may vary
Little Field Farms has been in operation since 1857 – over 166 years! Although they began with Mandarin Oranges and other produce, a little over five years ago they introduced their pumpkin patch, which has since become a local staple. They even have a pumpkin launcher!
Dave’s Pumpkin Patch - Get Tickets
When: Opens for the season on September 23rd
Where: Vierra Farms
Address: 3010 Burrows Ave, West Sacramento, CA
Cost: Admission is free; attraction ticket prices vary
People flock yearly to Vierra Farms to enjoy Dave’s Pumpkin Patch and see what’s new. Whether it’s the renovated corn maze design or Dave’s trusted apple cider cinnamon donuts, every guest has opportunities for happiness and memories.
Fall Foliage on the Sacramento River - Cruise Tickets
When: Anytime this fall (Leaves change color in late September, peaking in mid-October)
Where: Sacramento River
Address: 20 28th St, Sacramento, CA (Sutter’s Landing Beach)
Cost: Free! Paid cruises and tours are also available.
As the largest watershed in California, the Sacramento River covers over 27,000 miles, about 30% of the state’s surface water! You can enjoy the numerous parks and marinas or take a day cruise from City Experiences and enjoy drinks, the beautiful delta breeze, and the changing fall foliage along the shore.