Pumpkins & Plans: Get Ahead of Halloween 2024 in Carlsbad

If you're the type who's already swapping summer sandals for skeleton decorations, you've come to the right place. Carlsbad is rolling out the eerie events and family-friendly thrills now, and if you haven't started prepping, well...consider this your call to pull out the calendar. As one of Southern California’s top small towns for Halloween fun, Carlsbad is already rolling out places to keep your eye on.

Here are a few of our favorites – your best first step to making the most of Halloween this year.

The Pumpkin Plunge at Alga Norte Aquatic Center is back, blending the fun of fall with aquatic adventures. Families are invited to throw on their swimsuits and dive into a day of pool games, floating obstacles, and water-themed Halloween fun. The highlight? The Floating Pumpkin Patch, where kids can lasso their own pumpkin to take home—perfect for a memorable end to a hot summer.

Outside the pool there will also be dry activities like bounce houses, lawn games, and food and drink to keep the Halloween spirit alive on land as well. The event takes place on Saturday, October 19th from 5-8 p.m. and wristbands can be picked up in advance to avoid the lines.

If your family is ready to unleash their inner superhero this Halloween, look no further than the Super Hero Obstacle Race at Alga Norte Community Park. This 2K obstacle race invites parents and children to dress up as their favorite heroes and tackle a range of challenges. From leaping over “tall buildings” to crawling through toxic tunnels, the race is great for anyone who loves a hands-on adventure.

On Sunday, October 6th from 8-10 a.m., racers can take on 20 different obstacles spread across the park. Participants will conquer inflatable mazes, slides, and even web crawlers. At the end of the race each hero-in-training will receive a race-branded superhero cape, bib number, and finishing medal.

Halloween in Carlsbad isn’t just about tricks and treats—it’s also a time for reflection and honoring tradition. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is hosting an annual Día de los Muertos celebration, offering a cultural experience steeped in history and reverence. Families wil be invited to explore the beautifully decorated adobe hacienda, where a traditional ofrenda table dedicated to the Carrillo family will be on display. Adorned with marigolds, personal mementos, and favorite foods of the departed, the ofrenda is a central piece of the celebration.

Slated for the week after Halloween, Dia de los Muertos is a meaningful way to celebrate life, memory, and community while diving into the haunted and festive spirit of the season. Join the celebration at Leo Carrillo to reflect on those who came before us this fall.

Brick-or-Treat at LEGOLAND California Resort is the ultimate way for Halloween-loving families to jumpstart the holiday. Running from September 14th through select weekends in October, LEGOLAND is packed with park-wide trick-or-treating, live shows, and themed fun. Kids can collect candy while meeting characters like Frankenstein, Lord Vampyre, and Zombie Cheerleader. The live shows include favorites like Tiger Woman and Wolf Guy, plus new faces like the Mad Scientist and Spider Lady. There’s even a costume contest for kids and groups, and thrill-seekers can hop on the limited-time Disco Dragon Coaster. The Halloween fun continues daily through October 31st with fall décor, character meet-and-greets, and the family-favorite “Great Monster Chase” 4D movie. For extra magic, book a hotel package for early park access and exclusive perks.

The Camp Store’s Halloween Light Show runs nightly from September 25th through November 3rd, for an otherworldly spectacle right on the water. This year’s theme—Aliens—invites guests to be guided through the show by three lifelike green alien hosts, who take you on a journey of light and sound. The show promises a dazzling display of light eerily synchronized to spooky Halloween tunes.

As Carlsbad continues to solidify its reputation as a top Halloween destination, The Camp Store’s intergalactic spectacle is a chance to reflect on the fun and wonder of Halloween in a way that’s truly out of this world.

Carlsbad Strawberry Company is a town favorite for fall fun. From September 21st through November 3rd, the farm will be buzzing with seasonal activities, including pumpkin picking, hayrides, and a petting zoo. The giant pumpkins make it the ideal location for capturing those perfect family photos and getting your fill of the autumn atmosphere.

Visitors can explore the 1.5-mile corn maze or, for a more terrifying experience, visit the Haunted Corn Maze. After-dark activities open in October, and will run through to the 31st. Running on Fridays and Saturdays from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at $25 per person, or $45 for a front-of-the-line pass, the haunted maze is designed to get your heart racing.

If scary crafts are more your speed, Handled Pottery Studio has a creative way to reflect on the Halloween season. The Luminary & Lantern Workshop, held on select dates in September and October, invites families and kids 8 and up to craft their own spooky-themed luminaries. The hands-on session teaches pottery techniques that bring your glowing Halloween creations to life. Whether it’s eerie ghost shapes or intricate spider webs, guests get to take their one-of-a-kind pieces home to add a handmade touch to your Halloween décor.

Pumpkin Polar Palooza is a family-owned pumpkin patch that brings local flare to Halloween this season. Opening on September 14th, the family-friendly location is easing into the season with onsite activities that include inflatable slides, petting zoos, obstacle courses, and outdoor movie nights.

While details are still being confirmed, Pumpkin Polar Palooza is definitely a spot to keep on your radar when planning where to find the perfect pumpkin for your jack-o-lantern this season.

SUP Yoga at the Annual Halloween SUP Event

Taking place at the Agua Hedionda Lagoon, the Annual Halloween SUP event is a stand-up paddleboard yoga session that brings Halloween-themed yoga flow to the water, complete with costumes and scary tunes. Participants are encouraged to dress up, with a prize awarded to the best costume.

Balancing on the water while working on yoga poses adds an extra challenge, but the calm of the lagoon and the energy of the holiday can scare anyone into perfect position.

Another event to keep on the calendar is the Bewitched Brushes art opening at North Coastal Art Gallery. Running from October 1st to 26th, this exhibit features eerie and enchanting works that celebrate the spookiness of the season. At the opening reception, families can view these artworks while enjoying Halloween-themed fun, including the chance to enter a raffle to win the Howling Haunted House—a whimsical, un-edible gingerbread creation that will add a playful touch to any Halloween décor.

The raffle proceeds benefit youth programs, making this event a celebration that gives back to the Carlsbad community.

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Don’t wait for October to creep up on you—Carlsbad’s Halloween calendar is already packed with events you won’t want to miss. From poolside pumpkin hunts to supernatural yoga flows, these experiences are ready and waiting. Around here, Halloween waits for no one!