Halloween on the Monterey Peninsula

There is something especially charming about Halloween on the Monterey Peninsula. October brings crisp coastal mornings, pumpkins on front porches, festive storefronts and plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy the season together. From pumpkin rolling down Ocean Avenue in Carmel to trick-or-treating along the waterfront in Monterey, local communities have created some wonderful traditions that make this time of year special. Whether you have little ones experiencing their first Halloween or older kids ready for a little more adventure, there is something for everyone. If you're looking for ways to celebrate Halloween this year, here are some of the best family-friendly events and fall activities happening around the Monterey Peninsula this weekend and next.

Carmel's Annual Pumpkin Roll

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
Ocean Avenue, between Santa Rita and Junipero Streets, Carmel-by-the-Sea

One of Carmel's most entertaining fall traditions is the Annual Pumpkin Roll. Forget traditional pumpkin picking, this event invites participants to send pumpkins rolling down Ocean Avenue in a festive community competition. Pumpkins are provided, making it an easy and fun outing for families. Spectators can line the street to watch the action, cheer on their favorites and enjoy the festive atmosphere in downtown Carmel. It's a uniquely Carmel experience and a wonderful way to spend a fall Saturday in the village. The Pumpkin Roll has become part of Carmel's larger October birthday celebrations. Carmel-by-the-Sea was incorporated on October 31, 1916, so Halloween is also the town's birthday!

Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade & Costume Contest

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 2–5 p.m.
Carmel Plaza and downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea

Halloween isn't just for the kids! The Howl-O-Ween Pet Parade gives four-legged family members their own moment in the spotlight. Bring your pup dressed in their Halloween best and enjoy an afternoon of costumes, community spirit and plenty of adorable photo opportunities. It's a particularly fun event for dog lovers and a reminder of just how pet-friendly the Carmel community can be. Whether your dog arrives as a superhero, a pumpkin or something entirely unexpected, this is one parade worth watching.

Downtown Pacific Grove Trick-or-Treating

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Downtown Pacific Grove

Pacific Grove brings Halloween fun to its downtown streets with its annual trick-or-treating celebration. Local businesses welcome costumed children for candy, giveaways and seasonal activities. The event is designed for families, with participating shops and restaurants helping create a festive and welcoming atmosphere throughout downtown. It's a great opportunity to explore Pacific Grove's charming Lighthouse Avenue district while letting the kids enjoy a little early Halloween excitement.

Spooky Shores & Painting Gourds at Asilomar

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 3–5 p.m.
Fred Farr Forum, Asilomar State Beach and Conference Grounds

For families who enjoy combining a little creativity with nature, Spooky Shores is a fun seasonal outing. This all-ages event invites guests to decorate pumpkins and gourds using provided craft supplies. Families can also visit educational displays about the unusual and fascinating creatures that call the Asilomar coastline home, including a display of animal bones. Costumes are encouraged, and it's a wonderful way for children to enjoy Halloween while learning a little about the natural world around them.

Trick or Treating at Del Monte Center

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1 p.m.- 3p.m.

Del Monte Center, Munras Avenue, Monterey

The annual Halloween Family Festival at Del Monte Center is the ultimate low-stress community block party, offering a safe, bright afternoon of trick-or-treating without the worry of dark streets or cold weather. Dozens of participating stores hand out a massive candy haul, while the open-air center transforms into a full festival featuring free live music, stilt-walkers, custom balloon artists, and hands-on pumpkin decorating. It is the perfect, free opportunity for kids to get full use out of their costumes while parents enjoy a smooth, pedestrian-friendly afternoon in the beautiful coastal breeze of Monterey.

Halloween Tricks and Treats at SPCA Monterey County

Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
SPCA Monterey County, 1002 Monterey-Salinas Highway, Salinas

For animal-loving families, the SPCA's annual Halloween Tricks and Treats event is a delightful way to celebrate. Children and families are invited to enjoy treats, festive decorations and a walk-through Halloween experience. Visitors may also have the opportunity to meet adoptable pets. Costumes are encouraged but not required. It's a particularly nice event for families who want to introduce children to the SPCA's work and learn more about animal adoption and care.

Pumpkin Plunge & Día de los Muertos Family Evening

Sunday, October 25, 2026 | Pumpkin Plunge: 2–4 p.m.; Día de los Muertos festivities: 5–8 p.m.
Monterey Sports Center, 301 East Franklin Street, Monterey

Looking for something a little different? The Pumpkin Plunge puts a playful twist on the traditional pumpkin patch. Families can enjoy a pumpkin-themed pool event, pumpkin decorating and seasonal activities. The festivities continue into the evening with a Día de los Muertos celebration featuring cultural performances, mariachi music, salsa dancing, a costume contest and food vendors. It's a wonderful opportunity for children and adults to experience two seasonal traditions in one afternoon and evening.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Halloween Parade

Friday, October 30, 2026 | 4–6 p.m.
Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea

Carmel's Halloween Parade is a beloved community tradition and a highlight of the town's October celebrations. Children, families, local residents and even costumed dogs gather downtown for an afternoon of Halloween fun. The parade begins at 4 p.m., with participants and spectators filling the village streets in their creative costumes. The celebration also recognizes Carmel's birthday, which falls on October 31. It's a wonderful combination of local history, community pride and Halloween spirit.

Halloween on the Wharf – Trick or Treat by the Bay

Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 4–7 p.m.
Old Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey

Celebrate Halloween with a waterfront backdrop at Halloween on the Wharf. This family-friendly event invites children to dress up and visit participating Wharf businesses for treats and seasonal fun. The event includes a costume contest and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the waterfront atmosphere while celebrating Halloween with the community. It's a fun way to spend Halloween afternoon before heading home for neighborhood trick-or-treating.

Making the Most of Halloween on the Peninsula

One of the things that makes fall on the Monterey Peninsula so special is the variety of ways to celebrate. You can spend a Saturday morning watching pumpkins roll down Carmel's Ocean Avenue, enjoy an afternoon with your pup at a costume parade, or take the kids trick-or-treating along the Monterey waterfront. Beyond the organized events, October is also a wonderful time to explore local farms, visit pumpkin displays, enjoy seasonal treats at neighborhood cafés and take in the beautiful fall scenery throughout Carmel Valley and the surrounding communities.

Whether you're a longtime local or discovering the area for the first time, these seasonal traditions are part of what makes life on the Monterey Peninsula so memorable. From all of us at Canning Properties Group, we hope you have a wonderful Halloween season!