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Halloween Events in Marin County for Spooky Fall Fun

Halloween is creeping into Marin County, and there is no shortage of ways to celebrate. From picking the perfect pumpkin and dressing up for trick-or-treating to dancing at a Halloween party or wandering through a spooky haunted grove, there is something for every kind of Halloween fan.

San Rafael is a convenient home base for exploring many of the festivities happening throughout Marin County. Several events are just a short drive from Panama Hotel, while others make for a fun afternoon or evening adventure through neighboring towns. Grab your costume, bring your candy bag, and get ready for a little Halloween magic.

Pick Your Perfect Pumpkin at Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch

Location
5300 Nicasio Valley Road, Nicasio, CA 94946

Hours
Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

If you want the classic fall experience, make a trip to Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch, open till October 31st. Open through Halloween, this family farm offers plenty of opportunities to find a jack-o'-lantern, explore the countryside, and enjoy seasonal activities.

Admission and parking are free. During the week, visitors can see farm animals, explore two hay mazes, try the corn sensory pit, play games, enjoy a scavenger hunt, and relax in the shaded picnic areas. Weekend visitors can also enjoy hayrides, pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo, live music, and additional activities on select weekends.

It is a great choice for families who want to make an afternoon of pumpkin picking rather than simply stopping by for a pumpkin.

Find Fall Fun at Grossi Family Farm

Location
3666 Novato Boulevard, Novato, CA 94947

Hours
Wednesday through Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Closed Monday and Tuesday

For another authentic farm experience, head to Grossi Family Farm in Novato. The pumpkin patch runs through October 31 and sits across from Stafford Lake Bike Park, making it an easy addition to a day exploring northern Marin County.

Guests can pick pumpkins directly from the patch, then explore the toddler hay maze, hay pyramid, corn pit, and other farm activities. Farm animals are available on weekends, and visitors can also try the mini pumpkin slingshot for an extra dose of fall fun.

Admission is $5 for visitors ages two and up on weekends, while admission is free Wednesday through Friday. If you are looking for a relaxed pumpkin-picking experience with a local farm atmosphere, Grossi is a fun option.

Take a Spooky Walk Through Fairfax

When
Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Location
Downtown Fairfax and Bolinas Park

Fairfax knows how to celebrate Halloween. The annual Halloween Parade & Haunted Grove brings costumes, music, trick-or-treating, and plenty of spooky atmosphere to downtown.

The parade begins at 5:00 p.m. at the Fairfax Movie Theater before making its way through downtown toward Bolinas Park. After the parade, the Haunted Grove becomes the center of the festivities, with a costume contest and Halloween activities.

Downtown businesses are also invited to hand out candy beginning at 5:00 p.m., making it easy to combine the parade with trick-or-treating. Costume prizes are offered in several categories, including little ones, kids, tweens and teens, and family or group costumes.

For an especially memorable Halloween night, put on your best costume and make Fairfax part of your Halloween adventure.

Enjoy Halloween at the Mill Valley Community Center

When
Friday, October 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location
Mill Valley Community Center, 180 Camino Alto, Mill Valley, CA 94941

For families looking for an evening of Halloween activities, Halloween at the Center offers a full schedule of spooky fun. The evening begins with Trunk or Treat from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., with decorated cars, games, treats, and Halloween surprises.

Afterward, families can head inside for a Halloween magic show featuring Brian Scott Magic from 6:15 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. There will also be Halloween crafts, activities, and food trucks during the celebration.

The magic show has limited space and advance tickets are required. Parking at the Community Center will also be limited or unavailable during the event, so plan ahead.

Dance the Night Away at Pixels Monster Bash

When
Friday, October 30, 2026, from 9:00 p.m. to midnight

Location
Pixels Arcade Taproom, 1137 Fourth Street, San Rafael, CA 94901

Ready for Halloween after dark? Head to Pixels Arcade Taproom for its 3rd Annual Monster Bash. This 21-and-over Halloween party combines costumes, dancing, music, and classic arcade games for a lively night out.

A Bay Area DJ will keep the party moving while guests can play arcade games, enjoy the Halloween atmosphere, and show off their costumes. The event encourages creative costumes inspired by superheroes, villains, anime, video games, or anything else suitably spooky.

Tickets are available in advance, and groups are encouraged. If you are looking for a Halloween night that feels more like a party than a traditional trick-or-treat event, this is one to put on your list.

Celebrate Halloween at Marin Country Mart

When
Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location
Marin Country Mart, 2257 Larkspur Landing Circle, Larkspur, CA 94939

Marin Country Mart turns Halloween into a festive daytime celebration with its annual Halloween Spectacular. Come dressed in costume and join the costume contest in the Courtyard at 11:00 a.m., then explore the Mart for trick-or-treating from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The Mart's seasonal pumpkin patch is also open throughout October, featuring heirloom pumpkins that visitors can choose and purchase through the honor system. There is also a giant pumpkin weight-guessing contest, with the winner announced during the Halloween festivities.

This is a good option for families who want to combine Halloween activities with shopping, food, and a relaxed afternoon around Larkspur.

Make Halloween a Seaside Celebration in Sausalito

When
Saturday, October 31, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m.

Location
Downtown Sausalito and Robin Sweeny Park

For something a little different, spend Halloween evening in Sausalito. The city's Halloween celebration begins with a carved pumpkin contest at Robin Sweeny Park, followed by the annual Halloween Parade at 6:00 p.m.

The parade begins with lineup at 5:45 p.m. at the Station 1 Firehouse and travels along Caledonia Street. Along the way, participating businesses and residences will offer trick-or-treating. Around 6:15 p.m., the parade finishes at Trick or Treat Lane at the Robin Sweeny Park basketball courts.

And do not leave your four-legged friends at home. The free Howl'O'Ween Dog Costume Contest begins at 6:30 p.m. at Litho and Caledonia Streets, with categories for small, medium, and large dogs, plus a human-and-dog couple category.

With costumes, pumpkins, candy, dogs, and the waterfront setting, Sausalito offers a memorable way to spend Halloween night.

Trick-or-Treat in Downtown Novato

When
Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Location
Downtown Novato along Grant Avenue

Little ghosts, witches, superheroes, and other costumed visitors can head to Downtown Novato for its annual Safe Trick or Treat. Participating businesses throughout downtown open their doors to hand out treats, turning Grant Avenue into a festive Halloween destination.

It is an easy daytime activity for families who want plenty of candy and costumes without waiting until nighttime. Combine it with lunch or a visit to one of Novato's local shops for a full afternoon outing.

Have a Grown-Up Halloween at the San Rafael Elks Lodge

When
Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 7:00 p.m. to 11:55 p.m.

Location
San Rafael Elks Lodge, 1312 Mission Avenue, San Rafael, CA 94901

Adults looking for a Halloween night out can head to the historic San Rafael Elks Lodge for its annual Halloween Party. The event takes place inside the lodge's Haunted Mansion setting and includes costumes, live music, dancing, and a DJ.

Pop Fiction performs in Drake's Ballroom from 8:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., while a DJ keeps the energy going outside. Doors open at 7:00 p.m.

The party is open to adults over 21 with ID. Tickets are listed at $30 in advance and $35 at the door, making this one of the better options for visitors who want to trade trick-or-treat bags for a costume and a night of dancing.

Stay Close to the Halloween Action at Panama Hotel

After a day of pumpkins, costumes, candy, and spooky adventures, return to Panama Hotel in San Rafael and make the evening part of the getaway. The historic boutique hotel sits in the quiet Gerstle Park neighborhood, just a few blocks from downtown San Rafael and close to many of the events and attractions throughout Marin County.

Panama Hotel's thirteen individually themed rooms each have their own character, giving your Halloween getaway a little extra personality. Select rooms feature private patios, balconies, or sun decks, while every room includes a microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, Wi-Fi, and other practical amenities.

The Panama Hotel Restaurant is also open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday, serving California coastal cuisine in the historic dining rooms and garden patio. It can be a convenient way to enjoy dinner before or after exploring Marin County's Halloween festivities.

Whether you are searching for the perfect pumpkin, taking the kids trick-or-treating, joining a costume parade, or dancing late into Halloween night, Marin County has plenty of ways to celebrate. Pick your favorite costume, gather your favorite people, and get ready for a Halloween filled with sweet treats, spooky surprises, and plenty of local fun.

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