Halloween & Fall Events Around Rancho Cucamonga: Your Guide to October 2026

If there is one thing I love about this time of year, it is all the fun things happening around our community. Between pumpkin patches, Halloween events, fall festivals, and activities for the kids, October is one of the best months to get out and enjoy where we live. And if you know me, you know I am all about supporting our local communities and finding fun things to do close to home.

Whether you have little ones who are already planning their Halloween costumes, teenagers looking for something fun to do, or you are simply looking for an excuse to get out and enjoy the season, there are plenty of ways to celebrate fall around Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding Foothill Communities. I rounded up some local events along with a few seasonal attractions that are worth the drive. Grab your calendar, pick a few favorites, and make the most of October!

Halloween Events Around the Foothill Communities

Rancho Cucamonga

Rancho Cucamonga Spooktacular | October 24

The City of Rancho Cucamonga's annual Spooktacular returns to the RC Sports Center from 5–8 p.m. Families can enjoy a free trunk-or-treat experience, with an additional Fun Zone offering crafts and a silent disco for a $10 wristband. This is a great option if you want to keep the Halloween fun close to home.

Halloween Plushie DIY Workshop at Haven City Market | October 20

Looking for something a little different? Haven City Market has a Halloween-themed plushie workshop scheduled from 6–8 p.m. It's a fun creative activity to add to your fall calendar.

Pumpkin Patch Party | October 27

The V.I.P. Club and James L. Brulte Senior Center are hosting a Pumpkin Patch Party from 9–10 a.m. for adults ages 50 and older, with music, dancing, seasonal decorations, and a Halloween photo booth.

IncredABLES Villains Ball | October 30

A Halloween dance for participants ages 8 and older is scheduled at Central Park from 5:30–8 p.m., featuring music, dancing, and villain-inspired fun.

Claremont

Halloween Spooktacular | October 17

Head to Lewis Park from 3–6 p.m. for a free afternoon of Halloween fun. The event includes carnival-style games, a children's costume contest, a Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest, a sensory zone, and food trucks.

I love seeing events that give families an opportunity to get out and enjoy the community without having to spend a fortune.

More Nearby Fall Fun

Upland, Fontana, Ontario, Chino, Chino Hills, and Glendora are also worth checking for seasonal events, including downtown Halloween celebrations, costume contests, pumpkin activities, and family-friendly festivals. Check city announcements before heading out, since dates, admission requirements, and event details can change.

Fall Attractions Worth the Drive

If you are up for a little road trip, Southern California has some wonderful seasonal attractions. These are a few to consider when planning a family outing or a fall date night.

Carved at Descanso Gardens | La Cañada Flintridge

Running October 2 through November 1, Carved transforms Descanso Gardens into a nighttime pumpkin wonderland. Expect thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, glowing displays, and beautiful fall scenery. Advance tickets are recommended, and this is one I would put on the calendar ahead of time.

Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary | Long Beach

For those who prefer their Halloween with a little more fright, the Queen Mary is a classic Halloween destination to investigate. Haunted attractions and spooky entertainment make it an option for older kids and adults looking for a more thrilling evening. Confirm the current season's schedule before planning your visit.

Carlsbad Pumpkin Patch | Carlsbad

A pumpkin patch and corn maze make for a classic fall outing. Carlsbad is a great excuse to make a day of it, especially if you want to combine your pumpkin picking with lunch or a little time near the coast.

Pumpkin Palooza | Carlsbad

If you are looking for an activity-filled outing for the kids, Pumpkin Palooza is another seasonal attraction to check out. Pumpkin patches, rides, inflatables, and other family-friendly activities make this the kind of place where you can spend a good part of the day.

Hallowe'en at the San Diego Zoo | San Diego

The San Diego Zoo is another seasonal destination to check for October entertainment and Halloween activities. If you are already planning a San Diego day trip, it is worth looking into the zoo's current event schedule.

Headless Horseman Harvest Wagon Ride | Temecula

If haunted houses aren't your thing but you still want a little spooky fun, a themed wagon ride can be a different way to celebrate the season. Check the current Temecula schedule and reservation availability before making plans.

Boo at the L.A. Zoo | Los Angeles

A Halloween trip to the L.A. Zoo can be a fun option for families looking for seasonal entertainment, themed activities, and a chance to see the animals. Check the zoo's published dates before visiting.

Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert | Palm Desert

This is another one to consider if you are looking for a family-friendly Halloween outing a little farther from home. The Living Desert combines its desert wildlife experience with seasonal programming, making it a different kind of fall adventure.

Día de los Muertos at Olvera Street | Los Angeles

For something that celebrates more than costumes and candy, consider Día de los Muertos festivities at historic Olvera Street. This traditional celebration honors loved ones through cultural programming, community altars, and other activities. It is a meaningful way to experience another part of Southern California's rich cultural traditions.

Make the Most of Fall Close to Home

One of the things I appreciate most about living in the Foothill Communities is that we have so many opportunities to get out and enjoy our surroundings. We have local parks, community events, small businesses, seasonal attractions, and plenty of reasons to spend time with family and friends.

You don't always have to plan a big trip or spend a lot of money to make a season memorable. Sometimes it is as simple as an afternoon at a local event, picking out a pumpkin, or taking the kids somewhere they have never been before. I hope this gives you a few ideas for your October calendar! And if you head out to one of these events, enjoy every bit of the season. Happy fall, everyone!

Hey Inland Empire, I’m Candice Newman! I’ve had the incredible fortune of being born and raised in this amazing community, and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. I currently live in Alta Loma with my husband, Jonathan, our son, Trevor, and our dog, Ruger! I’m a real estate agent with a passion for finding new places to explore in the Foothill Communities. When I'm not selling homes, you can find me cheering my son on at his baseball games, exercising, spending time in our local mountains, heading to the lake, cooking, or watching the Dodgers slay the Giants (I was born and raised an Angels fan, but the Dodgers have taken over the household!). I'll never have enough Mexican food and Italian food in my life. I’m looking forward to connecting with you soon! See you around town! Candice.Newman.Realty@gmail.com | (909) 367-3280 DRE: 01924842