From haunted cathedrals and immersive art installations to live orchestras and family-friendly festivities, discover five unforgettable ways to celebrate Halloween in San Francisco this October!

Halloween in the Bay Area is about so much more than haunted houses and trick-or-treating! This October, San Francisco's incredible arts and cultural organizations are getting into the spooky spirit with imaginative experiences that bring together music, theater, visual art, and plenty of Halloween magic.

We recently joined KRON4's Live in the Bay to share five of our favorite Halloween arts experiences happening across San Francisco. Whether you're a horror movie buff, an art enthusiast, a family looking for festive fun, or someone who enjoys a glamorous Halloween soirée, there's something for every kind of Halloween fan!

Ready to make some plans? Here are five experiences worth adding to your Halloween calendar.

1. For Those Who Love a Little Drama: Death by Aria at Grace Cathedral

When: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Where: Grace Cathedral, San Francisco
Perfect For: Opera enthusiasts, music fans, and anyone looking for an unforgettable Halloween night out.

What happens when some of the world's most dramatic music meets one of San Francisco's most breathtaking landmarks? This Halloween, Red Curtain Addict, Taste of Talent, and Grace Cathedral are coming together for the sixth annual Death by Aria, and for the first time, we're bringing this extraordinary musical experience to the iconic Grace Cathedral!

Imagine stepping inside a cathedral transformed into a hauntingly beautiful mansion, complete with dramatic projections, theatrical lighting, mysterious characters, and world-class performers bringing some of music's most memorable villains to life. At the heart of Death by Aria is a fascinating question: If you could perform just one final aria or musical piece before meeting your fate, what would it be?

Throughout the evening, extraordinary opera singers and classical musicians will answer that question through performances inspired by legendary villains and unforgettable stories from opera, Broadway, and film. Audiences can expect music from The Phantom of the Opera, Interstellar, Macbeth, Mozart's The Magic Flute, James Bond, and more. One particularly exciting moment will feature Grace Cathedral's magnificent pipe organ, bringing the dramatic sounds of The Phantom of the Opera to life in a setting unlike any other.

And the evening goes far beyond the music! Guests will also experience aerial artistry, theatrical surprises, and a festive pre-concert reception featuring themed cocktails, wine, and delicious bites from local restaurants. After the performance, guests can mingle with the artists and celebrate the evening together.

Why we're excited: Death by Aria brings together the beauty of classical music, the drama of live theater, and a Halloween atmosphere in one of San Francisco's most iconic spaces. Whether you're a longtime opera fan or experiencing this art form for the first time, this is a wonderful opportunity to discover just how captivating live classical performance can be.

Insider Tip: Costumes are encouraged! Come dressed as your favorite villain, mysterious character, or in your most dramatic Halloween attire.

2. For the Creatively Creepy: The Haunt at YBCA

When: October 29–31, 2026
Where: The Forum at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, San Francisco
Perfect For: Creative adventurers, immersive art enthusiasts, and Halloween fans looking for something beyond a traditional haunted house.

What if a haunted house, an art exhibition, and a nightclub all came together for one unforgettable Halloween experience? That's exactly what you'll discover at The Haunt, returning to Yerba Buena Center for the Arts (YBCA) for three nights of immersive Halloween entertainment.

Spanning an impressive 6,000 square feet, this one-of-a-kind experience invites visitors to explore mysterious corridors, encounter unexpected artistic installations, get a tarot reading, and dance to live DJ sets, all within an environment created by local artists. This year's theme, Techno-Fantasy, takes inspiration from the intersection of technology, imagination, and the supernatural.

Artists are transforming discarded electronics and recycled materials into futuristic, otherworldly environments that blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Expect imaginative installations, unusual discoveries, and plenty of opportunities to explore. Unlike a traditional haunted house, where the experience is all about getting scared, The Haunt encourages visitors to engage with art, discover new perspectives, and become part of the atmosphere.

While The Haunt offers an exciting after-dark experience, families can also get in on the fun! On Friday, October 30, at 5 PM, YBCA will offer a family-friendly experience, with free admission for children ages 12 and under. Young visitors can participate in a complimentary Halloween headwear-making workshop led by SCRAP, where recycled materials become imaginative costumes and festive accessories. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Why we're excited: We love seeing artists transform unexpected materials into something imaginative and immersive. The Haunt is a wonderful example of how contemporary art can invite audiences to experience creativity in entirely new ways.

Insider Tip: Costumes are encouraged, so don't be afraid to get creative with your look!

3. For the Little Ghosts & Goblins: Halloween Hoopla at Yerba Buena Gardens

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Where: Children's Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens, San Francisco
Admission: FREE
Perfect For: Families with young children, especially those ages 10 and under.

Looking for a Halloween celebration that's fun, festive, and completely free? Head to Yerba Buena Gardens for the 26th annual Halloween Hoopla, one of San Francisco's beloved family-friendly Halloween traditions! Presented by Yerba Buena Gardens Festival, this festive outdoor celebration brings together live circus entertainment, music, creative costumes, and plenty of opportunities for little ones to join the fun. One of the biggest highlights is a special performance by Circus Bella, San Francisco's celebrated contemporary circus company.

Known for its playful performances and extraordinary circus artists, Circus Bella combines acrobatics, comedy, and theatrical storytelling into an experience that captivates audiences of all ages. Accompanying the performers will be live music from the Circus Bella All-Star Trio, creating an energetic soundtrack for the afternoon's festivities.

And, of course, no Halloween celebration would be complete without costumes! Children are encouraged to arrive dressed as their favorite characters, whether that's a superhero, princess, pirate, friendly ghost, or something entirely their own. The afternoon culminates with the beloved Halloween Costume Parade, where every child is invited to participate. Rather than simply watching the festivities, young attendees get to become part of the celebration, proudly showing off their costumes alongside fellow little ghosts and goblins.

Why we're excited: Halloween Hoopla is a wonderful way to introduce children to the magic of live performance. Between the circus artists, live music, and interactive festivities, families can experience the performing arts together in a welcoming outdoor setting.

Insider Tip: Bring the whole family in costume! This is an especially fun opportunity for younger children to celebrate Halloween before heading out for trick-or-treating later in the evening.

4. For the Horror Movie Buff: The Ring with the San Francisco Symphony

When: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Where: Davies Symphony Hall, San Francisco
Perfect For: Horror movie fans, film music enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates a good scare.

Looking for a Halloween movie night with a musical twist? The San Francisco Symphony is bringing one of the most iconic psychological horror films of the early 2000s to Davies Symphony Hall for a special live-to-film concert experience.

Released in 2002, The Ring follows a journalist investigating a mysterious videotape that carries a terrifying curse: anyone who watches it has just seven days to live. Inspired by Japanese horror cinema, the film became a defining moment in American psychological horror, captivating audiences with its unsettling imagery, mysterious storyline, and unforgettable atmosphere.

But one of the most important ingredients in the film's suspense is its music. The haunting score was composed by Hans Zimmer, the legendary film composer behind The Lion King, Gladiator, Interstellar, and countless other cinematic masterpieces. His music for The Ring received a Fangoria Chainsaw Award and plays an essential role in building the film's eerie, psychological tension.

For this special presentation, audiences will watch The Ring on the big screen while the San Francisco Symphony performs the film's score live. Imagine hearing every suspenseful musical moment performed by a full orchestra, surrounding you with the sounds that make the film so unforgettable. It's an entirely different way to experience a movie you may have seen before, revealing just how much music contributes to the emotional impact of a great horror film.

Why we're excited: Live-to-film concerts offer a fascinating opportunity to appreciate the artistry behind movie soundtracks. Even if you're already familiar with The Ring, hearing its music performed live adds a whole new dimension to the experience.

Insider Tip: If you enjoy suspenseful movies but have never attended a symphony concert, this is a fantastic introduction to the power of live orchestral music!

5. For the After-Dark Adventurer: Halloween Eve at the de Young Museum

When: Friday, October 30, 2026
Where: de Young Museum, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco
Perfect For: Art enthusiasts, costume enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a stylish Halloween night out.

Who says Halloween has to be all haunted houses and horror movies? This October, the de Young Museum is inviting visitors to celebrate Halloween surrounded by extraordinary works of art at Late Night Editions: Halloween Eve. Located in the heart of Golden Gate Park, the de Young is one of San Francisco's most recognizable cultural landmarks, and for one special evening, the museum will transform into an after-dark Halloween destination.

Guests can enjoy an evening of live music, creative costumes, cocktails, and access to the museum's remarkable galleries. Throughout the evening, visitors can dance to live DJ sets by In Session, enjoy haunting harp performances by G.E.O., and take part in a festive costume competition on the museum's main stage.

And what better setting for an imaginative Halloween costume than an art museum? Guests are encouraged to arrive in their most creative looks, whether inspired by a favorite artwork, historical figure, or something completely original. The evening will also feature themed photo opportunities, cocktails, and delicious bites available from Off the Grid food trucks.

One of the most exciting parts of this event is the opportunity to experience the de Young's galleries in an entirely different atmosphere. Visitors can explore the museum's art collections after dark, including the Treasures of the Pharaohs exhibition, with access subject to availability. There's something especially memorable about wandering through museum galleries in the evening, surrounded by extraordinary art, music, and fellow visitors dressed in imaginative costumes.

Why we're excited: This event brings together two things we love: extraordinary art and unexpected cultural experiences. It's a fantastic way to enjoy San Francisco's museum scene while celebrating Halloween in a completely different way.

Insider Tip: Make your costume part of the experience! Whether you draw inspiration from art history or go for something dramatically theatrical, this is the perfect occasion to get creative.

Make This Halloween a Celebration of the Arts!

From a hauntingly beautiful opera concert inside Grace Cathedral to immersive installations at YBCA, circus performances in Yerba Buena Gardens, cinematic thrills at Davies Symphony Hall, and an unforgettable museum party at the de Young, San Francisco's arts scene is bringing Halloween to life in extraordinary ways this October.

What makes these experiences so special is the creativity behind them. Each offers a different opportunity to discover the incredible artists, musicians, performers, and cultural organizations that make the Bay Area such an exciting place to explore. And these five events are only the beginning! Whether you're planning a romantic Halloween date night, an adventurous evening with friends, or a festive family outing, there's no shortage of ways to celebrate the season through the arts.

Want even more inspiration? Visit RedCurtainAddict.com to discover more performances, exhibitions, and cultural experiences happening throughout the Bay Area. And be sure to catch Red Curtain Addict on KRON4's Live in the Bay, where we're sharing even more exciting arts experiences and helping audiences discover what's happening on stages and in cultural spaces throughout our community.

Happy Halloween!