Halloween Town Is Calling
Trees are starting to change colors, and the giant pumpkin has officially arrived at K and Front Street at the Old Sacramento Waterfront. All signs point to fall!
The spooky season is officially making its way through the historic district, and honestly, it’s one of the best times to stroll through the neighborhood and romanticize the “ber” months like you’re in an early 2000s sitcom. Take in the historic buildings and cobblestone streets, spot the scarecrows, grab a fall treat, and catch a classic movie at Movies Under the Stars.
There’s plenty to see and do, making Old Sacramento Waterfront an easy spot to spend a fall day.
Start making your seasonal to-do’s with a list of things to do below:
Scarecrow Contest
This fall, 23 creative and downright spooky scarecrows will pop up around the historic district as local businesses compete to see who can bring the best one to life. Keep an eye out as you explore and see which one catches your attention. Voting goes live Friday, September 11. Vote for your favorites here.
Movies Under the Stars
Catch Halloween-themed movies outside in Old Sacramento State Historic Park every Thursday and Friday night in October. Put on your headphones, grab popcorn or pizza from our on-site vendors, and settle in for a movie night under the stars. Grab your movie tickets here.
Plus, our costume contest returns October 29 and 30. Arrive in your favorite and most creative costume between 6–6:50 PM. The winners will be announced before the movie starts.
October 29: Win four tickets to The Polar Express
October 30: Win four skate passes to the Downtown Sacramento Ice Rink
Frights & Flights
Keep the Halloween fun going with a stop at one of Old Sacramento’s bars for a themed flight. Participating spots will serve up Halloween-inspired drinks throughout October, and you don’t need a Movies Under the Stars ticket to join in. If you’re 21+ rally up your friends for a spooky good night and visit the spots below.
Frights & Flights locations: Last Stop Saloon, Honey and the Trap, and O’Malley’s Pub
Costume Swap & Photoshoot
Bring your old costume and make a night of it at Glow Studio on Friday, October 16, from 5–8 PM. Swap costumes, step in front of a professional photographer, and grab a few festive photos while you’re there.
Hayrides by Top Hand Ranch
Hop on a hayride and cruise around the Old Sacramento starting around 5 PM. Catch your ride at Waterfront Park on Front Street, then sit back and take in the neighborhood as you go.
Thursdays: October 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29
Fridays: October 9 & 30
Third Thursday
Get creative at Third Thursday on October 15 from 4–8 PM with live demos, workshops, and after-hours shopping around the neighborhood. Grab a coffee from Blueprint Coffee and learn how to make your own, create a bag charm, learn from local artists, or settle in for a wine flight. There’s always something new to discover.
Ghost Tours
Want a little history with your Halloween plans? Join the Sacramento History Museum for its annual Ghost Tours and hear some of the strange, eerie, and downright bizarre stories from Sacramento’s past. Get tickets here.
Fridays: October 16, 23 & 30
Saturdays: October 17 & 24
Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner
Grab dinner and see if you can solve the mystery aboard the Delta King. The Halloween-themed evening includes a multi-course dinner, a live whodunit performance, interactive comedy, and plenty of twists. Stick around after the show for a Halloween party.
Saturday, October 31 at 6PM | Grab your dinner ticket here.
Downtown Sac in Action
What’s New at Movies Under the Stars 2026
Where to Shop
Shop Seasonal Produce at Downtown Sac’s Markets
Planned Days & Nights
Calling All Theatre Kids, Broadway Sac is in Full Swing
Planned Days & Nights
Rooftops, Patios & Outdoor Dining Downtown
Planned Days & Nights
