As October settles over the Sierra foothills and mountain towns of the 209, something eerie stirs in the crisp autumn air. From haunted castles to costumed parades, the region’s historic streets are transforming into stages for Halloween magic—where families, thrill-seekers, and spirited locals gather to celebrate the season with equal parts charm and chills.
This year’s lineup of events offers a rich blend of family-friendly festivities and adult-oriented haunts, each steeped in local character and community pride. Whether you’re chasing candy with the kids or chasing spirits through haunted halls, here’s where to find the most memorable Halloween happenings in the hills.
Family Fun in the Foothills
In Columbia, the Halloween spirit takes over the entire town on October 25 with Boo Boulevard, a lively afternoon of trick-or-treating, parades, and costume contests from 2 to 6 p.m. Families can enjoy games, face painting, and street food before the celebration transitions into a full-blown street dance party at 6 p.m. Live music fills the historic park as costumed revelers of all ages take to the dance floor. Admission is free, and lawn chairs and dancing shoes are highly encouraged.
Sonora’s downtown transforms into “Hallow-storic” Trick-or-Treat Street on October 25 from 4 to 5:30 p.m., where participating businesses hand out candy to costumed children. Courthouse Park hosts Spookytown, a playful zone featuring giant bubbles, face painting, and kids’ games. The event is smoke- and vape-free, designed to offer a safe and festive experience for families.
Twain Harte joins the celebration on October 26 with a downtown Halloween bash from 1 to 4 p.m. Local businesses will hand out treats to trick-or-treaters while competing in a “people’s choice” decorating contest, voted on by attendees. The event blends small-town charm with seasonal flair, inviting families to stroll the streets and soak in the spooky atmosphere.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the All Hallows Faire returns to Angels Camp on October 25 and 26 at the Calaveras County Fairgrounds. This two-day festival blends Halloween, Celtic New Year, and Día de los Muertos traditions into a vibrant celebration of fall. Expect historic encampments, fire shows, costume contests, and nonstop entertainment across multiple stages. Admission includes free parking and access to a world of harvest fantasy.
Haunts and Revelry for Adults
In Ione, the infamous Preston Castle opens its haunted halls for a spine-chilling walkthrough experience on select nights from October 10 to 25. Once a reform school, the castle now hosts one of California’s most notorious haunted attractions. This year’s theme brings back the legendary boys of the Castle—figures like the Wild Man, the Butcher, and Castle Jack—who lurk in shadowy corners and echo through cold stone walls. General admission is $35, with VIP passes available for $50 to skip the lines.
Sutter Creek invites witches, warlocks, and costumed revelers to its 2nd Annual Witches Walk on October 25 from 3 to 7 p.m. The event features a dance performance by the Witches of West Point, a 5 p.m. parade to the Auditorium, and a costume contest open to adults, children, and even dogs. For those 21 and over, the “boozy witches” pub crawl offers a $60 ticketed tour of local bars, capped off with live music by Triple Threat. Vendor inquiries and ticket info are available via scwitchwalkvendors@gmail.com or Karen at 209-304-4831.
Adding a theatrical twist to the season, Fourth Wall Entertainment in San Andreas presents Stephen King’s Misery at The Metropolitan from October 17 to November 9. Directed and performed by longtime collaborators Mike and Susan Evans, the production brings King’s psychological thriller to life with gripping intensity. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors.
