Celebrate Spooky Season in San Francisco
Rocky Horror Picture Show at SF Oasis. Photo by Rachel Ziegler courtesy of Ray of Light Theater.
San Francisco has a long history of embracing the weird and wonderful, and this time of year is when people really love to let loose. For decades, the Castro was the hub of all things spooky, freaky, and fabulous. What started out in the 1950s as a way for local children to trick-or-treat at Cliff’s Variety blossomed into an all-out street festival with the most outrageous (and often outré) costumes. Things fizzled out after some bad actors back in 2006, and of course Covid put the kibosh on it again, but it made a resurgence last year. Organized by the Castro Merchants Association with funding from the Civic Joy Fund, laat year’s festivities included spooky films, kid-friendly activities, and general revelry. Details on this year’s weekend events (October 26-27) are scant, but in the meantime start getting your costumes together. Here are some other ways to get your ghoul on this season.
Rocky Horror Picture Show (through Nov. 2, SF Oasis, 298 11th St.)
Ray of Light Theater’s production featuring everyone’s favorite cast of misfit aliens is back, and better than ever, with an immersive experience that puts you right in the fold. D’Arcy Drollinger’s Frank-n-Furter is a masterclass in balancing the campy and creepy, as she sneers, growls, and pops every line and note.
Terror Vault: Fatal Abduction (through Nov. 3, the Old Mint, 88 5th St.)
Another immersive experience, Peaches Christ’s otherworldly production takes place in a reality where we coexist with aliens taking over our world. It’s your job to fight for humanity. Stick around for the Fang Bang bar and buy some merch at the Creepshop.
Haunted Doll House (through Oct. 26, Gregangelo Museum, 225 San Leandro Way)
San Francisco’s best-kept secret museum hosts a paranormal playdate, where you get interactive with the creepiest dolls of all, including a Teddy Bear Hospital, and a spirit-ed tea party where you might clink rims with specters.
Haunted Howl-o-Ween Party (Oct. 24, Wag Hotels, 25 14th St.)
Take the pups and kids out for a family-friendly outing with trick-or-treating, costume contests, a slient auction, and more. Proceeds will benefit the Frosted Faces Foundation & help them provide shelter, comprehensive veterinary care, and innovative resources to at-risk senior dogs.
Haunted Haight Walking Tour (ongoing, meet at Magnolia Brewery, 1398 Haight St.)
Go ghost hunting with actual paranormal investigators with decades of experience in the field. Using high-tech ghost detection gear and their own wits, the guides suss out the spookiest stories in the Haight.
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Music (Oct. 26, Bayview Opera House, 4705 3rd St; and Oct. 31, International Art Museum of America, 1023 Market St.)
Enjoy some of the best spooky tunes performed live by the Listeso String Quartet in a soothing candlelit environment. You’ll have an out-of-body experience.
Day of the Dead SF (Nov. 2, Mission District)
Commune with the other side at this beautiful, somber ritual that’s been running for 40 years. A processional starts at 22nd and Bryant, meandering through the streets of the Mission (including mural-laden Balmy Alley), and terminating in a Festival of Altars in Potero del Sol park. Truly, this is one of the city’s most special events.