Old Sacramento Transforms into Halloween Destination with October Events

Old Sacramento is hosting a month-long series of Halloween-themed events throughout October, offering festive activities for families and visitors of all ages.

The historic district has been decorated with fall colors, pumpkins, and whimsical displays as part of “Halloween Town.” Events include outdoor movie screenings on Thursday and Friday nights, with tickets selling quickly, and hayrides offered by Top Hand Ranch on October 4th & 5th, 12th, 19th, and 25th from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Tickets for the hayrides are $3 each. A scarecrow contest, featuring creations from 18 local businesses, is underway and runs through November 1st, allowing visitors to vote via QR code.

For those seeking a more chilling experience, the Sacramento History Museum & Sacramento Living History are offering historically rooted ghost tours, which are also selling out quickly. Additionally, the Third Thursdays event on October 16th, from 4-8 p.m., will feature local artist activations and craft experiences. Visitors can also enjoy 50-minute excursion train rides aboard the Sacramento Southern Railroad, departing from the Central Pacific Passenger Station, with the first train at 10 a.m. and the last at 3:30 p.m. Detailed information about Old Sacramento events can be found on the official website. This influx of tourism is expected to provide a significant boost to local businesses.

Parking is available at the Old Sacramento Garage (I Street between 3rd & 2nd) and the Tower Bridge Garage (Capitol Blvd near Tower Bridge), and public transportation options include Sacramento Regional Transit routes 11, 30, 31, 62, 86, and 88. For more information on transportation options in Sacramento, visit Sacramento Regional Transit. Officials encourage visitors to utilize public transportation or rideshares due to the cobblestone streets.