What are the best things to do in Monterey, CA, for Halloween 2026?
Halloween weekend on the Monterey Peninsula kicks off Friday, October 30, with the Carmel-by-the-Sea Birthday Party and Parade and the Seaside Halloween Bonanza. On Saturday, October 31, Old Fisherman's Wharf hosts Halloween on the Wharf. When the candy runs out, Tarpy's on Highway 68 serves happy hour daily from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and dinner until 9 p.m. on Saturdays.
Last updated: October 2026
What's on Halloween weekend (October 30–31)?
Carmel-by-the-Sea Birthday Party and Parade: Friday, October 30, 4 to 6 p.m.
Seaside Halloween Bonanza: Friday, October 30, 6 to 9 p.m. at the Oldemeyer Center on Hilby Avenue.
Halloween on the Wharf: Saturday, October 31, 4 to 7 p.m. at Old Fisherman's Wharf, with a costume contest at 5 p.m.
Event listings sometimes change, so confirm times with the organizers before you go. Monterey Bay Parent keeps a full Halloween roundup, and What's Up Monterey tracks the rest of the calendar.
What happened earlier in the Halloween season?
The Peninsula started celebrating a weekend early, on Saturday, October 24:
Pacific Grove trick-or-treat and Pumpkin Roll: downtown shops handed out candy from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and the Annual Pumpkin Roll took place the same day.
California Seaweed Festival: the 7th annual festival ran 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Monterey's wharf area.
Howl-o-ween Pet Parade: costumed dogs took over Carmel Plaza from 2 to 5 p.m.
What's the weather like in Monterey on Halloween?
Pack a layer. Late-October highs in Monterey run in the low 60s°F, and evenings cool to around 50°F once the sun goes down. Late October is also when the first rains of the season can arrive. That's one more reason to plan a warm dinner indoors after the costume parade.
Where should you eat after trick-or-treating?
Tarpy's is an easy drive from Pacific Grove, Carmel and the wharf, and the menu has something for every costume at the table.
For the whole crew: the Giant Bavarian Pretzel (ale-washed, Maldon sea salt, ale-cheddar and whole-grain mustard) goes to the middle of the table and disappears fast. The Fried Artichoke Hearts (srirachanaise and ranch) are a Monterey County classic.
For the grown-ups who earned it: a half or full rack of Baby Back Ribs with mac and cheese topped with herb breadcrumbs and balsamic-seared asparagus. Start with the Sriracha Glazed Ribs (honey-sriracha glaze and spicy peanuts) if you want a little heat. The whole menu is on the dine-in menu.
To drink: the Smoke Show (mezcal, Aperol, lemon and agave) is as close to a Halloween cocktail as the bar gets. The Hibiscus Paloma (blanco tequila, hibiscus, lime and grapefruit) is a deep ruby red in the glass.
Is happy hour a good option on Halloween weekend?
Yes, if you're heading out early. Happy hour runs seven days a week from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in the bar and lounge, and walk-ins are welcome. Garlic Fries with rosemary aioli and Smoked Chicken Wings with a dried coffee rub are both on the bar menu. See everything on the happy hour and bar menu.
Looking for more to do on the Peninsula? Our Monterey Peninsula seasonal events guide covers the bigger calendar.
FAQ
Is Tarpy's open on Halloween night?
Yes. Halloween falls on a Saturday in 2026, and Tarpy's is open from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Is Tarpy's family-friendly?
Yes. Families celebrate at Tarpy's all the time, and shareable plates like the Giant Bavarian Pretzel and Fried Artichoke Hearts work well for a group.
Do I need a reservation on Halloween weekend?
Dinner reservations are recommended for Friday and Saturday. Happy hour in the bar and lounge is walk-in. Book a table online or call 831.647.1444.
Where is Halloween on the Wharf?
At Old Fisherman's Wharf in Monterey, from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Trick-or-treat first, then dinner at Tarpy's. Reserve your table.
📍 2999 Monterey-Salinas Hwy, Monterey, CA | 📞 831.647.1444 | Open daily 11:30 a.m. | Fri–Sat until 9 p.m.