Halloween falls on Saturday this year, giving Santa Clara County a whole weekend to celebrate. And there is plenty to enjoy beyond the neighborhood candy route. This weekend’s lineup includes a pumpkin-patch outing, a hands-on cooking experience, a collectibles show, an atmospheric Halloween evening, and a meaningful Día de los Muertos celebration.
For Almaden Valley and South San Jose residents, these five picks offer different ways to spend time with family and friends without planning an out-of-town getaway. Choose one main outing, leave time for a meal, and enjoy the transition from October to November.
1. Squeeze in one more pumpkin-patch adventure at Spina Farms
When: Saturday, October 31, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, November 1, 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Where: 225 Laguna Avenue, Morgan Hill, at Santa Teresa Boulevard.
Why go: An outdoor fall outing with room for seasonal photos and pumpkin-patch fun.
If October slipped by faster than expected, there is still time for a visit to Spina Farms. The farm’s posted season continues through November 2, so this weekend is a final opportunity to enjoy the setting before the season ends.
The patch offers rides and food alongside its pumpkins. Admission is free, while attractions cost extra and tickets are sold on-site. The October 31 calendar specifically lists $30 paid parking; confirm Sunday’s parking charge before visiting. Wear comfortable closed-toe shoes and check the farm’s calendar for weather updates.
For a relaxed Saturday, go earlier in the day and leave yourself plenty of time to get home before evening Halloween plans.
Details: https://spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com/calendar/
Address: https://spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com/contact-us/
2. Make something delicious at Eataly’s Kids in the Kitchen class
When: Saturday, October 31, 1–2:30 p.m.
Where: Eataly Silicon Valley, 2855 Stevens Creek Boulevard, Santa Clara.
Why go: A creative parent-and-child activity that turns an afternoon together into a cooking memory.
For families looking for a Halloween-day activity that does not revolve around candy, Eataly’s cavatelli pasta-making class is a tasty alternative. The listed format pairs children with an adult to prepare pasta from scratch, with a chef-prepared tasting during class and their own creation to take home.
There is something especially satisfying about trading screens for flour-dusted hands and a shared project. It also provides a different pace before a busy evening of costumes and trick-or-treating.
Check Eataly’s registration page for remaining seats, pricing, age requirements, and adult participation rules before making plans; the event listing does not establish current availability.
Details and booking link: https://www.discoversantaclara.org/event/kids-in-the-kitchen-cavatelli-pasta-making-2026-10-31/
3. Browse, trade, and explore at HypeCon Bay Area
When: Saturday, October 31, general admission 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, November 1, general admission 11 a.m.–4 p.m. VIP entry begins at 10 a.m. both days.
Where: Santa Clara Convention Center, 5001 Great America Parkway, Santa Clara.
Why go: An indoor outing for collectors and anyone who enjoys discovering something unexpected.
HypeCon brings vendors, artists, and fans together around collectibles ranging from trading cards and sports memorabilia to designer toys, sneakers, and pop-culture merchandise.
This is a particularly good option when different generations share an interest in collecting. One person might be hunting for a card, another browsing toys, and someone else simply enjoying the displays. Set a shopping budget before you arrive so the hunt stays fun.
Children 12 and under receive free admission according to the event listing. Check the organizer’s ticket page for adult pricing and entry details.
Details: https://www.discoversantaclara.org/event/hypecon-bay-area-2026-2026-10-31/
4. Give Halloween a memorable finale at Winchester Mystery House
When: Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1; choose an available entry time when booking.
Where: Winchester Mystery House, 525 South Winchester Boulevard, San Jose.
Why go: A distinctive local setting for a theatrical Halloween evening.
Festival Fright Nights wraps up its 2026 season this weekend, combining the Winchester estate’s atmosphere with haunted attractions, entertainment, and seasonal food and drink offerings.
Choose the experience carefully. The main haunt is best considered by visitors who actively enjoy scares. A separate Tricks & Treats Festival ticket is advertised for October 29–November 1, offering a gentler outdoor experience with a treat trail and seasonal activities. That ticket excludes mansion entry and haunted attractions.
Buy directly through the official site, compare ticket inclusions, and review age guidance before booking. This is a good pick for an evening with friends who want Halloween to feel like an occasion.
Details and tickets: https://festivalfrightnights.com/
5. Welcome November with Día de los Muertos at Santana Row
When: Sunday, November 1. Cultural market noon–5 p.m.; face painting and Catrina/Catrin photo opportunities noon–3 p.m.; mariachi and dance performances 1–3 p.m.
Where: Santana Row, San Jose; main activities in Santana Row Park and Oak Tree Lounge.
Why go: A free community celebration centered on remembrance, music, and cultural connection.
Close the weekend with an outing that invites both celebration and reflection. Santana Row’s Día de los Muertos event honors loved ones who have passed through music, community activities, and opportunities to participate in the holiday’s traditions.
Plan around the afternoon performances, browse the market, and leave time for a meal nearby. Restaurant purchases are separate from the free community programming.
It is a lovely Sunday option for friends or families who want to gather without scheduling every minute. Approach the remembrance displays respectfully and enjoy the chance to learn as well as celebrate.
Details: https://santanarow.com/event/dia-de-los-muertos-celebration/
Make the weekend your own
You do not need to fit all five into two days. Choose the outing that matches your group: outdoor time at the farm, a shared cooking project, an indoor collectibles adventure, a Halloween evening, or Sunday’s cultural celebration.
For me, local lifestyle is part of the conversation about home. It is the ability to enjoy familiar neighborhood routines and still have something different to explore nearby. From Almaden Valley to Santa Clara and Morgan Hill, this weekend offers plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy the communities around us.
Thinking about a move within Santa Clara County? We would love to help you explore the neighborhoods, amenities, and everyday experiences that fit the way you want to live.
Event schedules, weather policies, ticket availability, and fees can change. Recheck the linked event pages before leaving home.