Halloween in Orange County, California, presents a unique blend of community festivities, theme park attractions, and seasonal promotions. While many events require admission fees, several opportunities exist for consumers to enjoy Halloween-themed activities, treats, and entertainment without cost or at a reduced price. This guide outlines verified free and low-cost Halloween offerings available in the region, focusing on community events, zoo activities, and seasonal restaurant promotions.
Community Parades and Festivals
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade stands out as a premier free community event. Scheduled for Saturday, October 25, 2025, the festival runs from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM, followed by the parade from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM. The route begins at Anaheim City Hall, proceeds along Center Street Promenade, turns onto Broadway, and concludes near South West Street. The event is free and open to the public, with no tickets required. Attendees can expect themed floats, marching bands, costumed performers, a classic car show, pet and kids' contests, live music, and local food stalls. Organizers estimate an attendance of approximately 70,000 visitors. Parking is available in nearby city lots and garages, though spaces fill quickly; arriving before 4:00 PM is recommended. The event is family-friendly, and leashed pets are permitted. In the event of severe weather, portions may be delayed or rescheduled.
A new addition for 2025 is the "Retro Horror Zone," which pays tribute to 1920s–1970s monster movies, alongside interactive light shows for families. After the parade, nearby restaurants and bars may host after-parties, DJ nights, and costume meetups. While Anaheim hosts the largest celebration, other Orange County cities such as Fullerton, Costa Mesa, and Irvine offer smaller Halloween festivals and parties, including haunted walking tours and outdoor pumpkin light shows.
Zoo and Animal Encounters
The Orange County Zoo offers a "Zoo-tacular" Halloween event on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Located at 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange, CA 92869, the event includes a scavenger hunt, trick-or-treating, and spooky crafts for children. Zoo animals will receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day. Admission to the zoo is $2 per person, with free entry for children ages 2 and under. Zoo coupons and free passes are not valid for this event. Parking is $5 per vehicle on weekends. Trick-or-treating candy and scavenger hunt prizes are available while supplies last, primarily for children ages 12 and under. Reservations are not required.
Restaurant and Retail Promotions
Several restaurants and retailers in Orange County have offered Halloween-themed promotions. These offers are subject to change and typically require dining at participating locations or using specific apps.
Auntie Anne’s
Pretzel Perks members could enjoy free delivery on orders of $15 or more via the Pretzel Perks app or website through October 31, 2022. This promotion provided a convenient way to access Halloween-themed pretzels without visiting a physical store.
Applebee’s
Applebee’s featured $6 "Spooky Sips" cocktails during October 2022. The "Tipsy Zombie" included Bacardi Superior, passion fruit, pineapple, cherry, lime, a gummy brain, and melon liqueur. "Dracula’s Juice" was a frozen berry creation with Patron Silver and Bacardi Superior. While these were paid items, they represented seasonal specials at a fixed price point.
Theme Park Halloween Events
While theme park admission generally requires a ticket, certain attractions offer free or low-cost elements. Disneyland Resort and Disney California Adventure Park host Halloween Time from August 22 through October 31, featuring themed rides like Haunted Mansion Holiday, Halloween treats, and character meet-and-greets. Decorations are visible from outside the parks, and some treats may be available for purchase without park entry.
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm runs select nights from mid-September through early November. It includes haunted mazes, scare zones, and live shows. While entry is ticketed, the surrounding area may offer glimpses of the atmosphere.
Adventure City hosts a "Boo-tastic Halloween Party" for a few nights, offering a smaller-scale, family-friendly experience.
Additional Free Activities
Various online resources list free things to do in Orange County during the fall season. These may include viewing Halloween decorations and haunted houses, attending pumpkin patches, or participating in community events. Specific locations such as Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Patch and Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit are mentioned in source materials, though details on free admission are not explicitly provided in the chunks.
Conclusion
Orange County offers a variety of free and low-cost Halloween activities, primarily centered around community parades, zoo events, and seasonal restaurant promotions. The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is the largest free event, providing entertainment for all ages. The Orange County Zoo’s Zoo-tacular offers animal-themed Halloween fun for a minimal admission fee. Retail promotions, such as Auntie Anne’s free delivery and Applebee’s themed cocktails, provide seasonal treats. Consumers should verify event dates, times, and participation requirements directly with organizers or official websites, as details may change annually.