Harvest, Haunts & Happenings
Spirits of Solvang: Harvest, Haunts & Happenings
This October, get ready for a month-long celebration of all things spooky and spectacular. From eerie scarecrows taking over the town to thrilling haunted houses and family-friendly frights, there’s a spirit for everyone to discover. Join us as we celebrate the season with a lineup of events that will get you into the harvest and Halloween spirit.
Ongoing and Special Fall Events All Month!
This October, Solvang transforms into a Halloween haven with a full month of activities. Fall themes such as Scarecrow Fest will be happening all month long, complemented by a lineup of exclusive limited-time events and one-day only experiences. Whether you’re looking for spooky thrills or family-friendly fun, you’ll find plenty to do, including our annual haunted house, movie in the park, and more!
Special Haunted Happenings
Solvang Spooktacular Cinema in the Park
Friday, October 2nd: pre-show at 5:30 pm, movie at dusk
The City of Solvang and Solvang Cinema Arts kick off Harvest, Haunts & Happenings with a free pop-up screening of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in Solvang Park. Sally is coming too! The pre-show brings free face painting for kids and grown-ups in the spirit. Bring blankets and low chairs, and arrive before dusk for a good spot on the grass.
Admission is free. Popcorn, hot chocolate and sweet treats are for sale during the movie. Plan your night with Solvang Cinema Arts.
Vikings Classic Car Show: Wicked Wheels
Saturday, October 3rd
Enjoy a stunning display of vintage cars, hot rods, and timeless classics, all set against the charm of our Danish village. It’s a fun-filled day of chrome, community, and classic automotive style you won’t want to miss!
All proceeds from the event support the philanthropic work of the Vikings of Solvang, providing funding for medically related needs in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Paranormal Investigation of the Solvang Festival Theater
Saturday, October 10th
For one night only, enter Solvang’s famous Festival Theater for a true after-hours investigation from 10:00 PM–11:30 PM on Saturday, October 10th.
The tour opens with an overview of Solvang’s past and the theater’s own story, including backstage ghost stories, and the most persistent reports from cast and crew.
Step onto the stage, slip behind the curtain, and tour through the theater, backstage corridors, and dressing rooms where performers have felt an unseen audience.
This is a focused, PG-13 investigation—hands-on, methodical, and built for believers and skeptics alike.
Solvang Pets Costume Parade & Fall Festival – CANCELLED
Sunday, October 11th
Solvang Park at 1630 Mission Drive
Join us for a full day of Halloween fun in Solvang, beginning in the park and continuing throughout downtown!
11:00AM – Kids & Pets Halloween Parade & Costume Contest – CANCELLED
Bring the whole family (furry friends included!) and show off your most creative, spooky, or adorable costumes as you parade through Solvang Park. Pet Costume contest judging will take place immediately following the parade, with awards for: Best Overall, Most Creative, Best Pet/Owner Duo, Funniest, and Most Scary. Enjoy seasonal vendors, themed face painting, games, family-friendly activities, and live music. Bring a blanket or lawn chair and enjoy the lively Halloween atmosphere filled with music, community, and seasonal fun. Meet adorable animals from the Santa Ynez Valley Humane Society (you might just find your new best friend!)
10:00AM – 5:00PM – Kids Trick or Treat in Downtown Solvang – CANCELLED
Little ghosts and goblins can trick-or-treat at participating downtown businesses.
Come celebrate a day where music, costumes, community, and Halloween magic come together in the heart of Solvang.
Adult Trick-or-Treat at Participating Wineries
Friday, October 16th – Sunday, October 18th
Get into the Halloween spirit with an adult-only trick-or-treat experience featuring eight stops at participating wineries throughout Downtown Solvang and Los Olivos!
- Costume required
- Eight winery stops
- Tickets on sale now: https://www.santaynezwinecountry.com/product-page/adults-trick-or-treat
Put on your best Halloween costume, grab your friends, and sip your way through Santa Ynez Valley wine country!
Eight stops. One festive adventure. Come dressed to impress!
Movie Nights at Final Girl Wines – 485 Alisal Rd, Solvang
Saturday Nights in October
Final Girl Wines will be hosting some frightfully good movies on Saturday nights during the month of October, and this year the theme is vampires!
October 3rd – Renfield (2023)
October 10th – Sinners (2025)
October 17th – The Lost Boys (1987)
October 24th – What We Do in the Shadows (2014)
Tickets are $30, which include a glass of wine or non-alcoholic drink. Shows start at 8pm and all ages 15+ are welcome.
Go to https://finalgirlwines.com/shop/ols/categories/events for tickets and more information.
Events at The Good Life – 1672 Mission Drive, Solvang
Fireside Frights: Ghost Stories by the Fire
Tuesday, October 27th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
Gather round the crackling fire at The Good Life Cellar for an evening of spine-tingling tales, poems and songs. Storytellers are invited to share a spooky favorite, or you can simply sit back and listen, with local beer, wine and cider on hand to steady your nerves
Ages 21 and over.
Halloween Party & Costume Contest at The Good Life Cellar
Saturday, October 31st from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
Dress in your wildest or spookiest best for the cellar’s annual Halloween bash, with prizes for the top costumes. Local craft beers, small-production wines, artisan ciders and meads flow all night to a soundtrack of spooky tunes.
Ages 21 and over.
Solvang Parks and Recreation 32nd Annual Halloween Haunted House
Brace yourself for the 32nd Annual Solvang Haunted House, where this year’s theme, “Nightmares… And Beyond,” will bring your deepest fears to life.
Friday and Saturday October 23 & 24, 2026
@ Solvang Festival Theater
from 6pm-9:30pm
(Kid “Friendlier” 6-6:30pm)
Haunted House Street Fair
Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th from 5:30 PM to 9:30 PM.
Discover ghoulishly good finds at the Haunted House Street Fair! This spooky popup market, held in conjunction with the Haunted House, features local artisans and crafters selling unique, one-of-a-kind treasures. Treat yourself to frightfully tasty bites and wickedly refreshing drinks from Whiskey n Rye in the wine, beer, & spirits garden, where you can enjoy a delicious dinner and handcrafted cocktails — the perfect fuel for your haunted adventures! Be sure to stop by Lindsay’s Little Bakery for some spooky-sweet treats to top it all off!
Hocus Pocus at the Solvang Visitors Center
Friday & Saturday, October 23rd & 24th from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Get ready for some not-too-spooky Trick or Treating fun! The Visitors Center located at 1639 Copenhagen Drive will be magically transformed into a Heks Hus (Danish for Witch House). This is the perfect way to start or end your evening at the Solvang Haunted House and Street Fair.
Ongoing October Events
All Month Long
Scarecrow Fest
A beloved Solvang tradition, the Scarecrow Fest features dozens of creative scarecrows crafted by local businesses and residents. Visitors can stroll through town all October long to see the unique displays and vote for their favorites.
All Month Long
Spooky Food & Wine Trail
The spooky food and wine trail features select participating businesses throughout Solvang offering Halloween-themed bites and drinks all month long. Stroll through town, sip seasonal wines, and enjoy deliciously spooky treats crafted just for October.
All Month Long
A Glimmer of Ghoulish Lights
Solvang Park will get a festive, Halloween glow as special lighting is planned to illuminate the space all October long.
Ghost Hunting Tours of Solvang
Uncover the spooky side of this storybook town. These interactive ghost tours combine local history with true crime and paranormal activity—complete with ghost-hunting tools and haunted sites.
The Solvang Farmer Pumpkin Patch Open Daily September 25 Through October 31
Pumpkins – We grow 64 different varieties ranging in size from ½ pound to several hundred pounds.
Large Corn Maze – Over a dozen acres with a fun Scavenger Hunt featuring hidden symbols throughout the maze. Last entry at 5:15 PM daily.
Kids’ Maze – A smaller, fun-filled maze designed for young children.
Fresh Popcorn & Kettle Corn – We grow our own popcorn and kettle corn kernels right here on the farm!
The Yard Orchard
Open Through November
Nestled in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley, The Yard Orchard & Co offers a unique farmer’s market experience where you can relax, shop, and enjoy the simple pleasures of nature.
More Events to be Announced!
With all the month-long and one-day events on the calendar, we’re still brewing up more! Look forward to events where you can enjoy local music, vendors, and a taste of the best of the Santa Ynez Valley. Stay tuned for details!
More Information
For more information on all the hauntingly good fun, including specific dates and times for each event, visit our event calendar. Plan your perfect Halloween getaway by visiting our lodging specials page, and enjoy the ghoulish happenings that will make your stay extra festive.
