Halloween 2026 in the Coachella Valley: A Saturday Night Guide for Families and Grown-Ups

October in the desert is finally cool enough to enjoy an evening outdoors. And Halloween 2026 lands on a Saturday, turning the weekend into a full slate of family festivals, costume fun and grown-up plans.

Whether you’re looking for family Halloween events in Palm Springs, a daytime outing in Palm Desert or a Saturday night in the Arenas District, here’s a guide to confirmed Coachella Valley Halloween events. Event times below are those listed by organizers as of October 22. Details can change, so check the linked event pages or organizers’ updates before you head out.

Halloween Falls on a Saturday This Year

Saturday, October 31 brings family activities earlier in the day and adult-oriented events later on. But there’s a scheduling catch: Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District and The B-52s and DEVO at Acrisure Arena both have events beginning at 7 p.m.

That gives you a few ways to plan. Make a morning of Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert, choose a family event in the afternoon, or save the evening for music, a stage show or the Arenas District street party. If you want to fit in more than one event, check travel time and admission details before committing.

Family-Friendly Picks

Hope Palm Desert Spooktacular: Saturday, October 24

5–8 p.m. | Free | Hope Palm Desert, 45900 Portola Ave., Palm Desert

The free Hope Palm Desert Spooktacular is an early-season option for families. The festival includes a creepy corn maze, carnival games, bounce houses, candy and a costume contest. Organizers list free parking on site.

Cathedral City 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular: Sunday, October 25

Noon–3 p.m. | Free | In front of Cathedral City Hall, 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero

This milestone edition brings trick-or-treating at vendor booths, costume contests, music and family games to downtown Cathedral City. Organizers also list free parking. See the Cathedral City event details before you go.

Monsters on Main Street: Thursday, October 29

6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs

A family-friendly Halloween outing is planned for downtown Palm Springs. The listed start time is 6 p.m. Check for organizer updates before setting out.

First Tee Coachella Valley Halloween Family Trunk-or-Treat: Friday, October 30

74945 Sheryl Ave. | Time not listed here

This first annual event is a Friday option for families who want to start Halloween weekend early. A time wasn’t included in the event details available for this guide, so confirm the schedule with First Tee Coachella Valley before you go.

Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert: Saturday, October 31

9 a.m.–1 p.m. | Palm Desert

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens hosts a daytime Halloween celebration with trick-or-treat stations, animal encounters and activities. The event is included with zoo membership or paid admission. General admission is listed at $44.95 for adults and $34.95 for children ages 3–17; prices can vary by date. Advance ticket purchase is required for all guests.

Bring a reusable bag for treats. Costumes are welcome, but follow the zoo’s safety guidelines: costumes must not include weapons or obscenity, and adult costumes cannot include a full-face mask. Check The Living Desert’s Howl-O-Ween page for current information.

Boo Bash at The Shops at Palm Desert: Saturday, October 31

The Shops at Palm Desert is hosting mall-wide trick-or-treating and crafts. A time wasn’t included in the event details for this guide, so check with the mall or event organizer for the latest schedule and participation information.

For Grown-Ups

Halloween Palm Springs in the Arenas District

4–10 p.m. | Saturday, October 31

This adult-oriented street party brings DJs and a costume contest to the Arenas District. If you plan to enter the contest, registration is at the information booth from 6–7:15 p.m. Registered participants must be in line at the main stage by 7:30 p.m. Registration may close early if all slots fill.

For event updates, visit Visit Palm Springs’ Halloween guide. Consider rideshare if you’re heading to the district; parking fills, especially for a busy holiday night.

Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors at Revolution Stage Company

7 p.m. | Saturday, October 31

A Halloween-night theater option, with the curtain listed for 7 p.m. Check with Revolution Stage Company for ticket availability and any updated details.

Graveyard Shift Dinner Show at PS Underground

This ticketed dinner show offers another way to spend Halloween evening. Confirm the current schedule and ticket information with PS Underground before making plans.

Also That Night

The B-52s and DEVO play Acrisure Arena at 7 p.m. on Saturday, October 31. It’s a ticketed show, and it overlaps with the start of Halloween Palm Springs. Find event and ticket information on the Acrisure Arena event page.

A Practical Local’s Note

Desert evenings can cool down quickly after sunset. Costumes over light layers are often more comfortable than a costume alone, especially if your plans stretch into the night.

For Howl-O-Ween, purchase zoo tickets in advance. Bring a reusable trick-or-treat bag and check the zoo’s costume safety rules before you leave home. If the Arenas District is on your itinerary, consider rideshare because parking fills. And before any outing, confirm the schedule with the organizer: event details can change.

Planning to trick-or-treat around your neighborhood? Check with your city or community association for local guidance. This guide doesn’t list neighborhood candy routes, trick-or-treat hours or curfews.

Make a Plan That Fits Your Night

There’s plenty to choose from across the Valley, but Saturday’s overlapping events make it worth choosing your priorities early. Keep an eye on organizer updates, leave room for the drive between stops and pick the celebration that suits your crew.

Here’s to a safe, comfortable Halloween weekend, and to seeing the Coachella Valley out enjoying the season.

About the Author

Stephen Powell is a Real Estate Broker Associate with Epique Realty, licensed since 2005 (California DRE 01488821), and a Palm Springs Life Top Realtor 2026. He serves the Greater Palm Springs area and Coachella Valley, including Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Bermuda Dunes and Coachella, helping people transition from one place in life to another. Reach Stephen at 760-861-3735 or StephenPowell.com. If you’re out enjoying Halloween, there’s a good chance you’ll see familiar neighbors around the Valley.