Halloween in Walnut Creek 2026: Family Events, Grandkid Fun and Tips for Homeowners

East Bay Lifestyle

Oct 21

Halloween hits a little differently at every stage of life.

When the kids were small, it meant costumes stitched the night before and pillowcases full of candy. Then they grew up, and maybe the porch light stayed off for a few years. Now there might be grandkids in the picture, or you’re wondering whether to decorate at all because your house is on the market.

Whatever Halloween looks like for you this year, here’s what’s happening in Walnut Creek, plus a few tips I share with homeowners every October.

THE SHORT ANSWER

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec hosts its 7th annual Trunk or Treat on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Civic Park, with a Low-Sensory Hour from 3 to 4 p.m. and the main event from 4 to 6 p.m. If you’re selling, keep Halloween decor simple and tasteful, and plan it around your listing photos. If you have an older parent living alone, a well-lit porch and a clear walkway to the door matter more than ever on Halloween night.

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Halloween Events in Walnut Creek This Year

Trunk or Treat at Civic Park: Friday, October 23

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec’s 7th annual Trunk or Treat takes over Civic Park from 3 to 6 p.m. The first hour, 3 to 4 p.m., is a Low-Sensory Hour with no music or jump-scares, allergy-friendly treats, quiet zones and calming tools. From 4 to 6 p.m., there’s music, activities, giveaways, a scavenger hunt and plenty of trunk-or-treating.

I love that Low-Sensory Hour. It’s a thoughtful option for little ones who get overwhelmed, and honestly, for grandparents who prefer a calmer crowd.

Kids' Costume Contest at Duck Donuts: Saturday, October 24

Duck Donuts downtown is hosting a kids’ costume contest from 4 to 6 p.m. Check Walnut Creek Downtown’s event calendar for details.

Howl-ooo-ween at Lindsay Wildlife Experience: Tuesday, October 27

Lindsay Wildlife Experience, right by Larkey Park, is hosting Howl-ooo-ween from 3 to 8 p.m. It’s a great pick if your grandkids love animals more than spooky stuff. Check their website for tickets and details.

Looking for something to do on Halloween Day?

On Saturday, October 31, 2026 (Starting at 12:00 PM), head over to Crescent Drive in downtown Pleasant Hill for the Downtown Pleasant Hill Spooktacular. This free event includes professional pavement chalk artists, a Kids Chalk Zone, face painting, balloon art, and candy.

Halloween With the Grandkids

Daytime events are your friend. They’re less crowded, easier to park for, and the little ones are done before they melt down.
Bring a chair. Civic Park has room to set up while the kids run around.
Take the free trolley. County Connection’s Route 4 Downtown Trolley loops between BART and Broadway Plaza, so you can skip the parking hunt downtown.
Plan a cozy finish. A warm drink and a pumpkin-carving session back at home can be the best part of the night.

Selling While You’re Still Living There

If one or both of you are still in the home, showings can feel personal. A few things help:

Agree on a showing schedule ahead of time so no one is caught off guard.
Pack away personal photos and papers early, both for privacy and for staging.
Keep the kids’ routines as steady as possible, and plan showings around school and activities.
Let me handle the scheduling so the two of you don’t have to coordinate directly unless you want to.

STILL READING?

Selling this fall? My free Prep Your Home to Sell guide covers curb appeal, including how to keep the front porch looking its best during the holidays.

If Your Home Is For Sale This Halloween

A question I hear often in October is, "Can I still decorate?" Absolutely. A little seasonal charm can make a home feel warm and lived-in. A few guidelines:

Keep it simple. Pumpkins, a fall wreath and a few mums say "welcome." Skeletons and gravestones can distract buyers.
Mind your photos. If listing photos are coming up, take seasonal decor down for the shoot so the photos still look fresh in November and December.
Keep walkways clear. Buyers and trick-or-treaters both need a safe path to the door.
Plan showings around the night. It’s usually best to skip showings on Halloween evening.

If an Older Parent Lives Alone

Halloween means a lot of doorbells and a lot of trips to the door. For a parent who’s a little unsteady, that can be more than it sounds. A few simple steps help:

Make sure porch and entry lights work, and the walkway is clear of cords and decorations.
Set the candy bowl near the door so they’re not going back and forth.
If answering the door feels like too much, a porch light left off is the universal "not tonight" signal.
Check in that evening, even with a quick call.

If you notice the steps or the lighting are becoming a real problem, that might be worth a bigger conversation after the holidays.

“Carrie is the absolute best! She truly cares about her clients & knows how to negotiate to get them the very best outcome. The expert in Walnut Creek & SF East Bay & an overall great person!”

— Kim B.

A quick note: event details were checked in October 2026. Please confirm with Walnut Creek Arts + Rec, Walnut Creek Downtown and Lindsay Wildlife Experience before you go.

Final Thoughts

Halloween is one of those holidays that changes with every chapter of life, from tiny costumes to grandkids at the door to deciding how to decorate a home you’re about to sell.

However you celebrate this year, I hope it’s full of good treats and good people.

With you in every chapter, Carrie

Carrie LaShell

Realtor, eXp Realty • DRE #02149436

I'm not here to sell houses. I guide, advise, and simplify, so Walnut Creek and East Bay homeowners can move through life's biggest transitions with a lot more clarity and a lot less stress.

925-478-0084

FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTIONS

Walnut Creek Arts + Rec’s Trunk or Treat is Friday, October 23, 2026, at Civic Park, from 3 to 6 p.m., with a Low-Sensory Hour from 3 to 4 p.m.
Yes. The Trunk or Treat at Civic Park starts with a Low-Sensory Hour from 3 to 4 p.m., with no music or jump-scares and quiet zones.
Yes, but keep it simple and welcoming, like pumpkins and a wreath. Take decor down for listing photos so they stay fresh after the holiday.
Make sure porch lights work, clear the walkway, keep the candy bowl by the door, and check in that evening.

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