Family Halloween in the Coachella Valley: Pick the Outing That Fits Your Crew

Halloween does not have to be one long night of trick-or-treating. Around the Coachella Valley, the 2026 calendar gives families a few different ways to celebrate—some before October 31, and some during the day on Halloween itself.

Friday, October 23: treats and adoptable pets in Thousand Palms

Riverside County Animal Services is holding a Trunk or Treat at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, 72-050 Pet Land Place, from 2 to 6 p.m. The afternoon includes treats, games, music, vendors and free pet adoptions. Children can enjoy the Halloween activities while the adults meet animals looking for a home.

One rule to know before you go: leave your own pets at home. The campus says personal pets are not allowed because adoptable dogs will be walking around on leashes.

Sunday, October 25: Cathedral City’s free Spooktacular

The 10th Annual Spooktacular runs noon to 3 p.m. in front of Cathedral City Hall. Admission is free, with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, bicycle prizes and vendors handing out candy. This is the straightforward pick if the kids want to wear their costumes before Halloween and you want an event built around them.

Saturday, October 31: animals or airplanes

For a zoo day, Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert runs 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Trick-or-treat stations, keeper connections, face painting and fall photo spots are included with paid zoo admission or membership. Bring a reusable treat bag. The zoo allows costumes but does not allow costume weapons or full-face masks for adults.

For a different kind of Halloween morning, the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Chili Cook-Off and Car Show starts its car show at 10 a.m., with chili tasting from 11 a.m. Museum admission includes the car show; tasting tickets cost extra. Children 12 and under enter free and are encouraged to wear costumes without weapons.

Pick one main outing rather than trying to cross the valley between events. Check the organizer’s page again before leaving, especially for admission, hours and any weather-related change.