Halloween in the desert is anything but ordinary. From family-friendly carnivals and outdoor movie nights to spine-chilling haunted houses and glamorous cabaret dinners, the Coachella Valley transforms into a playground of thrills, treats, and unforgettable memories each October. Whether you’re looking for safe and spooky fun for the kids, a chance to show off your pup’s costume, or a lively night out on the town, there’s a Halloween event for everyone across Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and beyond.
Here’s your ultimate guide to celebrating Halloween in the desert this year.
Spooktacular Movie Nights
Come join in the fun at Spooktacular Movie Nights at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater. The fun starts at dusk each Tuesday night during October with seasonal family friendly films.
- 10/7: Nightmare Before Christmas
- 10/14: Monster House
- 10/21: Coco
- 10/28: Hocus Pocus
When: October 7, 14, 21, 28 | 5-8 p.m.
Where: Cathedral City Community Amphitheater
Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert
This annual event offers family-friendly Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating, face painting, arts and crafts, and exploring the park and its animals. Join in the festivities of the season at The Living Desert , enjoying Halloween-themed activities suitable for families and engaging in spontaneous experiences spread across the park. Delight in the autumn celebrations while you venture into the diverse world of deserts, interact with over 600 animals, and bask in the charm of their 50-plus botanical gardens.
When: October 25-26 | 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Where: The Living Desert
Halloween BOO Bash!
Celebrate Halloween at the Palm Desert Library with a family-friendly BOO Bash! Enjoy a magic show, face painting, Scooby-Doo–themed crafts, a Mystery Machine photo booth, and plenty of spooky giveaways. This free event is open to all ages—don’t miss the fun!
When: October 25 | 12 pm. - 2 a.m.
Where: Palm Desert Library, 73300 Fred Waring Dr, Palm Desert CA
HOWL-O-WEEN Dog Costume Contest
The Cathedral City Parks & Community Events Commission presents the Howl-O-Ween 2025 Dog Costume Contest at Panorama Park Dog Park. Join in on the fun at the annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest! Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the contest begins at 9:30 a.m. There will be prizes awarded for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place in each of two categories – small and large breed. Plus there will be a prize for the best dog and owner combo costume!
When: October 25 | 9 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.
Where: Panorama Park Dog Park, Cathedral City
Chili Cook-Off and Car Show
The Palm Springs Air Museum hosts this event, where you can check out classic cars and sample chili from local cooks. Be a part of the fun at Palm Springs Air Museum ’s 16th annual Chili Cook-Off and Car Show. Burn rubber on over to see some awesome rides and enjoy a tasting of various chili offerings from the Museum volunteers’ secret recipes. It will be a ghoulish feast for the eyes and the tummy. Supported by the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association.
When: October 25 | 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Where: Palm Springs Air Museum
Fear Haunt 2025 at the Shops at Palm Desert
Prepare for a spine-chilling journey at FEAR Haunt 2025, where fear reigns supreme. Step into the haunted house, wind through eerie mazes, and brave terrifying attractions that will keep you screaming all night long. This fan-favorite Halloween experience returns to The Shops at Palm Desert for another season of thrills, scares, and unforgettable memories.
When: Sept. 26 -Nov. 1, 2025 - Doors open nightly at 7:00 PM - Closing times vary by date
Where: The Shops at Palm Desert
FEAR Haunt is located in its exclusive space at The Shops at Palm Desert, accessible only from the Level Two exterior entrance near JCPenney. Plenty of parking is available.
Tickets: For full calendar, ticket prices, and reservations, visit the official FEAR Haunt ticketing page: https://fearhaunt.fearticket.com/
https://shopsatpalmdesert.com/event/fear-haunt-2025/
Halloween Carnival at James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation brings the community together for a festive and family-friendly Halloween Carnival. Enjoy an evening of spooky fun with classic carnival games, seasonal attractions, and plenty of treats. Designed for all ages, this annual celebration is a safe and lively way to experience Halloween in Palm Springs.
When: October 31 | 4 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: 480 W Tramview Road, Palm Springs, CA 92262
VillageFest Halloween Spook-tacular
On Thursday, October 31st, the weekly VillageFest street fair transforms into a Halloween celebration with a youth costume contest, trick-or-treating, carnival games, face-painting, and music. The City of Palm Springs Department of Parks & Recreation presents Halloween: Killer Klowns at VillageFest ! The free event will include monster movies, trick or treating, a haunted bus, costume contest, and pumpkin patch.
When: October 30 | 6 p.m.
Where: Downtown Palm Springs
Adult & Nightlife Options
Halloween Bash at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar
Enjoy live music by Empire Records & DJ Ebony, show off your costume for cash prizes (up to $1,000), and celebrate Halloween. Come dressed to impress and show off your costume for a chance to win cash prizes (up to $1,000) at Agave Caliente Tequila Bar at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City! Plus enjoy live entertainment by Empire Records & DJ Ebony! Masks and full-face paint are not permitted in the casino.
When: October 31 | 8 p.m.
Where: Agave Caliente Tequila Bar at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City
PS Underground Dinner & Shows
PS Underground is an immersive dining and entertainment experience in Palm Springs, known for its creative themes, multi-course dinners, and unforgettable live performances. Each show is uniquely crafted, blending gourmet cuisine with theater, music, and surprise elements for a one-of-a-kind night out.
The Crimson Rose at PS Underground
Experience a dark and sultry cabaret with vampires and live entertainment, including a four-course dinner and specialty cocktails. Deep within the humid embrace of New Orleans' French Quarter, where the scent of jasmine mingles with the distant cry of jazz, a different kind of pulse emanates from "The Crimson Rose", a dark and sultry cabaret. Here, under shimmering candlelight, the performers are not mere mortals but beings of the night. Vampires whose voices are a velvety harmony capable of both stirring the soul and chilling the blood. The ticket includes a four-course dinner, live entertainment and free flowing beer, wine, blood-red sangria, and specialty cocktails.
When: October 25 | 7:00 p.m
Where: PS Underground
Price: $189
The Graveyard Shift at PS Underground:
Calling all ghosts, goblins, witches, and monsters - your Graveyard Shift awaits! This Halloween, join them for a frightfully fun night at PS Underground, where all the ghouls get groovy, dinner’s so delicious it could wake the dead, and you can dance the night away to the bone-rattling tunes of the Coachella Valley’s favorites - The Gand Band! The price includes a four-course dinner, live entertainment and free flowing beer, wine, and specialty sinister cocktails.
When: October 31 | 7:00 p.m
Where: PS Underground
Price: $189
Celebrate Halloween, Desert-Style
From pumpkin patches and pet parades to haunted mazes and late-night cabarets, the desert knows how to do Halloween in style. Whether you’re chasing family-friendly fun or after-hours frights, you’ll find no shortage of ways to celebrate. So dust off your costumes, gather your loved ones, and make this October a month to remember. Happy Halloween from all of us at Desert Cities Home!
