Free Halloween Fun in San Jose: Library Trunk-or-Treats, Free Books, Willow Glen Trick-or-Treating and Festivals Oct. 25–31
Halloween does not have to cost anything. All week long, San Jose libraries and neighborhoods are running free events for kids — starting with a free book for every child, every day this week.
All week: a FREE book for every kid at the library (Oct 24–31)
The San José Public Library’s Halloween Booktacular Giveaway runs Oct 24–31: every youth ages 0–18 gets one free book at any San José Public Library location, while supplies last. No sign-up, no catch — walk in and pick a book. (Source: San José Public Library, sjpl.org.)
Library storytimes and costume parades
- Halloween Storytime — Seven Trees Branch, Mon Oct 26, 5:30–6:30 p.m. Stories and songs in costume season.
- Halloween Baby/Toddler Storytime & Parade — Vineland Branch, Wed Oct 28, 10:30–11:00 a.m. Costumes welcome, with a short parade and trick-or-treating through the library — a gentle first Halloween for the littlest ones.
- Halloween Storytime and Parade — Edenvale Branch, Wed Oct 28, 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Costume parade plus practice trick-or-treating at stations inside the library.
Friday Oct 30
- Willow Glen Trick or Treat on the Avenue — Lincoln Ave, downtown Willow Glen. Two sessions: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. or 3–4:30 p.m. Free trick-or-treating at participating businesses on the Avenue. (Willow Glen Business Association.)
- Trunk-or-Treat @ The Plex — 800 Embedded Way, 6:30–8:30 p.m. Decorated cars, treats while supplies last. Admission is free but timed: reserve a free ticket for a 6:30, 7:30, or 8:30 slot before you go.
Saturday Oct 31 — Halloween day
- Tunes & Treats: A Halloween Community Fest — Haven Wellness Spa, 30 Kirk Ave, 12–4 p.m. Live student music, trunk-or-treat, a maker market, and pumpkin decorating. Admission is free (some vendors, food, or optional activities may cost extra).
- Tricks, Treats & Trinkets Halloween Makers Market — SPARK Social San José, 1–7 p.m. Free entry to a Halloween market of local artists and small businesses — treats, trinkets, and spooky finds.
- Avenida de Altares at Mexican Heritage Plaza — 1700 Alum Rock Ave, 5:30–10:30 p.m. This is the 10th annual Día de los Muertos celebration, held on Halloween night: a community altar gallery, hands-on art for all ages, an artisan market, face painting, and live performances. Free, family-friendly, and an RSVP is appreciated.
A plain note: a few well-known San Jose Halloween attractions are not free (the History Park children’s haunt and the Winchester Mystery House charge admission), so they are not on this list — everything above is.
One more free thing, all year: if your family qualifies for help with food, rent, health coverage, or utility bills, the money adds up fast. Check what benefits you may qualify for in about 2 minutes, or let us apply for you with Apply for Me. Free, private, and not a government agency.
