Halloween is getting a major upgrade in Stockton this year.
Halloween at the Fair will take over the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds from Thursday, October 29 through Sunday, November 1, 2026, creating four days of carnival rides, trick-or-treating, fireworks, food, family activities, Día de los Muertos traditions and Halloween attractions. General event admission is free with advance ticket registration.
The event runs 3 to 10 p.m. each day, with last entry at 9 p.m., giving families several opportunities to build their own Halloween adventure.
More Than 500 Cars and Plenty of Candy
One of the biggest attractions will be what organizers are calling San Joaquin County’s largest Trunk-o-Treat.
More than 500 cars across three nights are expected to fill the fairgrounds on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with different vehicles participating each night. Children can arrive in costume and collect candy from rows of decorated cars in a controlled, family-focused setting.
Friday night’s Iconic View Car Show will feature everything from lowriders and imports to trucks, motorcycles and custom builds, along with costume contests, a DJ and more than 60 awards.
Carnival Rides, Hay Maze and a Haunted Virtual Reality Experience
The Midway of Fun will bring carnival rides, games and family attractions to the fairgrounds throughout all four days.
Families can also explore a giant hay maze, browse the Halloween Market, enjoy crafts and children’s activities, or test their nerves inside a virtual reality haunted house.
And because no trip to the fairgrounds feels complete without something indulgent to eat, concession stands will serve classic fair favorites along with seasonal Halloween treats, funnel cakes, cotton candy, ice cream and more.
Fireworks Light Up Halloween Weekend
Halloween weekend will also end with a bang.
Fireworks are scheduled for 7 p.m. on both Saturday, October 31, and Sunday, November 1, giving families another reason to stay into the evening after the rides and trick-or-treating.
Live Latin and Hispanic music concerts are also planned for Saturday and Sunday nights through VGM Music Group. The artist lineup and separate concert ticket information are still being finalized.
Día de los Muertos Brings Culture and Tradition to the Fair
Halloween at the Fair will also include a celebration of Día de los Muertos, presented by Catrina Events.
Families will be able to experience ofrendas, traditional displays, cultural dance, live performances, art, food and community traditions honoring loved ones who have died.
The inclusion of Día de los Muertos gives the weekend a cultural dimension beyond costumes and candy, bringing remembrance, tradition and community together inside the larger event.
Built With Families in Mind
Organizers say the event is being designed around a controlled family environment, with professional security, organized entry, active event staffing and metal-detector screening.
That structure may be especially appealing to parents looking for an alternative to traditional neighborhood trick-or-treating while still giving children the excitement of costumes, candy and Halloween night.
Event Details
What: Halloween at the Fair
When: Thursday, October 29 through Sunday, November 1, 2026
Time: 3 to 10 p.m. daily, last entry at 9 p.m.
Where: San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, 1658 S. Airport Way, Stockton
Admission: Free with advance registration; parking is additional
Highlights: Carnival rides and games, three nights of Trunk-o-Treat, more than 500 participating cars, fireworks, giant hay maze, VR haunted house, kids activities, fair food, Halloween Market and Día de los Muertos celebration
Free Tickets: Claim free Halloween at the Fair tickets
With four nights of rides, candy, costumes and cultural traditions packed into one location, Halloween at the Fair is shaping up to be one of Stockton’s biggest family Halloween events of the year.
Families can come for the candy, stay for the rides and fireworks, and make an entire evening out of celebrating Halloween together.