SAN FRANCISCO — The Great Hauntway returns to Sunset Dunes on Sunday, Oct. 25, turning the car-free coastal park into a free three-hour Halloween party with trick-or-treating, bounce houses, live performers and music.
Friends of Sunset Dunes calls it San Francisco’s largest Halloween event. The 2026 Hauntway runs from 1 to 4 p.m. along Sunset Dunes between Judah and Taraval streets, and the organizer says it is completely free to attend.
When and where is the Great Hauntway 2026?
Sunday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunset Dunes, between Judah and Taraval streets in the Outer Sunset.
The event is built around the car-free coastal corridor, so families can move between trick-or-treat stations and activities without ordinary through traffic on the event path.
What happens at the Great Hauntway?
The official 2026 page advertises trick-or-treating, live performers, bounce houses and live music. It is designed as a neighborhood Halloween party rather than a ticketed attraction with one timed show.
Because the program stretches along the dunes, comfortable walking shoes and an extra layer for the west side are sensible. The organizer does not list an admission charge or a required paid ticket.
Is the Great Hauntway free?
Yes. Friends of Sunset Dunes says the event is completely free to attend.
That makes it one of the stronger free Halloween options on the city calendar: fixed Sunday afternoon hours, a public outdoor venue and no admission price. The main practical constraint is getting to the west side without spending the afternoon searching for parking.
Which Muni lines go to the Great Hauntway?
The organizer recommends taking Muni and lists the N Judah, L Taraval and the 7, 18, 23 and 48 bus lines as serving the Hauntway area.
Service can still change on a busy weekend. Check live Muni service and alerts before leaving, especially if you are making a transfer from BART or coming across town.
Where can you park or leave a bike?
Friends of Sunset Dunes says neighborhood parking is limited and encourages visitors to bike or use Muni.
Event bike parking will be provided at Judah and Taraval. The organizer also lists Bay Wheels stations at Lincoln and La Playa and along Lower Great Highway at Judah, Noriega, Quintara and Taraval.
Can you make a full Oct. 25 day out of it?
Yes, but the timing rewards planning. The Great Hauntway ends at 4 p.m. SF News Today has separate guides to World of Dumplings at the Ferry Building, which runs earlier that day, and SF Music Day at the War Memorial, which continues until 6 p.m.
If you are staying on the west side, the Hauntway is also a reason to check the day’s surf and wind before combining Halloween activities with a beach stop. Our weather page carries current National Weather Service alerts.