Events · Sat, Oct 31, 2026
Halloween in La Mesa Village 2026: Free Trick-or-Treating Oct. 31
Costumes on, candy bags out. Downtown La Mesa turns into one big trick-or-treat route on Halloween afternoon, and there’s even a costume contest for your dog. Here’s what to know.
Halloween in La Mesa Village is on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm, with free trick-or-treating at participating businesses along La Mesa Blvd. This is the 8th annual event from the La Mesa Village Association, and it’s free for everyone.
The basics
- When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 4pm – 6pm
- Where: downtown La Mesa, along La Mesa Blvd. and adjacent streets between Grant Ave. and Acacia Ave. (both sides of Spring St.)
- Cost: free
- Bring: your own trick-or-treat bag, and a costume
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so the whole family can make an afternoon of it without rushing home from work or school first.
What to expect
Kids (and grown-ups) dress up and trick-or-treat at participating businesses along La Mesa Blvd. The La Mesa Village Association lists a mix of local shops, studios and restaurants handing out treats, so look for the participating storefronts as you stroll the Village.
Keep an eye out for Halloween-themed stilt walkers, too. They’ll be around for photos, so have your phone ready for that towering family picture.
Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest
Pets get their own spotlight. The Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest takes place at the Fountain Courtyard by the La Mesa Blvd. Trolley Station in the La Mesa Village Plaza. Check-in begins at 3:30pm, and judging begins by 4pm.
There are two categories, Best Pet/Pet Parent Combo and Most Festive Halloween Pet, with prizes for first, second and third place in each. Organizers ask that pets stay on a leash or in a carrier the whole time, and that owners clean up after them.
Before and after the candy run
Trick-or-treating wraps up at 6pm, right around dinnertime. On Saturdays we’re open until 11pm at 6903 University Ave, so there’s plenty of time to refuel after the Village.
- Fuel up first: a burrito or a plate of street tacos before 4pm keeps little monsters going (and makes the candy dessert, not dinner). Chips come with your meal, and the salsa bar is open.
- Feed the crew after: deli fans can grab a hot sandwich or a cold sandwich to go.
- Skip the wait: call ahead at (619) 467-7020 and your order will be ready to pick up on the way home.
- Hosting a Halloween party? A taco bar or sandwich platter from our catering menu feeds a houseful of costumed guests.
- Grown-up treat: we serve beer and wine for guests 21 and over.
Happy Halloween, La Mesa. We can’t wait to see the costumes.
Quick answers
When is Halloween in La Mesa Village 2026?
Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, from 4pm to 6pm in downtown La Mesa. It’s the 8th annual event, hosted by the La Mesa Village Association.
Is trick-or-treating in La Mesa Village free?
Yes. It’s a free community event. Bring your own trick-or-treat bag and visit the participating businesses along La Mesa Blvd.
Where is trick-or-treating in downtown La Mesa?
Along La Mesa Blvd. and adjacent streets between Grant Ave. and Acacia Ave., on both sides of Spring St.
When is the La Mesa Village pet costume contest?
The Howl-o-Ween Pet Costume Contest is Oct. 31 at the Fountain Courtyard by the La Mesa Blvd. Trolley Station. Check-in begins at 3:30pm and judging begins by 4pm.
Dos Bros Tacos & Deli · 6903 University Ave, La Mesa · Open daily from 9am