Festivities kick off with a pre-party at CJ’s Lounge (222 W. Washington) before doors open at 7pm at Cinema Under the Stars. Guests step through a “haunted” entrance for a catered cocktail hour and photobooth, then settle in at 8:30pm for a curated slate of shorts that juggle chills, laughs, and lush visuals. When the credits roll, the party ramps up with a costume throw-down, live music, and “surprise apparitions,” before heading back to CJ’s at midnight for the official after party.
This year’s lineup showcases a range of San Diego talent alongside filmmakers from across the country, including Taylor and The Strange John (Andrew Rocco), Bitch Horror (Louie Duran), Goin’ Squatchin (Daniel Duddy), Little Deaths (Derek Bensonhaver), Zombie Revolt (Kevin Jones), Frankenstein (Johnathon Michel), Monster Medicine (Veronica Felicity Johnson), The Demon Car of Proctor Valley (William Bay), The ID (Lauren Dial), MARE (Chance Nikolas Saller), Grayson’s Yard (Zack Hohenstein), and Brim Broome Boulevard (PJ Magerko Liquorice). Organizers say the mix is intentionally eclectic -“spooky, funny, and beautifully strange” - with a distinctly San Diego sensibility.
Co-founded by filmmakers Cassidy Bartolomei and Vic Terry and produced by Noble House Media and Good Vibe Cinema, the event is in its third year celebrating Halloween at Cinema Under the Stars and its second year operating as the official San Diego Halloween Film Fest. The mission is simple: spotlight regional creators, import fresh indie voices, and give the city’s film scene a stylish night to gather under the night sky.
“People leave feeling energized and inspired,” says Bartolomei. “It’s a chance to let your freak flag fly and believe in the unbelievable again.”
Tickets are $31 and include themed food and drinks; seating is first-come, first-served. Expect costumed crowds, a social vibe, and an adult-leaning Halloween that pairs local culture with cinema and community. In other words: eat, drink, and be…witched - San Diego style.
San Diego Halloween Film Fest takes place on Friday, October 31 at Cinema Under the Stars, located at 4040 Goldfinch Street in San Diego's Mission Hills. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ticketstripe.com/halloweenfilmfest.
Originally published on October 18, 2025.
Tickets are $31 and include themed food and drinks; seating is first-come, first-served. Expect costumed crowds, a social vibe, and an adult-leaning Halloween that pairs local culture with cinema and community. In other words: eat, drink, and be…witched - San Diego style.
San Diego Halloween Film Fest takes place on Friday, October 31 at Cinema Under the Stars, located at 4040 Goldfinch Street in San Diego's Mission Hills. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ticketstripe.com/halloweenfilmfest.
Originally published on October 18, 2025.