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Hillcrest’s Annual Halloween Block Party is Back From the Dead!

Hillcrest’s legendary Halloween tradition returns on Friday, October 30th, 2026, from 5 PM to 11 PM for a spine-chilling night full of costumes, dancing, DJs, outdoor bar, local vendors, and some of the best people-watching in San Diego!

Nightmare on Normal is home to San Diego’s largest costume competition, where a prize value of thousands from gift certificates and services from our local businesses will be up for grabs! Then hit the dance floor as DJs and performers keep the party going late into the night!

Come dressed to impress, frighten, or completely confuse the crowd - costumes, cosplay, creatures, and over-the-top transformations are all welcome. Dust off your broomsticks and get ready to haunt Hillcrest at this beloved tradition!

This event is open to ghosts and ghouls of all ages. Guests ages 21 and older can raise their spirits at outdoor monstrous bar!

TICKETS DROPPING SOON!

The event is open to all ages. Must be over 21 with ID to purchase alcohol.

GA ticket: Haunt the streets of Hillcrest during your Nightmare on Normal. This ticket gets you into the event with full access to the dance party, vendors, bars, and any performances or activations.

Attendees must present a valid ID upon entry or to consume alcoholic beverages. Failure to produce identification may result in refusal of entry to. All sales are final.

2026 Entertainment Schedule - Coming Soon

The dead are hitting the dance floor! Our DJs brought to you from Rich’s Nightclub and LE Parties will be dropping beats throughout the night as Hillcrest transforms into one massive outdoor Halloween dance party.

Keeping the crowd alive will be a fabulous queen host, leading the evening’s entertainment and taking center stage for San Diego’s most outrageous costume competition. Come ready to dance and show off a look worthy of the spotlight!

Slay the Runway at the Costume Competition

Strut, slay, and compete for thousands of dollars in prizes from local businesses! Register at the costume check-in inside the event entrance and select one of three competition heats. Spots fill quickly, so early arrival is strongly encouraged.

Report to the east side of the stage five minutes before your heat—punctuality is everything! Take the catwalk, work the crowd, and impress the judges. The top three costumes from each heat will advance to the finals, where first-, second-, and third-place winners will be crowned.

Have a local business and want to donate to the costume competition prize pool?

Perks include logo featured on newsletter, website, and socials when promoting the event!

Donate to the Prize Pool

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BOO-tique Makers & FRIGHTFULly Good Bites

Take a break from the dance floor and explore a wicked lineup of vendors! Shop handcrafted goods and one-of-a-kind finds from local artisans, grab a savory bite from our food vendors, and satisfy your sweet tooth with desserts worth sinking your fangs into.

Interested in vending at this event? Please email Wendy at wendy@hillcrestbia.org

Neighborhood Supporters

There are so many Hillcrest businesses participating in Nightmare on Normal this year and we’re excited to showcase them all. These businesses are supporting the event through donations, financial support, or participation at the event! If you are interested, please email Wendy at wendy@hillcrestbia.org.

YOUR LOGO WILL BE FEATURED HERE!

Thank you to our Sponsors!

Entertainment Sponsors:

Ticketing Sponsor:

Bar Sponsors:

Event Opportunities

Nightmare on Normal St. accepts a limited number of food and artisan vendors. Community sponsors are also welcome!
Please reach out to Wendy at wendy@hillcrestbia.org for information on vending at this event.
Hillcrest businesses can get involved by making a donation to the costume contest prize pool.
Your logo will be featured on:
- Nightmare Web Page
- Fabulous Hillcrest Newsletter
- Social posts promoting the costume competition
- Video wall during the event
Click here to submit a donation.
We need volunteers for our costume competition registration booth at Nightmare on Normal St.!
We’re looking for help from 4:45 PM through 10 PM.
Volunteers can arrive in costume (or black). You will receive a free ticket to enjoy the last hour of the event and if you are over 21+ you will receive a drink ticket for the bar.
If you are interested please reach out to info@hillcrestbia.org for details.

Media:

For media inquiries regarding this event, please reach out to Natalie at natalie@hillcrestbia.org

2025: Press Release

2024: Press Release

2023: Press Release

2022: Press Release