Clearly, you can order Halloween costumes from the Internet, but since the Bay Area is full of folks who think outside the box, we’re providing a list of resources for where to buy costumes locally as well as where to find materials for making your own.
[Where to trade costumes | [Where to buy costumes | Where to make costumes]
When my son was younger, this was the time of year to which he and I most looked forward. He would have a costume in mind and I would get to figure out which components we were going to make and which ones we needed to buy.
Once, I made this clown costume from scratch, having bought the fabric at Stonemountain & Daughter, but purchased the clown wig and Snazaroo face paint at the Halloween Spirit Store (locations below).
Another year, we bought the whole Santa outfit, but I assembled a crafty undershirt strategy that contained a jolly-sized belly. (Hard to see in this photo, so you’ll have to believe me.)
Here’s where to get costumes and materials to make them yourself in the East Bay
East Bay Costume Swaps
Bring costumes that are clean, in good condition, and appropriate for children. Be prepared to bring costumes in and choose others.
Berkeley Public Library – North Branch
Thursday, October 15, 2026, 4 pm – 5 pm
Whether you need a costume, want to donate one, or both, this swap is open to all. Bring clean, gently used costumes and accessories to the library anytime between Sep.24 – Oct. 15. Learn more>
Halloween Costume Booo-tique – Concord Library
Saturday, October 17, 2026, 11 am – 4 pm
Come find your perfect Halloween look at the Concord Library’s spook-tacular Costume Boo-tique. Looking to donate a costume? Gently used costume donations will be accepted from Sep. 2 – Oct. 20, 2026. Learn more>
San Leandro Library – Main Branch
Thursday, October 20, 2026, 5:30 pm – 7 pm
Drop off clean, gently used costumes at the Main Library now – Oct. 19 to receive a ticket to swap for a costume at the event on Oct. 20. Website>Â
Swings and Wings
Friday, October 23, 2026, 3:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Bring a costume to swap and receive a ticket for free playtime at Swings and Wings. Learn More >
Alameda Library – Main Branch
Saturday, October 24, 2026, 10 am – 1 pm
Get ready for Halloween! Bring clean, gently used costume pieces your family no longer needs to the library and swap them for something new-to-you. More Details>Â
“Local Buy Nothing groups are also a convenient option for finding or giving away kids’ costumes”, adds Berkeley mom of two, Maureen.
Second-hand clothing stores
In October, Goodwill, Salvation Army, and other thrift stores often sell used kids’ costumes, but they also have the makings for tons of homemade costumes. An old prom dress can become a princess or fairy, for example. If you have low-level sewing skills, it’s easier to start with a manufactured garment and leverage the existing hems or zipper closures.
Kids’ used clothing stores start putting their costumes out during the first week of October. Check out the following used clothing stores for baby, toddler, and preschooler sizes.
- Kelly’s Corner (Oakland)
- Mommy’s Trading Post (Alameda)
- Once Upon A Child (Newark)
- Moments Shared (Vallejo)
“Poshmark is great for kids costumes”, adds Oakland mom of two, Bekah.
Seasonal Costume Stores
Seasonal Halloween Spirit Superstores. These pop-up shops enable landlords to earn some rent while occupying a vacant retail space. This year you’ll find a warehouse-style Halloween store, packed with costumes, accessories, and house decorations in these already open locations:
Hayward, 680 West Winton Avenue
Fremont, 39125 Fremont Hub Courtyard
Concord, 1975 Diamond Blvd Suite A-010
Concord, 1905 Monument Boulevard
Toy Stores/Children’s Stores
Five Little Monkeys (Berkeley, Albany, and lots more)
Selling capes, wings, and wands for magical costumes, as well as occupation dress-up sets such as Astronaut, Doctor, Firefighter.
Craft Stores & Maker Spaces: For DIY or mostly DIY Costumes
Fabric stores sell patterns for sewers, fabric, yarns, and notions. DIYers will find light green furry material for Oscar the Grouch, silver fabric for a knight’s cape, or velcro that will be easy to install. Try one of these:
Michael’s (Emeryville, Alameda, Pinole)
Some fabric, but more poster boards, sticky back felt, and adhesive products.
Stonemountain & Daughter (Berkeley)
Knowledgeable staff who can help you strategize your craft project.
East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse (Oakland)
This Temescal shop is filled with supplies that have upcycle potential. Yarn, plastic containers, jars, magnets. If you can convince your kid to be a robot, you’ll definitely want to get inspired here.
Maker spaces are areas with supplies and room to build a DIY costume.
Visit the Costume Lab at Berkeley Public Library’s Central Branch on October 3, from 10 am–1 pm, to create your own costume. A variety of supplies will be available. Learn More>
Give your Halloween costume a creative twist at the Fiber Arts Halloween Special at Berkeley’s Central Library on October 6 from 3:30–5:30 pm. Add spooky, colorful, and crafty details to make your costume one of a kind. More Details >
Get Halloween-ready at Michaels’ free Witching Hours: Last-Minute Costume Demo. Learn easy tricks and creative ideas for putting together a quick costume just in time for Halloween. The demo takes place Sunday, October 25, from 1–3 pm. Event info >
