Halloween is around the corner, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to make your Sacramento home spooky and fun. With a little creativity (and a few stops at local shops and markets), you can transform your porch, living room, or front yard into a haunted masterpiece — all on a budget.
Here’s how Sacramento locals are crafting DIY Halloween décor for 2025 without breaking the bank.
Why DIY Décor Works in Sacramento
- Thrift-friendly city: Midtown and East Sac thrift shops are goldmines for Halloween props.
- Pumpkin abundance: Farmers’ markets and local patches make pumpkins affordable.
- Creative community: Sacramento is full of makers and crafters, inspiring unique décor.
- Weather: Mild October nights = outdoor displays hold up well.
Budget Pumpkin Projects
- Paint Instead of Carve: Use acrylic paint or chalk paint for mess-free porch pumpkins.
- Mini Pumpkin Clusters: Buy small gourds at Midtown Farmers’ Market for cheap, stylish table centerpieces.
- Pumpkin Lanterns: Hollow pumpkins and insert LED lights (safer than candles).
- Pumpkin Topiary: Stack 3–4 pumpkins for a dramatic but affordable front porch display.
💡 Local Tip: Bishop’s Pumpkin Farm sells “seconds” (imperfect pumpkins) for cheap.
Thrift Store Hacks
Sacramento thrift shops are treasure troves for Halloween décor:
- Goodwill (Roseville, Arden, Midtown): Costumes, fake cobwebs, candleholders.
- Eco Thrift (Sacramento): Odd furniture or props you can spray-paint black for spooky scenes.
- Thrift Town (Folsom): Affordable lights, glass jars, and linens for DIY ghosts.
💡 Pro Hack: Spray paint old jars black or orange, add fairy lights = instant spooky lanterns.
DIY Décor Projects for Under $20
| Project | Supplies Needed | Cost Estimate | Sacramento Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ghost Lanterns | Mason jars + tea lights + black marker | $15 | Target + Michaels |
| Trash Bag Spider Webs | Black trash bags + scissors | $5 | Any grocery store |
| Floating Ghosts | White balloons + cheesecloth | $15 | Dollar Tree + Michaels |
| Creepy Candles | Wine bottles + black paint + LED tea lights | $20 | Midtown thrift stores |
| Pumpkin Topiary | 3 stacked pumpkins + glue gun | $20 | Farmers’ markets |
Sacramento Porch Inspiration
- Fab 40s: Families create massive Halloween displays — giant skeletons + themed porches.
- Land Park: Subtle, cozy setups with pumpkins and string lights.
- Midtown: Quirky, artsy takes — think painted pumpkins and upcycled ghost props.
Take a walk through these neighborhoods in late October to get inspired for your own décor.
Where to Shop for DIY Halloween Supplies in Sacramento
- Dollar Tree / 99 Cents Only Stores: Fake cobwebs, LED lights, cheap skeleton props.
- Michaels & Hobby Lobby: Craft supplies for DIY projects.
- Home Depot / Lowe’s: Outdoor lights + hay bales for porch setups.
- Midtown Farmers’ Market: Affordable pumpkins, gourds, and flowers.
Blending Halloween with Diwali Décor
Since Diwali falls earlier in October, many Sacramento families are blending pumpkins and diyas for creative porches. A painted pumpkin with a diya on top or fairy light–covered rangoli makes for a one-of-a-kind Sacramento-style fusion display.
FAQs: DIY Halloween Décor Sacramento
Where can I buy cheap Halloween supplies in Sacramento?
Dollar Tree, Goodwill, and Michaels have budget-friendly options.
What’s the easiest DIY pumpkin project?
Painting pumpkins — fast, cheap, and kid-friendly.
Can I decorate my porch for both Diwali and Halloween?
Yes — pumpkins + diyas + fairy lights create a beautiful blend.
Do Sacramento neighborhoods decorate big for Halloween?
Yes — Fab 40s and Land Park are famous for elaborate displays.
What’s the cheapest way to make my porch look spooky?
Trash bag spider webs and LED candles from Dollar Tree.
Final Thoughts
Halloween décor doesn’t have to drain your wallet. With thrift-store finds, local pumpkins, and a little creativity, you can turn your Sacramento home into a spooky showstopper for under $50.
👉 From Fab 40s inspiration to DIY crafts with the kids, Sacramento makes budget-friendly decorating easier than ever.
Related Resources:
The Best Guide to Halloween in Sacramento 2025
