Nightlife + Dining
Ashley Joy Parker
Spooky Season In LA: The Ultimate Halloween Events Guide
- By: Ashley Joy Parker
- September 25, 2024
Fun & Frights…
Spooky season is officially in full swing and here in L.A., Halloween lovers are spoiled with a wicked number of ways to celebrate throughout the entire month of October.
Before the major Halloween parties go down in October, get into the spirit by hitting up one of the city’s hauntingly hot events. From eerie immersive experiences to terrifying theme park transformations, we’ve done some research and rounded up the most spooktacular Halloween happenings you won’t want to miss.
NIGHTS OF THE JACK
LA’s leading immersive Halloween experience, Nights Of The Jack, is back this year for the 7th year. The event returns to King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas with mile-long walking trail with 20+ immersive scenes, pumpkin carvers, hundreds of photo moments, merch shop, face painting, psychic, AR photo moments digital carnival games, food trucks, The Spookeasy bar and more.
Keep your eyes peeled for celebs getting their spook on as past VIP guests include Miley Cyrus, Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Dwayne Johnson, Christina Aguilera, Matt Damon, Megan Fox, Hailey Bieber, Demi Lovato, Ariana Grande and many more.
When: When: Select nights Sept. 27 through Nov. 3
Where: King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas
Get Tickets HERE
HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
Undoubtedly, one of the hottest events every spooky season is Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood. The after-hours theme park experience includes eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror, including A Quiet Place, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Insidious: The Further, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy, Monstruos: The Monsters of Latin America, Dead Exposure: Death Valley, Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines and Chucky, plus the Terror Tram is back and overtaken by Blumhouse making it scarier than ever. There is also live entertainment, themed food and drinks, thrilling rides, scream-filled scare zones and more. In addition, Death Eaters will be roaming the streets of Hogsmeade in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter area of the park.
When: When: Select nights Sept. 5 through Nov. 3
Where: Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
Get Tickets HERE
HAUNTED LITTLE TOKYO
Haunted Little Tokyo is back with frightful festivities for the Halloween season, turning the area into a hauntingly fun maze of themed pop-ups, walking tours, DJs, local merchants, and performances. Events include Ghost Tours on Oct. 22 hosted by the Little Tokyo Historical Society. and a haunted scavenger hunt hosted by the Terasaki Budokan on Oct. 28. The Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party will also take place on Oct. 28 from 6 p.m. to midnight at a secret location.
When: Oct. 22-Oct. 28
Get Tickets and Location Details HERE
HOUSE OF SPIRITS: A HAUNTED SOIRÉE
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée is an immersive, free-roam cocktail party inside the mysterious haunted mansion Casa Vega. It’s a theatrical night of themed mini-cocktails, extravagant entertainment, music, macabre magic, surreal specters, and interactive guest experiences. While you are there, be sure to ask the Giant Ouija Board questions as you commune and interact with the spirits of the house and you feel like digging a little deeper, speak with the house’s inhabitants to reveal a sinister story that haunts the mansion. Guests are encouraged to dress up for the evening, be it in costume, cocktail attire, or your favorite time-period clothing.
It’s all going down at The Nocturne Theatre. This historic theatre has recently come under new ownership, and aesthetic renovations have been made to give it an old-world New Orleans and French Baroque charm. There are rumors of a haunting on the second floor–an entity described as “The Running Man”…perhaps he’s late for his entrance?
When: Oct. 4 through Nov. 2
Where: Nocturne Theatre, 324 N Orange Street, Glendale
Get Tickets HERE
LA HAUNTED HAYRIDE
The haunts are back in Hollywood! The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride has returned to Griffith Park for its 16th year. Produced by Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group, the world’s largest Halloween entertainment company, the hayride follows the storyline of the sleepy town of Midnight Falls’ Halloween Festival and the allusive Witch of the Woods who casts her spell to summon the spirits of the Underworld.
The hayride itself is just one of the exciting activations taking over the old zoo grounds of Griffith Park. This year’s spooky mazes include Hellbilly Halloween, Trick or Treat: Ding Dong Dead and Monáe Manor, a special collaboration with Janelle Monáe. There will also be s’mores stations, mini escape games, Madame Aurora’s Seance Theatre, Zombie Splat gellyball (a smaller paintball activity), axe throwing, the Scary-Go-Round, and the popular Monte Revolta theatrical macabre show.
When: Sept. 20 through Nov. 2
Where: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
CINESPIA OCTOBER SCREENINGS
Cinespia, LA’s favorite cinematic experience presented by Amazon Studios, is turning up the creep factor for the month of October. In addition to screening some Halloween films, the events go all out with live DJ sets, a full bar, trick-or-treat concession stands, and free themed photobooths. Check out the month’s spooky schedule below.
Saturday, Oct. 12 – Coraline at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Saturday, Oct. 19 –Trick ‘R Treat at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
Thursday, Oct.31 – Suspiria (1977) at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.
Get Tickets HERE
BLACK LAGOON POP-UP
Black Lagoon is an immersive, creepy-as-hell pop-up experience that pays homage to the macabre and throws in a splash of goth and metal for good measure. Happening in 35 locations all over North America, Black Lagoon LA is being hosted by Normandie Club in Hollywood. Expect creepy-themed cocktails, diabolical drag performance, boo-lesque shows and, of course, things that go bump in the night.
When: Oct. 10 through Oct. 31
Where: Normandie Club, 3612 W. 6th St, Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
CREEP LA: GHOSTS
This Halloween season, CBS and Just Fix It Productions’ Creep LA are creating an interactive 60-minute show, “Creep LA: Ghosts,” in two historic mansions in the West Adams area of Los Angeles. The 60-minute in-person haunted house experience brings a chilling twist to CBS’ hit comedy Ghosts, and gives the series’ fans more reasons to believe. This year, the experience will be held in one of the two mansions, the first of which will bring the lobby of Ghosts’ haunted Woodstone Bed & Breakfast to life with photo opportunities, show memorabilia and more. Ticket holders will then cross to the mansion on the “dark side” of the street, where Creep LA will take them on a scare-filled journey exploring various ghost stories, different types of spirits and representations of the afterlife. In this immersive environment, everyone’s experience will be enchantingly unique.
When: Select dates Oct. 4 through Oct. 27
Where: West Adams area of Los Angeles.
Get Tickets HERE
STREET FOOD CINEMA & PARAMOUNT SCARES’ BOO-ZE, BITES & FRIGHTS
Prepare to be thrilled, chilled, and utterly entertained as Street Food Cinema in partnership with Paramount Scares brings you an unforgettable two-weekend Halloween extravaganza like no other. Prepare to be thrilled, chilled, and filled with scary good food and cocktails in the haunted village of Heritage Square Museum. Sink your teeth into evenings of hair-raising fun, featuring Halloween double features, adult trick-or-treating, boo-zy bars, creepy photo ops, guided tours of hauntingly beautiful Victorian mansions, horror trivia games and much more! Of course, there will be sinfully delectable street food from some of LA’s best food trucks including Angeleno’s Wood Fire Pizza, Serendoggity, Quesadilla Mia, District Burger, Rice Balls of Fire, Pacifico Charbroiled Fish, Killer Bakery, Bison Burger, Habibi Shack, West Side Bahn Mi, Aloha Friday’s, Lupita’s Tacos, and more.
Screenings schedule:
- Friday, Oct. 11 Paranormal Activity
- Saturday, Oct. 12 The Ring
- Friday, Oct. 18 From Dusk Till Dawn
- Saturday, Oct. 19 The Faculty
When: Oct. 11-Oct. 12 and Oct. 18-Oct. 19 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Square Museum, 3545 Pasadena Ave., Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
KNOTTS SCARY FARM
For half a century, Knott’s Scary Farm has been serving up never-ending nightmares to die-hard Halloween fans. This year, the longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event in Southern California celebrates its 51th anniversary and invites those brave enough to enter the fog to experience 10 terrifying mazes, five epic scare zones, and four shows inside the beloved theme park. In addition to general admission tickets and VIP, guests can munch with the monsters before facing their fears in the park by purchasing a pass to Boo-fest, which also includes early entry.
When: Select nights through Nov. 2
Where: Knotts Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park,
Get Tickets HERE
MAGIC OF THE JACK-O-LANTERNS
Magic of the Jack-O’-Lanterns, made its highly-anticipated debut in Los Angeles last year.For the 2024 Halloween season, Whittier Narrows Park is transformed into a larger-than-life pumpkin experience, featuring an awe-inspiring array of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, mesmerizing light displays, s’mores stations and a host of festive activities to delight adults and children alike.
Upon arrival, guests will step into a world of enchantment where a nautical seascape, pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons, and thousands of jack-o’-lanterns illuminate the grounds of Whittier Narrows Park with a soft, flickering glow, where you’ll find magic around every corner. Visitors can enjoy interactive photo opportunities, themed food and beverage offerings, live entertainment, and much more.
When: Select nights through Nov. 2
Where: Whittier Narrows Recreation Center, 750 S Santa Anita Ave., South El Monte
Get Tickets HERE
SIX FLAGS FRIGHT FEST EXTREME
Fright Fest Extreme presented by SNICKERS at Six Flags Magic Mountain debuts as California’s largest haunt featuring a combined record total of 20 haunted house and scare zones, including Stranger Things, Army of the Dead, Trick ‘r Treat, SAW and The Conjuring Universe,. When you’re not busy screaming, be sure to enjoy all the monstertainment, ride the spine-chilling coasters in the dark and indulge in eeire treats and ghoulish grub in the park.
When: Sept. 7 through Nov. 3
Where: Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy., Valencia
Get Tickets HERE
SCREAMFEST HORROR FILM FESTIVAL
Known as the “Sundance of Horror,” Screamfest is America’s largest and longest running horror film festival. Specializing in horror, thrillers and sci-fi movies from all around the world, the event is dedicated to supporting intriguing films, discovering creative storytellers and seeking original stories from around the world. Among the films to look out for at this year’s festival are two produced for Hulu by WorthenBrooks (formerly 20th Digital Studio), Brandon Espy’s Mr. Crocket and Justin Harding’s Carved. Other highlights include Nicolás Onetti and Luciano Onetti’s 1978, Ben Wong’s BA, Joe DeBoer, Kyle McConaghy’s Dead Mall and more.
When: Oct. 8 though Oct. 17
Where: TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood & Highland Center, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Level 3, Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
THE QUEEN MARY: DARK HARBOR
After a four-year hiatus, Dark Harbor returns to The Queen Mary in Long Beach. For the spooky season, the legendary haunted ship and its surrounding harbor will transform into a massive Halloween festival featuring haunted mazes, hundreds of monsters, immersive attractions, live entertainment, VIP experiences, themed bars and lounges, secret speakeasies, carnival rides, festive eats and treats, instagrammable moments and more. The festival format allows you to pick and choose from a variety of attractions and experiences from terrifying mazes aboard the notoriously haunted Queen Mary to carnival rides like the Sinister Swings on dry land.
When: Select nights Sept. 20 through Nov. 2
Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach
Get Tickets HERE
THE VAMPIRE CIRCUS
Step into The Vampire Circus, a Tim Burton-esque world filled with astonishing Cirque Du Soleil trained acrobats. The Vampire Circus is a mesmerizing theatrical experience that fuses artistry, technology, and twisted acrobatics. Be captivated by a world that pushes the boundaries of human performance. Witness phenomenal acrobatics performed by international artists with multidisciplinary skills in theater, dance and gymnastics.
When: Sept. 19 though Oct. 5
Where: The Montalbán Theater, 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
Get Tickets HERE
HAUNTED HILL
Get lost in the smoke and shadows of the night as Cypress Hill‘s annual Halloween season Haunted Hill show returns to Los Angeles for two nights at the Fonda Theatre.
When: Oct. 29 and Oct. 30
Where: Fonda Theatre, 6126 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
SPLITSVILLE: A HORROR DATE NIGHT EXPERIENCE
Join BLCK UNICRN for a Horror Date Night Experience that fuses spine-chilling horror with immersive storytelling. Taking place at Los Globos, this event transforms a dark narrative into an interactive journey. Each scene draws you deeper into a gripping tale where every decision and action shapes the outcome.
Guests will wander through a meticulously crafted environment that brings horror scenes to life, interact with characters who unveil secrets, seek hidden clues, solve puzzles, and unravel the mystery. Your actions influence the outcome, offering a unique ending each time.
When: Oct. 1 through Dec. 29
Where: Los Globos, 3040 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles
*Tickets currently sold ou
OOGIE BOOGIE BASH– A DISNEY HALLOWEEN PARTY
At Disney California Adventure Park, Oogie Boogie is calling all Halloween lovers to experience some mischievous fun. Happening select nights through Halloween, this family-friendly event includes after-hours park access to immersive treat trails, villainous photo opportunities, entertainment, attractions, frightfully fun decor and more. Your ticket also lets you enjoy Disney California Adventure Park for up to three hours before Oogie Boogie Bash begins. Once the party starts, you’ll be treated to five hours of ghoulish delights. And let’s be honest, Disney is always better with drinks, so while you are there, make sure to order the exclusive Oogie Boogie cocktail, served with glowing life potion.
When: Select nights Aug. 25 through Oct. 31
Where: Disneyland Resort, Anaheim
*Tickets currently sold out
SANCTA SUSANNA: A HORROR OPERA
Sancta Susanna is a Halloween-themed horror opera that will be performed at the Heritage Square Museum’s Lincoln Avenue Church in Highland Park. The show is inspired by cult horror films such as Suspiria and The Devils. Sancta Susanna transports audiences to a secluded convent where an innocent nun, Susanna, grapples with disturbing satanic visions. As she seeks solace from her mother superior, she uncovers a dark and sinister secret hidden within the convent’s walls.
The evening will also include a chilling choral program featuring atmospheric pieces for chamber treble voices performed by our chorus of nuns, with works by Benjamin Britten, Nadia Boulanger, Hildegard von Bingen, and others. Stick around after the performance for a demonic dance party featuring a live DJ playing everyone’s favorite macabre hits. Costumes encouraged!
When: Oct. 24 and Oct. 25
Where:Heritage Square Museum’s Lincoln Avenue Church, 3800 Homer Street, Los Angeles
Get Tickets HERE
FREAKS & HORRORS: HALLOWEEN BURLESQUE SHOW HOLLYWOOD
Step into the macabre world of Freaks & Horrors: Halloween Burlesque Show Hollywood at The Three Clubs. Experience a night where eerie meets seductive with spine-tingling performances and jaw-dropping acts inspired by supernatural and grotesque themes including breathtaking pole dance and mesmerizing burlesque. Each night there will also be a costume contest with thrilling prizes for the most creative and captivating attire, plus a special showgirl showcase.
When: Saturday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m.
Where: 1123 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA
Get Tickets HERE
CARVED
Carved is a mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland taking place at Descanso Gardens. The new Descanso Railroad will be specially lit for Carved, and a family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs by Chainsaw Jenna will add a touch of playful mischief to the event. You’ll be amazed by luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins and the “Rhizome” installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere.
When: Oct. 4 through Oct. 30, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
Get Tickets HERE
REIGN OF TERROR
Reign of Terror Haunted House is the largest, indoor, professional walk-through haunted house attraction in Southern California. Continuously growing in size, changing in layout and content, and operating since 1999, we feature more than 142 bone-chilling, custom rooms in 11 different, interconnected haunt-themed sections. The all-new 11th section premiering in for 2024 will be the Forest of Fear. Reign of Terror covers an enormous 32,000 square feet of floor space, is packed with terrifying scenes, swarms of living and mechanical monstrous characters, amazing scary props, and countless spectacular special effects. The haunt experience is designed with one primary goal: to give you a thrilling, fear-filled and fun time unlike anything else.
When: Sept. 27 through Nov. 2
Where: 285 N Moorpark Rd, Thousand Oaks
Get Tickets HERE
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