- Disneyland Photo Opp Photo by Elise Thompson
Halloween is happening again this year, with some precautions in place. Here is a list of exciting events running throughout October to thrill, chill, enchant or scare the living crap out of you!
HAUNTED ATTRACTIONS
8pm – Midnight / Mid-City / $25
Visit this abandoned clown school where you will enjoy private experience through the maze for you and your group (up to four people at a time). There will be midway games and live entertainers as you await your entry into the maze. Although it is an immersive, interactive experience, the clowns will not touch you.
Age requirement: 16+ This venue is not wheelchair accessible this year. All cast and crew members are vaccinated. Unlike most haunts, costumes are encouraged. Imagine the anarchy if you all dress up as clowns. Thursdays – Sundays from October 7th – October 31st from 8pm – 11pm. 2525 W Washington Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90018. TICKETS
7 p.m. – 10:30 & 12 midnite / Griffith Park $29.99 – $109.99
The Haunted Hayride is back in Griffith Park this year, but in a slightly different location down the hill from the Merry-go-Round. The residents of Midnight Falls are ready to welcome you back to the town square, but beware the Witch of the Woods, who “commands her army of crops and flesh to seek revenge on the people that have casted her out.” Besides the hayride itself, there are three mazes–Trick or Treat, Midnight Mortuary, and the new Midnight Diner.
I recommend scaredy-cats sit in the middle of the hayride vehicle, as the characters do jump at you. No kids under 13 years old, no smoking, and no refunds if you chicken out. Do not touch the wild animals or the actors. No costumes except on Halloween. They rate it as a “high scare.” Vaccinations and masks highly encouraged even though you will be outside. TICKETS
7 p.m. – 2 a.m. / Buena Park / $53 and up
Knott’s Scary Farm, which runs Thursdays through Sundays through November 2, offers no less than nine haunted mazes. The newest maze is “Mesmer,” along with award-winning old favorites, “Origins: The Curse of Calico,” which has an old west and witches theme, and “Wax Works” with a scary wax museum. If you like jump scares, you’ll love the Scare Zones, themed areas where more than 1,000 horrifying creatures like clowns, undead drowned gothic characters, and sliders (i.e. actors in scary costumes jumping out, or suddenly sliding up to your feet and scaring the holy shit out of you). There are also magic shows, puppets, a dance party, a bunch of thrill rides, and a boo-fet with monster photo-ops. We recommend the fried chicken and boysenberry pie.
At least one member of your group should have the park mobile app on their phone. Guests will be required to wear face coverings indoors unless fully vaccinated. 13+ TICKETS
7 PM – 1 AM / Valencia / $65 and up (maybe), plus a $14.99 and up add-on for the mazes
Visit the ghosts, demons and lost souls that inhabit the six spooky mazes, like the post-apocalyptic world of Aftermath 2: Chaos Rising, Little Red Riding Hood gone bad in Red’s Revenge, and something that sponsor discovery+ knows a lot about: dark visions of spirits, haunted artifacts, and supernatural investigations gone wrong. The event also features three scare zones, a haunted graveyard, “mentalist,” spooky food, and performers playing with crossbows and fire. But one of the best reasons to hit Magic Mountain in October is to ride Goliath, Batman, and in the dark. The pricing seems intentionally confusing, But entry and a “Haunted House add-on” for the mazes is $114 for this Saturday night.
Full vaccination verification or a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or Antigen) is required for all guests 12+ on select days. Masks Are Required at All Indoor Locations Regardless of Vaccination Status, including Indoor Haunted Maze Attractions. No Costumes for Guests Over the Age of 12. Fright Fest runs Thursdays through Sundays. TICKETS
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS
7 p.m. – 2 a.m. (1 a.m. on select nights) / Studio City / $84 and up
Halloween Horror Nights are back at Universal Studios in a big way. In addition to the Terror Tram and five scare zones, where roaming out-of-work actors scare the crap out of you, Universal presents ten mazes, most of which are television and movie-themed. This year’s themes include The Haunting of Hill House, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist, “The Curse of Pandora’s Box, The Walking Dead, Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers and the Bride of Frankenstein, The Terror Tram has a terrifying Purge theme, and there is an amazing staged airplane crash scene.
No masks or face paint allowed. Not recommended for kids under 13. Per LA County’s Public Health order, all persons ages 12+ must be prepared to show proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (a full 14 days after final dose was administered), or a negative test taken within 72 hours of visit, prior to entry to the theme park. Persons ages 18+ must also show any photo ID. Face coverings are required to be worn at all times, both indoors and outdoors, when visiting the theme park. Runs Thursdays through Sundays. TICKETS
6 PM – 9:30 / Ventura / $29
The Feargrounds invite you to experience their three chilling open-air haunts designed by renowned haunt designer, Edward Marks. The first is “The Cage – Your job: survive. Their job: to stop you, and the second is “The Terror Trail – Evil has escaped. We are sorry for the inconvenience; we have the matter under control. Nothing will harm you, if you remain on the trail…” The latter sounds especially creepy, as hiking in the wilderness is already inherently scary. In addition, The Fright Train will take you on a wild train ride through 100 fields of frights. Afterwards, enjoy a cozy Dead End Zone Beer Garden offering treats, spirits, entertainment, roaming haunts and a social media photo park. Although not quite as slick as some of the other attractions, it makes up for it with special effects and enthusiasm.
Ventura County Feargrounds runs Thursdays–Sundays from through October 31st, 2021 from 6pm–9:30pm, as well as Tuesday, October 26th through Sunday, October 31st at the Ventura County Fairgrounds. Face coverings are strongly recommended throughout the experience, and they are required for The Fright Train. There will there be strobe lights, so guests prone to seizures are not advised to attend the event. Parts of the attractions are on grass and uneven surfaces. No costumes, costume masks or face paint allowed inside the attractions Not recommended for children under 13, due to the intensity of the experience, which is described as “loud, in-your-face, and pure evil…” TICKETS
TOURS AND SHOWS
ZOMBIE JOE’S URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR
8:00 p.m. – 11:30 a.m. / North Hollywood / $20 /$25 at door
LA’s scariest theater and haunted house attraction returns with an all-new maze and show every weekend through Halloween. Our own Dukey Flyswatter describes the show thusly, “…Joe’s wordless exposures pares back the layers and takes death, madness, loss and body horror to its bare essentials…you’ll encounter zombies, cyst fetishists, hatred of infants and necrophilia at the pace of a whirling dervish.”
All performers and ZJU staff are vaccinated. COVID safety precautions will be followed, including limited capacity seating. Face masks are required. Fridays and Saturdays, plus Halloween night. At 7 PM there is a family-friendly version. TICKETS
MOVIES
CLASSIC HORROR FILMS AT THE ROOSEVELT HOTEL
7:30 / Hollywood / $8 to $12
Watch these 80s thrillers in 1940s style at The Roosevelt Theatre (formerly the Cinegrill Dinner Theater). On Sunday, October 24, the theater will be screening A Nightmare on Elm Street, and on Halloween night, Sunday, October 31, you can thrill to the slasher that started it all, Friday the 13th – Part 1. The theater will provide complimentary popcorn, with food and beverages available to order at the bar and will be delivered to your table. Dress up in the theme of the movie and receive a free cocktail or candy at the concession stand. And who knows? You might catch sight of Marilyn in one of the mirrors.
Tickets range from $8 to $12 per person depending on the table package you purchase for your group. Advanced ticket purchase required with all sales final 8 hours prior to showtime. Our guests are required to wear masks when not dining and follow social distancing protocols. The hotel has Valet Parking available at $16.50 for three hours with validation, or you can park at the Hollywood and Highland Center.
if floating or lounging by the glamorous pool at the Tropicana Bar is more your style, at 8 PM on Tuesdays, they will be showing classic horror under the stars. Tonight, the 19th, they will be showing Scream, and on Tuesday, October 26, don’t miss The Shining…a movie about a different haunted hotel.
6 PM & 9:20 / Glendale / $8 – $105
L.A.’s favorite pop-up drive-in has taken over Glendale’s Old Sears Parking Lot for the remaining weekends in October. The films’ sound will be broadcast on FM radio. If you don’t have FM radio in your car, you can rent an F.M. transistor radio. The concession stand will be selling prepackaged flavored popcorn, sodas, water, and candy. Concessions can be pre-purchased and picked up in middle of parking lot. The pro tip is to hit up Porto’s or the Great White Hut before the movie starts. Another pro tip is to bring a low profile vehicle, as SUVs will be parked in the back to not block other cars.
Upcoming screenings include Friday the 13th (1980), Carrie, The Shining, Hocus Pocus, and two movies in 3D: FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 3 (3D) “1982” and THE CREATURE FROM THE BLACK LAGOON (3D) “1954” Check the schedule for dates and times. 236 N Central Ave, Glendale,91203. Entrance is located on California between Central and Orange. Please remain in your vehicle at all times unless for restroom use. You must wear your masks when outside your vehicle at all times and when interacting with staff.
Dogs are welcome! Please only take your dog out of your vehicle if they need to use the restroom otherwise, we ask that they remain in your vehicle at all times.
Pre-purchased single feature: $15 Car Entrance Fee plus $8 per person
Pre-purchased double feature: $25 Car Entrance Fee plus $12 per person
If event is sold out no tickets will be sold at door. Only additional passengers can be purchased at door.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Bob Baker Marionettes Halloween Spooktacular
Showtimes Vary / Highland Park / $20
Thrill to the annual HaLLoWe’eN Spooktacular performed by Bob Baker’s marionettes. “You’ll be delighted by this haunting showcase of sweet spooks, including the Purple People Eater, Dracula, the Invisible Man, and many more!” The hour-long musical review has undergone a full refurbishment
Ages 12 and up must show proof of vaccination. All guests over age 2 must wear masks while inside the theater. To further promote audience safety, “the theater has transitioned to assigned seating, there are still plenty of criss-cross-applesauce spots in the “Flower Garden” – we’ve put numbers on the floor spots so these sections don’t get overcrowded.” The show runs through October 31, and tickets cost $20 per person. COSTUMES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED! TICKETS
10 p.m. – 4 p.m. / Griffith Park / Free with Zoo Admission of $17 / $22
Boo at The Zoo celebrates October with exciting activities every day of the week as well as special weekend events. During the week, kids can enjoy a “Spooky Stroll” with Halloween games, a mystery maze, visit the snakes at The LAIR, and enjoy special creepy animal encounters from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On weekends the zoo ups the ante with crafts, a photo booth and special feedings. Trick or treat at the zoo October 23/24 and 30/31 2021.
In accordance with L.A. County Department of Public Health orders, all guests aged 2 and older are required to wear face coverings in public indoor and enclosed settings at the L.A. Zoo. TICKETS
6:30–10pm / La Canada Flintridge / $32–$35
This October, Descanso Gardens will be aglow when “Carved” shows off hundreds of expertly carved pumpkins. It is an easy one-mile walk through the Camellia Forest and Oak Grove. Carved is a family-friendly event for all ages. You can also enjoy seasonal snacks, live carving demonstrations, oversized sculptures made of natural materials, the Pumpkin House, and special surprises.
Carved will run from October 11 through 31, 2021 from 6:30–10pm. TICKETS.
8 AM – 11 PM / Anaheim / $ 104 – $154 for one park
Disneyland goes all out with the Halloween decorations in both parks. There are special parades and New Orleans Square is all decked out and there are specialty treats throughout the parks. The Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure has long been sold out, so the best seasonal experience is the Haunted mansion, which has been temporarily reconfigured into a Nightmare Before Christmas theme.
To enter a theme park, Guests (ages 3 and older) will need a valid ticket and a theme park reservation for the same day and same park they want to visit. The State of California strongly recommends that all Guests be fully vaccinated or receive a negative COVID-19 test prior to entering the Disneyland Resort. Face coverings are required for all Guests (ages 2 and up) while indoors, including on many attractions and in enclosed transportation vehicles.
5 PM – 11:30 PM / Woodland Hills / $30 – $35
Last year this immersive Woodland Hills holiday event premiered as a drive-through, but this year, it is returning on-foot. Haunt’oween features a pumpkin patch, a scarecrow garden, a trick-or-treating–filled town, and an illuminated carnival with a 40-foot carousel, plus face painting, performances, games, immersive Halloween-themed tunnels, decorations, displays, 35,000 pumpkins, a wine tasting garden, and food trucks. There is no no time limit per guest. Costumes are highly encouraged!
Tickets are $30 on weekdays and $35 on weekends. Wednesdays–Sundays through October 31st, 2021 5pm–11:30pm. Last entry at 10:30pm. All ages welcome. Children under the age of two go free. Accessibility: the event is wheelchair accessible and there are bathrooms on site. Safety measures will be in place throughout the experience. 6100 Topanga Canyon Boulevard on the site of the former Westfield Promenade.
Dusk / Calabasas / $9.99 – $39.99
Nights of the Jack is a family-friendly Halloween Jack O’ Lantern experience. Thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins are spread along 1/2 mile trail on King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Some displays are larger-than-life, whereas other pumpkins are finely detailed. Most visits last from 45 minutes to an hour, but feel free to wander at your own pace. There will also be food trucks and vendors. Comfortable shoes are recommended. Thursdays through Sundays and every night the week of Halloween. Tickets are sold in 30-minute intervals. Advanced ticket purchase is required. TICKETS
Cocktails and Dining
HOUSE OF SPIRITS
4 PM – 0:30 PM start times / Highland Park / $65
Another pop-up from this creative group, this time at the gorgeous York Manor in Highland Park. Mingle with spirits, witness secret ceremonies, commune with the dearly departed on a giant Ouija Board, enjoy themed cocktails, an music during this two hour event. The ground floor and gardens are a safe zone, while upstairs, a maze inspired by the real life history of Russian holy-man Rasputin and the Romanov royal family, will offer plenty of scares. Wander the mansion, encountering magicians and tarot card readers. You may even discover some secret rooms. Four mini cocktails included. Guests are encouraged to dress in time period fashion, costume or elegant dress.Through October 31st, 2021. The York Manor: 4908 York Blvd, Highland Park, Los Angeles, California. 21+ with valid ID. TICKETS
12 NOON – 4 PM / Downtown LA / $25
Vibiana event space in downtown, formerly a Catholic cathedral, is already a gorgeous space without any help. But add in a Halloween projection mapping installation from award winning designer Bart Kresa, and the result is pure magic. The immersive, family-friendly experience also features a curated Halloween art project, neon face painting, and black light pumpkin carving, which you can show off in custom-designed black light selfie sets, and private psychic readings from celebrity medium Rebecca Fearing. Best of all, you can purchase a la carte fast casual dining options and sweets from renowned Chef Neal Fraser and cocktails by Redbird Bar Director Tobin Shea.
Sunday October 24th, and Sunday October 31st. Doors open @ 12 NOON. The experience lasts two hours. Entrances every hour. Last entrance begins @ 4pm. Some experiences have an additional fee. 214 South Main Street Los Angeles CA 90012. Costumes encouraged! TICKETS
There will be no Queen Mary Haunted Harbour, Live Steamers Ghost Train, Boney Island, Marina de Rey Spooktacular or Horror Made Here event at Warner Bros. Studios in 2021.
