Lucha VaVOOM’s Halloween Spectacular at the Mayan Theater featuring Brooke Candy. Photo by Billy Bennight II.
There are so many events happening around LA this week. How do you know which ones are cool and which ones suck? Let your friends at The LA Beat guide you.
WEDNESDAY, OCT 25TH – TUESDAY OCT 31ST
DELUSION THEATER INTERACTIVE: NOCTURNES AND NIGHTMARES
Wednesday, Oct 25TH – Tues Oct 31ST / Pomona / $94.99 -and up
Delusion Theater, running since 2011, is an interactive show, with a heaping spoonful of narrative-based haunted house. The show takes place across two floors of a nearly 150-year-old mansion in Pomona with an anthology of tales centered around “The Author,” a mysterious figure who created the previous Delusion installments and has now gone missing. “Devoted fans (our guests) will be swallowed into various stories and connect with characters both dire and beloved as they track down the mysterious author behind the Delusion series and learn of a disturbing agenda.” Running Daily except Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
“Guests are free to explore the Spectral Soiree (open world environment) anytime during operating hours on the day of their show. We suggest allowing yourself up to 2 extra hours before or after your show to explore!” Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your designated show time. If you arrive later than 15 minutes before your show time, we may not be able to accommodate you and there are no refunds.
GA – NOCTURNES & NIGHTMARES ticket grants access to Delusion with your designated showtime selected. Prices from $94.99, VIP – NOCTURNES & NIGHTMARES grants access to Delusion with a selected showtime, plus access to Behind the Veil: VIP Experience with a backstage lounge, a private bar while you get a sneak peek into the show. Interact with actors and show runners and witness the performance live in real time from the control room. If you choose, you’ll have the special opportunity to don ragged costumes, lay in wait as eerie corpses, and then rise as the undead as you creep guests into their next scene. Prices from $129.99.
THURSDAY, OCT 26th AND FRIDAY, OCT 27th
Thursday, October 26th AND Friday, October 27th / $53.41‒$99.76 / DTLA
LA’s hottest – and only combination luchador masked wrestling, comedy and burlesque show presents a two-night Halloween extravaganza. The show, titled “Area 51” will take place at Lucha VaVOOM’s home venue, The Mayan Theatre,
Lucha Libre wrestlers for Area 51 include Mini Abismo Negro, Taya Valkyrie, Magno “The Man Mountain” Rudo, Periquito, Piñatita, and mini superstar wrestler Microman, and Los Crazy Chickens. In addition, the show will feature burlesque goddesses, twisty contortionists, and death-defying aerialists, including Emma Vauxdevil (fire eater, sword swallower, tattooed burlesque goddess), Làszlò Major (transcendent dancer, aerialist, and boylesque artist), and burlesque artist Skylar. Comedian host Blaine Capatch will be and returning as ring announcer extraordinaire, Ignacio Serricchio.
Tickets for this 21+ glam/slam extravaganza are on sale now at TicketWeb.com.
THURSDAY, OCT 26 & FRIDAY OCT 27
DEMONIC DRAGWAY at THE BECKETT MANSION
Thursday, October 26 & Friday 27, 7pm / West Adams / $42 – $74
(Saturday, Monday and Tuesday are sold out. No Performance Sunday)
Enjoy cocktails and spine-chilling entertainment at The Beckett Mansion’s Demonic Dragway. This spooky old mansion will come alive as its rooms are filled with drag performers bringing their chilling and charming best. There will be a costume contest and a Haunted Mansion Tour: “Brave the sinister corridors of the Haunted Mansion if you dare but beware of the ghastly surprises lurking around every corner.” Select nights will break out in a surprise dance party! Come as you are or dress in costume.
THURSDAY, OCT 26 – 31st
Thursday, October 26th – 31st, times vary / DTLA / $63 – $72
(Friday is sold out)
Downtown LA has its fair share of haunted hotels. The opulent Los Angeles Theatre, constructed between 1930 and early 1931, exudes an old-world creepiness with its French Baroque interior, grand staircase, and crystal fountain. What better place to attend an old Hollywood-themed haunted horror walk-through? This one-hour immersive experience tells “the story of Rota Krisha and her saga, twisting you into depths of darkness, enveloping you in a world where morbid reality and nightmares blur. We invite you to relive the arrival at the historic Los Angeles Theater, and be transported back to 1935 stepping through the gates of purgatory to receive the light.” Fancy retro garb is encouraged but casual dress is fine. No face masks. Ages 13 and over. Parking for all Broadway Theatre Group theaters is available at Pershing Square Garage – 530S. Olive Street.
FRIDAY OCT 27TH
Friday, October 27, 6pm / Anaheim / $10
Larry’s Halloween Party, promoted by Celebrity Stalker Productions, Working Class Promotions and Twisted Soul Entertainment will be taking over Bobby V’s Cocktails in Anaheim. The Very Metal bill includes Bastard Machine, The Boners, Black Elk, the Dancing Skeletons, The Hash, Nervous Vulpis and 20 Minute Mule. Doors at 6pm. 21 and over.
FRIDAY OCT 27TH, SATURDAY OCT 28TH
DANNY ELFMAN AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL
Fri 27 Sat 28, 8pm / Hollywood / $54.50 – $750
It’s an LA tradition to see Danny Elfman perform the songs from Nightmare Before Christmas at the Hollywood Bowl. We suggest attending Sunday night, when Catherine O’Hara will reprise her “Sally” character. On Friday and Saturday nights, Halsey will be singing the role of Sally. Other guests will be Ken Page, the original voice of Oogie Boogie, Fred Armisen (as Lock), and Riki Lindhome (as Shock). John Mauceri will lead the full orchestra and choir. The event also will include a costume contest and other Halloween-themed activities.
BAT NOISE AT BOYLE HEIGHTS TAVERN AND A WHITTIER MUSIC FEST
Friday, Oct 27TH & 28th / Boyle Heights / Whittier / ?
Bat Noise (formerly known as Moira Scar) will be in Southern California this weekend bringing their high-art duo improvisation to the Goth Scandal club at the Boyle Heights Tavern this Friday. The cocktails, craft beer and food look awesome. Saturday, they play a haunted house turned music festival in Whittier, check out their Facebook page and send them a DM for address and info. Sorry, this is too underground for me to find info like entrance fees.
Friday, Oct 27TH & 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st
ZOMBIE JOE’S URBAN DEATH TOUR OF TERROR
Oct 27, 28th, 29th, 30th, 31st 10:45 & 11:30 p.m. / $22 – $27 at door / North Hollywood
LA’s scariest theater and haunted maze attraction returns with an all-new 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.”
Fridays & Saturdays, plus Sunday, Oct. 29, Monday, Oct. 30, and Tuesday, October 31. For Ages 18+ Wheelchair accessible. No Late Admittance nor Bathroom Access for This Event. Please Arrive 15 minutes Prior to Showtime to Check-In at front desk.
SATURDAY, OCT 28TH
THE ANAHEIM FALL FESTIVAL AND PARADE
Saturday, Oct 28th Festival: 11am – 6pm Parade: 7pm / Anaheim / FREE
The Anaheim Fall Festival returns this Saturday, October 28th to Center Street in Anaheim. The festivities, which include kids and dogs costume contests, mariachis, food vendors, and our favorite tiki performer – King Kukulele, will be happening from 11am to 6pm.
This year Sid Kroft of Sid and Marty Kroft will be Grand Marshall!!! The parade will start at 7pm at City Hall at the intersection of Anaheim Blvd and Broadway. and proceed west via Center Street and Broadway, ending on Broadway to Walnut where public viewing will end. The parade, which continues over about 1.5 miles, tends to last between one and two hours. Public parking is available in marked structures near downtown and parking on non permit public streets may also be available along the route.
GOBLIN PERFORMS DEMONS AT THE ALEX THEATER
Saturday, October 28th 8pm / Glendale / $35.50 – $45.50
Composer Claudio Simonetti is known for his horror film soundtracks, which include Suspiria and Dawn of the Dead. On Saturday, October 28, he will be performing Dario Argento’s 1985 classic, Demons, with his band, Goblin. The band will play the score along to a screening of the film. After the film, Goblinwill play a second set of their classic material. You can expect a lot of Suspiria.
DONDO AND THE ALLEY CATS AT SOUTH BAY CUSTOMS
Saturday, October 28th 7pm / El Segundo / $15 presale $20 at door
LA punk rock icons The Alley Cats, led by Randy Stodola, will be playing a set at South Bay Customs on the 28th. Co-headlining are South Bay heroes, Dondo (as in Re-dondo), with Dez Cadena of Black Flag, Misfits and DC3. Also on the bill are a psychobilly trio out of So Cal, Deranged. Plus there will be a costume contest with prizes, food and vendors from Rad Market Fest, and specialty cocktails.
BLOODY BRAINS AT THE BUCCANEER LOUNGE
Saturday, Oct 28th / Sierra Madre
An annual tradition! Celebrate at the Buccaneer in Sierra Madre with this 60s proto garage rock and obscure covers of songs you know from compilations like Pebbles.
SPACEHORSE COVERING ROKY ERICKSON AT THE REDWOOD
Saturday, October 28th 7pm / DTLA / ?
Saturday the 28th, this historic (and haunted?) downtown dive bar will feature three local bands covering Nirvana (Cosmic Kitten), Smashing Pumpkins (Smiling Politely), and the one we are really excited about, Space Horse with John Ramirez covering Roky Erickson, whose oeuvre consists of such Halloween classics as “I Walked with a Zombie,” “Two-Headed Dog,” and “Night of the Vampire.”
BOB BAKER’S HALLOWE’EN COSTUME BALL
Saturday, October 28th, 8pm – Midnight / Los Angeles / $125 and up
The Bob Baker Marionette Theater is holding its First Annual Costume Ball on Saturday, October 28th. This is your only chance to see the Hallowe’en Spooktacular, because the immensely popular show is already completely sold out. After the special performance of Hallowe’en Spooktacular, there will be a costume contest hosted by Pickle, Drag Queen Laureate of West Hollywood and a dance party hosted by DJ SuperBee with tarot readings with Ingrid M. Calderón-Collins. All attendees receive two complimentary drinks, as well as bar service throughout the night courtesy Cobblestone Wine. Tickets begin at $125. Proceeds directly benefit Bob Baker Marionette Theater.
HAUNTED LITTLE TOKYO BLOCK PARTY
Saturday, October 28TH / 6pm – Midnight / Little Tokyo / FREE
The Little Tokyo Ghost Club presents the 7th annual Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party this Saturday night. Explore Downtown Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhood after dark and experience Little Tokyo like never before. The 21+ event features costume contests, a DJ, live performances, a full bar, and food and beverages to purchase. Entrance is free with RSVP at the website. The secret Block Party location will be shared upon check-in at Brunswig Square (360 E. 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012). FREE with RSVP
THE BELASCO HALLOWEEN BALL WITH THE BOULET BROTHERS
Saturday, Oct 28th 9pm / DTLA / $59 – $177
Several dance clubs are working together to create a huge nightclub / haunted house with eight different themed spaces with drag performances, a dungeon dance level, a Demon Puppet Theater Production, a Haunted Confessional Chamber, Army of Monster Dancers
a Haunted Hayride Pumpkin Carving Zone, Carnival Rides and $1000 Cash Midnight Costume Contest. I am so curious to know how they will have carnival rides at the Belasco! Mistresses of Ceremonies: The Boulet Brothers (Queens of Darkness), with Bonnie Aarons (The Nun, The Nun II, The Conjuring), and drag royalty, including at least one winner of Drag Race. 21 & Over.
SUNDAY, OCT 29TH
COVER SETS BY DRUNK MEL GIBSON AND THE MORMONS AT THE ESCONDITE
Sunday, Oct 29th 5:30pm / Skidroku / FREE
You can check out a reprise the Roky Erickson set at the Escondite downtown, playing under the name Drunk Mel Gibson. Also playing are another favorite LA Beat band, The Mormons, doing a DEVO set, and Pussy Cow doing Black Flag. The Escondite is a mom and pop bar and eatery. Free show. Drunk Mel Gibson plays at 5:30.
HAXAN SCREENING AT THE C.G. JUNG INSTITUTE
Sunday, Oct 29th 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm / Westside / $12.00
This 1922 silent film is an eerie and shocking Scandinavian documentary/docudrama that is broken up into seven parts, exploring the western history of occultism, particularly witchcraft during the Medieval period. It starts out as a straightforward study, then devolves into dramatic depictions of the horrors of witch hunts. Starting at 6pm, there will be snacks and tarot readings in the library. Haxan (The Witch) will screen at 8pm. After the film, you can stay for an open discussion of the film and its folklore. Costumes encouraged. Private Parking Not Available. It is selling out fast!
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 31ST
WEST HOLLYWOOD HALLOWEEN CARNAVAL
Tuesday, Oct 31st 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. / WeHo / FREE
LA’s biggest and wildest Halloween party is back after a Covid-induced hiatus. This traditional event showcases some of the best costumes you will ever see. It’s definitely something you should do once in your life. Be ready to party with several hundred thousand people. We are talking Times Square and Mardi Gras-sized crowds. The outdoor Carnaval will stretch over one mile of Santa Monica Boulevard/Historic Route 66 between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard. There are no ferris wheels–it is not that kind of carnival. But there will be lots of entertainment and lots of bonhomie.
Uber and Lyft have solved the parking problem, but my final caveat is that it’s hard to find a bathroom. Be prepared to buy a drink and wait in a long line. Insider tip: The police station has a nice bathroom, and it’s also a good place to wait for your Uber or Lyft. Please don’t bring children or pets, and definitely wear a costume. Only clear bags are allowed, no large bags or backpacks. No public drinking in the street.
Other spooky events to check out:
