As fall settles over Los Angeles, the city becomes a playground for all things spooky and thrilling. The warm California sun gives way to cooler nights, setting the perfect backdrop for haunted happenings, whimsical pumpkin patches, and spine-chilling experiences. Whether you're a thrill-seeker looking for a scare or prefer a family-friendly celebration, LA's Halloween festivities have something to offer. From eerie urban adventures to immersive outdoor experiences, the city’s diverse neighborhoods come alive with decorations, costumes, and unforgettable seasonal events. It's a time when the line between reality and fantasy blurs, offering moments of magic, mystery, and fun around every corner. So, grab your costume, gather your friends, and prepare to discover the best of what LA has to offer this Halloween season.

HALLOWEEN TIME AT DISNEYLAND

August 23 - October 31, 2024

For a Halloween celebration brimming with Disney magic, Halloween Time at Disneyland is the perfect way to experience the holiday in a lighthearted, enchanting way. The park sparkles with festive décor, costumed characters, and seasonal treats that appeal to visitors of all ages. It’s a family-friendly celebration where the emphasis is on fun rather than fright, making it ideal for young children or those looking for a charming Halloween outing. With its iconic setting and whimsical atmosphere, Disneyland’s Halloween party offers an unforgettable experience full of joy, creativity, and Halloween cheer.

UNIVERSAL STUDIOS HOLLYWOOD — HALLOWEEN HORROR NIGHTS

September 5 – November 3, 2024

Universal Studios Hollywood goes all out with its annual Halloween Horror Nights, transforming the world-famous theme park into a dark and twisted horror experience. The combination of Hollywood-level production, chilling atmospheres, and immersive experiences make this one of the most anticipated events of the season. Whether you’re wandering the park’s shadowy corners or braving its most famous attractions, Halloween Horror Nights offers a night filled with adrenaline and surprises. This year’s recognizable themes include the Blumhouse properties (such as Insidious, The Purge, M3GAN, The Black Phone), Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, and the return of The Weeknd. The sheer scale and attention to detail make it a standout event, appealing to both hardcore horror fans and those looking for an unforgettable night of frights. It’s the perfect way to experience Halloween through the lens of cinematic terror, all while being fully immersed in LA’s entertainment capital.

SIX FLAGS MAGIC MOUNTAIN – FRIGHT FEST

September 7 – November 3, 2024

For thrill-seekers, Six Flags Magic Mountain delivers an electrifying Halloween experience with Fright Fest. The roller coasters alone are heart-stopping, but when the park transforms after dark, it becomes a fully immersive Halloween world. With fright zones around every turn and adrenaline-fueled rides under the stars, Fright Fest balances excitement and terror in a way few other events can. It’s an ideal outing for those looking to pair high-octane amusement with seasonal chills, creating a night of nonstop fun.

BOB BAKER’S HALLOWE’EN SPOOKTACULAR

September 7 – November 10, 2024

For a charming and nostalgic celebration, Bob Baker’s Hallowe’en Spooktacular at the historic marionette theater offers a delightful escape into the whimsical world of puppetry. This family-friendly show brings out the playful side of Halloween, with its hand-crafted puppets dancing and singing through a seasonal extravaganza. The intimate theater and time-honored tradition make it a unique LA experience that celebrates the lighter side of Halloween, perfect for both children and adults who appreciate a creative, retro approach to the holiday.

THE TANAKA FARMS PUMPKIN PATCH

September 14 - October 27, 2024

Over in Irvine, Tanaka Farms offers a more laid-back, farm-style celebration of the Halloween season. The sprawling fields and rolling hills provide the perfect setting for a peaceful, yet festive, fall experience. Pumpkin patches, hayrides, and scenic tours are just a few of the things that bring the harvest season to life at this family-friendly venue. It’s a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures of autumn while surrounded by the rustic beauty of nature. Whether you’re picking pumpkins or just soaking in the farm’s seasonal vibe, it’s a refreshing break from the city’s bustling haunts.

KNOTT’S BERRY FARM – KNOTT’S SCARY FARM

September 19 – November 2, 2024

Knott's Berry Farm in Buena Park morphs into the sinister Knott's Scary Farm every October, offering visitors a chance to explore its theme park through a haunting lens. Known for its commitment to creating an intense, horror-filled experience, this event attracts fans of all things frightful. With scare zones, creepy characters, and nighttime attractions, it’s a Halloween playground where the park’s charming facade disappears after dark. Whether you’re a seasoned visitor or a first-timer, Knott’s Scary Farm delivers a pulse-pounding night of terrifying fun that has become a rite of passage for Halloween enthusiasts.

LOS ANGELES HAUNTED HAYRIDE

September 20 – November 2, 2024

Located in the scenic heart of Griffith Park, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a classic Halloween experience with just the right mix of eerie ambiance and frightful fun. As you journey through the haunted grounds, the atmosphere is electric with suspense, and you never quite know what may be lurking around the next corner. The event embraces a blend of nostalgia and modern scares, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Whether you’re on the hayride or walking through its surrounding attractions, this event is perfect for those who enjoy a more theatrical and atmospheric approach to Halloween.

THE QUEEN MARY’S DARK HARBOR

September 20 – November 2, 2024

The legendary Queen Mary in Long Beach serves as the haunting setting for Dark Harbor, one of LA’s most unique Halloween experiences. The ship’s historic background adds an authentic layer of eeriness to the event, which includes haunted mazes, performances, and scare zones that play off the ship’s ghostly lore. As you explore the ship’s dark, narrow corridors, it’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere. With the ocean as your backdrop, this event offers a distinct combination of maritime history and Halloween thrills that’s unlike anything else in Southern California.

DELUSION

September 20 – November 3, 2024

For an intimate and interactive Halloween experience, Delusion takes you deep into the world of immersive theater, blurring the lines between performance and reality. Set in unique, often historic locations around Los Angeles, this live-action event engages visitors as active participants in its eerie storytelling. With an atmosphere that feels both personal and haunting, Delusion is for those who want to be fully absorbed into the horror narrative. Each year brings a fresh tale, but the level of craftsmanship and intrigue remains consistently high, making this a can't-miss for those looking for a truly immersive Halloween adventure.

NIGHTS OF JACK

September 27 – November 3, 2024

A bit further north in Calabasas, Nights of Jack transforms an outdoor ranch into an enchanting display of glowing pumpkins and seasonal charm. This event is visually captivating, offering a feast for the eyes with beautifully illuminated trails. Families, couples, and friends will find themselves immersed in the wonder of intricate jack-o’-lantern displays, each more detailed than the last. The atmosphere is festive rather than frightening, making it an ideal outing for all ages. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a whimsical Halloween evening under the stars.

HOLLYWOOD FOREVER CEMETERY — CINESPIA

October 5 – October 31, 2024

Cinespia returns to the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery this Halloween season with a lineup of spooky screenings under the stars. On October 5, they kick off the thrills with a 50th-anniversary showing of The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, a slasher classic that changed horror cinema. Next, on October 12, bring the family for Coraline, a delightfully eerie stop-motion adventure. The chills continue on October 19 with the cult-favorite anthology Trick 'r Treat, celebrating the season's mischievous spirit. Finally, on Halloween night, Cinespia presents the 1977 classic Suspiria, a visually stunning, atmospheric horror that will leave you haunted long after the credits roll. Grab your blankets, dress in costume, and get ready for a spine-tingling cinematic experience at one of LA’s most unique venues.

DRACULA: THE SPANISH VERSION

October 25 – October 27, 2024

Playing at the historic United Theater on Broadway, the 1931 Spanish-language Dracula is a must-see for classic film aficionados. Shot simultaneously with the Bela Lugosi version, this rendition features a Spanish-speaking cast and crew, using the same sets but with a unique flair. Considered by many to be more atmospheric and visually striking, it's a rare opportunity to experience this often-overlooked masterpiece. The United Theater's revival of this hidden gem offers a perfect chance to delve into Hollywood’s forgotten history. Don’t miss this special screening!

From heart-pounding frights to whimsical fall fun, Los Angeles comes alive with the spirit of Halloween in ways that captivate and enchant. Whether you're braving a haunted maze or wandering through glowing pumpkin paths, each event offers its own unique twist on the holiday. As the city’s diverse neighborhoods turn up the spooky charm, it’s impossible to experience it all in just one night. The variety of events guarantees that everyone, from hardcore horror enthusiasts to families looking for lighthearted fun, will find something to love. So, get ready to embrace the season, because Halloween in LA is a thrilling, multifaceted adventure that leaves you counting down to next year’s haunting festivities.