Photo Credit: David Menidrey
Los Angeles has plenty to offer this Halloween season. From seriously scary events to costume parties to things to do with your kids, we’ve rounded up eight events you should check out this October.
Halloween For Adults
Even long after you’ve stopped trick-or-treating, Halloween feels special. It’s holiday with no pressure to host out-of-town family or throw a big celebration. Instead, you can venture out after dark to enjoy the over-the-top festivities put on by Los Angeles institutions.
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival
This is the largest Halloween festival in the world! Spanning down Santa Monica Boulevard in WeHo, the festival features colorful Halloween-themed events and performances (like Halloween Scaryoke). Most of the bars and restaurants that line that street are participating, too, so you can stop in for dinner or a drink. And feel free to wear your scariest or wackiest costume—costumes are highly encouraged.
When? October 31 from 6-10:30 pm
Where? Santa Monica Blvd in West Hollywood
What does it cost? It’s free
To learn more: https://www.visitwesthollywood.com/halloween-carnaval/
Photo Credit: tony hernandez
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
Universal Studios transforms into a series of haunted and terrifying mazes throughout the month of October. It’s an exciting activity for fans of horror and scary movies because you can choose to walk through mazes based on Stranger Things, Us, The Walking Dead, and more.
When? Thursday nights through Sunday nights from now until November 3
Where? Universal Studios
What does it cost? Tickets range from $64-$97
To learn more: https://hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com/
A Hitchcock Halloween
For a classic Halloween party, head to the Theatre at the Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles. The theatre’s elegant, old-world architecture and décor make it the perfect venue for a Hitchcock-themed party. It’s 21+, and there will be live DJ sets and specialty cocktails. Costumes are encouraged!
When? October 26 at 10 pm
Where? The Theatre at the Ace Hotel in Downtown LA
What does it cost? Advance tickets are $25
To learn more: https://theatre.acehotel.com/events/theatre-ace-hotel-presents-hitchcock-halloween/
The Depraved Attic of Dorian Gray
This event is a haunted dinner party hosted in a private attic space in Hollywood, inspired by the luxurious and debauched world of Dorian Gray. The dinner includes a five-course meal by Laurent Quenioux of LQ Foodings, themed cocktails, and theatrical and musical performances.
When? October 24-27 at 7:30 pm
Where? Undisclosed location in Hollywood
What does it cost? Tickets are $250 per person
To learn more: https://restlessnites.com/doriangray
Photo Credit: Conner Baker
Halloween for kids and families
Los Angeles has plenty of events that go beyond your basic neighborhood trick-or-treating. Check out the following ideas for family-friendly ways to soak up the festive Halloween spirit all month long.
Halloween Spooktacular at the Bob Baker Marionette Theater
Take your kids to see an afternoon of Halloween-themed puppet shows, including characters like Dracula. Performed by the expert puppeteers of the Bob Baker Marionette Theater.
When? Every weekend from now through November 3, varying showtimes
Where? The Bob Baker Marionette Theater in Highland Park
What does it cost? It’s free for children and $20 for adults
To learn more: http://www.bobbakermarionettetheater.com/calendar/2018/9/22/halloween-spooktacular-f7bd8
Boo at the Zoo
The L.A. Zoo puts on special, Halloween events and activities throughout the month of October. For example, there are live animal shows, themed photo ops, and activities like a hay bale maze.
When? October 1-27
Where? The LA Zoo in Burbank
What does it cost? Regular admission to the Zoo ($17 for kids and $22 for adults)
To learn more: https://www.lazoo.org/boo/
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
Featuring a pumpkin village, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is a much-loved Halloween staple for the west side. Kids can enjoy all the activities associated with a fall festival, like pony rides, face painting, inflatable slides, mazes, and, of course, tons of pumpkins.
When? Every day now through October 30
Where? Culver City
What does it cost? Admission is $5
To learn more: https://mrbonespumpkinpatch.com/
Hopefully, we’ve given you enough inspiration to make this Halloween more fun than ever. Of course, there are always the old faithful options for Halloween activities—like ghost tours, haunted houses, and, yes, trick-or-treating.
