Hi Pumpkin! We don’t know about you, but when this time of year rolls around, there’s nothing more that we love than breaking out the candy corn-themed socks, getting tricks or treats ready to go, and planning a super fun “ghouls” (girls) night out. Lucky for us, Los Angeles has so many great options for Halloween experiences and events, from family-friendly activities to ones that will have you shaking in your boots. Here are a few of LA’s many spooktacular offerings, from the time-tested popular events to immersive, more cutting-edge experiences.
LA Girl Pro-Tip: If you can beat the line and purchase tickets ahead of time, do it! More organized = more time for getting your scary night on. Also, if your schedule allows, consider checking out a few of these places on a weekday night, so there are fewer people and typically less traffic getting in and out.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
Are you looking for an unforgettable Halloween experience that will send shivers down your spine or an experience for the whole family? Take the kids out for a delightful Halloween experience at Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns and experience a glowing trail of hand- carved pumpkins and more. The magic begins September 22nd through October 31st at Whittier Narrows Park. The park is transformed into a larger-than-life pumpkin experience, featuring an awe-inspiring array of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, mesmerizing light displays, and a host of festive activities to delight everyone. There are photo booths to take pictures with some creepy monsters (don’t worry they’re fake!) and also several stations to pick up adult drinks. Plus, there is a fair-like food court offered (Hot Dog on a Stick is there too!). You can also make s’mores onsite (bring cash because it’s an additional charge), plus pick up themed merch after you exit.Tickets are start at $19.99 for children and $24.99 for adults on select nights.
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Location: Descanso Gardens – 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Visiting Carved is a MUST this Halloween season! A family-friendly event for all ages with a super fun atmosphere, the ever-popular pumpkin house, hay maze, and holiday-themed beverages and food call for a fabulous night out. Hundreds of carved pumpkins line the beautiful Camellia Forest, and you can get some great artsy shots under the UV “black light” experience and a special Day of the Dead installation at the Amphitheater. There are many stand-out moments and art pieces, but one of our favorite highlights was the art installation Rhizome by Belgian artists Tom&Lien Dekyvere. Rhizome has toured the world, but this is the first time it will be on the West Coast. The installation, which features tall structures connected by colored neon ropes, is in the new Ghost Garden.
For our photo-op lovers, don’t worry, we enjoyed getting our Instagram-worthy pictures in the Pumpkin House and might have snagged a few scarecrow selfies, as well. And now for our foodies, if you are looking to add some spookily good snacks to the mix, we enjoyed grabbing a bite at The Kitchen first, then taking a hot chocolate to hit the trails, followed by an indulgent chocolate-sauced churro to finish off the indulging night. The staff has done a great job making this event clean, modern, and friendly, all while adding plenty of WOW factors. Enjoy!
Photo By – Carved at Descanso Gardens
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
Location: LA Haunted Hayride – 4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
Welcome to Midnight Falls! Where we forget that the chainsaw guy was an actor in our level 2 improv class and just let the Witch of the Woods work her magic! The spirit of Halloween definitely comes to life at LA’s ultimate Halloween event. Stop by the (S)laughterhouse to scream with fright at Herschel the smiling scary dude. The Haunted Hayride is an absolute staple in the LA Halloween game and great for a date night, a group of friends, or going for a solo spook.
Photo By – Time Out
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
Location: Universal Studios Hollywood – 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Scare zones, terror trams, and scary houses… These are just a few of the spooky scenes you’ll spot during a night at this theme park. This event, by far, has the most choices, with 8 haunted houses and a live show for guests to enjoy. The LA Girl pick is hands down The Stranger Things Season 4. If you’re looking for a spooky scene full of photo-ops and an event great for selfies, getting dressed up in a group costume, and enjoying their creepy crawlie-themed food and beverages, then this is your spot! See you in the fog.
Photo By – Universal Studios Horror Nights
Cinespia
Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, LA Theater, & Cinespia at the LA State Historic Park
Movie and Entertainment group Cinespia has been cooking up some great spooky movies in their cauldron. From Halloween (1978), The Ring (2002), Harry Potter and the Order of the Pheonix, and Rosemary’s Baby, you can catch the Halloween classics while snuggling with your boo on the lawn or enjoying a nice cheese platter. LA Girl Tip: Make sure you triple-check where the movie is, as they run events in different locations, including the Hollywood Forever Cemetary and the Los Angeles Theater.
Photo By – Creepy Kingdom
Delusion: Nocturnes & Nightmares
Location: The Phillips Mansion – 2640 Pomona Blvd, Pomona, CA 91768
Walk into a real life horror story with Delusion: Nocturnes & Nightmares. Uncover the secrets of the mysterious author behind the Delusion series. With two stories of eerie rooms, spook-tacular drinks, and maybe a few lurking guests, Delusion is the interactive horror story you’ll have nightmares about. Learn about the elusive matriarch Esther Phillips, and uncover the truth behind what’s lurking in the house…if you dare. (Muahahaha!!)
Photo By – Delusion
Bride of Frankenstein with Live Orchestra
Location: The Theatre at Ace Hotel – 929 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90015
October 27th
The very popular Halloween monster mash-up of film and opera at The Theater at Ace Hotel features the classic Frankenstein this year. Conductor Jenny Wong will perform conductor Franz Waxman’s beautiful score, performed live by the LA Opera Orchestra, while the film plays on the big screen. Wow, is all we have to say.
House of Spirits
Location: Casa Vertigo – 1828 Oak St, Los Angeles, CA 90015
If you are looking for a more adult-friendly and sexy Halloween event, head over to this haunted cocktail soiree. Enter the 90,000-square-foot haunted mansion and enjoy spirits of every kind, tarot readings, and secret games. Learn about the legend of Vaughan Hall, and enjoy sinister stories that will leave you wanting to sleep with your lights on (at least until Thanksgiving).
Photo By – House of Spirits
LA Haunted Car Wash
Location: Carwood Car Wash – 2729 E.Carson St, Lakewood, CA, 90712
If you are looking for a night of THRILLS drive on through LA’s most haunted car wash. The Tunnel of Terror is a carefully curated experience, with scary and creepy performers popping up throughout the wash, and special effects providing a terrifying ambiance!
