Labyrinths, Mazes and Masquerades: A Complete Guide to Halloween 2017 in Los Angeles

Alex Aronson

It’s that time of the year again in Los Angeles. The nights are getting longer, the air is slightly cooler, and the ghouls, ghosts and goblins have come out to play. From haunted attractions that will leave you shrieking in terror, to horror movie screenings that will keep you up at night – our Halloween 2017 in Los Angeles guide covers the best parties and much more. So grab your pumpkin spiced beverage, and get ready to take note as our creepily curated list has you covered.

Beetle House
If you are looking for a unique place to wine and dine this Halloween season, look no further than Beetle House. Dive into the macabre worlds of “Beetlejuice,” “Alice and Wonderland,” and “A Nightmare Before Christmas” at this Tim Burton inspired bar. From wacky and whimsical menu offerings to waiting staff seemingly ripped out of a Burton classic, this bar is guaranteed to give you a unique treat. The original pop-up has locations in both Los Angeles and New York. At Beetle House everyday is Halloween.

Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights | Sept. 15 – Nov. 4
Dive into the terrifying worlds that slash through the big and small screens. Universal Studios transforms into your worst nightmare, featuring eight terrifying scare zones. This year themed mazes revolve around “The Shining,” “American Horror Story: Roanoke,” “Saw,” and “Ash vs. Evil Dead.”

Fright Fest at Six Flags | Sept. 16 – Oct. 31
If you dare enter the Magic Mountain at Six Flags, this season be warned as zombies and ghouls take over the park. After the sun goes down, the park transforms into an ultimate nightmare with three terrifying mazes that will leave even the bravest cowering in a corner.

Knott’s Scary Farm | Sept. 21 – Oct. 31
Southern California’s largest Halloween event includes 13 uniquely haunted mazes, attractions, and shows. Oh yeah, and the theme this year appears to be very clown centric. So those who couldn’t handle “It” or Twisty from “American Horror Story” should bring an extra pair of underwear.

Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary | Sept. 28 – Nov. 11
What makes this haunted attraction stand out above the rest are the countless true paranormal occurrences to take place on board the infamous ship. At the end of the seven mazes, you can catch a well-deserved drink at the secret bar. There are various ticket packages, ranging from overnight stays to VIP lounge access.

Beyond Fest at the Egyptian Theatre | Sept. 29 – Oct. 10
Celebrate everything spooky and weird at Los Angeles’ biggest genre film festival. The lineup includes exclusive premieres seen nowhere else. It’s a must-see event for all horror hounds and those looking to get into the Halloween spirit. Highlight screenings include, “The Room,” “Better Watch Out,” and a 4K restoration of “Night of the Living Dead.”

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park | Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Providing a refreshing alternative to all of the amusement park scare mazes, L.A.’s Haunted Hayride takes you through the truly haunted woods of the Griffith Park’s Old Zoo. Enjoy food and drinks over the smell of freshly cut hay. If the abandoned structures aren’t enough to send chills down your spine, the “Trick or Treat” scare zones will make you fear who might open the door next.

Reign of Terror Haunted House | Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
The fear at Reign of Terror is real at SoCal’s largest indoor haunt. Walk through eight terrifying attractions in over 100 rooms that span across 23,000 square feet. Don’t worry, a flashlight is provided, as this attraction is completely lights out. This particular haunt is the best option for those who are looking to save their wallets from all the seasonal fear.

Lore by Creep LA | Oct. 5 – Nov. 11
Jump into the world of Amazon Prime’s newest horror anthology series “Lore,” as you come face to face with the most frightening folklores and legends. The one-hour guided maze is conducted in intimate groups of eight, pulling your darkest nightmares into reality. After you finish the maze, don’t forget to check out the show exclusively on Amazon Friday the 13th.

Cinespia Horror Screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Oct. 7 + Oct. 21
Enjoy an eerie night under the stars at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Bring a blanket, picnic dinner, and drinks, to enjoy these cult classics. Screenings include “Ghostbusters” (Oct. 7) and “Night of the Living Dead” (Oct. 21). Because what better way to watch the grandfather zombie classic than with the spirits of the dead?!

Melrose Rooftop Cinema | Oct. 8 – Oct. 22
Sit atop the Melrose Avenue and enjoy the crispy autumn air as you conjure up some scares. The outdoors screenings include the Wes Craven classics, “Scream” (Oct. 8) and “A Nightmare on Elm Street” (Oct. 16), as well as “Silence of the Lambs” (Oct. 22). Get there early enough to grab a good seat. Upgrade your ticket to include a delicious three-course meal.

Screamfest LA at TLC Chinese 6 Theatres | Oct. 10 – Oct. 19
The horror genre’s biggest stars usually come out for Screamfest. The annual festival celebrating all things horror has served as the premiere for 2004’s “Saw” and 2009’s “Paranormal Activity.” Both of which broke out into mega mainstream success. This year’s lineup includes the North American premiere for the new “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” prequel, “Leatherface,” “Like.Share.Follow.,” and more. Don’t miss your chance to catch what could be the next breakout horror hit.

Horror Made Here: A Festival of Frights Tour at Warner Brothers Studio | Oct. 19 – 10/28
In it’s inaugural year, Warner Bros. is looking to give Universal Studios a little friendly competition. The back lot of the studio transforms into the ultimate nightmare as you go face to face with the monsters and spirits from recent horror classics “It,” “The Conjuring,” “Annabelle,” and “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”

Cloak & Dagger Festival – Dusk Till Dawn at Globe & Palace Theatre | Oct. 20 + Oct. 21
The three-night event features H09909, Steve Moore, Drab Majesty (Oct. 20), KMFDM, She Wants Revenge, Poptone, The Soft Moon (Oct. 21). The dress code is all black and it is strictly enforced, so be sure to come dressed in your gothy best. Hot tip: arrive early to secure a good spot on the dance floor.

Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con at LA Convention Center | Oct. 27 – Oct. 29
Are you a comic book fan who is experiencing withdrawal from San Diego’s pinnacle Comic Con event? No need to fret, because Los Angeles’ Comic Con, helmed by the king of comics, Stan Lee, has plenty of geeky panels, screenings, and meet and greets to tide you over.

UNICEF Masquerade Ball at Clifton’s Republic | Oct. 27
Looking for an elegant evening to celebrate Halloween? Look no further than Unicef’s Masquerade Ball. Over 800 emerging global leaders, innovators, celebrities, and philanthropists attend the event each year. Don’t forget to dawn your very best celestial attire and mask.

Cinespia Presents Labyrinth + Masquerade Ball at Los Angeles Theatre | Oct. 28
Experience a dreamy night of fantasy and magic at of L.A.’s gothic movie palace. Modeled after the dark musical starring David Bowie, the night includes magic shows, live music, full bars, photo booth, a plethora of other hauntingly exciting surprises, and, of course, a screening of the Bowie classic, “Labyrinth.” A masqueraded costume is required for entry into this dream world.

Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Oct. 28
For the 18th year, Dia de Los Muertos, the celebration known as Day of the Dead, returns to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The event features the best of Mexican culture, vendors, entertainers, food, and musical performances, as it revolves around the culturally significant holiday. Dia de Los Muertos attire is strongly encouraged.

KCRW’s Masquerade Ball at The McArthur | Oct. 28
Get ready to dance with the dead at KCRW’s Masquerade Ball. This year’s theme is back from the dead. The costume and dance party of the year features live musical performances from Matthew Dear, The Black Madonna, and Tensnake. You won’t want to miss special acts from Lucha Vavoom, Lucent Dossier, and Les Petites Bonbons for a freaky good night.

King Tuts Tomb LA Halloween Party at the Egyptian Theater | Oct. 28
If you find yourself in downtown Hollywood on Halloweekend, then look no further than California Nightlife’s 9th Annual King Tut’s Tomb party. Spinning the records at this year’s event, held at the historic Egyptian Theatre Courtyard, are DiJiTAL, J Rhythm, and DJ Shanto. Be sure to check out the site for the wide array of VIP open bar packages available.

The Growlers Six at L.A. Waterfront | Oct. 28 – Oct. 29
If you are looking to jam out over Halloween weekend then The Growlers Six (formally Beach Goth) will be worth the trek down to Orange County. The two-day festival features Iggy Pop, Yeah Yeah Yeah’s, Modest Mouse, Dan Auerbach, Butthole Surfers, Danny Brown, Beth Ditto, Alice Glass, The B-52s and, of course, The Growlers, originally formed in California, offers up a SoCal vibe with their genre bending mix of surt music, psychedelic rock, and garage rock.

John Carpenter at Hollywood Palladium | Oct. 31
The master of horror himself goes on tour once again as he performs his original hits. The prolific composer and director has created some of Hollywood’s greatest horror movie scores for his films, including the iconic and simple piano tunes for “Halloween,” “The Thing,” and “The Fog.” Surely, there is no better way to spend your Halloween night than listening to the very key cords that will send shivers down your spine.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival | Oct. 31
There is no party like a WeHo party. The street celebration is the ultimate risqué costume party including multiple music stages along the boulevard blasting live sets and DJ tracks. Alcohol will not be served at the event, but there are plenty of nearby bars to suffice your thirst. The event is located on Santa Monica Blvd. between Doheny Dr. and La Cienega Blvd.