Get in the Spirit With These Los Angeles Halloween Happenings

Amanda Nolan

Halloween scares up many events in the Los Angeles area. Throughout October, there are fun and frightening things to do for a variety of tastes. Some like to watch horror films, others prefer to feel like they are in one; some go for vintage oddities while almost everyone loves partying in costume. Check out these events to make all your Halloween dreams (or nightmares) come true.

Creep Los Angeles | Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
Not for the faint of heart, this adults-only event is a fully immersive experience. Be the star in your own horror movie as you walk, run, and crawl amidst fog machines, strobe lights, and scares at every turn. Small groups go in and encounter over an hour of chills and thrills. Located at Imperial Art Studios.

Halloween Horror Nights | Sept. 16 – Nov. 5
When the sun goes down the spooks come out at the famous Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. This year boasts seven new mazes, including themes from “American Horror Story” and “The Exorcist.” Get dangerously close to Jason, Leatherface, and Freddy, climb aboard the new Terror Tram experience, check out a “Walking Dead” attraction, scare zones, and a live show from Jabbawockeez.

Knotts Scary Farm | Sept. 22 – Oct. 31
Knott’s Scary Farm knows how to mix fear and fun. Surround yourself with 1,000 monsters and top-notch mazes. Check out the deranged-dentist themed “Tooth Fairy” or the cowboys and werewolf mash-up featured in “The Gunslinger’s Grave: A Bad Moon Rises.” A Skeleton Key pass will give you access to bonus rooms. See the one and only Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, in her show “Elvira’s Danse Macabre.” You also don’t want to miss the irreverent “Hanging at Calico Square.”

Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary | Sept. 29 – Oct. 31
Come aboard the legendary haunted ship in Long Beach. Dare to enter scary mazes “B340 A Descent into Insanity” and “Circus Big Top Terror.” A Happy Haunting Hour ticket gives you an extra hour to play; and a VIP ticket gets you entrance into the RIP Lounge, drink tickets, and a Fast Fright Pass to get to the attractions quicker.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride | Oct. 1 – Oct. 31
This year the Haunted Hayride presents a Secret Society theme where you become a member upon entry. You are then deemed either an Elite or a Deranged, each leading you into two different experiences to be initiated. After the ride, venture if you dare into the “Ouija Origin of Evil: House of Shadows” maze, trick-or-treat in scare zones, or visit the “Purgatory” haunted village.

Screamfest Horror Film Festival | Oct. 18 – Oct. 27
Get into the Halloween spirit at Screamfest, which some have dubbed the “Sundance of Horror.” The horror movie film fest is the longest running in the United States, and famously premiered “Paranormal Activity.” The event takes place at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres at the Hollywood & Highland Center in Hollywood. Enjoy a slate of chilling films.

Halloween Booootie LA at The Echo | Oct. 26
The Halloween Booootie LA promises “A Monster Mashup Spooktacular!” The first 300 people in costume get a free Halloween Booootie mash-up CD. At midnight, a costume contest will commence for the best looks. Entertainment includes DJ Faroff, DJ Shyboy, go-go dancing troupe R.A.I.D, and a Halloween photo booth.

Lucha VaVOOM Halloween MADNESS | Oct. 26 – Oct. 27
Lucha VaVOOM features Mexican masked wrestling and saucy stripteases at the Mayan Theatre. Things will get crazy with these popular luchadors. Dress up for a chance to win the costume contest. Corset-wearing vixen Violet Chachki (season 7 winner of “RuPaul’s Drag Race”) will make a special appearance.

Danny Elfman Performs Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas | Oct. 28 – Oct. 30
The Hollywood Bowl presents a chance to experience “The Nightmare Before Christmas” at its fullest. The film will screen while a live orchestra performs Danny Elfman’s score. Elfman will also be there to reprise his part as Jack Skellington. Hear him sing with Catherine O’Hara, who played the role of Sally in the film.

Horror Made Here at WB Studios | Oct. 28 – Oct. 29
The WB Studios will host an event that features a twilight tour, movie screening, and movie-themed treats. “Conjuring” will screen Friday and “Conjuring 2” on Saturday. The tour will let movie fans see exterior sets and stages of their darker productions such as “The Lost Boys,” “Gremlins,” “The Exorcist,” and more. At their “Stage 48” attraction you can see Annabelle, the “Conjuring” doll herself, among other props.

Escape: Psycho Circus | Oct. 28 – Oct. 29
Escape to San Bernardino for a twisted circus-themed extravaganza. A large lineup of DJs will be spinning trance, techno, house beats and more on different stages. Explore nightmarish mazes, stunning three-dimensional art sculptures, and glow-in-the dark environments. Expect circus folk of all kinds, including fortune tellers, freaks, and contortionists. VIP tickets and several packages are available for a more premium experience.

Santa Monica Zombie Crawl | Oct. 29
Enjoy a bar crawl through Santa Monica, starting from Rusty’s Surf Ranch on the Pier all the way to the Promenade at 1212. Come dressed in your zombie garb to join the fun. There will be complimentary makeup artists at the beginning of the crawl to get participants looking their zombie best. Participating locations throughout the walk will have food and drink specials. A ticket will include entrance to the Official Zombie After Party.

NoHo Monster Bash: Heroes vs. Villains | Oct. 29
Here’s your chance to debut your new “Suicide Squad” costume. The Federal Bar hosts a “Heroes vs. Villains” theme to give people in the Valley a chance to party in style. There will be a dance floor, a fully stocked bar, and dazzling specialty performers. Costumes are required, and prizes will be handed out all night long to the best dressed.

La Nuit De Diable at Edison | Oct. 29
If Steampunk is more your speed, enjoy some vintage fun at the Edison. Entertainers include stilt walkers, tarot card readers, and dancers from the Urban Renewal Project. Event promises “Apparitions and Gifted Eccentriques from across the Globe.” The atmospheric venue that was once Downtown LA’s first private power plant provides a unique and wondrous experience. Admission discounted if in costume.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival at Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Oct. 29
Wear your best Day of the Dead attire for a celebration at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Browse art and craft vendors and enjoy Mexican cuisine. There will be music on four stages including performances by Julieta Venegas and Mariachi Flor De Toloache. The event will have much to see, from the Aztec Ritual Dancers to hundreds of altars.

3rd Annual Halloween Party at the Theatre at Ace Hotel | Oct. 29
Third time’s the charm at the Theatre at Ace Hotel’s Bloodsuckers Bash. Party the night away with DJs, dancing, drinks, and spooky costumes. Some surprises and a few signature cocktails will make for a fun-filled night.

Halloween at the Hollywood Roosevelt | Oct. 29 
The Roosevelt Hotel, another famously haunted location, presents hip-hop star Big Sean, plus special guest DJs yet to be announced. Tickets gain you access to the Tropicana Pool, The Blossom Grand Ballroom (see if you can find the infamous ‘cold spot’), the Historic Lobby, and the Public Kitchen and Bar. Several swanky packages are also available to get the real Hollywood treatment.

LA Opera Presents Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Oct. 29 + Oct. 31
Almost 100 years later, the 1922 silent vampire story “Nosferatu” still captures imaginations. The classic film will play over a live chamber orchestra. While no one knows the complete score from when the film was first premiered, composer Matthew Aucoin blends an original score with music from the time period for this special engagement.

Annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval | Oct. 31
WeHo knows how to party! Join the fun on the streets at Santa Monica Boulevard in your best scene-stealing costume, with festivities starting at 6 p.m. The annual event promises wild costumes, a big crowd and multiple music stages. Following tradition, the main stage will honor the “Queen of the Carnaval.” The street party will last until 11 p.m., but the revelry will continue at Halloween parties in many of the local establishments.