Halloween Events Worth Haunting

Friends of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles launched in 2020 with a series of self-guided architectural tours that folks could enjoy while social distancing. On October 13, the award-winning non-profit will release its “ Witch Houses 2: Fairy Tales, Castles and Cottages” map, the second annual installment of a self-guided spooky home tour curated by Amber Benson, the author of books like The Witches of Echo Park, who remains beloved for her role as Tara Maclay on Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Coinciding with the tour map, FORT:LA is releasing Abodes of Grimm, an audio collection of fairy tale passages to play while you drive to your destinations. This year, they’re also unveiling Hancock Park Howl, a walking tour guide to 12 spooky homes available to supporters with a donation.

South Pasadena art gallery SugarMynt is in a prime location for horror movie fans— behind the Michael Myers house— so it’s no wonder that they’re going all out for Halloween season. The Trick r Treat in Haddonfield exhibition, opened on September 4 and runs through October 31, includes animation art, props and memorabilia from multiple horror films. There are events at the gallery throughout October, including movie nights and an autograph signing session with actors and creatives from Halloween films.

Throughout October, all three Rooftop Cinema Club’s locations in Downtown Los Angeles, Santa Monica and El Segundo have peppered their regular programming with spooky flicks. On October 9, you can catch a classic with either Carrie at the downtown location or The Exorcist in Santa Monica. Contemporary horror fans might want to catch Get Out, which screens multiple times throughout the month. If you’re looking for a family friendly night, check out the all-ages screenings at the El Segundo or any screening at the Drive-Up at Santa Monica Airport. The downtown location is 18+ only.

In Calabasas, Jack O’ Lanterns and Halloween lights will guide you through a trail that stretches out for close to one mile. Nights of the Jack, which runs through the month of October, boasts activities for all ages at a family-friendly event. The Jack O’Lantern trail may be the main draw, but you can also check out live pumpkin carvings, grab dinner from one of the food trucks on site and shop for souvenirs. For adults, there’s also the Spookeasy with a menu that includes craft beer, wine and Halloween-themed cocktails. Advanced tickets are a must and tours are scheduled between 6:30 and 9 p.m.

For lovers of all things curious and macabre, The Oddities Flea Market returns to Los Angeles on October 23 and 24. Situated inside downtown’s Globe Theatre, the popular event will host three floors of vendors stocked with everything from medical oddities to jewelry. You may also have the chance to check out work from artists like Lizz Lopez (appearing on Saturday) and Lauryn Barnes (appearing on Sunday). Timed entry tickets are required.

Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas is as beloved for its Danny Elfman-composed score as it is for its creepy-cute aesthetic. Elfman himself brings the now-classic soundtrack to Banc of California Stadium for concerts on October 29 and 31. The former Oingo Boingo frontman takes on the role of Jack Skellington, whose singing voice he handled in the film, for these performances with Ken Page reprising his role as Oogie Boogie and “Weird Al” Yankovic is stepping into the character of Lock. Special guest, Billie Eilish performs as Sally. Pre-show programming includes trick-or-treating on site and a costume contest. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.

For over a decade, Abraham Castillo Flores has programmed Mexico’s horror and fantasy film event Morbido Fest. On Halloween, he’ll stop by Redcat to present a “performative lecture” on the Mexican folklore that has inspired the country’s horror film history. While this is an in-person event, there is also a virtual option, with screenings available for 24 hours after the event.

On Halloween weekend, Aquarium of the Pacific shows off the creepiest creatures in the sea with holiday programming for all ages. It’s an educational and fun event that includes fun for the kids, like coloring and costume contests. Magic shows, underwater pumpkin carving and storytelling are all part of the entertainment for the Halloween event. Advanced reservations are a must.

Billed as a “haunted cocktail soirée,” House of Spirits is an immersive experience for the 21+ crowd. With a story inspired by Rasputin and the Russian royal Romanov family, the two-hour production takes place inside Highland Park’s York Manor, where it runs through October 31. Guests are encouraged to get into the eerily vintage mood with a dress code calling for either period fashion, costumes or “elegant” attire. Tickets include four miniature cocktails.

Just Fix It Productions returns with this Halloween season with Creep 2021. The annual interactive theater event has become incredibly popular since its 2015 debut and, with many shows sold out before its opening night. Creep L.A. is a 21+ event that takes place at Hollywood venue Three Clubs through October 31. There’s a two ticket minimum for purchase.

Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre has Halloween entertainment for grown ups and family audiences this season. Urban Death Tour of Terror runs through November 1, with multiple shows on Friday and Saturday nights. It is intended for audiences age 17 and older. For those with children ages 8 and up who want to attend, a family-friendly version of Urban Death Tour of Terror runs on Saturday nights at 7 p.m. during the month.

To celebrate a whimsical Halloween with the little ones, head to Bob Baker Marionette Theater for their Hallowe’en Spooktacular, which is running through October. The venerable L.A. puppet troupe has revamped its annual show and introduced two new characters— Dr. Frankenstein and his Monster— this year. In addition to the weekend shows, there are a few weeknight performances as well.

With original series like Black As Night, Madres and I Know What You Did Last Summer set to premiere in October, Amazon Prime has launched a pop-up to last through the month on Melrose Avenue. At House of Horrors, guests can not only check out costume displays from these new series, as well as The Voyeurs, which premiered in September, but purchase pieces that will be shipped to their homes. Photo ops and candy will be available at the pop-up as well and there are special events planned on the weekend of October 14, when I Know What You Did Last Summer premieres, as well as Halloween weekend. House of Horrors is free and open through November 1: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday.

Celebrate Pup-O-Ween with your best friend on October 16 at Los Angeles State Historic Park. With pet photography, treats and prizes in store, the afternoon event is a perfect place for pooches to show off this year’s Halloween costumes. Tickets for humans include lunch from Cargo Snack Shack. A portion of proceeds will be donated to California Fire Foundation.

Step back into the Victorian period at Huntington Library on Saturday, October 30 with Strange Science: Into the Shadows. Open to the public for just one night, this 21+ event brings together live performance, discussion and art from the Huntington’s own collection. See L.A. Opera perform highlights from “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” or listen in on experts discussing how distilled spirits have been used to connect with the beyond. Elsewhere at The Huntington, The Guild of St. George performs the works of Edgar Allan Poe and William Z. Wysock demonstrates Tesla-style lightning machines. On exhibit will be Victorian objects and books. Food, beverages, merchandise and photo ops are all available on site.

The fifth annual Haunted Little Tokyo takes place this year with three events this October. On October 16 and 17, visit Haunted Little Tokyo Pumpkin Patch, located inside Japanese Village Plaza. Here, you can shop for a pumpkin from Irvine-based Tanaka Farms, while kids pose for photos and participate in a coloring contest. On Saturday, October 30, Haunted Little Tokyo Scavenger Hunt takes place from 2 to 5 p.m. Visitors are encouraged to pick up a map at Cafe Dulce, located inside Japanese Village Plaza, and find the locations where they’ll receive treats. While the scavenger hunt is all-ages, that evening, the Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party will appeal to the 21+ crowd. The free event, which includes DJs and a costume contest, as well as food and drinks, will be held at a secret location. Guests must RSVP prior to the event and check in at Brunswig Square.

Screamfest Horror Film Festival returns with the North American premiere of The Retaliators at the TCL Chinese Theatre. The long-running genre film fest continues through October 21 with a packed schedule that includes the world premieres of Father of Flies and Wicked Games, as well as North American, U.S. and West Coast premieres. Among the international selections to be screened over the course of the festival are #Blue_Whale, from Russia, Irish film Let the Wrong One In and Argentinian horror flick, Nocturna: Side A— The Great Old Man’s Night.

If you want to spend your Halloween weekend with wolves, head to Acton’s Wolf Heart Ranch. On October 30, the animal rescue and nature center invites guests to join them on a hike in the high desert. Guides will connect you with the wolf pack as you head out on a mile-and-a-half journey. Space for the event is limited and the address will be provided upon registration for the event.