Eerie, Spooky Fun Things to Do in LA for Halloween 2024!
Halloween in Los Angeles is more than just trick-or-treating; it’s a citywide celebration with spooky thrills, glamorous parties, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re seeking scares or a more laid-back autumn experience, this list of things to do in LA for Halloween has something for everyone. Dive into the best Halloween events in Los Angeles to plan your perfect spooky season!
1. Best Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Halloween can be fun without being scary. Here are some of the top family-friendly Halloween events in LA that the entire family can enjoy:
1. Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park
Dates: September 21 – November 2, 2024
Location: Old Zoo, Griffith Park, Los Angeles
One of the most iconic Halloween events in Los Angeles, the Haunted Hayride takes visitors on a terrifying journey through the fictional town of Midnight Falls. Along with the thrilling hayride, visitors can explore haunted mazes, take on escape games, and try their hand at axe-throwing. This year’s event will also feature a headlining party with performances by Janelle Monáe. It’s spooky, eerie, but still family-friendly for those looking for just the right amount of fright.
2. Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Dates: September 7 – November 3, 2024
Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Perfect for kids under 12, Kids Boo Fest offers the fun of a theme park with a Halloween twist. Kids can dress up in non-scary costumes, explore trick-or-treat trails, and enjoy Halloween-themed snacks. There are even kid-friendly rides and live entertainment, making this one of the best family-friendly Halloween events in LA.
3. Boney Island at the Natural History Museum
Dates: September 27 – November 2, 2024
Location: Natural History Museum, Los Angeles
After a short hiatus, Boney Island has returned with an interactive, glowing spectacle of skeletal creatures and dinosaurs set to musical symphonies. The immersive light show features animated skeletons, prehistoric creatures, and live performances, making it a fun and educational experience for kids and adults alike.
4. Carved at Descanso Gardens
Dates: October 4 – 30, 2024
Location: 1418 Descanso Drive, Los Angeles
Carved at Descanso Gardens offers a peaceful yet festive Halloween celebration amidst beautiful nature. Visitors will follow a mile-long trail adorned with over 1,000 intricately carved pumpkins, hay mazes, and vibrant Día de los Muertos installations. This serene event is perfect for families who want to enjoy a visually stunning and peaceful Halloween night.
5. The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
Dates: September 14 – November 3, 2024
Location: Sesame Place, San Diego
Drive down to Sesame Place for the perfect kids’ Halloween experience. With live performances, scavenger hunts, and trick-or-treating stations, it’s a wholesome, interactive way for young children to celebrate Halloween with their favorite Sesame Street characters.
6. Halloween Zoo-tacular at the OC Zoo
Dates: October 26, 2024
Location: Irvine Regional Park
Celebrate Halloween with wildlife at the Halloween Zoo-tacular. Kids will enjoy scavenger hunts, trick-or-treating stations, and fun animal feeding sessions. For animal lovers, this event blends Halloween excitement with educational opportunities.
7. Hallowe’en Spooktacular
Dates: September 7 – November 10, 2024
Location: Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Los Angeles
Halloween Spooktacular is a magical musical revue that features over 100 puppets, including glow-in-the-dark skeletons, performing in a whimsical and engaging Halloween-themed show. Blending creativity, music, and a touch of spooky fun, the show is perfect for families looking for an interactive experience that captures the magic of Halloween without the fright. It’s a great option for parents with young children who want to celebrate Halloween in a lively yet kid-friendly atmosphere.
2. Pumpkin Patches at the Local Farms of Los Angeles
Pumpkin patches are a classic fall activity that’s perfect for families, couples, and friends. Los Angeles has no shortage of great spots to pick your perfect pumpkin and enjoy fall activities.
1. Tina’s Pumpkin Patch at Westfield Fashion Square
Dates: October 2 – November 3, 2024
Location: Westfield Fashion Square, Sherman Oaks
Located in the heart of Sherman Oaks, Tina’s Pumpkin Patch features fun activities such as a straw maze, pony rides, and a petting zoo. With free admission and parking, this is a convenient and affordable outing for families.
2. Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City
Dates: October 5 – 30, 2024
Location: 10110 Jefferson Blvd, Culver City
For those seeking a star-studded pumpkin patch experience, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City is the place to be. Along with a great selection of pumpkins, Mr. Bones offers a petting zoo, face painting, a super slide, and plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ops. It’s a family favorite among locals and celebrities alike.
3. Top Halloween Parties and Masquerades in Los Angeles
When it comes to Halloween parties, LA knows how to throw a memorable bash. These best Halloween events in Los Angeles cater to party-goers seeking glamour, excitement, and epic costume contests.
1. WeHo Halloween Costume Carnaval
Dates: October 31, 2024
Location: Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood
The West Hollywood Costume Carnaval is an epic street party that draws crowds from across LA. Featuring incredible costumes, DJ sets, and food trucks, this event brings together people of all ages in the heart of West Hollywood. With over half a million attendees annually, this is a must-visit for anyone wanting a truly iconic LA Halloween experience.
2. KCRW Masquerade Ball at The Mayan
Dates: October 25 – 26, 2024
Location: The Mayan Theatre, Los Angeles
KCRW’s Masquerade Ball is back with its signature blend of live music, DJ sets, and incredible costumes. Held at the historic Mayan Theatre, this event promises a night of music, mystery, and creativity. It’s one of LA’s most glamorous Halloween parties, offering an unforgettable evening for the 21+ crowd.
3. Halloween Monster Night at Sunset Room Hollywood
Dates: October 26 – 27, 2024
Location: Sunset Room Hollywood, Los Angeles
For a high-energy, upscale Halloween party, Halloween Monster Night is the event to attend. With top DJs, LED robots, dancers, and aerialists, this party offers a luxurious Halloween experience. Don’t forget to dress up—there’s a fierce costume contest with incredible prizes.
4. Unique Los Angeles Halloween Celebrations
For something out of the ordinary, Los Angeles is home to some truly unique Halloween events. From immersive theater to historical ghost shows, these events are perfect for those looking for a twist on traditional Halloween.
1. Fright Fest Extreme at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Dates: September 7 – November 3, 2024
Location: Six Flags Magic Mountain
Fright Fest Extreme at Six Flags Magic Mountain is California’s largest haunted attraction, featuring 11 haunted houses and 9 terrifying scare zones. This event is packed with live actors, intricate sets, and spine-chilling props. Thrill-seekers can also enjoy the park’s roller coasters, which run at night with a spooky twist.
2. Absolutely Halloween at Santa Monica Playhouse
Dates: October 2 – 27, 2024
Location: Santa Monica Playhouse, Santa Monica
This heartwarming musical adventure is great for families looking for something unique. Absolutely Halloween follows the story of a young girl who, with the help of her friends, must save Halloween. The charming play is full of magic, adventure, and important lessons for children and adults alike.
3. Urban Death at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre
Dates: September 28 – November 1, 2024
Location: Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, North Hollywood
This immersive 35-minute theatrical experience takes audiences through a series of dark, disturbing, and often terrifying vignettes. Urban Death is not for the faint of heart but is perfect for true horror fans who want a unique, unsettling experience.
4. House of Spirits at Casa Vega
Dates: October 4 – November 4, 2024
Location: The Nocturne Theatre
House of Spirits combines immersive theater with craft cocktails, live music, and eerie surprises. Set in a historic mansion, this haunted experience is inspired by Goya’s art and Spanish folklore, offering an evening of mystery and intrigue.
5. Beyond Fest
Dates: September 25 – October 9, 2024
Location: Hollywood, Los Angeles
A film festival for genre lovers, Beyond Fest features a lineup of horror, thriller, and action films. With premieres, filmmaker Q&As, and appearances from legends like Al Pacino and Sam Raimi, this is a must-attend for cinephiles looking for a Halloween-themed cinematic experience.
6. Spooky Origami
Dates: October 12, 2024
Location: Los Angeles Central Library
Spooky Origami is a fun and educational workshop held at the Central Library, where families can create Halloween-themed origami using recycled book pages. This engaging activity not only fosters creativity but also teaches children about the art of paper folding while promoting environmental awareness. The workshop is suitable for kids of all ages, making it an excellent addition to your family’s Halloween festivities.
7. Halloween Magic Lantern Show
Dates: October 25, 2024
Location: Philosophical Research Society, Los Angeles
Step back in time with the Halloween Magic Lantern Show, showcasing vintage hand-painted slides and spooky stories accompanied by live piano music. This nostalgic experience is perfect for families looking for a creative, artistic way to celebrate Halloween.
8. Haunted Carwash
Dates: October 3 – November 2, 2024
Location: Carwood Car Wash, Lakewood
The Haunted Carwash is a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience where you drive through a spooky car wash while actors dressed in creepy costumes, fog machines, and special effects take you on a terrifying ride. This family-friendly event offers a mix of scares and fun without needing to leave your car. Several locations around LA participate, and it’s a great way to experience Halloween in a completely unique setting. Plus, your car gets cleaned while you enjoy the frights!
5. Halloween Outdoor Activities in Los Angeles
If you prefer spending Halloween outdoors, Los Angeles offers several unique activities under the stars.
1. Knott’s Scary Farm
Dates: September 19 – November 2, 2024
Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park
Knott’s Scary Farm transforms this popular theme park into a haunted maze extravaganza, featuring chilling haunted houses and scare zones filled with over 1,000 costumed actors. With its dark ambiance and thrilling rides, it remains one of the best Halloween events in LA for adrenaline junkies.
2. Magic of the Jack-O-Lanterns
Dates: September 20 – November 2, 2024
Location: Whittier Narrows Recreation Area
This stunning outdoor event features a half-mile trail adorned with over 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Magic of the Jack-O-Lanterns includes enchanting light displays, live entertainment, and seasonal treats for all ages, making it a fantastic outdoor outing for families.
3. Fall Festival at The Original Farmers Market
Dates: October 19 – 20, 2024
Location: The Original Farmers Market, Los Angeles
Enjoy a family-friendly celebration at the Fall Festival, featuring a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, live music, craft vendors, and seasonal food. This community event is an excellent way to savor the flavors of fall and engage in family-oriented activities.
4. Redondo Beach Pier Halloween
Dates: October 25, 2024
Location: Redondo Beach Pier, Redondo Beach
Join the fun at the 7th annual Redondo Beach Pier Halloween celebration. This free community event features a costume contest, a DJ spinning spooky tunes, photo stations, and trick-or-treating along the Pier and Boardwalk. It’s the perfect way for families to enjoy a Halloween beachside experience.
6. Halloween Events for Pet Lovers
Halloween isn’t just for humans! Los Angeles also has some adorable events for pet lovers and their furry friends.
1. Hollywood Dog Meet-Up & Costume Contest
Dates: October 26, 2024
Location: Bette Davis Park, Glendale
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon at the Hollywood Dog Meet-Up & Costume Contest, hosted by the Osborne Head and Neck Foundation’s Paws for Patients program. This Halloween event is perfect for dog owners who love to show off their furry friends in creative costumes. Categories include Scariest, Funniest, and Best Overall, with prizes for both pets and their humans.
Adults can enjoy complimentary Starbucks iced coffee while kids snack on Halloween candy. Whether you’re competing in the costume contest or simply looking for a fun family outing, this event guarantees festive fun for all ages in the scenic surroundings of Bette Davis Park. Don’t miss this Halloween best event in LA for pet lovers!
2. Haunted Howl-o-Ween Party for Dogs at Wag Hotels Hollywood
Dates: October 24, 2024
Location: Wag Hotels Hollywood
The Haunted Howl-o-Ween Party at Wag Hotels Hollywood invites dog lovers to celebrate the spooky season with their four-legged friends. This pet-centric party is filled with fun activities like a customizable embroidered bandana station, a photo booth to capture your pup’s best costume, and tasty treats like King of Pops Pup-sicles. The event culminates in a costume contest, where the best-dressed pups compete for prizes, including tickets to Dragon Con 2025!
Local vendors will also be on hand with treats, toys, and accessories for dogs. Whether your dog loves dressing up or just enjoys meeting new friends, this event is a must-attend for Halloween enthusiasts!
3. Pawestruck! Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest & Paw-rade for Dogs at RUNWAY
Dates: October 26, 2024
Location: RUNWAY Playa Vista
The Pawestruck! Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest & Paw-rade is one of the best annual dog events in Playa Vista, drawing dog lovers from across LA. This free-entry event encourages dog owners to get creative with their pet costumes for a chance to win amazing prizes in categories like Most Creative, Funniest, and Spookiest costume. Local dog vendors will be on-site selling toys, treats, and accessories, so you can pamper your pet.
A portion of the $15 contest entry fee goes to local rescues, making this event a fun and charitable way to celebrate Halloween with your furry friend. Enjoy a day of community, costumes, and fun activities for all ages at the RUNWAY Playa Vista.
Conclusion: Ready for Halloween Fun in LA?
From thrilling haunted attractions to cozy family gatherings, Los Angeles is the place to be for Halloween fun! With a diverse range of things to do in LA for Halloween, there’s no shortage of events to get you in the spooky spirit.
Make your plans now to join in the excitement of the best Halloween events in LA this October. Don’t miss out—grab your costume and get ready for an unforgettable Halloween season!