In case you haven’t been on social media lately or happen to live under a rock, spooky season is in FULL effect.
Bring on the pumpkin spice lattes (or pumpkin cold brew if you’re more like me), pumpkin patches, horror movies, fright nights and all things gore-y and dark.
LA always has something going on, especially during the month of October. If you plan on visiting the motherland of horror films this spooky season, hell, even if you live here, here are some of the best things to do in LA this October
1. Six Flags Magic Mountain – Fright Fest
Six Flags is definitely my go-to every year during Halloween. This year you can catch Fright Fest from September 14-November 3 on select nights (usually weekends.) Fright fest boasts 6 mazes, 6 scare zones and live entertainment starting at 7 pm.
Daily admission is $55.79 + the Fright Fest Maze pass. However, if you live in the LA area, the season pass is only $92! That buys you the rest of 2019 and 2020, a bunch of in-park perks and it comes with general admission parking included!
For this reason alone, Fright Fest always makes it to the top of my things to do in LA during the spooky season list.
2. Disneyland – Oogie Boogie Bash
While Disneyland holds a lot of nostalgia and memories for me, I’m not too crazy over their Halloween spectacular BUT this is because I don’t have children and the lines get RIDICULOUS during this time of the year.
Starting September 6 to October 31, 2019, Disneyland is transformed to a family-friendly spooktastic environment filled with pumpkins, costumes and special events.
Some of the Halloween highlights include the Haunted Mansion is transformed for the holiday season into Nightmare Before Christmas, the main street pumpkin being on display along with the characters being dressed in costume.
I love Disneyland, but the prices and wait times are just not worth it during the holiday season for me.
3. Knotts Scary Farm
I have a confession, I’ve NEVER been to Knotts. Not for Halloween or any other day. I have been told that the attractions are great there and the roller coaster and rides are worth the price.
This year’s Halloween festivities start from September 12 to November 2. Remember to purchase your tickets online for up to $43 off the main gate.
4. Dark Harbor on the Queen Mary
The queen mary is rumored to be a haunted ship. Why wouldn’t you want to stop by this spooky season!
I’ve yet to go, but this spooky attraction is definitely on my list of things to do in LA this October! Like many of the other theme parks, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor runs from September 26 – November 2, 2019.
Unlike the other parks, however, you can book a room and stay the night on the haunted ship!
5. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
As a classic horror fan, Universal Studios is always a must! I mean c’mon it’s Frankenstein’s home!
Though the mazes themselves aren’t that scary (I don’t scare easily), I do enjoy the themes every year they select every year.
Out of all the theme park mazes, I think Universal has it down with the interaction and Halloween-themed parties. This year they have Betelgeuse hosting the 80s Throwback Thursday party every Thursday until Nov 3.
Remember to purchase ahead to save some money and if you live near LA and Universal like me, check out my guide to conquering Universal Studios like a pro!
6. Hollywood Forever Cemetery Tour
If people in costumes and random scares aren’t your thing, you can take a walking cemetery tour at the Hollywood Forever cemetery.
For just $20, you get a 2.5-hour, no-bullshit tour of some of the most famous gravesites in Hollywood.
Unlike the other attractions, the walking cemetery tour is active all year and can be booked on select Saturdays and Sundays through the Hollywood Forever website.
7. Haunted Hayride in Griffith Park
The Haunted Hayride is a popular event in LA filled with Halloween attractions for those of us who enjoy a little scare.
This years Haunted Hayride is set in the 80s in a makeshift town called Midnight Falls. The event is set to be a one-of-a-kind experience with 4 attractions, each meant to scare you while taking you back to Halloween in the 80s.
Aside from the main attraction, the haunted hayride, there’s a trick-or-treat town, a mortuary haunted house, a mysterious ranch and a bunch of scare zones in between.
Priced at $34.99 to $109 per person, the Haunted Hayride does warn event goers that the event may be sensitive for children under 12.
8. Mist
This experience is unlike any others on the list.
Mist is a 30-minute scavenger hunt where you and other souls are sent to find 13 artifacts in the middle of a mist-filled town.
To learn more about this unique experience, check out the official Mist website.
9. Tales from the Other Side Tour
Tales from the Other Side is pretty much the Hollywood Forever tour during the night.
It starts at dusk with a toast to the night and then you descend to the night with a flashlight as you hear stories from some of Hollywood’s greatest talents.
10. The 17th Door
This unique experience is one for the brave. A waiver has to be signed before you enter, the actors can touch you, things may be dropped on you and you may get wet according to the FAQ section.
It’s also not recommended to go through this haunted house if you have any health conditions or are pregnant.
My friend went last year and he got a piece of his hair cut off so when they said they’ll touch you, they mean business.
11. CraftoberFest Los Angeles
Craft beer lovers unite for this not-so-spooky but definitely October-worthy event.
On October 23 from 12:30PM – 5:30PM, 20 of LA’s best breweries and restaurants will gather at the Rose Bowl to celebrate Octoberfest here in LA.
Needless to say, this event is a must for things to do in LA this October
12. NoHo Monster Mash
The Noho Monster Mash is the valley’s premier Halloween party.
Complete with a full bar and a DJ and a live performance every 30 minutes, this 21+ event is for those who truly love Halloween so be sure to wear a costume or you won’t be let in.
13. Calabasas Pumpkin Festival
October isn’t complete without a pumpkin patch.
Filled with tons of events like pumpkin carving, pie eating contest and live events, this family friendly pumpkin festival takes place October 19 and 20 and is sure to have something for everyone in the family.
What are some of your favorite things to do during spooky season? Let me know in the comments below!
Until next time babes!
