Now that you're an adult and the idea of collecting as much candy as possible on Halloween seems like more of a torture tactic than the goal it was when you were 10, it's time to enjoy the ancient holiday right.
We've compiled a list of L.A.'s coolest, spookiest, and most fun events for you and your crew to enjoy this month. There's something for everyone – from theme park horror nights to costume parties to family-friendly themed hikes to more leisurely events like outdoor theaters and more.
Keep scrolling for the coolest Halloween events around (in no particular order), and be sure to check back every couple of days for updates as more happenings land in our in-boo-x.
Ongoing
Nights of the Jack (Calabasas): Calabasas' notorious Halloween happening, Nights of the Jack, is back with its long-awaited 2/3 mile, self-guided walking trail at King Gillette Ranch. This family-friendly showcase isn't your average pumpkin patch – it's an illuminated outdoor gallery of artfully carved gourds, from tiny to larger-than-life. Plus, they've devised a spook-tacular illuminated light show under the autumn sky. Hot cider and seasonal cocktails are available at the Spookeasy bar and little ones get festive fall treats. Also, prep yourself for a live pumpkin carver, top L.A. food trucks, and several other IG-worthy moments.
When: Now through Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily
Where: 26800 West Mulholland Hwy., Calabasas, 91302
Tickets: $9.99 to $44.99; buy online here.
Halloween Horror Nights (Hollywood): Make your way (screaming) through terrifying mazes at Halloween Horror Nights for the annual event held at Universal Studios Hollywood. Some of this year's mazes are based on The Haunting of Hill House, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, The Exorcist, The Walking Dead, and Halloween 4: The Return of Michael Myers. Scare zones are replete with nightmarish creatures that you'll want to do your best to avoid, so be sure to do what we did and take enough friends with you to act as your barricade. And don't forget to bring proof of vaccination or of a negative test taken within 72 hours of your visit.
When: Now through Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. daily
Where: 100 Universal City Plaza, L.A., 90068
Tickets: $84 to $107 for single-night tickets online here.
Creep (Hollywood): If you're terrified by the thought of being forced to keep your smartphone in your pocket, then this spooky spin on those ubiquitous IG wonderlands will give you the creeps. Creep L.A.'s 75-minute, 21 and up theatrical Halloween experience returns to Row DTLA for its biggest and boldest iteration yet, complete with intimate moments, deep connections, and soul-shaking chills. Be sure to have a face mask, I.D., and proof of vaccination handy.
When: Now through Saturday, Oct. 31
Where: 1123 Vine St., L.A., 90038
Tickets: $95 (2 ticket minimum) online here.
Boo at the L.A. Zoo (Griffith Park): The Halloween spirit is taking over the L.A. Zoo, which is hosting special weekend entertainment and activities, including open-air live shows, animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, education stations, and much more. All daytime activities are free with paid zoo admission.
When: Friday, Oct. 1 to Sunday Oct. 31 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Los Angeles Zoo, 5333 Zoo Dr., L.A., 90027
Tickets: See the full schedule and purchase online here.
Rooftop Cinema Club (DTLA): The outdoor movie screening club's Halloween showings in Downtown include Child's Play (1988) (Oct. 14), Get Out (Oct. 15), Bram Stoker's Dracula (1992) and Jawbreaker (Oct. 16), Poltergeist (Oct. 21), The Craft (Oct. 26), Friday the 13th (1980) (Oct. 29), Halloweentown (Oct. 30), Halloween and Scream (Oct. 31), to list a few. And don't forget to show up to any screening decked out in costume and get free candy from the boo crew.
When: Now through October 31
Where: 888 South Olive St., L.A., 90015
Tickets: $18.50 to $26 online here.
Haunt'Oween L.A. (Woodland Hills): Family-friendly spooks seekers can thank Hollywood-beloved production house Experiential Supply for the return of Haunt'Oween, which is once again taking over Westfield Topanga's parking lot. Unlike last year, this season's 150,000-square-foot event is car-free, walkable and social distancing-friendly – and there are even more interactivities in store. Expect four Halloween-themed tunnels, a 40-foot carousel, door-to-door trick-or-treating, face painting, live performances, pumpkin carving stations, games, food trucks serving tacos and more, several bars and a Malibu Wines and Beer Garden (for 21+ guests) and 35,000 pumpkins lighting your way. Costumes are highly encouraged, and pets are welcomed too; masks are encouraged but not required for the outdoor event per L.A. County's guidelines.
When: Friday, Oct. 1 to Sunday, Oct. 31 from 5 to 11:30 p.m. daily; last entry is at 10:30 p.m.
Where: 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Woodland Hills, 91367
Tickets: $30 per person (free for ages 2 and under); buy online here
Melrose Rooftop Theatre (WeHo): Set atop L.P.'s rooftop with views of the Hollywood Hills, the 21+ al fresco movie screenings' Halloween schedule includes Scream (Oct. 11), Nightmare on Elm Street (Oct. 17), Beetlejuice (Oct. 18), Practical Magic (Oct. 19), Scary Movie (Oct. 21), Poltergeist (Oct. 22), Aliens (Oct. 25), Psycho (Oct. 26), Halloweentown (Oct. 27), Hocus Pocus (Oct. 28), Candyman (Oct. 29), It (2017) (Oct. 30), and a costume-friendly showing of Hocus Pocus (Oct. 31).
When: Now through October 31
Where: 603 North La Cienega Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
Tickets: $28 to $49 (with dinner) online here.
Carved at Descanso (La Cañada-Flintridge): Halloween goes horticultural for most of October at Descanso Gardens, where hundreds of carved pumpkins line a one-mile walk through the Camellia Forest and Oak Grove. Along with pumpkins, there will be new oversized sculptures made of sticks and other natural materials. The popular Pumpkin House, a hay maze, and themed food and beverage will all help to create a fun harvest festival ambiance.
When: Monday, Oct. 11 through Saturday, Oct. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Entry times are every 30 minutes between 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, 91011
Tickets: $25 to $28 for members and $32 to $35 for non-members; online here or become a member.
House of Horrors: A Prime Video Pop Up Shop (WeHo): Just in time for Halloween, Prime Video is launching a genre-based community focused on horror content called "Now Screaming." To celebrate the launch, Prime Video will be bringing some of its most chilling titles to life on Melrose, featuring show-inspired costume displays from Amazon Originals like Black As Night (premiering 10/1), Madres (premiering 10/8), and I Know What You Did Last Summer (premiering 10/15).
When: Friday, Oct. 1 to Monday, Nov. 1 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays
Where: 8551 Melrose Ave., WeHo, 90069
Tickets: NA
Friday, October 29
Hotel June's Día de los Muertos Celebration (West L.A.): Proper's new Hotel June will be celebrating Día de los Muertos with an evening of cocktails, dancing, and music. Festivities include DJ sets by Jason Bentley and Kyle Woods and a menu of specialty cocktails by beverage director Steve Livigni. The event is complimentary and open to the public.
When: Friday, October 29 at 6 p.m.
Where: 8639 Lincoln Blvd., L.A., 90045
Tickets: Free online here.
Halloween Monster Night 2021 (Hollywood): Dress to impress during L.A.'s biggest and spookiest costume Halloween part for 20 years in a row. Sunset Room Hollywood's annual Monster Night includes a fairy-tale multi-room, multiple dance floors, four DJs, three bars, a costume contest with cash prizes, and an outdoor heated smoking patio with bars and a VIP lounge.
When: Friday, Oct. 29 at 10 p.m.
Where: Sunset Room Hollywood, 1439 North Ivar Ave., Hollywood, 90028
Tickets: $50 online here.
Saturday, October 30
Take Us To the Afters: Work (DTLA): Hotflush Recordings boss Scuba, David Castellani (Live), and Alejandro Franco will deliver a spooky techno Halloween night at a private location yet to be announced. Very spooky indeed.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 at 11 p.m.
Where: TBD
Tickets: $33.75 online here.
Manhattan Village Presents Munchkin Masquerade (Manhattan Beach): Join Manhattan Village for a fun, festive family day out. Kids under 10 years old will be entertained with Halloween crafts, center-wide trick-or-treating, strolling entertainment, games, and more. Events will take place outdoors as well as inside the shopping center. Crafts will be limited to the first 200 children to attend the event and will be distributed at 2 p.m.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Manhattan Village, 3200 North Sepulveda Blvd., Manhattan Beach, 90266
Tickets: Only children ages 3-10 require a ticket.
Disco Dining Club: More Human Than Human (DTLA): Disco Dining Club is throwing a decadent Halloween disco fete fit for every Angeleno in the iconic Bradbury Building. More Human Than Human will feature a four-course night market meal curated by chef Luke Reyes. The event will also include tableside performances, theatrical displays, and one-on-one quizzes to find out if you're human or more than human. Expect music from Silent Servant & Denise Love Hewett.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: NeueHouse Bradbury, 304 South Broadway, L.A., 90013
Tickets: Tickets are $300 available here.
Día de los Muertos Community Celebration (Santa Monica): The celebration will feature an array of family-friendly activities as well as booths with goods from over 30 local BIPOC vendors. Performances begin at 5:30 pm on the Promenade Main Stage with appearances from Santa Monica Ballet Folklórico, Ballet Folklórico Flor de Mayo, and Santa Monica Youth Orchestra Mariachi Perla del Oeste among others. A cornerstone of this celebration will be the larger-than-life sculptures of "La Catrina" by renowned L.A.-based artist Ricardo Soltero and altars created by local organizations and artists on display through November 2.
When: Saturday, Oct. 30 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: 1351 3rd Street Promenade, Santa Monica, 90401
Tickets: NA
Sunday, October 31
Cold Life Halloween w/ Das Bunker & Restless Nites (Atwater Village): Rock your Halloween night away to '80s, '90s, synth. ebm, goth, and new wave tunes at Zebulon in Atwater Village. The no-cover event is for ages 21 and up. Zebulon requires all guests to provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.
When: Sunday, October 31 at 9 p.m.
Where: 2478 Fletcher Dr., L.A., 90039
Tickets: N/A
Halloween at Skybar at the Mondrian (WeHo): This Halloween, the Hotel Mondrian's ghastly gathering features painted faces dancing past ghostly reflections on the open-air pool as the DJ spins haunting mashups. Party hard in full costume while looking out on the City of Angel's most expansive views and the glistening Hollywood Hills.
When: Sunday, October 31 at 8 p.m.
Where: 8440 Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 90069
Tickets: $25 to $2,500 online here.
Got a Halloween event you'd like to submit for editorial consideration? Send all of the deets to editor@uncoverla.com.
