THE THRILLS
L.A. Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park
The Haunted Hayride is back for its 17th year at Griffith Park. Guests climb aboard open-air wagons that ride through more than 10 immersive sets, each packed with live actors, high-flying stunts and perfectly timed jump scares that keep you on edge from start to finish.
The production design exceeded expectations this year — from scarecrows carrying chainsaws at the entrance to clowns screaming the Manson anthem as you exit. Every scene felt straight out of a horror movie.
There are three mazes this year, with the famed vampire and mistress, Elvira, taking residency in one. But I’d recommend ending your night watching a live musical performance of “Crazy Train” sung by Beetlejuice.
The carnival area also now includes food trucks, photo ops and roaming scare actors for a full night experience. Don’t skip on the apple cider here either.
Delusion - Downtown Los Angeles
Delusion is an immersive horror theater experience — and this year it’s back with one of its most intricate productions yet. Just 10 minutes outside of USC, it takes residency at the Cultural Monument in DTLA.
This year’s theme is Harrowing of Hell, which puts you in the role of a supernatural cult member. You move through 13 floors, interacting with live actors, solving puzzles and uncovering a haunted story. Tickets come with a hefty price tag — around $113 per person — but for a true Halloween lover, every penny will be worth it. The experience runs until Nov. 9.
Universal Studios Horror Nights
This one is definitely not for the weak. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios will surely get you screaming and feeling sleepless at night.
For the 2025 season, a new haunted house theme was announced: “Friday the 13th’s” Jason Universe, a haunted house that drops guests straight into Camp Crystal Lake.
The event adds scare zones like “The Purge: Dangerous Waters” stunt show, a Poltergeist-themed haunted house and a studio tour tram devoted to Blumhouse horror classics like “The Black Phone” and “M3GAN.”
The experience remains a staple for many USC students. Go with a group of friends — and make sure to bring someone tall so you have a good person to hide behind when Jason shows up.
Catch a scary movie at the New Beverly Cinema
Sadly, most of the iconic Cinespia tickets are sold out, but L.A. is filled with Halloween screenings all of October.
Being owned by Quentin Tarantino, the New Beverly Cinema already has an eerie vibe to it. For the next few weeks, the theater will be screening horror classics on 35mm film, including cult favorites, slasher staples and midnight double features. The theater will be screening “Curse of the Demon,” “Burn Witch Burn” and “Brain Damage.”
Get Tickets before they sell out.
FOR A MORE LAID-BACK EXPERIENCE
Carved at the Descanso Gardens
Every October, the Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge transform into a glowing wonderland of more than 1,000 hand-carved pumpkins. Guests can enter after sunset and wander through ten themed lands filled with lanterns, sculptures and hay mazes.
This year, they feature an immersive light show, where the lights are designed by music. Guests can also watch live pumpkin carving, walk through a Día de los Muertos and “Coco”-inspired display and “Pumpkin River Walk,” where jack-o’-lanterns float across the ponds.
Carved is the perfect experience for families, date nights, or anyone wanting to experience a glimpse of fall in Southern California. Plus, it’s basically made for Instagram pictures.
Mr.Bones Pumpkin Patch – Culver City
Mr.Bones Pumpkin Patch is a long-time L.A. staple, easily accessible by the Metro E line. Guests can participate in a wide range of activities with the purchase of tickets, including: a petting zoo, face painting, a super slide, giant rocking horses, pumpkin decorating and a straw maze.
The pumpkin patch also features live entertainment from magicians to a jazz band. Seeing Robert Baxt perform a comedy special accompanied by magic tricks really made me feel like a kid again.
This is an essential stop for anyone looking to take part in the more wholesome and festive side of Halloween. Mr.Bones is open daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Oct. 31.
The Obscure (21+) - Downtown Los Angeles
The Obscure is a two-hour cocktail experience in the arts district. It’s the first cocktail bar run by a distillery in all of California. Bartenders and spirit-makers blend flavors together to build an unmatched tasting experience filled with thrills.
This season’s menu highlights spirits like Harbinger Jakarta Rum, Rites of Fall Rye (American Chestnut) and Three Fates Genepi Liqueur. Each cocktail is accompanied by a short history lesson and a narrative about each spirit and taste.
The Obscure also offers zero-proof beverages as a substitute for those who do not drink alcohol.
History at the Heritage Square Museum
If jump scares aren’t your thing, but you still love Halloween energy, the Heritage Square Museum is the place to be.
The museum itself is a collection of Victorian buildings built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, offering an additional eerie aesthetic.
On Halloween, the museum will turn into a Spooky trick or treat experience.
Visit the Burbank houses
One of the best ways to soak in the true Halloween spirit — without spending much — is by taking a self-guided tour of the Burbank houses. Each year, the neighborhood comes alive with elaborate decorations, animatronics and unexpected jump scares.
Burbank is home to many people who work in the entertainment industry, which explains the impressive displays in lighting, set design, props and special effects.
Over time, this grassroots tradition has become one of L.A.’s favorite Halloween attractions. Locals and frequent visitors have created maps and walking guides to help visitors navigate the neighborhood’s most popular spots. The houses range from family-friendly pumpkin gardens to full-fledged scare fests designed for thrill-seekers.
So grab a spiced cider, throw on your best costume, and head to Burbank for a free and unforgettable Halloween adventure.
Find the map here.
Phantom of the Opera Live at the United Theater
The LA Opera brings Phantom of the Opera back to the stage for two nights only: October 30 and 31.
Experience this silent film with a thrilling performance of Roy Budd’s gloriously soundtrack score. The experience is about an hour and half. Snag tickets while you can here.
Los Angeles doesn’t just celebrate Halloween — it becomes it! Whether you want to be terrified, delighted, or simply surrounded by the smell of cardamom and warm donuts, there’s something for everyone this October.
Grab your costume and dive first into the spooky spirit. I hope to see you there.