Halloween is my FAVORITE holiday. Everything about Halloween makes me happy, costumes, scary movies and haunted houses, free candy, the smell of Halloween stores, pumpkin carving, and endless waves of fake fog. Fall brings out pumpkin festivals and apple picking. The smell of cider wafting through the house and the chance to use the oven again. Thank goodness.
Southern California has some of the best fall attractions around, we may not have all the pretty leaves, but we do have some amazing fall activities for you and yours to enjoy. The original haunted theme park is here, corn mazes are everywhere and the weather is usually perfect for long nights celebrating this cozy season.
I’ve put together a list of the best places and ways to celebrate Halloween in Socal! From family-friendly pumpkin patches to adults-only spooky attractions.
Check out the two rating systems below each writeup to tell you how scary something is in
more stars = more scares
more $ = higher costs.
Haunted Attractions
Knotts Scary Farm (Buena Park)
Knotts Scary Farm originally opened its doors to a night of horror in 1973. Since then, Knotts has been creating exciting and unique haunted mazes and scare zones to thrill visitors. In my opinion, Knotts Scary Farm is the premier haunted theme park in the US. During Halloween, Knotts Berry Farm cranks up the fog machine and turns on the scary. Explore haunted mazes each with different themes. Creativity is key at Knotts Scary Farm, with unique and immersive maze construction, including falling walls, moving floors and sets, the very real illusion of being underwater, and actors on bungee cords flying overhead.
Huge scare zones cover park grounds where scare actors interact and scare the pants off guests by sliding around, following you, and appearing seemingly out of nowhere.
Enjoy four different shows around the park. A DJ spins tunes for a Dia De Los Muertos-themed party in the Mexican Village. A magician wows audiences in the Bird Cage Theater, the main stage is host to a variety of shows in 2023 it was a twisted circus and the Jim Henson Company performs “Puppet Up: Uncensored” a live audience-driven improv show with you guessed it, puppets.
This event is better suited for teens and adults; as it is quite scary and overwhelming. The performances are raunchy and adult.
Scare Factor: 4/5
Price: $43-84 depending
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights (Universal City)
Horror Nights at Universal Studios is unrivaled by similar productions in Los Angeles. With movie rights and a huge and extensive prop, set and costume collection to rely on, Universal puts on a very realistic-looking night of haunts. Mazes at HHN feature well-known movies and TV shows. Lines at this event get LONG as many people love the chance the immerse themselves in their favorite Halloween movie. If you do plan on attending this event, I suggest getting the front-of-the-line pass as the waits for mazes can quickly go over 2 hours. Catch the Jabbawockeez in a unique Horror Night performance. Chow down on a mix of Halloween-inspired goodies to keep your energy up for this thrilling evening.
This event is better suited for teens and adults; as it is quite scary and overwhelming.
Scare Factor: 3/5
Price: $64-97 depending
Museums & Shopping
Halloweentown + The Mystic Museum (Burbank)
Magnolia Street in Burbank CA is an odd street. This busy thoroughfare is packed with Halloween and ‘creepy’ themed goodies for the whole family to enjoy. This unofficial Halloween headquarters is home to Halloweentown βa three-shop business selling costumes and decorations. You’ll also find vintage shops and the Mystic Museum. The Bearded Lady’s Mystic Museum is home to occult items, fortune telling, and an art gallery with a spooky focus. For about $16 you can visit the art gallery filled with art made by locals, movie props, and more depending on the exhibit on display. . Magnolia street is a favorite activity of mine, however, be warned, the closer you are to Halloween the more crowded it gets.
Sugarmynt Gallery (South Pasadena)
This unique museum is home to my favorite motto, “Where everyday is Halloween”. Sugarmynt Gallery is located behind the original Michael Myers House in South Pasadena this year-round gallery features art covering an array of your favorite spooky movies and tv shows. Check out behind-the-scenes photos from the first two Halloween movies and memorabilia from Hocus Pocus. Every year they host “Welcome to Haddonfield” in honor of the first Halloween movie. Check their website for movie nights, tattoo popups, and vendor pop-ups.
Corn Mazes & Fall Festivals & Pumpkin Patches
Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival (Pomona)
Each year Cal Poly Pomona hosts its annual pumpkin patch. The fun starts the first weekend of October with the Pumpkin Festival; a kick-off weekend complete with a corn maze, hay wagon rides, face painting, an insect fair, and “Ag Discovery Lane” βa family-friendly area full of agricultural exhibits like farm equipment, animal displays, and demonstrations on beekeeping, cow-milking, chainsaw wood carving and moreβ. Stroll through the farm store and the pumpkin patch and enjoy a lovely fall day with the family. It’s a great way to get the Halloween season started.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (Culver City)
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is one of the best in Los Angeles. Before picking out your pumpkin explore the different activities spanning the property. Take photos in the Instagramable pumpkin village, hop on a giant rocking horse, get snuggly in the petting zoo and have your face painted. Kids enjoy pony rides, bounce houses, and a straw maze. On select days enjoy entertainment including musical groups and a puppeteer! Be on the lookout for the occasional celebrity as they are often spotted here!
Big Horse Corn Maze and Harvest Festival (Temecula)
Get lost in the 11-acre corn maze found at Big House Corn Maze in Temecula. This fall festival begins on September 28th and ends on October 27th. After you’ve spent some time exploring and getting lost in the mazeβit’s not easy- try out the pillow jump, corn cannon, hay ride, knockerballs, and more. The maze theme changes every year offering returning guests a fun challenge.
Underwood Family Farms Fall Festival
Pick your pumpkin and then enjoy the family-friendly activities that abound at the Underwood Family Farms Fall Festival. Activities included with your entry ticket include tractor-drawn wagon rides, pig races, a pumpkin playhouse, a corn maze, the corn stalk labyrinth, access to the bee-barn and pick-your-own fields, combine slide, and live entertainment. This is the perfect fall family outing.
Halloween Night Celebrations
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
This is one of the biggest parties in the area. The free-to-attend West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a night of music, costumes, and celebration. Everyone dresses up for this party and costumes range from the safe and simple to the outstanding and incredible. Seriously, come for the party and stay for the amazing costumes. Enjoy drinks in the bars that line the street, dance to the music, and enjoy various photo opps.
Children are not recommended to attend this party as it can be quite adult.
What Halloween events are your favorite? Did I miss any/ Let me know in the comments!
Updated: 12/28/2022
The Great Big Wonder 
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