Best Halloween Events In Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego
It’s that time of the year again for all the young ghouls and goblins to enjoy some spooky fun! From pumpkin patches to Halloween movies, there are tons of fun things to do in Southern California and plenty that are not-too-scary family-friendly events. Check out the ultimate guide to the best Halloween events in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego to experience with your family this Halloween season.
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Here’s our Must-See Halloween Events Across Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego in 2024
Also Check out: The Ultimate Guide to Halloween in the South Bay
The Best Things to Do With Kids in Los Angeles This Fall
Best Pumpkin Patches In Los Angeles And Orange County
Halloween Events in Los Angeles
Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience
Now through November 3, 2024
Ovation Hollywood
6801 Hollywood Blvd, Hollywood, CA 90028
Step into Tim Burton’s eerie and imaginative world with “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience” in Los Angeles, an official interactive attraction inspired by the upcoming movie. Now open, the experience invites guests to explore the Afterlife, meet Beetlejuice and a cast of ghostly characters, and enjoy immersive activities. Visitors can snap memorable photos, browse exclusive merchandise, and savor themed food and drinks. VIP admission offers priority entry, flexible ticket rescheduling, a special VIP package, and a complimentary digital copy of “Beetlejuice” (1988). Located near the Dolby Theater, the experience is suitable for all ages and ADA accessible.
Boney Island at The Natural History Museum
October 3 – 31, 2024
Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
900 Exposition Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90007
After it’s inaugural year this instant hit for Halloween fun is back again! NHM visitors can explore the reimagined Nature Gardens transformed into a unique interactive experience for all ages. Fans of the neighborhood installation will recognize skeletons performing rope tricks, levitating through hoops, shadow puppetry, and more. The NHM is adding real fossils, live animal presentations, and trick-or-treating to the experience. Food trucks and photo ops will also be available.
“Hocus Pocus” at the El Capitan Theatre
Sep. 27 – Oct. 3, 2024
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
The Sanderson Sisters are uniting once again to put a spell on you! The El Capitan Theater is reviving this cult classic on the big screen to help fans celebrate the spooky season.
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the El Capitan Theatre
October 18, 2024 – October 31, 2024
El Capitan Theatre
6838 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028
Keep the Disney Halloween theme going with special screenings of Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in a special 4D presentation
Boo at the L.A. Zoo
Oct. 19, 20, 26 & 27, 2024
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
At the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, visitors can take in spooky sights as the Halloween spirit takes over. Enjoy trick-or-treating stations featuring premium Mars candies, plus animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, education stations, an extinct animal graveyard, and more. Costumes are welcome!
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Oct. 4 – 30, 2024
Descanso Gardens
1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
This family-friendly event is back again at Descanso Gardens. The gardens take on a whole new look as thousands of carved pumpkins line the walkways after dark. In addition to creative jack-o’ lanterns, the event features unique art installations, fall food offerings, and more. This year’s event features a new route and locations in the gardens and even more pumpkin-themed fun! The new Descanso Railroad will be lit up for the spooky celebration and you’ll encounter a family of wood spirits carved from five enormous logs by Chainsaw Jenna.
Kidspace Halloween
Kidspace Children’s Museum
480 N. Arroyo Blvd, Pasadena, CA 91103
September 20 and goes through Halloween
Bring your little one to Kidspace this fall for one of Los Angeles’ most beloved Halloween events for kids—the Kidspace Halloween Bash! Enjoy lively costume parades, take an exciting trike ride through a spooky house, and create an enchanting elixir. The festivities run from September 20 through Halloween, offering a day filled with monstrously fun family memories to kick off the spooky season.
Underwood Family Farms: Fall Harvest on the Farm
Sept. 28 – Oct. 31, 2024
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Easily one of the best Halloween events Los Angeles has to offer, the Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood is a must-do for families with young kids. The farm will be transformed into a massive “Pumpkin Patch, Pick Your Own & Fall Harvest Experience” with activities such as rides, games, picture ops, live music, themed weekends, food vendors, and more. Be sure to book your weekend tickets in advance.
Nights of the Jack
Sept. 29 – Nov. 2, 2024
King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
This immersive experience is one of our favorite fun Halloween events. Showcasing thousands of hand-carved, illuminated pumpkins across the grounds of King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, they’ve created a spectacular light display beneath the fall sky. Grab a hot beverage or seasonal drink from the Spookeasy bar or a festive bite to eat at the food trucks before you head out on the trail. There are so many new additions to Nights of the Jack this year. You’ll definitely want to visit even if you’ve been before to check them all out!
Los Angeles Haunted Hay Ride
Select Nights Sept 21st – Nov 2nd
Near the city’s Old Zoo in Griffith Park
4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027
WARNING! EVENT MAY BE TOO INTENSE FOR CHILDREN 12 & UNDER
The 2024 Midnight Falls Halloween experience is back with all-new frights and fan favorites to thrill visitors. This year, Halloween icon Janelle Monáe invites guests to her haunted Monáe Manor, where surprises lurk at every turn. The hayride has been reimagined with new seating and takes visitors on a chilling journey through the cursed woods, where the Witch of the Woods summons spirits for revenge. Trick-or-Treat offers a dark twist on a classic Halloween neighborhood, and the sinister backwoods of Midnight Falls are once again open to those brave enough to encounter the local cannibalistic family. In the Town Square, the Midnight Falls townsfolk interact with guests, while nightly 30-minute shows feature Monte Revolta, the undead lounge singer, and Madame Aurora’s supernatural séance. Thrilling activities include shooting Gellyballs at live zombies, axe throwing with “Axeperts,” mini escape games, and the iconic Scary-Go-Round ride. Get ready for a hauntingly unforgettable experience!
Bob Baker’s Halloween Spectacular
Bob Baker Marionette Theater
4949 York Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA, 90042
Sept. 7 – Nov. 10, 2024
Whether you’re a longtime fan of Bob Baker or this is your first show, don’t miss this hour-long, family-friendly boo-sical revue! The show features over one hundred spirited puppets, like glow-in-the-dark skeletons and Frankenstein’s monster.
Boo at the Zoo America’s Teaching Zoo
The Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College
7075 Campus Rd, Moorpark, CA 93021
Oct. 19-20, 26-27, 2024
Two weekends in October, visit this fantastic zoo at Moorpark College for some family-friendly Halloween activities. In addition to animal meet and greets and wildlife programs, visitors can also check out free kids crafts, a scavenger hunt, photo ops, food trucks, and trick-or-treating.
Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608
Select nights Sept. 5 – Nov. 3, 2024
Universal Studios Hollywood transforms after dark with scare zones and terrifying haunted houses based on classic scary movies and new favorites like Stranger Things and The Last of Us. You can also take a ride aboard the Terror Tram for more scares. This event is not for the faint of heart and is definitely geared toward teens and adults.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90802
Select Dates through November 2, 2024
Dark Harbor at the historic Queen Mary in Long Beach is Southern California’s most haunted Halloween event. Each fall, the Queen Mary and its harbor transform into a massive Halloween festival, featuring haunted mazes, hundreds of monsters, immersive attractions, live entertainment, VIP experiences, themed bars, carnival rides, festive eats, and more. Guests can choose from various experiences, including terrifying mazes aboard the haunted ship and festival favorites like the Sinister Swings. Tickets are available exclusively online.
Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Select Nights, September 7 – November 3
Fright Fest Extreme debuts as California’s largest haunt, featuring 20 haunted houses and scare zones inspired by favorites like Stranger Things, Army of the Dead, Trick ‘r Treat, SAW, and The Conjuring Universe. Presented by SNICKERS®, the event also offers monstertainment, eerie eats, and more. With 11 haunted houses and 9 scare zones, guests can step into a world of their worst nightmares for an unforgettable experience.
Kids Boo Fest at Six Flags
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain Pkwy, Valencia, CA 91355
Friday-Sunday, September 7 – November 3
Monstertainment awaits at the Kids Boo Fest, offering spooky fun for all ages at Fright Fest, from September 7 to November 3. Families can enjoy classic rides in the daylight, embark on the Trick-or-Treat Trail in Bugs Bunny World, and let little ones explore festive mazes. Indulge in ghoulish treats and delicious dishes while enjoying fall festivities that promise fun for everyone.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
Whittier Narrow Recreation Area
750 S Santa Anita ave, South El Monte, Ca 91733
Select Nights – September 20 – Nov 2
The Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns enchants visitors of all ages with a mesmerizing trail featuring thousands of intricately hand-carved pumpkins. From a nautical seascape and a pirate ship to dinosaurs and dragons, the event is filled with softly glowing displays that bring magic to every corner.
Halloween Organ and Film at Walt Disney Concert Hall
Walt Disney Concert Hall
111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Oct. 31, 2024
Looking for something a little different this Halloween? If your big kids have outgrown trick or treating, why not spend October 31st enjoying a screening of the 1922 classic, Nosferatu, accompanied by a special performance by organist Clark Wilson.
Street Food Cinema
Multiple Locations and Select dates in October
The popular outdoor movie fest gets into the spirit of the season for the month of October with screenings of Halloween classics, including Beetlejuice and Young Frankenstein.
Rooftop Cinema Club
Multiple Locations and Select dates in September and October
Pack a picnic and pick your rooftop location across the city for an evening of movie classics. The September and October lineups include Hocus Pocus, Twilight, Beetlejuice, Scream and more.
Pumpkins in the Pines
Skypark at Santa’s Village
28950 California 18, Skyforest, CA 92385
Weekends, October 5-27, 2024
As autumn arrives and the mountain landscape is painted in shades of gold, the season’s delights come to mind: vibrant foliage, apple cider, warm sweaters, and the beloved Pumpkins in the Pines event. Every Saturday and Sunday, visitors can experience a park-wide pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, seasonal treats and drinks, a costume parade, pumpkin painting, and the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Puppet Show, among other activities. Celebrate the essence of fall with family-friendly outdoor fun and countless photo opportunities. Don’t miss a visit to Kringle’s Coffee & Gifts for the finest pumpkin spice latte in the area!
Griffith Park “Not Too Scary” Halloween Train
Griffith Park & Southern Railroad
4400 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA
Every Saturday & Sunday in October 10am to 5pm*
Last train leaves at 5pm, but the activity and games area closes at 3:30pm.
The Not-Too-Scary Halloween Train Ride at Griffith Park Southern Railroad runs every weekend in October, offering a family-friendly Halloween experience. Each ticket includes an “I Spy” Halloween map, a train ride around a mile-long loop with festive decorations, a small treat, access to activities and games, and photo opportunities.
Spooky Science at Discovery Cube LA
Discovery Cube LA
11800 Foothill Blvd Sylmar, CA 91342
October 5th – November 3
Join Spooky Science for a thrilling adventure filled with Halloween fun! Enjoy activities like navigating a haunted hay bale maze, launching pumpkins at the Pumpkin Composting Catapults, and hopping on ride-on tractors for early learners. Participate in weekend costume parades, collect treats at trick-or-treat stations, and experience the magic of Dia de los Muertos at a beautifully crafted ofrenda.
Halloween Events in Orange County
Halloween time at Disneyland Resort & Disney’s California Adventure
Disneyland Resort & Disney’s California Adventure
1313 Disneyland Dr. Anaheim, CA 92802
Aug. 23 – Oct. 31, 2024
This Halloween, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park will transform into kid-friendly, spooky theme parks. Main Street, USA, will greet you with festive displays of distinctively carved pumpkins, including the enormous Mickey pumpkin. Characters will be dressed in costumes, the Haunted Mansion becomes the Nightmare before Christmas, you’ll find lots of special Halloween-themed shows and parades, and don’t forget all the yummy sweets throughout the park.
Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit at Downtown Disney
Aug 30 – Nov. 1, 2024
Get into the spirit of the season with this exciting game! You can find your game board and stickers at various locations throughout the Disneyland Resort. Explore Disneyland Park, Disney California Adventure Park, and the Downtown Disney District to pinpoint a pleasant patch of pumpkins and pick up a creepy keepsake. For just $9.99 plus tax, grab your map and stickers at select merchandise locations. Enjoy the hunt for hidden decorative pumpkins inspired by Disney characters, and affix the corresponding stickers to your map. Whether you decide to search for pumpkins or not, be sure to return your map to a redemption location to receive your keepsake. Have fun!
Knott’s Spooky Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Daytime Thursdays – Sundays and select nights, Sept. 26 – Oct. 31, 2024 plus Columbus Day
Enjoy a family-friendly fall festival for Halloween at Knott’s Spooky Farm. The park is revamped for Halloween with eerie surprises and festive-themed décor. Young kids ages 3-11 will enjoy checking out the various children’s Halloween activities, including trick-or-treating, throughout the stores and other structures in the town of Calico to gather tasty sweets. For the older kids, there is KNOTT’S SCARY FARM. This special ticketed event happens on select evenings through Halloween night.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620
Select Nights September 19 – November 2, 2024
Learn about our Chaperone and Bag Policy
Knott’s Scary Farm, Southern California’s longest-running Halloween theme park event, celebrates over 50 years of nightmares and innovative thrills. The park transforms into a haunting experience featuring uniquely designed mazes, sinister shows, and more than 1,000 terrifying creatures lurking in the fog. With its eerie atmosphere and imaginative scares, Knott’s Scary Farm offers an unforgettable adventure, though it is not recommended for children under 13. All guests, regardless of age, must purchase their own admission ticket.
Irvine Park’s Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Park’s Railroad
1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
September 14 – October 31, 2024
The Pumpkin Patch at Irvine Park Railroad in Orange County is enjoyable for the whole family. Come out and take advantage of the numerous kid-friendly activities with free admission. The massive patch offers train and hay wagon rides, bouncy houses, face painting, pumpkin ring throws, tasty cuisine, a hay maze, a haunted house, and, of course, pumpkin picking.
Halloween Zoo-Tacular at the OC Zoo
Orange County Zoo
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Join the Halloween fun at the OC Zoo! Enjoy activities like a scavenger hunt*, trick-or-treating*, and spooky crafts for kids, and watch as the zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day.
No reservations are needed, and activities are included with zoo admission ($2 per person, free for ages 2 and under). Please note that zoo coupons and free passes are not valid for this event. Weekend parking is $5 per vehicle.
*Trick-or-treating candy and scavenger hunt prizes are available while supplies last. **Activities are for children ages 12 and under.
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Tanaka Farms
5380 3/4 University Dr, Irvine, CA 92612
September 14 – October 31, 2024
For an authentic pumpkin patch experience, head to Tanaka Farms. At this u-pick pumpkin field, you can select the perfect pumpkins to bring home, take a wagon ride, and navigate the corn maze. Weekends include additional activities, like arts and crafts, festival games, farmer golf, and the famous pumpkin cannon.
Pumpkin Palooza at Discovery Cube OC
Discovery Cube OC
2500 N Main Street. Santa Ana, CA 92705
October 4 – October 27, 2024
Every Friday-Sunday starting at 10:00 am
This October, Discovery Cube Orange County invites all witches, wizards, ghosts, and goblins to join the enchanting fun of Pumpkin Palooza presented by OC Waste & Recycling. From Friday, October 4 to Sunday, October 27, explore two floors of exciting activities, special party night festivities, and spooky science fun for all ages! This year features a spooktacular twist with Pumpkin Palooza Party Nights on select dates, offering an electrifying nighttime version of the dance party and festival.
Please note: an additional event ticket is required to attend the festival and dance party, along with your general admission ticket or membership.
Boo-tastic Halloween Party at Adventure City
Adventure City
1238 S Beach Blvd, Anaheim, CA 92804
Select dates in October
Each evening on select dates, enjoy the Halloween festivities at Adventure City. Browse the “Trick-or-Treat Street” for free candy and other gifts, ride the Halloween-themed Express Train, enjoy a spooky Halloween scavenger hunt, and check out the Spooktacular Dance Party. Costumes are welcome!
Halloween Events in San Diego
Brick-or-Treat Presents Monster Party at Legoland California
Legoland California
One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Select dates, September 14 – October 31, 2024
LEGOLAND’s popular Halloween event is back again, bringing monstrous fun to the theme park. Guests will be treated to tons of candy, a brand-new show schedule, silly monster LEGO characters, and more.
San Diego Zoo HalGLOWeen
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101
Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October, 2024
Join the fun at the San Diego Zoo with a glowing party that’s sure to be wild! Live DJs, bubble shows, animal encounters, acrobatics, and more are all part of this spooktacular shindig. Kids ages 11 and under enter for free.
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place
Sesame Place
2052 Entertainment Cir, Chula Vista, CA 91911
Select dates, Sept. 14 – Nov. 3, 2024
The Count’s Halloween Spooktacular at Sesame Place is one of the best places for young visitors to enjoy a fun, not-too-scary celebration. Visitors will delight in trick-or-treating around the park, Halloween-themed concerts and parades, the interactive Scarecrow Scavenger Hunt, and memorable picture opportunities with everyone’s most beloved monster friends decked out in costume!
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