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Halloween events in Southern California are in full swing, but there are two types of people who celebrate. There’s the one that wants to do cutesy stuff like wear flannels at the pumpkin patch, and then there’s the one that really wants to get scared! If your down for a good scare- you’re in luck. These Halloween events and festivities are for you.
From haunted destinations, thrilling mazes, amazing costumes, monster-filled amusement parks, and corn mazes straight out of a horror film- these places are sure to get your scream on!
Tip: Make sure to pay attention to the dates so you don’t miss out! Halloween events will only be here for a short time of the year.
Best Scary Halloween Events in Southern California 2024
Haunted Halloween Events
Dark Harbor
Dark Harbor is back at the Queen Mary after taking some time off during the pandemic. It is expected to be the scariest event this year since there’s a rumor that the Queen Mary is actually haunted. Yes- like actually. People have reported spotting ghost, hearing speaking when no one is there, and having all types of supernatural encounters throughout the years.
There will be haunted mazes, live music, dancing, and spooky-themed bars on the ship.
Dark Harbor runs from 7pm-1am select nights from Sept 20-Nov 2 in Long Beach. Ticket prices start at $40.
Psst! Don’t forget to check Groupon for tickets as low as $29!!
Haunted Hayride
The Haunted Hayride is an iconic experience that you won’t find at other Halloween events in Los Angeles. There are plenty of shows, and tons of games like axe-throwing to participate in along with the ride, and scare mazes with influence from scare-stars like Janelle Monáe.
You can catch the Hayride from Sept 20-Nov 2. They have hayride only tickets starting at $37 per person all the way to private wagon tours for 20 people at $1,905.
LightsOut Halloween at Fairplex
Come get into some mazes, scary food items, Halloween-themed vendors, and even zombie ball (paintball). Sound fun, right? Everything at the Fearplex event is on Halloween time. Try one of the black bun burgers if your feeling daring.
They even have an onsite Oktoberfest to attend at an additional price if that’s your thing. Fearplex is Fridays-Sundays, October 4-27 from 6:30pm-11pm in Pomona, CA. Tickets start at $29.
Haunted Harvest at Frosty’s Forest
The most unique and horrifying thing at haunted harvest are the two corn mazes that are sure to give you a thrill. First there is the regular 4-acre corn maze that looks like a scene from the start of a scary movie. You are given a map and sent out into the dark, winding maze to find your way out alone. If you need something even scarier than that, there is a haunted corn maze (at an additional cost) where actors pop out from between the corn as you try to escape.
The pumpkin patch, a corn sandpit, food and drink vendors, and plenty of amazing photo ops are all included with admission. The perfect mix of Halloween events and Fall fun!
The scares start Sept 27-Oct 27 Thursday to Sunday. Haunted Harvest is from 7pm-10pm located in Chino Hills.
Spooky-Easy Bars
You might forget to consider bars when looking for Halloween events. Plenty of speakeasy bars around SoCal and the IE are going all out with Halloween decorations from the floor to the ceiling. There are even scheduled bar crawl Halloween events where you can get discounted drinks, meet friends, and not have to worry about transportation. Endless possi-boo-lities here!
A quick Google search of your area will pop-up plenty of bars with Halloween events. Also, check out videos on TikTok.
Here are a few of our favorites to get you started:
Frankenstein’s Mad Scientist Cocktail Lab (Los Angeles)
Tickets start at $19 and include 1 cocktail + 90-minute reservation. It runs from Sept 19 to Oct 31. There is a special Halloween dance party on Oct 31 from 7pm-1pm for $25.
Trick or Drink: Halloween Bar Crawls (Santa Monica)
This bar crawl includes 6 different bars that are walking distance from each other throughout Santa Monica. Tickets start at $15 per person and include entry into each bar with no cover charge and discounted prices on drinks all night. This event is only 3 days so don’t miss out! October 25-26 and October 31 from 6pm-2am.
Amusement Parks
Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood is by far the best if you want to see some really scary special effects out of all the amusement parks. After all, it is the place where they actual film and produce a lot of your favorite scary movies. Wear your best Halloween costume or Fall fit, explore the haunted mazes, and get scared by actors walking all around the park.
This year’s haunted house themes are A Quiet Place, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire, Insidious: The Further, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Legacy of Leatherface, the Weeknd: Nightmare Trilogy, and Universal Monsters: Eternal Bloodlines.
Tickets start at $77 from Sept 5-Nov 3.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knotts is a great park to go to if you still want all the scary fun with less crowds and wait times. It doesn’t get all the hype on TikTok but it’s still just as good. There are 5 scare zones, 10 mazes, spooky shows, and frightening rides. Make sure to wear your running shoes! Actors around the park will chase, scream, and slide at you.
KSF is open 7pm-2AM starting Sept 19. Tickets start at $60.
6 Flags Fright Fest
6 Flags has a reputation for the scariest rides in SoCal. The trills only get bigger during Fright Fest.
Fright Fest starts Sept 21 and runs from 12pm-10pm most nights.
SeaWorld Howl-O-Scream
Surprisingly, a lot serious scares are going down at SeaWorld. While the animals are sleeping the monsters are creeping. Don’t worry- the rides, shows, 5 mazes, and 7 scare zones will keep you very entertained.
Howl-O-Scream runs select nights from Sept 27-Nov 2. Doors are open at 6pm and tickets start as low as $41.
What are your favorite Halloween events? Let us know down below in the comments!
Happy spooky season! 🙂
