The Best Haunts, Horror Nights, and Spooky Season Events

Los Angeles does Halloween like nowhere else. From blockbuster theme-park scares to candlelit cultural celebrations, eerie museum exhibitions, and ghostly Hollywood history, the city turns spooky season into a month-long invitation to step into the shadows. If you are planning a Halloween itinerary for 2026, these are the can’t-miss Los Angeles Halloween events and experiences to put on your calendar.

Knott’s Scary Farm: Southern California’s Original Nightmare

For serious haunt fans, Knott’s Scary Farm remains a Southern California Halloween rite of passage. Running select nights from September 17 through October 31, 2026, the Buena Park classic transforms Knott’s Berry Farm into a fog-filled world of monsters, scare zones, live shows, and immersive haunted houses. With more than 50 years of fright history behind it, Scary Farm blends old-school haunt energy with polished production and fresh nightmares for returning guests.

In 2026, the event features 10 mazes, 5 scare zones, and 3 shows, making it one of the most packed Halloween nights in Southern California. It is best suited for teens and adults, and the park notes that it is not recommended for children under 13.

*Buena Park is approximately 1-hour south of Hollywood and Beverly Hills. 

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride: Midnight Falls Returns to Griffith Park

Few Los Angeles Halloween traditions feel as atmospheric as the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Set in Griffith Park, the 2026 season runs select nights from September 18 through November 1, inviting guests into the haunted world of Midnight Falls. The signature hayride remains the centerpiece, while mazes, roaming characters, themed food, carnival-style additions, and photo-worthy Halloween scenery round out the night.

The 2026 lineup includes new scares such as Fallen Angel, alongside returning favorites like Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem and the Midnight Falls Town Square. Arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and plan for a full evening rather than a quick stop.

Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood is the place to go when you want movie-quality horror brought to life at theme-park scale. In 2026, the event runs select nights from September 3 through November 1, with haunted houses, scare zones, the Terror Tram, live entertainment, and select rides open during the event.

This year’s lineup includes eight haunted houses, plus the Terror Tram featuring Art the Clown, along with major horror draws such as Stranger Things 5 and Ozzy Osbourne: Prince of Darkness. Visitors can also look for Evil Dead: Burn, Killer Klowns From Outer Space, Killceanera, Sinners, Hellraiser, and Dead Deader Deadest. For the best experience, buy tickets in advance, consider early access or Express options on peak nights, and prioritize your must-see houses before you enter the park.

Dia De Los Muertos at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever: A Living Celebration of Memory

For a Halloween-season experience rooted in tradition, art, and remembrance, Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is one of Los Angeles’ most moving annual events. The 27th annual celebration takes place Saturday, October 24, 2026, from noon to midnight under the theme “All Under One Sky / Bajo un Mismo Cielo.”

Expect elaborate altars, ceremonial processions, music, Aztec dance, art installations, culinary vendors, crafts, and a powerful sense of community. It is festive, beautiful, and deeply respectful—an essential Los Angeles cultural experience that balances celebration with reflection.

Tip: Traffic and parking for this event can be horror-ific. The cemetery is located on Santa Monica Boulevard, and many guests choose to rideshare to nearby streets such as Melrose to the south or Sunset to the north, then walk a few blocks to the entrance.

The “Horror Show” at The Academy Museum

The Horror Show at the Academy Museum: A Museum Trip for Horror Fans

If you prefer your scares with a dose of film history, make time for The Horror Show at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Opening September 26, 2026, and running through July 25, 2027, this immersive exhibition explores the cultural impact of horror cinema through themed galleries, rare props, costumes, production materials, and interactive displays.

Featured films span more than a century of horror, including classics and modern landmarks such as Dracula, Frankenstein, Halloween, Alien, Get Out, The Shining, The Exorcist, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, and more. It is a smart daytime addition to a Halloween itinerary, especially before heading out for nighttime haunts.

Plan Ahead for the Ultimate Halloween Weekend in Los Angeles

Many Halloween events in Los Angeles use date-specific tickets and can sell out quickly on peak weekends, especially during the final two weeks of October. Book early, review any age guidance before you go, wear comfortable shoes, and allow more time than expected for parking, security checks, and entry lines.

If you plan to attend the annual West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, consider booking a nearby local hotel and walking to the festival. Street closures are extensive, and nearby side streets can become packed with vehicles as visitors search for parking. If you do find a spot, READ THE SIGNS carefully. West Hollywood enforces parking rules closely, and tow trucks can remove illegally parked cars within minutes. Because Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, crowds will certainly exceed 100,000 people. Expect shoulder-to-shoulder foot traffic, and avoid bringing strollers, young children, or pets. This festival is geared toward adults. For children, look at the many kid-friendly festivities around town.  This includes events at The Original Farmers Market.

The house used in John Carpenter’s original Halloween.

Start the Season with Glitterati Tours’ Hollywood Chills Tour

Before the mazes, monsters, and museum exhibits, start spooky season where Los Angeles legends live: on the streets of Hollywood. Glitterati Tours’ Hollywood Chills tour is the perfect kick-off for Halloween in Los Angeles, blending eerie local lore, scary filming locations, old Hollywood history, and chilling stories tied to headline-making events. From Manson to Menendez, this Hollywood private tour explores the darker side of Tinseltown—because some stories never stay buried.