Southern California Halloween Events: A Spooky Guide (2024)

Explore Southern California Halloween events and festivals, including pumpkin patches, theme parks, haunted houses, and mazes. Whether you’re in Los Angeles, Orange County, or San Diego, there are scary festivals suitable for all ages. Events range from haunted houses, scare zones, live shows, and ghostly walking tours of haunted neighborhoods. You’ll find Halloween activities for both trick-or-treaters and grown-up zombies. Here are some of the top Halloween events in Southern California for 2024:

First, we have events for teens and adults. Below that, we have  Family-friendly events.

Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios: Get ready to experience terrifying mazes, scare zones, and live shows based on popular horror movies and shows at this exclusive event. It will take place on select nights from September 5 to November 3, 2024, featuring eight terrifying haunted houses, the famous Terror Tram, scare zones, and live entertainment. Take advantage of the legendary scares awaiting you at Halloween Horror Nights—Buy Discount Tickets – Event Website.

Queen Mary Dark Harbor Long Beach: After taking a break for several years, the legendary Halloween event returns at the famously haunted Queen Mary in Long Beach. The event will include haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars, lounges, and other attractions on board the Queen Mary. Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor might be your perfect Halloween event if you’re brave enough to face the spirits and enjoy a good scare. It will occur on select nights from September 20 to November 2, 2024—event Website.

Knott’s Scary Farm – Buena Park, CA: This event is Southern California’s largest immersive Halloween experience, featuring over 1,000 horrifying creatures, sinister scare zones, spine-chilling mazes, and hair-raising shows. Come and have a spine-chilling night of terror at Knott’s Scary Farm! The event includes twisted mazes, scare zones, thrilling rides, and shows. Please note that costumes are not allowed, and re-entry is not permitted. The park opens at 7 pm. Your ticket is valid for one event night only. September 19 to November 2, 2024—event Website.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride: The original Haunted Hayride of Southern California is located in Griffith Park and is not recommended for children under 12. It includes a haunted hayride, mazes, and scare zones. Visitors will take a tractor-pulled hay wagon ride through the park’s woods. The experience features a slideshow presentation and a Scary-Go-Round that moves backward. This event runs on select nights from the end of September through October 31, 2024—event Website.

Nights of the Jack Calabasas: For the ultimate Halloween experience in Los Angeles, visit Nights of the Jack. This event has become a Southern California Halloween season staple, featuring expansive grounds filled with elaborate, larger-than-life pumpkin installations. Visitors can enjoy walking through the Trail around the history-filled ranch. Nights of the Jack will occur from September 27 to November 3, 2024—event Website.

Valencia – Six Flags Fright Fest EXTREME: Explore mazes inspired by popular horror franchises like SAW, The Conjuring, and Stranger Things. They’re bringing in new attractions like the “DCeased” comic book series at Six Flags Mexico and a “Texas Chainsaw Massacre” experience at Six Flags Great Adventure. Please note that these events are recommended for guests aged 13 and over. The event will occur on select dates from September 7 to October 31, 2024, at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia, California. Visit the event website for more information.

Fairplex: Lights Out Halloween Maze: Fearplex presents Lights Out, a terrifying Halloween event where nightmares come to life. Guests will participate in interactive scares and try to escape from frightening mazes, such as the Zombie Escape, Carnival of Evil, and Toxic Terror. After experiencing heart-pounding nightmares, guests can enjoy live entertainment with the resident DJ. A vendor village will also offer the best artists and products in the horror universe. This event is for ages 13 and above. Dates: Select nights from October 4 to October 31, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at 1101 W. McKinley Ave., Pomona, California—event Website.

Riverside Castle Dark Castle: Castle Dark in Riverside is hosting an exciting event that guarantees a spooky time—experience five brand-new haunted attractions that will send chills down your spine. You can enjoy an adrenaline-pumping adventure by stepping into the Cinema of Fear and Night Shift mazes. Brace yourself for interactive shows like Shipwreck Cove and Slider Alley, where you will see the frights come to life right before your eyes. The event occurs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights from September 20 through October 27, 2024. For more information, you can visit the event website.

Haunted Trail San Diego: Haunted Trail is a unique Halloween experience in San Diego’s Balboa Park. The adventure starts in a large maze and continues along a one-mile trail filled with thrills and chills. Each group is limited to around twenty people at a time, so it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot and avoid long waiting times. You can purchase a Timed Ticket or VIP Admission to skip the General Admission entrance line. The event runs from September 27 to November 2, 2024. Visit the event website for more information.

Escape Halloween: Escape Halloween is the world’s largest Halloween music festival.  Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26, Insomniac has curated an eerily expansive lineup of over 80 artists across 5+ immersive stages of frightful fun. Event Website.

Halloween-themed Brunch Los Angeles: Sunday, October 27th, for a special brunch with award-winning magician Magical Katrina at the world-famous Bourbon Room – welcome to Magic & Mimosas! Be entertained by Magical Katrina as she performs her jaw-dropping walkaround magic: Bourbon Room 6356 Hollywood Blvd, 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA. Event Website.

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Events in Central California:

Zellers Farms Pumpkin Patch
Head over to Zellers Farms for a picture-perfect pumpkin patch experience! With acres of pumpkins, family activities, and festive photo ops, it’s the ultimate spot for fall fun and creating unforgettable autumn memories.

Old Town Trick or Treat
Celebrate Halloween in downtown Lompoc with Old Town Trick or Treat! Local businesses open their doors for a safe, fun-filled evening of trick-or-treating, spooky decorations, and family-friendly entertainment.

Lompoc Aquatic Center, Dunkin for Pumpkins
Dive into the Halloween spirit at the Lompoc Aquatic Center with Dunkin’ for Pumpkins! Swim to capture floating pumpkins, play fun water games, and enjoy a splashy twist on the traditional pumpkin hunt. https://explorelompoc.com/event/dunkin-for-pumpkins-at-lompoc-aquatic-center/

Cabrillo High School Aquarium Open House Sharktoberfest
Dive deep into marine wonders during Sharktoberfest at Cabrillo High School Aquarium! Explore fascinating sea creatures, enjoy family-friendly activities, and learn about ocean conservation in this unique fall-themed open house. https://www.cabrillohighschoolaquarium.org/

Lompoc Fright Fest
Get ready for chills and thrills at Lompoc Fright Fest! This spooktacular event offers haunted houses, terrifying mazes, and eerie entertainment for those brave enough to embrace the frightful fun.

Lompoc Queen of Angels Catholic Church Harvest Festival
Celebrate the season at the Queen of Angels Catholic Church Harvest Festival! This family-friendly event offers games, food, live entertainment, and a warm community atmosphere to mark the fall harvest in style. https://explorelompoc.com/events/

Southern California Family-Friendly Halloween Events

If you’re looking for family-friendly Halloween fun in Southern California, you’re in luck! Plenty of great events are happening in the area that are perfect for the whole family. Here are some options to consider:

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch: The Irvine Park Railroad in Orange, California, is a must-visit attraction. It features a 1/3 scale train that takes passengers on a ride through the beautiful and historic Irvine Regional Park. One of the unique special events hosted by the park is the Pumpkin Patch, located just behind the train station and offers free entry. However, the County of Orange charges a gate entrance fee for every vehicle entering Irvine Regional Park. The Pumpkin Patch event will be held September 14 – October 31, 2024—event Website.

Scarium of the Pacific: This Halloween-themed celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach is perfect for families. Children in costume receive discounted admission. The event aims to educate visitors about marine life while celebrating Halloween fun and engagingly. It takes place on Saturday, October 26, 2024. Website.

Adventure City’s Boo-Tastic Halloween Party: Looking for a fun and kid-friendly Halloween celebration? Join us for an exciting event! Enjoy 11 thrilling rides, a free candy and trinkets walkthrough called “Trick-or-Treat Street,” and a dizzying delight in the All-New Vortex tunnel. Hop aboard the Express Train and participate in a fun Halloween scavenger hunt. Plus, parking is completely free! The event will take place on October 4th, 11th, 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 30th, or 31st, 2024. Event Website.

Legoland® Brick-or-Treat Party Nights: Brick-or-treat Party Nights are the signature Halloween event at Legoland. On Saturday nights, join the Monsters who take over LEGOLAND®. Experience shows, participate in character meet-and-greets, costume contests, treat stations, and more. Legoland, Carlsbad California. They are included with park admission on select nights from mid-September to the end of October. Discount tickets – Event Website.

Cal Poly Pomona Pumpkin Festival: With 40,000 pumpkins, two corn mazes, and a sunflower field, the festival brings a petting farm, too. Visitors can enjoy playing games, hay rides, live music, displays, and demonstrations from College student clubs and agriculture-related organizations. Food and drink vendors will be available on site. Dates: September 28 – October 27, 2024. See the website for open days and tickets. 102 S. University Drive, Pomona, California. Event Website.

Carved at Descanso Gardens: Get ready to be mesmerized by the enchanting glow of jack-o’-lanterns and the vibrant autumn foliage at the captivating Camellia Forest and picturesque Rose Garden. “Carved” is a family-friendly event suitable for all ages, located at 1418 Descanso Dr., La Cañada Flintridge, California. October 4–30, 2024 Event Website.

Fall Festival at The Original Farmers Market: Take kids to a child-friendly Fall Festival at the historic Farmers Market. This event offers exciting carnival games, a petting zoo, and a pumpkin patch. Encourage your kids to dress up in their favorite costumes, enjoy the live music, and indulge in delicious holiday treats. The Original Farmers Market – 6333 W. 3rd St., Los Angeles, California. Sat. October 19, 2024 @ 11 am – Sun October 20, 2024 @ 7 pm. Event Website.

Halloween Aglow to Light Up Birch Aquarium: Come to Birch Aquarium this Halloween to enjoy an all-new, family-friendly celebration. Halloween Aglow is inspired by Oceans at Night, a popular adults-only event, and it’s perfect for kids, too. Discover the wonders and mysteries of the ocean after dark in a fun atmosphere. The event occurs on  Friday, October 25, and Saturday, October 26 | 6 – 8:30 pm—event Website.

Santa Ana – Boo at the Zoo: Bring your children to Boo at the Zoo for a safe, fun, trick-or-treating experience. Ten different toy and treat stations will provide goodies for the kids. Boo at the Zoo is a “Merry, not Scary” family event suitable for all ages, and everyone is encouraged to wear a costume. Rides like the “Boofari” Express Train, the Conservation Carousel, and the Fifty Monkey Ferris Wheel are available. Dates: October 19, 2024. 1801 E Chestnut Ave, Santa Ana, California. Event Website.

Live Oak Canyon Fall Harvest Festival offers rides, games, photo opportunities, a petting zoo, a corn maze, a train ride, food vendors, a gift shop, and the largest pumpkin patch in Southern California. Please arrive early to visit the Live Oak Canyon pumpkin patch as it gets busy. It opens on September 20, 2024, and runs through October 31. Live Oak Canyon Farm is 32335 Live Oak Canyon Road in Redlands, California. More information.

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Safety Tips for Halloween Trick-Or-Treaters:

1. Group Up: Always trick-or-treat with an adult or in groups, and stay together.
2. No lights, No Go: Only go to homes with porch lights and avoid dark houses.
3. Stay Off The Streets: Remember to use sidewalks and crosswalks when crossing the street. Always look both ways before crossing.
4. Carry a Light: Wear bright or reflective clothing, and carry a flashlight or a glow stick to increase driver visibility.
5. Check Your Treats: Inspect all treats before consuming, and discard any unwrapped or suspicious ones.
6. Avoid Dark Areas: Please remember to stay on well-lit streets and avoid walking through alleys or dark areas.
7. Drivers: If you’re driving on Halloween, be extra cautious and watch out for trick-or-treaters.
8. Enjoy Halloween: Have fun and enjoy the holiday, but always prioritize your safety!

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