If you’re hunting for scares, laughs, or family-friendly fall fun, these Halloween happenings around town have something for every kind of thrill-seeker. Below are the city’s top picks, each with a short description so you can match your mood to the night — blockbuster scare mazes, immersive theatre, sea-bound hauntings, outdoor cinema among the graves, and pumpkin-patch comfort for the little ones.
Universal Studios — Halloween Horror Nights
Of course, Hollywood’s famed studio is the place for Halloween happenings that serve as the event of the season. Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights transforms the theme park into a multi-maze, high-production scarefest. Expect movie- and game-inspired haunted mazes (think major IP tie-ins), scare zones, and late-night shows that push the limits of theatrical horror. Best for adrenaline junkies who want big sets, intense actors, and showy effects.
Delusion — Delusion: Harrowing of Hell (DTLA)
Considerably one of DTLA’s top Halloween Happenings, Delusion is immersive theater turned up to 11. Staged in an atmospheric downtown venue, this story-driven experience drags audiences into a ritualistic, Dante-inspired nightmare where you’re not just watching — you’re part of the action. If you like theatrical scares and narrative-first frights, this event is for you.
LA Haunted Hayride — Griffith Park
Equal parts spooky and playful, the LA Haunted Hayride sends visitors through the eerie town of Midnight Falls. The attraction blends themed walk-throughs, costumed characters, and a retro-horror carnival vibe; daytime sessions and family-friendly options make it a great choice for mixed-age groups.
Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary — Long Beach
Board the legendary ship for Dark Harbor’s nautical nightmares. Long Beach’s best Halloween happenings take place seaside with maze sequences, haunting installations, and moody performance art aboard the Queen Mary. The set design is cinematic, the actors committed, and the whole experience feels like a ghost story come to life on the water.
Cinespia — Hollywood Forever Cemetery Screenings
Cinespia keeps tradition alive with outdoor film screenings among tombstones. From Rocky Horror to classic horror staples and cult favorites, these nights pair movie fandom with costume pageantry and a uniquely L.A. cemetery atmosphere — perfect for film lovers who like their scares with scenery.
Hollywood Bowl — Tim Burton & Danny Elfman events
For theatrical, family-friendly Halloween happenings, you won’t want to miss the Hollywood Bowl’s spin on spooky season. Look for live-orchestra film nights featuring Tim Burton classics, often with Danny Elfman performing. These events blend music, sing-alongs, and costume fun under the stars.
Million Dollar Theater & Local GhostWalks
Smaller-scale offerings like historic GhostWalks and curated screening programs at venues such as the Million Dollar Theater provide atmospheric local lore and film pairings for those who prefer story and ambiance over jump scares.
Family-friendly picks
Pumpkin patches, daytime haunted houses, trick-or-treat villages, and kid-focused festivals abound across the region — check schedules for family sessions and age recommendations.
Tips from the Crypt…
Save yourself the scare of a sold-out fare! Buy tickets early, check age and mask rules, and dress in layers for cool evenings. Whether you crave over-the-top production or cozy community haunts, the city is never short on frights. Enjoy all of the Halloween happenings the season has to offer for a hauntingly fun time!