2025 Southern California Halloween Events: LA’s Ultimate Guide to Spooky Season
From Venice Beach to West Hollywood, here’s where to celebrate Halloween 2025 with chills, thrills, and epic memories.
Halloween season is creeping into Los Angeles, and 2025 Southern California Halloween events promise to be more thrilling, electrifying, and delightfully spooky than ever before. Whether you’re prowling for an epic night out in West Hollywood, a fright-filled date night near Santa Monica, or family-friendly fun in Culver City and beyond, there’s no shortage of local haunts ready to deliver unforgettable scares.
From blockbuster theme park events to street parties and indie horror showcases, LA locals have a fright fest practically at their doorstep. Here’s your guide to the most exciting Halloween happenings within easy reach of Venice Beach, West Hollywood, and the entire Los Angeles area.
Knott’s Scary Farm – Buena Park’s Iconic Halloween Tradition
Why Go: If you’re ready to venture a bit outside LA, Knott’s Scary Farm is worth the drive. As the longest-running Halloween theme park event in Southern California, it’s legendary for a reason. With more than 160 acres of haunted mazes, scare zones, and terrifying live shows, this year’s highlights include Cinema Slasher, Mary: The Haunting of Worth Home, and fan favorite The Depths.
Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park (approx. 30–40 minutes from LA).
Website / Contact: Knott’s Scary Farm | (714) 220-5200
“Knott’s Scary Farm is the holy grail of Halloween fun,” says local reviewer Jenna S., “It’s like a whole other world of fog, screams, and surprises.”
Pro Tip for Angelenos: Go midweek to avoid traffic and long lines, and consider a Fright & Fast Lane pass to maximize your night.
Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights – Movie Magic Meets Mayhem
Why Go: No one does cinematic horror like Universal. Located right off the 101, this is a Halloween staple for Angelenos who want to walk through actual movie sets while dodging slashers, monsters, and spine-chilling effects. Expect haunted houses themed after your favorite horror franchises, plus new original scare zones designed to make you scream.
Location: Universal City Plaza, Universal City (near Studio City).
Website / Contact: Halloween Horror Nights | (800) 864-8377
Local Perk: It’s practically in LA’s backyard — a quick Uber or Metro ride for West Hollywood and Hollywood residents.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – Griffith Park’s Outdoor Scare Spectacular
Why Go: For those who love an outdoor scare, this local classic combines theatrical storytelling with eerie hayrides through Griffith Park’s haunted woods. Besides the hayride, explore haunted walk-through mazes, creepy carnival games, and Instagram-ready photo ops.
Location: Griffith Park, Los Angeles (near Los Feliz).
Website / Contact: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
“The Hayride is the most ‘LA’ Halloween event—creepy but totally cinematic under the night sky,” says Venice Beach local Marcus W.
Best For: Groups of friends, date nights, or anyone looking to stay closer to home without sacrificing thrills.
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor – Haunted History on the Waterfront
Why Go: In Long Beach, just a short drive from Venice and Santa Monica, the historic RMS Queen Mary transforms into a haunted nautical nightmare. Haunted mazes wind through actual ship corridors, and roaming “icon” characters like Scary Mary bring the scares to life. Expect themed bars, live entertainment, and plenty of haunted history.
Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach.
Website / Contact: Dark Harbor
LA Insider Tip: Arrive early to catch the sunset over the harbor before plunging into darkness.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval – LA’s Most Epic Street Party
Why Go: If you live in West Hollywood, you don’t need to go far. The annual Carnaval is the city’s biggest, wildest Halloween event—a massive street party with elaborate costumes, dazzling floats, and an unbeatable vibe.
Location: Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.
Website / Contact: West Hollywood Carnaval
“Think Mardi Gras meets Halloween,” says Culver City resident Gina R. “It’s chaotic, fabulous, and completely free.”
When: Thursday, October 31, 6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Cost: Free (no tickets required).
Screamfest Horror Film Festival – Hollywood’s Scariest Screenings
Why Go: Film buffs, rejoice! Screamfest is the largest and longest-running horror film festival in the U.S., held right here in Hollywood. Catch exclusive premieres, indie horror gems, and international thrillers before they hit the mainstream.
Location: TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, Hollywood.
Website / Contact: Screamfest
Why Locals Love It: A must for Venice and Culver City creatives who want to experience Halloween through a cinematic lens.
Aero Theatre Horrorthon – Santa Monica’s All-Night Fright Fest
Why Go: For Westside locals, this Santa Monica tradition is a dream come true: an all-night marathon of classic horror films projected in 35mm, complete with free snacks and quirky intermissions hosted by the theater’s beloved mascot, Corn Gorn.
Location: Aero Theatre, Santa Monica.
Website / Contact: Aero Theatre
Perfect For: Venice Beach and Santa Monica movie lovers who prefer their scares on the big screen.
Culver City & Local Family Events
Culver City Halloween Hullabaloo
Celebrate Halloween locally with carnival games, live music, costume contests, and a safe trick-or-treating environment.
Location: Veterans Memorial Park, Culver City.
Website: Culver City Events
Tips for Angelenos Planning Halloween 2025
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Traffic is real: Consider carpooling, ride-shares, or Metro when attending WeHo or Universal events.
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Book early: Knott’s and Universal sell out quickly.
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Local first: LA proper offers amazing experiences like the Hayride and Carnaval without leaving the city.
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Mix & match: Pair a big haunt like Universal with a local indie experience like the Aero Horrorthon for a well-rounded Halloween season.
LA, Get Ready for a Wicked Good Time
Whether you’re sipping cocktails on the Queen Mary, dancing in the streets of West Hollywood, or catching a horror marathon in Santa Monica, 2025 Southern California Halloween events bring the scares right to your neighborhood. Los Angeles is the ultimate Halloween playground — so grab your costume, rally your crew, and make this October one for the books.
