Photo by NeONBRAND on UnsplashFrom Drive-Thru Haunts to Pumpkin Carving, Here’s 25 Ways to Celebrate Halloween This Year in SoCal Locale Magazine Editors October 13, 2020 Spread the loveFrom Spooky, Family-Friendly Movies to Frightening Drive-Thru Events, There’s No Shortage of Festive Scares This Year! Written By: Ameihia Turingan Halloween in Southern California With spooky costumes, delicious candy and the feeling of magic in the air, the Halloween season always has something fun and frightful to look forward to. While Halloween celebrations may look a little different this year, there are still plenty of ways to get into a ghoulish mood. Check out these 24 festivities around Southern California for a safe and entertaining holiday experience. From virtual costume parties to scream-worthy drive-thru fright fests, you’ll be bewitched by these incredible Halloween events! Virtual Scare-a-thon There’s no shortage of spooks and scares this Halloween. Take a virtual trip for an inside look at Bran Castle, which was the inspiration behind for Dracula’s Castle in Romania! Stay tuned for a murder mystery with Madame Tussauds in London and a family-friendly monster show at Warwick Castle. The Festival of Fright, hosted by Tiqets, takes place on Oct. 30. Sign up for these free events here. Los Angeles Halloween in Southern California Día de los Muertos Pairing Dinner Location: Shade Hotel Redondo Beach rooftop Who: Friends and Family Reserve your Halloween weekend dinner at Shade Redondo Beach for a Día de los Muertos celebration. On Oct. 30 and 31, enjoy a four-course Mexican-inspired dinner paired with beer from George Lopez Brewing Company. Reservations are required for this socially-distanced event and costumes are encouraged! Haunt’oween LA Halloween in Southern California Photography Provided By: Experiential Supply Co. Photography Provided By: Experiential Supply Co. Where: Woodland Hills Who: Family-Friendly This mesmerizing and interactive drive-thru experience is chock-full of engaging activities from “door-to-door” trick-or-treating, pumpkin picking and photo ops to drives through an elaborate jack-o’-lantern tunnel and mini-maze routes. Journey through the magical Hauntoween from Oct. 9-31. Haunt’oween LA 6100 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills, CA 91367 Ha-LOEWS-ween Halloween in Southern California Where: Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel Who: Family-Friendly On Friday, Oct. 30 and Saturday, Oct. 31, Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel has a weekend full of tricks and treats planned for the whole family. On Friday, watch Hotel Transylvania on the pool deck with candy and popcorn! On Halloween itself, enjoy tarot card readings and a double movie feature of Hotel Transylvania and Hocus Pocus. Face masks are required, and you must reserve a spot in advance for the movie showings! Looking to stay the night? Check out the Linger Longer package. Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel 1700 Ocean Ave Santa Monica, CA 90401 310.458.6700 Haunted Hayride Drive-Up Where: San Dimas Who: Date Night, Thrill-Seeking Friends A combination of a drive-thru and drive-in experience, the Haunted Hayride event features a scary trip through All Hallows Lane before the creepy Movie Spooktacular at the Midnight “Drive-In.” Enjoy this sinister route filled with monsters lurking outside your car door. Haunted Hayride Drive-Up 120 E Via Verde Dr San Dimas, CA 91773 Nights of the Jack Halloween in Southern California Photography Provided By: Nights of the Jack Photography Provided By: Nights of the Jack Location: Calabasas Who: Family-Friendly In this drive-thru experience, watch as thousands of pumpkins transform into illuminated jack-o’-lanterns and larger-than-life installations. Along with Halloween themed displays, you’ll love the intricate carvings of your favorite celebrities and animated characters. Nights of the Jack 26800 Mulholland Hwy Calabasas, CA 91302 Virtual Kids Club Event with Kiddle Karoo Location: Virtual Who: Kiddos! Head to The Point’s Instagram page on Oct. 15 at 11 a.m. for a musical takeover by Kiddle Karoo and puppet friends. In Kiddle Karoo’s Halloween Adventure, puppet Molly learns how fun this holiday can be. Kids of all ages will enjoy this “spooktacular” story. The Point 850 S Pacific Coast Hwy El Segundo, CA 90245 310.414.5280 LA Zoo Drive-In Movies Location: Los Angeles Zoo Who: Family-Friendly The LA Zoo has drive-in movies happening all October long! While the drive-in begins on Oct. 16 and lasts until Nov. 1, Hair-Raising Halloween—packed with spooktacular Halloween classics like Goosebumps and The Addams Family—is Oct. 29-Nov. 1. Festive decor, bags of candy and a virtual costume contest are a few perks! Los Angeles Zoo 5333 Zoo Dr Los Angeles, CA 90027 323.644.4200 Orange County Halloween in Southern California Rock & Brews Halloween in Southern California Photography Provided By: Rock & Brews Location: Buena Park, Corona, El Segundo, Redondo Beach, Tustin Who: Family and Friends Get in the Halloween spirit this year by dressing up as a rockstar! Show up with your most creative mullets, air guitars and tight pants. The best part is you’ll get a free Opening Act appetizer at Rock & Brews on Halloween. You have to mention this offer, and there is a limit of one free appetizer per table. Rock on! Urban Legends Haunt Location: OC Fair & Event Center, Costa Mesa Who: Date Night, Thrill-Seeking Friends Elevate your night with this drive-thru Halloween haunt complete with four theatrical, live-action show zones, performances and an immersive show with FX, strobe lights and sound. Open until Nov. 1, prepare yourself for terror, thrills and nightmares. Urban Legends Haunt 88 Fair Dr Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Taste of Fall-O-Ween at Knott’s Berry Farm Photography Provided By: Knott’s Berry Farm Photography Provided By: Knott’s Berry Farm Location: Knott’s Berry Farm, Buena Park Who: Family-Friendly, Foodies Get ready to satisfy your taste buds at Knott’s seasonal food event. Dive face-first into treats like pumpkin spice churro sticks, caramel apple cheesecake trifles and grim reaper sandwiches. Celebrate the spirit of Halloween with art shows, local craft items and the children’s Camp Snoopy Trick-or-Treat Trail. Knott’s Berry Farm 8039 Beach Blvd Buena Park, CA 90620 Tanaka Farms Drive-Thru Location: Tanaka Farms, Irvine Who: Family-Friendly Hop out of your car and select your pumpkin straight from the patch! Pick the Saturday drive-thru option or the U-Pick Pumpkin with Wagon Ride to explore the 30-acre farm with a tour guide. On this leisurely ride, you’ll view the pumpkin cannon launch, farm animals, scarecrow contest and more. Tanaka Farms 5380 3/4 University Dr Irvine, CA 92612 949.653.2100 OC Parks Spooky Series Location: Fountain Valley Who: Family-Friendly Visit OC Parks’ Facebook and Instagram from Oct. 26-31 for crafts, trivia, Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” and a “rock-and-ghoul performance” from Past Action Heroes. Before the virtual programming, bring your little monsters to the “Hocus Pocus” drive-in from Oct. 23-25 at Mile Square Regional Park. Mile Square Regional Park 16801 Euclid St Fountain Valley, CA 92708 714.973.6600 Howl-O-Ween Yappy Hour Photography Provided By: Balboa Bay Resort Photography Provided By: Balboa Bay Resort Photography Provided By: Balboa Bay Resort Photography Provided By: Balboa Bay Resort Location: A&O Kitchen + Bar, Balboa Bay Resort Who: Four-legged Friends On Oct. 29 from 3 to 6 p.m., bring your furry friend down to the Balboa Bay Resort in Newport Beach. Drinks for both you and your pup (greyhounds and salty dogs!) will be available as well as dog treats and a “Best Dog Costume” contest. Balboa Bay Resort 1221 W Coast Hwy Newport Beach, CA 92663 949.645.5000 San Diego Halloween in Southern California Family Halloweekend Location: Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa Get in the spooky spirit with a family Halloween weekend at Carlsbad’s Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa. Enjoy socially distanced trick or treating, movies under the stars, a costume contest and more! The little ones are sure to love this weekend-long celebration. These festivities are available to resort guests only, so book your spooky staycation now. Park Hyatt Aviara Resort, Golf Club & Spa 7100 Aviara Resort Dr Carlsbad, CA 92011 760.448.1234 A Grand Halloween Photography Provided By: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Photography Provided By: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Photography Provided By: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego This Halloween, Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego is offering a package chock-full of festive activities. Embark on a socially distanced trick-or-treat trail in the hotel’s grand event space and ballroom with treats including full size candy bars, toys, activity packs and more. Then, go for a spooky moonlit swim after dark and cozy up for an outdoor Halloween movie. Finally, with views of the San Diego skyline, families can take part in a halloween-inspired arts and crafts on the rooftop! Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego 1 Market Pl San Diego, CA 92101 619.232.1234 Ranch 45 Location: Ranch 45, Solana Beach This year, to celebrate Halloween, Ranch 45 has partnered with Friendly Feast to host a Halloween-themed pop-up in Solana Beach. On Saturday, October 31 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., guests can enjoy pastry boxes filled with Halloween treats made by some of San Diego’s top chefs. You can pre-order boxes for $35 on Friendly Feast’s website starting October 20, with boxes ready for pickup on Halloween. Proceeds will benefit Friendly Feast and Monarch School, whose mission is to educate students impacted by homelessness. Ranch 45 512 Via De La Valle, Ste 102 Solana Beach, CA 92075 858.461.0092 Drive-Thru Scream Zone Location: Del Mar Who: Date Night, Thrill-Seeking Friends The Del Mar Fairgrounds is transformed into “Scaregrounds,” complete with attractions like Horror Icon Way, Conjuring Row, Clown Alley, Dead End Truck Stop and Zombie Carnival Row. Ready to be frightened? Lock the doors as you drive through this mile-long course filled with dreadful horrors. Drive-Thru Scream Zone 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd Del Mar, CA 92014 858.755.1161 Halloween at Liberty Station Photograph By: Zack Benson Location: Liberty Station Who: Family-Friendly Don your best costume and pose for the camera at Liberty Station. After your photoshoot, upload the best capture to social media with #HalloweenAtTheStation to participate in the costume contest. Winners across the kids, family and pets categories will receive giveaways and gift cards from the center’s retailers. Liberty Station 2640 Historic Decatur Rd San Diego, CA 92106 619.756.7992 Witches of Westgate Tea Location: Westgate Hotel Who: Date Night, Family-Friendly, Foodies Discover the elegant and magical experience of afternoon tea at Westgate Hotel. Dress up ready to enjoy delicious pastries like chocolate passion fruit tartlets and Parisian macarons, buttermilk scones with berries and cream, savory tea sandwiches on slices of brioche and cups of gourmet tea. Witches of Westgate Tea 1055 Second Ave San Diego, CA 92101 619.238.1818 Night of Boos Photography Provided By: The Cassara Carlsbad Photography Provided By: The Cassara Carlsbad Photography Provided By: The Cassara Carlsbad Location: The Cassara Carlsbad Who: Family-Friendly Take a staycay this Halloween weekend at The Cassara Carlsbad and enjoy an overnight stay in a spacious room, free parking and a Halloween Boo Bag filled with candy, party favors and a pumpkin decorating kit. Get in the Halloween spirit by taking the free shuttle to the Carlsbad pumpkin patch! The Cassara Carlsbad 5805 Armada Dr Carlsbad, CA 92008 760.827.3232 Halloween Movies Nights Halloween in Southern California Location: Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar Who: Family-Friendly On Oct. 30 and 31, pack a picnic, put on your costumes and head to Hilton Garden Inn Del Mar for free Halloween movies: Hotel Transylvania, Beetlejuice, Monsters, Inc. and Hocus Pocus. Reservations are required; popcorn, burgers, nachos, hot cider, cocoa and adult beverages will be available to purchase. Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar 3939 Ocean Bluff Ave San Diego, CA 92130 858.720.0500 Greater Palm Springs Renaissance Esmerelda Spooktacular Weekend Photography Provided By: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells Photography Provided By: Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells Photo by Gillian Lingard on Unsplash Location: Renaissance Esmeralda, Indian Wells Who: Date Night, Family-Friendly Treat yourself to a festive weekend getaway in Indian Wells from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. Enjoy Halloween balcony decorations, delicious in-room pizza, sweet treats and time at the pumpkin patch on Saturday. Along with spooky amenities and crafts, relax in the comfort of this newly redesigned hotel. Renaissance Esmerelda 44400 Indian Wells Ln Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.773.4444 The Living Desert Howl-O-Ween Photography Provided By: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens Location: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Desert Who: Family-Friendly Make Halloween memorable by spending it with your family’s favorite zoo animals. Explore the Zoo, participate in a self-guided scavenger hunt and watch the animals receive special pumpkin enrichments throughout the day. Don’t miss the fun on Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens 47900 Portola Ave Palm Desert, CA 92260 760.346.5694 #HauntedTides Halloween in Southern California Location: Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa Put on your suit and head to Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa this Halloween for a “scary” dive-in movie with extended spooky pool hours from 7-10 p.m. The property’s all-new HyTides water park will be decked out for the holiday, and kids will receive goodie bags with candy. Hyatt Indian Wells will also host a pumpkin carving contest, where guests can vote for their favorite pumpkin! Hyatt Regency Indian Wells Resort & Spa 44600 Indian Wells Ln Indian Wells, CA 92210 760.776.1234
