Here’s Where to Get Your Thrills and Chills This Season
It’s that time of year when there’s a chill in the air and a chill down your spine. Spooky season is upon us! From bone-chilling haunted houses to family-friendly fall festivals, there are endless opportunities to celebrate in bewitching ways. SoCal plays host to eerie experiences and community events for people of all ages. Below is our spellbook of where to find ghostly thrills, themed cocktails and the best pumpkin patches in the region. Piece together that costume and get ready for wicked fun at these October events in Southern California!
📍San Diego
Halloween Rooftop Party at Mission Pacific Beach Resort
When: Oct. 31, 7 p.m.-12:30 a.m.
Prepare for a hauntingly chic Halloween night with a quirky Addams Family twist at The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Beach Resort in Oceanside! On Oct. 31, from 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., locals and visitors are invited to enjoy the gothic charm and rooftop vibes! Dance under the stars on the covered pool deck, sip on themed cocktails and compete in a costume contest with prizes for the most creative and spooky looks. With two thrilling DJ sets and a fabulous rooftop ambiance, this Halloween event in San Diego is set to be an unforgettable night of music, dancing and spooky surprises. General admission tickets cost $10, while VIP options, including private dance floor cabanas or reserved ocean-view tables, offer prime seating and food and beverage credits of up to $300. Get your tickets before they sell out!
Location: Oceanside
The Whaley House Museum After-Hours Paranormal Investigation
When: Ongoing
Cursed before construction even began, the Whaley House is a historic property in Old Town San Diego known as a paranormal powerhouse. The spirits of the Whaley family linger in the mansion, and with After-Hours Paranormal Investigation, you can play ghostbuster for the night. Meet at the Derby-Pendleton House for training and receive state-of-the-art ghost-hunting tools. Ghostbusters get exclusive access to rooms where the Whaleys lived and died, which aren’t accessible on public tours.
Location: Old Town San Diego
Hotel del Coronado Halloween Events
When: Starts Oct. 1
San Diego may not get fall weather, but October at the beach is nothing to complain about. Hotel Del is embracing spooky season with events the whole family will love. Snuggle up under the stars for movies on the beach—”Coraline” plays on Oct. 13 and “Coco” will be shown on Nov. 2, both at 7:30 p.m. Roast s’mores around a firepit with the fam, and for something more bone-chilling, sign up for a ghost tour of the haunted hotel. There are days set aside for pumpkin carving, too! Check out the schedule of activities for dates and times.
Location: Coronado
Silver Screen Soirée at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
When: Oct. 26, 7-11 p.m.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is hosting a Halloween event like no other! Their Silver Screen Soirée will take place on Oct. 26 from 7-11 p.m., bringing together old Hollywood with the thrill of the supernatural. The night promises freakishly fun entertainment, hauntingly delicious bites and plenty of ghoulish surprises. Whether you’re channeling your favorite movie monster, classic film star or legendary scream queen, come dressed to impress—prizes will be awarded for the most creative and glamorous looks! Tickets cost $115 per person and include a welcome drink, unlimited food, two complimentary cocktails and free parking. If you’re looking for something glam and spooky this Halloween, this is a star-studded San Diego event you won’t want to miss!
Location: La Jolla
11/13
Wicked Spooky Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Grand Del Mar
When: Oct. 5-6, 12-13, 19-20, 26-27, 12-3:30 p.m.
Indulge in an enchanting San Diego Halloween experience at Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Wicked Spooky Afternoon Tea. From Oct. 5-27, on weekends only, guests can enjoy a luxurious yet spooky twist on traditional afternoon tea. The culinary team has crafted a magical menu of finger foods and decadent sweets, all inspired by the spirit of the season. Costumes are highly encouraged, turning this elegant afternoon into a playful celebration for all ages. Make October in San Diego memorable with a one-of-a-kind tea experience that blends the charm of Halloween with Fairmont’s signature sophistication.
Location: Del Mar
Trick-or-Treat on India Street
When: Oct. 27, 3:30-7:30 p.m.
Trick-or-Treat on India Street is one of Little Italy’s favorite Halloween traditions. The Piazza della Famiglia transforms into a replica of Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas—a 13 foot Jack Skellington and all! Young ghosts and goblins are encouraged to pop by their favorite restaurants for a trick or a treat. Maps of participating businesses will be available at the Piazza on India and W. Date Street. Cedar through Grape Street will be closed for the event.
Location: Little Italy
The Haunted Amusement Park
When: Sept. 27-Nov. 2, 7-9 p.m.
The Haunted Amusement Park at the historically haunted Marshal Scotty’s Playland brings the best of both worlds: a thrill and a chill. Many visitors recall Marshal Scotty’s Playland from childhood parties, but now bone-chilling screams replace laughter as visitors navigate remnants of the 1960s carnival. Follow the haunted trail through graveyards and slaughterhouses to see what lies beneath the broken down roller coasters. With 3D glasses that welcome you to the underworld, there’s more than meets the eyes at this amusement park.
Location: El Cajon
📍Los Angeles
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
When: Oct. 4-Nov. 2
This haunted soirée gives “spirits” a dual meaning. With liquid courage in hand, enter the house of horrors at Glendale’s Nocturne Theatre. Weave your way through the 14,000-square-foot mansion where spirits lurk behind every corner. Over the course of two hours, victims make their way past a giant Ouija board and must play their cards right with the black magic magician.
Local Insight: This is a soirée after all, so guests are encouraged to dress in their most elegant period fashion. Costume attire is acceptable, too!
Location: Glendale
Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
When: Sept. 20-Nov. 2
The Queen Mary is rumored to be haunted by paranormal activity, but more than just spirits will be aboard the ship this season. For the month of October, Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor turns ship and harbor into a Halloween festival of frights, complete with haunted mazes and spooky speakeasies. Listen for the eerie lullabies of Scary Mary lifting from the first-class swimming pool in the all-new underwater exhibit.
Location: Long Beach
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
When: Sept. 21-Nov. 2
In the hills of Glendale is the bewitched town of Midnight Falls. It’s rumored that the veil between the living and dead is broken here. Glimpse into the underworld when you attend the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Hay wagon tours take only the bravest through the backroads of this desolate town where witches hide in the shadows and cannibals stake out in wait. While Midnight Falls locals are decked out, visiting tourists are forbidden to wear costumes. This is good for those who want to shoot some gellyballs or throw some axes.
Location: Glendale
Delusion: The Red Castle Immersive Experience
When: Sept. 20-Nov. 3
Delulu gets a whole new meaning at Delusion: The Red Castle. This immersive Halloween event in Los Angeles takes everything you love about horror films to the stage for a twisted night of theater. In this show, you’re the main character. The script reads: “It’s the mid-20th century and you’re studying under the darkly askew psychologist Dr. Lowell. You’ve woken up with your memory wiped, and the doctor? Nowhere to be found.” We won’t spoil the ending.
Location: Los Angeles
📍Orange County
Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade
When: Oct. 26, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
This community-centric fall festival in Anaheim is now in its 101st year, and it’s all about treats over tricks. Center Street Promenade shuts down to host a mystical makers market and local live music. The highlight is the kids costume contest at noon—the best dressed wins Disneyland tickets! As festivities go from day to night, grab a seat for the 7 p.m. parade that kicks off with marching bands and Folklorico dancing.
Location: Anaheim
The 17th Door
When: Sept. 27-Nov. 3
If you’re into psychological thrillers, The 17th Door is the thrill of a lifetime. One of the most terrifying haunted houses in Orange County, The 17th Door brings together horror junkies for a night of fright that makes victims question their decisions. The 2024 experience is themed after a phantom-filled prison where inmates are possessed by darkness. Prisoners fly overhead, the floor shakes beneath you—and no one can hear your screams. The only way out is through.
Location: Buena Park
Brewers Mash Beer Festival at Heritage Museum
When: Oct. 26, 6-10 p.m.
Some prefer lollipops, and others prefer lagers. Brewers Mash Beer Festival at Heritage Museum is how Santa Ana will be celebrating this spooky season. Rather than filling a pillowcase with candy, fill your cup with craft beers from local independent breweries. Green Cheek, Everywhere and Beachwood are just a few of the breweries where you can tap-or-treat the night away. Live music and festive fun will accompany the beer booths, and costumes are encouraged.
Location: Santa Ana
Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
When: Sept. 14-Oct 31
It wouldn’t be a fall lineup without a pumpkin patch. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch is the perfect mix of family-friendly vibes and fall fun. Pick a pumpkin from their towering assortment and block out some time for a charming train ride through the patch. While aboard, scout out your next activity: panning for gold, decorating cookies or tossing the pumpkin ring! Plus, there are plenty of adorable backdrops for an Insta-worthy family photo.
Location: Irvine
📍Greater Palm Springs
Halloween Palm Springs in Arenas District
When: Oct. 27, 4-10 p.m.
Grammy-winning legend Thelma Houston is headlining the night at Halloween Palm Springs in Arenas District, but everyone gets to be part of the act. Your costumes become your alter ego as you strut down the runway. Registration opens at 6:30 p.m., and all models must be lined up by 8 p.m. Spectators are welcome to dress up, too. VIP tickets get access to an exclusive Tito’s lounge for very impressive pours.
Location: Palm Springs
Halloween Spooktacular in Cathedral City
When: Oct. 27, 12-3 p.m.
Halloween is all about the fear factor, but safety is never something to be scared about. For eight years, Cathedral City has brought out the local fire and police departments for educational family fun. The neighborhood comes together for a night of music, games and, of course, trick-or-treating! It’s a great way to meet your local heroes and satisfy your sweet tooth before Thursday night.
Location: Cathedral City
Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert Zoo
When: Oct. 26-27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Celebrate the season with creepy critters at The Living Desert Zoo in Palm Springs. During Howl-O-Ween, zoo-goers are encouraged to explore the grounds in costume, and zoo admission tickets include all the festive fun. Trick-or-treat across exhibits and collect limited edition trading cards along the way. There are cocktails for parents and “worm juice” for kids. Camouflage into character with face paint and catch a fall photo op for the perfect pic.
Local Insight: Kids enter for free with the purchase of one full-priced adult ticket using the code HOWLFREECHILD at checkout.
Location: Palm Desert
Live Oak Canyon Pumpkin Farm
When: Sept. 20-Nov. 2
Just out of the desert is SoCal’s most picturesque and largest pumpkin patch. Live Oak Canyon offers a true taste of fall. Enter through the harvest arch into an autumnal oasis where shades of orange stretch as far as the eye can see. All through the patch are spiderweb play-nets and corn mazes that weave their way past dragon roller coasters and pumpkin houses. Plus, freshly popped kettle corn makes the day so much sweeter.
Location: Redlands
