The Empty Grave
Through Nov. 1. Halloween is off to a spook-tacular start at The Laguna Hills Mall with even bigger and scarier than before thrills, chills and unexpected surprises around every corner. Spirits stir at this one-of-a-kind interactive haunted house attraction as you explore the Tobbarius Family Mortuary. Open weekends through November 1. F-Sa, 7-midnight; Su, 7-10 p.m. $13. Check website for more information and to purchase tickets. themtgrave.com
Knott’s Scary Farm
Through Nov. 2. Get ready to scream as Knott’s Scary Farm returns for its 41st season with 12 haunted attractions, including five new mazes, four terrifying scare zones, six shows and more than 1000 monsters, ghosts, ghouls, goblins, freaks, mutants and other beasts lurking in the fog to scare you. Elvira Mistress of the Dark performs in “Elvira’s Sinema Séance” through Oct. 31. Pre-scare dinner available for $24.99 in advance or $29.99 day of and includes early park entry and a VIP dinner. Hotel packages start at $149 and include a hotel night and two tickets. $38-$62. Check website for schedule. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Dark Harbor
Oct. 11–13, 17–20, 24–27, 31. Ghosts, monsters and freaks—oh my! Dark Harbor returns to the Queen Mary in Long Beach for several nights of terrifying Halloween fun. A circus-themed maze and a “Ferrisqueal” (that’s Ferris wheel) top the new attractions at this year’s scare fest, which also includes food, drink and undead entertainment. Not recommended for children. 7 p.m.–midnight nightly. $20–$109. 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 877.342.0742. queenmary.com
Fig & Olive Yelloween Soiree
Oct. 31. Celebrate the spooky holiday in style with Halloween cocktails, Veuve Clicquot Champagne (hence the Yelloween), special décor and a Yelloween photo booth. The bewitching bash will be amplified with soulful house and new Downtempo music by St. Tropez’s celebrity DJ Julien Nolan. Sit in the lounge–complete with Veuve Clicquot Champagne and a complimentary dessert plate (limited seating available)–or reserve a table in the dining room to enjoy a prix-fixe menu ($45) or a la carte options. Walk-ins welcome though reservations are strongly suggested. 9:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Fig & Olive at Fashion Island, 151 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach, 949.877.3005. figandolive.com
AtmosFear Halloween at the Yost Theatre
Oct. 31. Join KIIS FM’s DJ Drew for a fun night of costumes, dancing and more. Enjoy four DJs, two levels, two areas of music and one insane good time. 18 and over, 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $25-$30. 307 N. Spurgeon St., Santa Ana, 323.604.6030. hallloweenla.com
Haunt at Heritage Hill
Oct. 17-18. Dare to tour the haunted schoolhouse. Experience “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and the all new “La Carnivora” scream zones. Enjoy mazes, goblins, music, stage performances, classic horror movie screenings and more. Ages 12 and up recommended. $7. 6-10:30 p.m. Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest, 949.923.2230. ocgov.com
Halloween Buffet at The Golden Truffle
Oct. 29. Enjoy a Halloween buffet including a generous amount of Chef Alan Greeley’s scarily delicious dishes including Creole artichoke rice; green chile pork tamales; roast duck and sausage cassoulet and real wicked dark chocolate mousse. 5:30-7:30 p.m. $42; reservations required. 1767 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.645.9858. goldentruffle.com
Haunted Heat at Heat Ultra Lounge
Oct. 31. Party at one of the biggest and most thrilling Halloween and costume parties in Orange County at an elegant and intimate venue. With three different areas of horror featuring the Tunnel of Terror, the Slaughter House and the Spider’s Den, Haunted Heat is decorated to chill. Presale tickers are strongly suggested. Table reservations available. $10. 9 p.m. 21 and over. 321 W. Katella Ave., Anaheim, 714.776.4328. heatultraloungeoc.com
Tortilla Republic
Oct. 31. In honor of Halloween, the modern Mexican restaurant with ocean views from every seat in the house will host its first annual Boo Ball, offering a costume contest at midnight as an “adult trick or treat” and photo booth. Nosh on Boo Bites including seared Albacore tuna bites with ancho chiles, mango and radish slaw, avocado and salted chili lime; Huarache de Hongos Bites with crispy corn flatbread, cremini and oyster mushrooms, roasted shallots, baby arugula and Monterey Jack and Manchego cheese; TR Boo Sliders with three mini hamburgers made of American Wagyu beef, roasted poblano, carmelized onion, chipotle aioli, watercress and sweet potato fries with cilantro and lime zest; and Prime Tenderloin Steak Taco with fajita rub, salsa de mesa and tequila slaw. 480 S. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.393.4888. tortillarepublic.com
Haunted Fullerton Walking Tours
Through Nov. 6. Take this tour and find out what businesses have pots and pans flying around after hours, what famous deceased Fullertonian makes an “appearance” now and then and more while enjoying some of Fullerton’s history. Be prepared to walk approximately 1.5 miles over two and a half hours. Wear comfortable shoes. Not recommended for children under 13. 6 p.m. $18-$25. W-Th only and Oct. 31. Reservations strongly suggested as space is limited. Fullerton Museum, 301 N. Pomona Ave., Fullerton, 714.738.6545. cityoffullerton.com
Masquerade Ball at Mesa
Oct. 30. Join Mesa as they celebrate their 4th annual masquerade ball with entertainment by Afrika Bambaataa, Zulu Nation, Bianca G, Thomas PM, DJ Trust and Ist Nature. Cocktail attire and masks suggested. Dinner reservations and bottle service available. 9 p.m. 21+. 725 Baker St., Costa Mesa, 714.557.6700. mesacostamesa.com
Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
Oct 25. Join in on the fun at Anaheim’s Halloween Parade and Fall Festival featuring game and food booths, live entertainment, craft fair, haunted house, pumpkin patch, a children’s costume contest and trick-or-treating. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Downtown Anaheim, at the Center Street Promenade, 714.999.3456. anaheimfallfestival.com
Main Street Halloween Celebration
Oct. 31. Celebrate with spooky festivities including a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce house, dog parade, costume contest and more. 4-8 p.m. Free. Downtown Huntington Beach, Main St. and 5th St. by Pacific Coast Hwy., Huntington Beach, 714.536.8300. surfcityusa.com
Knott’s Berry Farm Camp Spooky
Weekends throughout October. Kids ages three to eleven are invited to dress to impress in all their Halloween finery to Snoopy’s Costume Party in Camp Snoopy. This daytime, non-scare celebration of cheer rather than fear is full of shows, activities and of course, trick or treating. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
Pacific Symphony presents: Sherlock Holmes Halloween
Oct. 25. Magical, mysterious music gets you in the Halloween mood as you help Sherlock Holmes solve the Mystery of the Haunted Violin. Hear instantly recognizable selections from Saint-Saëns’ “Danse Macabre,” Mussorgsky’s “Night on Bald Mountain” and more. Don’t forget to wear your costume and mask! Designed especially for children ages 5-11. 10 and 11:30 a.m. $15-$40. Segerstrom Concert Hall, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa, 714.755.5799. pacificsymphony.org
Doheny State Beach Halloween Haunt
Oct. 25. Don’t miss out on Doheny’s most festive event of the year. Bring family and friends to celebrate Halloween in a fun and safe environment with good ole fashioned spookiness, arts and crafts, a fun zone and an array of educational booths. Free, but donations of non-perishable foods are greatly appreciated. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Doheny State Beach, picnic sites A & B, 949.496.6172. dohenystatebeach.org
Dismember the 80’s: Horror Art by Stephen Von Frankenstein
Through Oct. 31. Kick off the Halloween season with Laguna Ink Spot as they showcase the work of Stephen Von Frankenstein. Inspired by horror movies, Von Frankenstein features both digital and traditional art, ranging from playful to disturbing. Laguna Ink Spot, 412 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.7304. lagunainkspot.com
Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo
Oct. 18-19, 25-26 and 30. Grab your costumes and join the zoo for their annual “merry not scary” celebration in a fun, safe and family friendly setting. Enjoy trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed games and activities, including storytelling and sing-alongs and visits with nocturnal animals. 5:30-8 p.m. $14; free for children two and under. 1801 Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.836.4000. santaanazoo.org
Haunted Gingerbread House Building at Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen
Oct. 25-26. Start a new tradition or carry on a time honored institution at the Jazz Kitchen. Build your very own haunted mansion to add to your Halloween décor. 12-2 p.m. $48 per kit; includes two seats; extra seats are $12 each. Advance reservations and payment necessary. Downtown Disney, 1590 S. Disneyland Drive, Anaheim, 714.776.5200. rbjazzkitchen.com
Boo Cruise with Dana Wharf
Oct. 24. Join Dana Wharf for a 20-minute haunted harbor cruise. Wear your favorite costume to compete for a prize. Trips leave every 20 minutes from 5-7 p.m. $5 donation suggested. 34675 Golden Lantern St., Dana Point, 949.496.5794. danawharf.com
Booritos at Chipotle
Oct. 31. Visit any Chipotle restaurant dressed in your Halloween costume to take advantage of $3 burritos, bowls, salads, tacos or kids meals. Proceeds benefit the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation. 5 p.m.-close. See website for locations. chipotle.com
Halloween Bash at Darya
Oct. 25. Celebrate Halloween at Darya’s 2nd annual party and costume contest. Featuring DJ Kamyar, VIP tables, prizes and more. 8:30 p.m. $20; ladies free before 10 p.m. 3800 S. Plaza Drive, Santa Ana, 714.557.6600. daryasouthcoastplaza.com
Family Fright Zone Friday
Oct. 24. Ghostly creatures take to fright, on this spooky family Fun Zone night, Have a BOOtiful evening with costumes, pumpkins, candy, spooky storytelling, kooky crafts, face painiting, spooky and slimy lab activities and live entertainment for the entire family. 6-8:30 p.m. Free. Explorocean, 600 E. Bay Ave., Newport beach, 949.675.8915. explorocean.org
Trick-or-Treat Pumpkin Party at Kaleidoscope Center
Oct. 26. Costumed youngsters ages 2 to 10 are invited to bring their own treat bag and stroll the center for trick-or-treating from 12-1 p.m. followed by pumpkin decorating with paint. Pick up your Halloween passport upon arrival and collect stamps at participating merchants for a chance to win the grand prize. 12-3 p.m. Free event; pumpkins for decorating $5. 27741 Crown Valley Parkway, Mission Viejo, 949.542.4407. gokaleidoscope.com
Kidgits Fall Festival
Oct. 11. Bring the family to the Pumpkin Factory pumpkin patch where kids can dress up in costume, decorate pumpkins and create Halloween-inspired crafts. 1o a.m.- noon. Free. Parking lot near JCPenney at Westminster Mall, 1025 Westminster Mall, Westminster, 714.898.2559. simon.com
Boo Bash at RA Sushi
Oct. 31. Have a freakishly fun time while chowing down on a variety of Boo Bites and sip Potent Potions. Wicked Halloween décor and haunting music will keep the fun going throughout the day and into night and those dressed in costume are eligible for treats including gift certificates to RA. Nosh on their Zombie Roll, Black Widow Roll, Wicked Shrimp and try Witches Brew, Frozen Black Lagoon or Geisha’s Spell for festive cocktails. 11 a.m.- close. 155 5th St., Huntington Beach, 714.536.6390; 2401 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.566.1700. rasushi.com