Haunted ships, glowing gardens, witch-themed afternoon tea and a street full of costumes: Here’s where to celebrate spooky season across L.A. County. In Griffith Park, a hayride heads into a town trapped on Halloween night. In Long Beach, the Queen Mary becomes the setting for maritime nightmares. And in Glendale, an Oktoberfest party has a rather unsettling backstory. October’s Halloween activities in Los Angeles County offer plenty of ways to get into trouble—or simply enjoy some pumpkins and a good movie. These 10 picks span haunted attractions, garden walks, seasonal dining and family celebrations throughout October 2026.
* Prices and availability vary by date and ticket type. Check the linked event calendars before booking; some attractions and experiences require separate purchases.
1. Los Angeles Haunted Hayride — Griffith Park
Midnight Falls has a problem: It’s still Halloween night in 1985, and the locals aren’t especially welcoming. This year’s Haunted Hayride adds Fallen Angel, a maze set inside a condemned Sunset Strip theater where a heavy-metal band’s disastrous rehearsal refuses to stay in the past. The signature wagon ride, Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem and Hellbilly Halloween round out the scares, while apple cider doughnuts provide a welcome breather. For deeper town lore, the new Madame Aurora Séance Theater is available as an add-on.
When: Select nights through Nov. 1. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; attraction hours vary by date.
Admission: Advertised starting at $38.99 on select nights; add-ons cost extra.
Address: Griffith Park, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive, Los Angeles.
Get Tickets Now
2. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor — Long Beach
A historic ocean liner makes an unnerving setting before the monsters even arrive. Returning for its 13th season, Dark Harbor spreads six mazes across the Queen Mary and surrounding grounds, including the new Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact and reworked versions of Lullaby, Infirmary and Big Top Terror. Between scares, explore carnival entertainment, themed food stands and bars. Hidden speakeasies add another layer of discovery, though access requires an eligible VIP badge or a separately purchased token.
When: Select nights through Nov. 1. Friday–Saturday, 8 p.m.–1 a.m.; other operating nights, 8 p.m.–12:30 a.m. Eligible early-entry tickets allow entry at 7 p.m.
Admission: Advertised starting at $50.99 on select nights. Recommended for ages 13 and older.
Where: The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach.
Details: Get Tickets Now
3. Carved at Descanso Gardens — La Cañada Flintridge
Pumpkins do the heavy lifting at this after-dark garden walk, with oversized carvings, illuminated paths and seasonal installations scattered through the landscape. New for 2026, Finnish-based artist Alexander Reichstein’s delicate wire figures populate the garden’s labyrinth, glowing after sundown. Returning favorites include the Pumpkin Forest, Harvest Acres and Chainsaw Jenna’s ghosts and witches carved from massive logs. Halloween-night visitors also get a new treat: Oct. 31 admission includes trick-or-treating, giving families another reason to bring their costumes.
When: Oct. 2–Nov. 1, nightly, 6–10 p.m.
Admission: Nonmember timed tickets, $29–$52 adults and $19–$37 children; member discounts available. Advance purchase required.
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge.
Details: Carved at Descanso Gardens
4. Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns — Palos Verdes Peninsula
More than 10,000 carved pumpkins illuminate a mile-long trail through South Coast Botanic Garden, where circus scenes, an underwater world and a Día de los Muertos tribute give visitors plenty to discover. A synchronized pumpkin light show runs every 30 minutes, adding a little spectacle to the evening stroll. Families can extend the outing with the Fun Zone’s pumpkin-themed attractions, while optional s’mores packages offer a fireside stop. It’s a strong pick for visitors who prefer Halloween atmosphere without the haunted-maze intensity.
When: Select nights through Nov. 1; entry times and hours vary by date.
Admission: Advertised starting at $29.99 adults and $24.99 children, including fees, on select nights; upgrades extra.
Where: South Coast Botanic Garden, 26300 Crenshaw Blvd., Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Details: Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
5. Haunted Soiree — Glendale
The drinks are flowing, the music is playing, and the hosts appear to be hiding something. Inside the Nocturne Theatre, this two-hour immersive experience combines Oktoberfest traditions with a mystery inspired by the 1928 Hex Hollow murder and German-American folk magic. Guests can enjoy the performances and party atmosphere or follow characters and clues further into the story. Themed cocktails, wine, beer and mocktails accompany the evening, with one beverage included in admission. Costumes, cocktail attire and Oktoberfest-inspired outfits are encouraged.
When: Select dates Oct. 10–31; two-hour sessions, with entry times selected at booking.
Admission: Check current ticket tiers. Most performances are 21 and older; designated alcohol-free performances admit younger guests.
Where: Nocturne Theatre, 324 N. Orange St., Glendale.
Details: Haunted Soiree
6. Screamfest Horror Film Festival — Hollywood
Trade the haunted-house queue for a theater seat and discover what’s keeping independent horror filmmakers awake. The 26th annual festival brings premieres and filmmaker conversations to the TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, opening with the world premiere of Jeremy Weiss’ road-stalker thriller The Night Driver. Opening-night guests can book a film-only ticket or choose the package that includes a cast Q&A and a nearby party with bites and drinks. Across the festival, the appeal is discovery: catching unsettling new stories with an audience equally eager to be scared.
When: Oct. 6–15; screening times vary. Opening-night film begins Oct. 6 at 7:30 p.m.
Admission: Opening-night screening, $16; film-and-party package, $75. Other ticket prices vary.
Where: TCL Chinese 6 Theatres, third floor of Ovation Hollywood, 6801 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.
Details: Screamfest
7. Witching Hour Afternoon Tea at Chado — Multiple Locations
Halloween takes a seat at the tea table with a seasonal service that starts with a welcome refresher and a choice of pumpkin soup or a skeleton-themed caprese salad. A tiered stand follows with finger sandwiches, including cucumber and cream cheese or smoked salmon with dill, alongside scones, butter cookies and cupcakes dressed for the occasion. The tea selection carries the theme through with blends such as Black Magic and Pumpkin Spice Chai. It’s a leisurely option for catching up with friends between the month’s louder festivities.
When: Launches Oct. 1; seasonal reservation availability varies by location.
Hours: Pasadena’s regular hours are Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5:45 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:45 p.m. Book a specific tea-service time.
Admission: $78 per person; reservations recommended.
Where: Pasadena, 79 N. Raymond Ave.; also offered at Chado’s Hollywood, downtown L.A. and Torrance locations.
Details: Chado Tea Room
8. Enchanted Halloween at Discovery Cube Los Angeles — Sylmar
Young magicians get both a stage and a science lesson at this family celebration, where the “Abra-Cube-Dabra” theme explores physics, optical illusions and sleight of hand. Children can practice tricks in the Magician’s Workshop, investigate illusion exhibits and head outside for mazes, pumpkin catapults and mini-tractor adventures. Weekends add performances by members of the Young Magicians Society, trick-or-treating and costume contests. The mix of hands-on experiments and seasonal play makes this a substantial daytime outing for families with curious kids.
When: Through Nov. 8, during operating days, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Weekend programming varies. The ticket calendar lists closures Oct. 5, 19 and 26.
Admission: Included with general admission or membership.
Where: Discovery Cube Los Angeles, 11800 Foothill Blvd., Sylmar.
Details: Enchanted Halloween
9. Spooky Movie Nights at Runway Playa Vista — Playa Vista
Bring a blanket and make Tuesday the designated Halloween movie night. Runway’s outdoor green space hosts a four-film series that moves from the Sanderson sisters’ mischief in Hocus Pocus to the friendly haunting of Casper, the deadpan family humor of The Addams Family and the music and remembrance of Coco. Complimentary popcorn is available while supplies last, with candy and additional snacks for purchase. It’s an easygoing way to work a little seasonal fun into the week without committing to a late-night haunt.
When: Tuesdays, 6:30–9 p.m.: Hocus Pocus, Oct. 6; Casper, Oct. 13; The Addams Family (1991), Oct. 20; Coco, Oct. 27.
Admission: Check the event registration page for availability and any admission requirements.
Where: Runway Playa Vista, 12775 Millennium Drive, Playa Vista.
Details: Runway events
10. West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval — West Hollywood
The costumes become the main attraction when Santa Monica Boulevard fills with Halloween revelers. West Hollywood’s free Carnaval takes over a mile-long stretch of the Rainbow District, offering room to wander, admire elaborate outfits and put that costume idea to a proper public test. Unlike a seated performance or timed-entry attraction, the street celebration lets visitors set their own pace. Make dinner plans nearby, leave time to navigate the crowds and arrive ready for an evening of people-watching in one of the county’s signature Halloween settings.
When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 6–11 p.m.
Admission: Free.
Where: Santa Monica Boulevard between North Doheny Drive and North La Cienega Boulevard, West Hollywood.
Details: West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
Photo credits: West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval photo courtesy of the City of West Hollywood. All images are courtesy of the venues featured.
