Not sure where to go to celebrate this spooky holiday? From family-friendly activities to festive parties, here are 20+ Orange County Halloween events.
Pirate’s Dinner Adventure presents Vampirates
Oct. 5-31. Watch amazing stunts, musical numbers and razor sharp teeth this Halloween season at Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. The show follows the evil pirate King Sebastian the Black as he leads his crew of Vampirates to take control of the high seas. See website for showtimes. M-Th $34.95 adults, $25.95 children; F-Su $38.95 adults, $30.95 children. 7600 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.690.1497. piratesdinneradventureca.com
Boot Hill 2018
Oct. 12-13, 19-21, 26-28. Boot Hill is back to haunt the residents of Irvine for its 19th year. The unearthly spirits from the Old West town of Bridgewood will materialize for eight haunting nights, transforming into the old church and cemetery that once occupied the hallowed ground. Beware the ghost of Jedediah Smith, as he has been known to roam the decaying grounds of Boot Hill, exacting revenge on all who cross his path… Parking is available at nearby Springbrook Elementary School. 7-10 p.m. Free. 16 Goldenrod, Irvine, 818.633.0300. legendofboothill.com
Mad Scientist’s Halloween Bash
Oct. 19. Experiments are brewing in the labs at the Ocean Institute during this family-friendly Halloween event. Come in your favorite costume as you trick or treat through the Mad Scientist’s open labs and meet some animals that might make you go “eek!” 6-9 p.m. $10 GA, $35 family four-pack, free for children 2 and under. Members receive 10 percent off when they enter their member ID at check-out. 24200 Dana Point Harbor Dr., Dana Point, 949.496.2274. ocean-institute.org
Boo at the Santa Ana Zoo
Oct. 20-21, 27-28. Grab your costumes and join the zoo for their annual “merry not scary” celebration in a fun, safe and family-friendly setting. Jump on board the “boofari” express train and make your way through 10 prize stations along the trick-or-treat trail. Other entertainment includes Halloween-themed games, storytelling, sing-alongs and visits with nocturnal animals. 5:30-8 p.m. $19.95 non-members, $9.95 members, free for children 2 and under. 1801 Chestnut Ave., Santa Ana, 714.836.4000. santaanazoo.org
Yappy Howl-O-Ween
Oct. 25. Dress in your favorite Halloween costume with your pup at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel’s cocktail party and costume contest. Haute hounds will lap up drinks such as bacon-, chicken-, or beef-infused water (vegan options available), while humans relax with a glass of Mutt Lynch Unleashed Chardonnay, Merlot Over and Play Dead, Chateau d’Og Cabernet Sauvignon or a refreshing cocktail featuring Tito’s Vodka. Additional beverages and a selection of barbecue items are also available for purchase. 4-7 p.m. $10 costume contest registration fee per dog, per category. The Dawn Lawn, 1 Ritz Carlton Dr., Dana Point, 949.240.2000. ritzcarlton.com
Halloween “Drive-In” Movie Night
Oct. 26. Cozy up for Pelican Hill’s first “drive-in” movie night at the Golf Club driving range. Gather all your friends to enjoy a spooktacular screening of the classic Halloween film Hocus Pocus, plus a gourmet popcorn bar. Tickets include complimentary valet parking, and guests are encouraged to bring blankets and low-height lawn chairs. Doors open 6:30 p.m., movie 7 p.m. $30. The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road S., Newport Coast, 888.507.6427. pelicanhill.com
Halloween Parties at TIME Nightclub
Oct. 26-28. Don your best costume and dance the night away at one (or more) of TIME Nightclub’s Halloween parties. On Friday, DJ Mustard will be spinning tunes followed by DJ Vice on Saturday. On the last day, expect lots of giveaways and surprises as well as performances by Bia2 Residents Mehrbod, Julius, Borna and Sepand. 21+. F-Sa 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Su 9:30 p.m.-2 a.m. See website for ticket prices. The Triangle, 1875 Newport Blvd., Costa Mesa, 949.335.9105. timenightclub.com
Pageant of the Monsters
Oct. 26-28, 31. Known for appearing every five years, the Pageant of the Monsters is back with the theme of “Raiders of the Lost Art.” Join “Cincinnati Smith” on a treasure “haunt” through the workshop labyrinths and behind-the-scenes catacombs. Expect Halloween-themed art activities, music and other “spook-tacular” surprises. Not recommended for children under 5. 6-9:30 p.m. $15 advance, $20 at the door, $10 children 12 and under. Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. foapom.com
YNK Halloween Pop-Up at the M Club
Oct. 26-27. Spend your Friday and Saturday nights at the M Club in Marriott Irvine Spectrum to see YNK’s opening bartender Ravin Buzzell work alongside the Ellis Adams Group team to serve drink favorites from the past two years. Expect alcohol-filled candies and a rotating selection of images from around the world projected throughout the space. On Saturday only, join rooftop bar Hive & Honey for some haunting spirits and wicked brews while violinist duo DJ Vallo and Lillia mix up beats with classic scary movies projected on the wall. A DJ-led costume contest will take place later in the evening and the winner will receive a special prize. 8 p.m. Free; RSVP required to info@ellisadamsgroup.com (subject line: “YNK Halloween”). 7905 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, 949.759.0200. Info
“All Hallows Eve” Party
Oct. 27. Ghouls and ghosts should don their scariest costumes for this year’s “All Hallows Eve” Halloween party at the Aqua Lounge. Signature drinks for the evening include Bloody Bitters (Smoked Cherry Manhattan) and Bat-Winged Bubbly (Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label in a bat-winged flute). Call for reservations. 9 p.m. $20 GA; $250 VIP booth. Fashion Island Hotel, 690 Newport Center Dr., Newport Beach, 949.760.4920. visitnewportbeach.com
Casa Creepy Haunted House
Oct. 27-28, 31. During the last two weeks of October, watch this cultural center turn into 1920s-themed haunted house complete with trick doors, booby traps and a host of animatronic scares. Each night is staffed by local volunteers of all ages who dress up and play the parts of werewolves, ghosts and witches to scare guests. Costumes are encouraged; masks not allowed. 7-9 p.m. $12 GA, $7 children 12 and under. Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens, 415 Avenida Granada, San Clemente,949.498.2139. casaromantica.org
The District’s Creepy Crawl
Oct. 27. Take a stroll through The “Spooky” District at Tustin Legacy and sample culinary tastes, desserts, beer, wine, sangria and signature drinks while enjoying live music and in-store activations from over 25 different restaurants and stores. 2-5 p.m. $30. 2437 Park Ave., Tustin, 714.259.9090. thedistricttl.com
Eat, Drink and Be Scary
Oct. 27. Hotel Irvine invites guests to the third annual Eat, Drink and Be Scary Costume Party at Red Bar and Lounge. Get ready for an evening filled with specialty cocktails, a group costume contest with prizes, beats from their local DJ and a scary good time. 21+. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20+. Red Bar And Lounge, 17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, 949.225.6780. Tickets
Haunt “Itt” Monster Bash
Oct. 27. Angelina’s Pizzeria Napoletana is getting in the Halloween spirit with their over the top with décor in celebration of their Halloween Monster Bash. This costume party will have a DJ spinning tunes and a “Spooky Cocktail” featuring wine, bourbon, triple sec, dark rum with blood oranges and apples. 21+. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20 at the door, includes one Spooky Cocktail. Los Olivos Marketplace, 8573 Irvine Center Dr., Irvine, 949.536.5200. angelinaspizzeria.com
The Gershon Dungeon
Oct. 27, 31. It is said that every year around Halloween, spirits and ghosts can be heard coming from the Gershon Dungeon beneath the earth. Beware on your journey through the dungeon, for a cruel woman named Guinivere Holt may rise from the grave and wait for your arrival. All ages. 7-10 p.m. Free. Mike and Tiya’s House, 13861 Gershon Place, Santa Ana, 714.544.0667. thegershondungeon.com
Halloween Yacht Party
Oct. 27. Don your best costume and come aboard this decked out Halloween dinner party cruise to take a four-hour trip on the beautiful Royal Princess Yacht in Newport Harbor. Highlights include a buffet dinner, a DJ spinning tunes and a full bar that will keep the drinks flowing. $500 cash prize will be awarded to the best costume. 21+. Check-in 6:30 p.m., event 7-11 p.m. $84 GA, $175 reserved couch area. 2901 W. Coast Hwy., Newport Beach, 714.485.6543. annualyachtparties.com
Howl-o-Ween Pooch Pawrade
Oct. 27. Calling all pups and their people, come on down to Center Street Promenade for the Anaheim Fall Festival’s Howl-o-Ween Pooch Pawrade. The costume contest includes categories for top dog (both large and small), most creative, funniest and best pooch/person combo. All pups must be on a leash and need to be comfortable with crowds, loud noises and other pups. Registration 2-2:45 p.m.; event 2-4 p.m.; costume contest 3 p.m. Free. 201 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim. anaheimfallfestival.com
Outlets at San Clemente Candy Crawl
Oct. 27. Families in the greater Orange County area are invited to an afternoon of Halloween fun and safe trick-or-treating. Costumed participants will collect treats from participating stores, including Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, who will be giving away 1,000 caramel apples. Other activities include creepy crawlers, crafts, balloon animals, music, a costume contest and more. 1-3 p.m. Free. Oak Tree Court, 101 W. Avenida Vista Hermosa, San Clemente, 949.535.2323. outletsatsanclemente.com
Pier Pressure Long Beach Halloween Cruise
Oct. 27. Come aboard for the ultimate Halloween experience on the Catalina King Yacht. Bring your entourage and dance the night away on two different floors with four live DJs. 21+. 7:30 p.m.-midnight. See website for ticket prices. Catalina King Yacht, 1046 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 310.749.9029. Tickets
Halloween Spooktacular
Oct. 28. Bring your princesses and superheroes to Peninsula Shopping Center for trick-or-treating, kids crafts, DJ dance parties, face painting, balloon artists and story times with the Green Witch. Look for “Trick or Treat Here” signs in the windows of participating stores and restaurants. Don’t forget to pick up a free trick-or-treat bag at the Peninsula Shopping Center booth, located near La Salsa (while supplies last). Noon-2 p.m. Free. 67 Peninsula Center, Rolling Hills Estates, 310.541.2242. peninsulashoppingcenter.com
Howl-O-Ween
Oct. 28. Bring your furry four-legged friend to 5 Points Plaza and Kahoots Pet Store’s Howl-O-Ween Party. Look forward to barbecue, refreshments, trick-or-treating for dogs, a pet parade, a costume contest, a Halloween-themed photo booth, prizes and more. 11a.m.-2 p.m. Free. 5 Points Plaza, 18593 Main St., Huntington Beach, 858.255.4914. 5pointsplaza.com
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort
Through Oct. 31. Come one, come all to join Mickey Mouse and the Disney villains for some new treats and family fun. Attractions to look forward to include Costumed Cars Crash the Park, Guardians of the Galaxy—Monsters After Dark, Main Street Pumpkin Festival, Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree and more. See website for hours and prices. 1313 S. Disneyland Dr., Anaheim, 714.785.4565. disneyland.disney.go.com
Howl-O-Ween at the Great Wolf Lodge
Through Oct. 31. Bring the whole family for Halloween activities at the brand new Great Wolf Lodge. Its first annual event will transform the lodge into the ultimate Halloween destination with nightly costume parades, spooktacular story time, a trick-or-treat trail and weekend monster bash dance parties. See website for more details. 12681 Harbor Blvd., Garden Grove, 888.960.9653. greatwolf.com
Knott’s Scary Farm
Through Oct. 31. Watch as Snoopy’s favorite theme park turns sinister on select nights during the Halloween season. This year includes new live shows, mazes and 1,000 monsters lurking throughout the park. Scary Farm opens 7 p.m. Admission to every event night: $95. See website for Scary Farm event nights. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, 714.220.5200. knotts.com
HBoo Spookytown Main Street Halloween Fest
Oct. 31. Visit Huntington Beach as downtown transforms to HBoo Spookytown. Suitable for children of all ages, this annual Halloween celebration features spooky festivities like a moon bounce, petting zoo, pony rides, costume contests and more. 4-8 p.m. Free. Main St. and 5th St., Downtown Huntington Beach, 714.536.8300. hbdowntown.com
Sinister Pointe’s “Scary Place”
Through Oct. 31. Sinister Pointe Productions will unleash a brand new kind of Halloween event this fall, Scary Place. Three stories of unrelenting terror, covering over 150,000 square feet and featuring three heart pounding attractions, stage shows and scream zones. F-Sa 7 p.m.-midnight, Su and Th 7-11 p.m. See website for prices. Laguna Hills Mall, 24100 Laguna Hills Mall, Laguna Hills, 601.272.2791. sinisterpointe.com
The 17th Door
Through Oct. 31. Venture through horror rooms and a mini escape room at The 17th Door’s annual haunt experience. Prepare for all five senses to be engaged with things like foul scents, extreme temperatures, detailed visuals, spooky sounds and even a chance for a taste test or two. See website for schedule. $23+. Children under 13 permitted at parents’ discretion; no infants or toddlers allowed. West Fullerton Shopping Center, 1851 W. Orangethorpe Ave., Fullerton, 714.441.9080. the17thdoor.com
Dark Harbor
Ongoing. Named one of the top 10 most haunted places on Earth by TIME magazine, Southern California’s most terrifyingly authentic haunt will once again rise on the infamously haunted ship. Watch out for over 200 monsters across six mazes led by Dark Harbor’s resident spirit The Ringmaster. See website for times. $20+. The Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, 562.499.1739. queenmary.com
Photo credits: Pageant of the Monsters courtesy Festival of Arts. Yappy Howl-O-Ween by Pacific Dream Photography. Halloween Yacht Party courtesy Annual Yacht Parties. Sinister Pointe’s “Scary Place” courtesy Sinister Pointe Haunted Attraction.
