Spooky things to do during Spooky Season
Not connected to any religion, Halloween is the one holiday with no rules, and it gives us a chance to have unchecked fun. Pumpkin carving is, and always will be, a memory carved into our childhoods. But perhaps, as we grow, new experiences throughout autumn seem more appealing. A haunted house? A scary movie? A chance to see new things and discover the world? You do not need to look far for an exciting fall season. In Los Angeles, an opportunity for an adventure is around every corner. Reign of Terror Haunted House - 4 out of 5 pumpkins Located in Thousand Oaks, Reign of Terror (RoT) is the ultimate haunted house experience. The largest haunted house in Southern California, boasts 115 rooms and nine themed attractions, such as “The Quarantine,” “The Asylum,” and “Fun House.” RoT is also decked out with special effects and live actors. Open through Nov. 2, often on weekends but dates vary, prices range from $5 to $35.https://rothauntedhouse.com/#reviews Amusement Park Horror Walkthroughs - 3 out of 5 pumpkinsFrom Knott’s Berry Farm to Disneyland, every amusement park jumps at the chance to profit off the Halloween spirit. Luckily, California is an amusement park hub. Knott’s Berry Farm transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm from Sept. 9 to Nov. 2, and is open as early as 7p.m. and as late as 2a.m. Tickets start at $43.https://www.knotts.com/play/scary-farm No one is surprised that Disneyland went all out with their Halloween time attractions. All 85 acres of the “Happiest Place on Earth” is decorated with elaborate and spooky decorations. Disney offers a more family friendly array of attractions, such as Halloween themed photo ops with famous Disney characters and elaborate decorations throughout the park. Open until Oct. 31, tickets start at $129. 1 out of 5 pumpkinshttps://disneyland.disney.go.com/events-tours/halloween-time-at-the-disneyland-resort/ Six Flags, unexpectedly sponsored by Snickers, has opened their Fright Fest, which is their regular amusement park haunted by a smattering of scary actors who jump out and yell at park-goers in order to add to the element of a Halloween scare. Fright Fest runs as late as 1a.m. on weekends until Oct. 31, and tickets start at $56. 3 out of 5 pumpkinshttps://www.sixflags.com/magicmountain/special-events/fright-fest#ref42943 Perhaps the highest anticipated event, Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights is officially open for business. Universal offers elaborate mazes and frightening attractions, showcasing each horrifying movie they have released this year, including Us, Happy Death Day 2, and a few more. Given that Horror Nights is an immersive experience, it is directed at teens and older audiences. Open until Nov. 3, tickets start at $64 for terror until 1a.m.4 out of 5 pumpkinshttps://hollywood.halloweenhorrornights.com/?channel=sem&source=gog&campaign=hhn&media=paid&category=directresponse%3Asocal_na%3Aen_all_lang%3Aga_30off%3Ab%3Ana&gclid=Cj0KCQjwz8bsBRC6ARIsAEyNnvqOiPafe7ze-tOHW7vVcKSnd1eWFuCHvJXJZGkCcczxnKXDB7OjvDEaArMsEALw_wcB Rocky Horror Picture ShowI would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey. Saturdays at midnight until Nov. 16 are open for a trip to the picture show, live at the LA Nuart Theatre and $14. Anticipate a transformative and risqué night at the famous Rocky Horror. The movie tells the story of Brad and Janet, stranded in the mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a man of mysterious origins. Watching The Picture Show includes dressing up in gothic clothing and getting immersed in the story, so be prepared! Yes, it’s rated R, so if you’re under 17, you’re out of luck. 2 out of 5 pumpkinshttps://www.landmarktheatres.com/los-angeles/nuart-theatre/film-info/the-rocky-horror-picture-show Haunted HayrideThe Los Angeles Haunted Hayride provides the experience of a truly terrifying haunted house, all while sitting down. In the fictional town of Midnight Falls, get spooked and scared and have a blast, whether just at the hayride or at any of the other four attractions offered at the same location. With tickets starting at $35, and open as late as 12p.m., attendees can experience the Haunted Hayride, Midnight Mortuary, Roadkill Ranch and a few other clever attraction alliterations until Nov. 2.3 out of 5https://losangeleshauntedhayride.com 16th Street Haunted HouseIf you are looking for a Halloween-night specific local attraction, the famed family run haunted-house put together by the Carlsons every Halloween at the corner of 16th and Georgina is up your alley. With elaborate decorations and haunting house, this homemade attraction pulls in hundreds of people each year and was even featured in The Hollywood Reporter in 2015. It’s free and opens at 7p.m. Looking for a Santa Monica special? This is the experience for you.2 out of 5 pumpkins Hushfest silent discoWhile the Hushfest Silent Disco is not Halloween themed per se, it is a fun activity to do in the fall. The huge party takes place at the Santa Monica Pier on Oct. 19 and is completely silent, with everyone blasting music in the provided headphones, synced with the rest of the crowd. The theme this year is Prince vs. Bowie, with the Hushfest website promising a party, “like it's ‘1999’!” Tickets for the all-ages event range from $10 - $24, and the party goes from 7p.m. to midnight.1 out of 5https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hushfest-silent-disco-prince-vs-bowie-tickets-71415061371 Pumpkin PatchesIf you are looking for a family-friendly attraction, a classic stroll through a pumpkin patch is the perfect autumn dream. Here are some establishments that could fulfill that desire:Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, $5 through Oct. 31, in Culver City.Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch, $3 through Oct. 31, in Westchester.Tina’s Pumpkin Patch, free admission starting Oct. 4, in Sherman Oaks.Each of these locations stocks pumpkins and other gourds as well as separate attractions such as carousels, petting zoos and corn mazes, perfect for the younger crowd. But that does not mean they are not just as fun for teens.1 out of 5https://www.timeout.com/los-angeles/things-to-do/the-best-pumpkin-patches-in-los-angeles Beetle house LAOpen Tuesday through Sunday, Beetle House is a restaurant that immerses patrons in the experience of Halloween. Centered around the works of Tim Burton, and complete with live shows and themed food, dinner at this restaurant is unforgettable. The LA branch is located on North Las Palmas Ave and is open from 5:00p.m. to as late as 2:00a.m. Open to all ages year round, children under 12 are $20 and over 12 are $50 for a three course meal and a goth, rock show or a spooky themed play. 2 out of 5https://www.beetlehousela.com