Knotts Scary Farm
One of Southern California’s favorite theme parks turns spooky and scary this time of year for its signature annual event, Knott’s Scary Farm. Halloween Haunt hours are 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The park is closed every Monday and Tuesday. Costumes and young children are not recommended, but large groups of college students are. Tickets for the event range from $35.99 to $49.99 depending on the day (weekends are more expensive). Knott’s Scary Farm lasts until Nov. 1.
8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park
knotts.com
“The Nightmare Before Christmas” at the El Capitan Theatre
Tim Burton’s classic 1993 film “The Nightmare Before Christmas” will begin screening daily in Disney Digital 3-D at Hollywood’s famous El Capitan Theatre on Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. The cult classic will screen seven times a day until Nov. 1. The El Capitan Theatre loby will also have artifacts and memorabilia from the making of the movie on display. Tickets range in price depending on age and seat location.
6838 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood
elcapitantickets.com
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios
The studio’s infamous Backlot opens to the public this time of year and offers some of the most terrifying encounters imaginable. Monsters from famous horror classics, such as Jason, Freddy and Leatherface, will add terror to the night. In addition to the Backlot adventure, the theme park offers a House of Horrors maze and screenings of “The Strangers.” Tickets are cheaper online, ranging from $44 to $54 (prices increase as Halloween approaches), and front of line passes can be purchased for $89 to $119. The event is open Fridays through Sundays starting at 7 p.m.
100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
halloweenhorrornights.com
Six Flags Magic Mountain Fright Fest
Six Flags Magic Mountain offers 14 days of terrifying haunted mazes, roaming zombies and ghouls, the Globe of Death and other extreme rides in the dark on the park’s hair-raising roller coasters. Those not looking for anything too bloodcurdling can trick-or-treat (the event after all, is sponsored by Snickers candy) or make crafts with the kids. Fright Fest will run Fridays through Sundays from now until Halloween. Buy a ticket online for $59.99 and get one free, or pay $29.99 for one.
26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia
sixflags.com
Humans Are Such Easy Prey Drive-in Series
For scary movie lovers, spooky screenings at the Steve Allen Theater in Thai Town are the perfect way to celebrate Halloween. Movies such as “Devil Rides Out” and “Suspiria” are shown every Friday at 9 p.m. for just $5. For the price of a fast food snack, viewers can watch mere “humans” get slashed, eaten and slaughtered by zombies, aliens and other terrifyingly strange creatures.
This retro-inspired event is more suited to smaller groups or couples who like their Halloween a little more low key. The final screening on Halloween will have a double feature: “Aliens” and “Blood Sucking Freaks.”
4773 Hollywood Blvd.
steveallentheater.com
Queen Mary’s Shipwreck
Long Beach’s famously haunted ship will celebrate its 14th annual Halloween Shipwreck event this year. The event offers multiple spooky mazes, access to the haunted halls of the ship and live music in Purgatory Park, where two dance parties offer an escape from the scary. The Queen Mary will open for scares every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until Nov. 1. Admission is $34.
1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach
queenmaryshipwreck.com
— Brett Malec
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