Halloween is upon us and Los Angeles is crawling with frightful festivities for you to enjoy. We’ve compiled a list of our top picks this year. Feel free to add to the list in the comments section.
1. West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval – This event makes the list because it’s a staple in Los Angeles, and with a turn out of about 500,000 every year it’s one of the largest Halloween celebrations in the country. If you’ve never been it’s definitely worth checking out. There will be three stages for entertainment with over 50 artists performing this year. Queen Latifah is also set to be crowned Carnaval Queen this year so she’ll be in the mix.
Be warned that you will be dealing with a large crowd and lots of different personalities. Traffic can be nightmarish, so it’s best to walk or bike if you live within two- three miles. Public transportation will likely be full, so if you have to drive, map out a parking plan before you go. Most of all be creative & have fun!
6 p.m. – 11 p.m.
Along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard.
Admission = Free!
2. A Real Life Haunted House – L.A. is known for it’s rich history and “Old Hollywood” still haunts us today. From the Roosevelt Hotel where it’s said that Marilyn Monroe’s spirit can be seen, or the Chateau Marmont where the ghost of John Belushi still haunts. Here’s a list of Hollywoods ghost stories and where the spirits of some of the most famous figures still dwell.
3. Staged Haunted Houses – If real ghosts aren’t your thing, there are several staged haunted houses to choose from, but our favorites this year are:
Alone “An Existential Haunting” : $40
Odd Fellows Temple / Casa Vertigo
1828 Oak Street
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Rob Zombie’s Great American Nightmare: $40 – $80
Pomona Fairplex
1048 W McKinley Ave
Pomona, CA 91768
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride “Based on Actual Event” : $30
Griffith Park (Old Zoo)
4730 Crystal Springs Dr
Los Angeles, CA 90027
4. Go Trick or Treating! – That’s right! Good ole’ fashion trick or treating is on our list of things to do this Halloween. Put on your favorite costume, have a cocktail, then go out and get acquainted with your neighborhood and actually meet your neighbors! The stores in the Downtown Burbank shopping district will also be handing out treats for kids and also for dogs if that’s more up your alley.
5. Theme Parks – If you’re not interested in going the indie route this year, two of our favorite large scale events include the following:
Knott’s Scary Farm: (AKA Knotts Berry Farm) $38- $70
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios: $49 -$69 (Cheaper to Buy Tickets Online)
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
How Do You Plan To Celebrate Halloween This Year?
photo credit: Professor Bop via photopin cc
