How to Do Halloween in Los Angeles

You may think of Los Angeles as the land of glitz and glamour, but our town also has a rich, haunted history dating back to the late 1800s. Places like Griffith Park, Pasadena’s Colorado Street Bridge and even Dodger Stadium are rumored to have some friendly—and not-so-friendly—ghosts hanging around. In the Toluca Lake neighborhood, trick-or-treating is epic, too, for both kids and their parents; I’ve heard that one long-time resident greets her over-21 visitors with wine!

For Halloween events in Los Angeles, skip the big-name theme parks’ Halloween-themed nights (the lines are long, and prices can be steep) and opt for attractions that are more local, fun and, in some cases, a bit scary (for those who like a little jolt). Here are some of my favorite organized Halloween events in Los Angeles. Tickets range from $20 to $45 per person and one—perhaps the biggest event of all—is free.

Immerse yourself in Mexican customs and culture at Hollywood Forever Cemetery

Every year since 1999, Hollywood Forever Cemetery has celebrated Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), in honor of the Aztec goddess who is said to have given birth to the moon, stars and sun. You can expect to experience art exhibitions, a costume contest, Aztec dancers and rituals, and musical performances by Grammy Award–winning artists here. Dia de los Muertos is a great way to do Halloween in Los Angeles because it’s not too scary but is an absolute cultural extravaganza and a delight. $25 per person.

Catch a spine-chilling theater production in an Altadena Graveyard

In October and early November, I like to celebrate Halloween in Los Angeles by visiting the Mountain View Mausoleum in Altadena, less than a 30-minute drive north from many L.A. hotels, for award-winning Unbound Productions’ theatrical horror performances. The nonprofit theater group has been around since 2008 and has been creating compelling new adaptations of classic horror literature ever since. Performances are intimate and take place almost every Thursday through Sunday during the season. Get your tickets early before they sell out. Please note: Shows are appropriate for ages 13 and up. $30–$45.

Learn about Victorian-era death etiquette at the Heritage Square Museum in Montecito Heights

For one weekend only, Heritage Square Museum in Montecito Heights marks Halloween in Los Angeles by resurrecting the mourning etiquette of the Victorian Era. Their annual Mourning Tour takes place among a group of 19th-century homes just north of downtown L.A. and will school you on the Spiritualism movement, as well as the death and mourning etiquette that came to be during Queen Victoria’s reign. You’ll also hear some scary—yet true—stories that’ll make you look at L.A. just a little differently. $20; $15 for seniors; $8 for children 6–12.

Ride into the night at Griffith Park’s Haunted Hayride

See Griffith Park in a whole new way by going after dark to its Haunted Hayride.

I admit it; I enjoy things that are not for the faint of heart, so L.A.’s Haunted Hayride at Griffith Park’s old zoo—which includes a hayride, a Scary-Go-Round, a haunted village aptly named Purgatory and a pitch-black House of Shadows—is high on my list of events to attend during Halloween in Los Angeles. That said, this activity is not recommended for children under the age of 12, so you might want to leave the kiddos at home. This attraction takes place through October 31 (costumes are permitted on Halloween only, but no masks, wigs or props allowed). $31–$40.

Dance in the streets at the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval

March down Santa Monica Boulevard—or find a nice perch somewhere along the way—to catch the thousands of costumed participants in the West Hollywood Carnaval.

With several hundreds of thousands of people expected to attend during every Halloween in Los Angeles, the West Hollywood Carnaval may not be for everyone, but it’s quite the experience if you’re ready to brave the sizable crowds. Since 1987, locals and tourists alike have gathered on Santa Monica Boulevard (also known as Route 66) in costume and ghoul—I mean, good—spirits. Arrive early and move with the parade; there are plenty of food and drink stops (restaurants and food trucks) along the way to keep you fueled throughout the night. The Carnaval is free for all to attend. No large bags or backpacks are allowed. Pro tip: I find it’s best to carry an ID and credit card only.

Written by Allison Ramirez