Want the perfect Halloween party in Los Angeles? You’re in for a treat. The City of Angels becomes a playground of thrills and chills every October. Your options range from mild to wild.
The West Coast’s largest Halloween street party, West Hollywood Carnaval, attracts more than 500,000 people each year. Costume enthusiasts gather here to showcase their most creative outfits. LA’s Halloween parties cater to every taste and budget. Boardner’s Ghostly Halloween Ball features live performances and a costume contest with a $300 first prize. The Halloween Costume Party at Elevate Lounge gives you spectacular Downtown LA views from the 21st floor.
Los Angeles Halloween parties suit everyone’s preferences, from free street celebrations to premium haunted experiences. Thrill-seekers can enjoy Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights’ terrifying mazes, while hardcore haunt fans flock to Knott’s Scary Farm. Your options seem endless. Ready to see which spooky celebration matches your Halloween style? Let’s check out the city’s most thrilling parties.
Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Party
Knott’s Scary Farm ranks among LA’s most intense Halloween parties. The family-friendly Knott’s Berry Farm turns into a nightmarish playground after dark. Since its launch in 1973, this event has become a Halloween staple that sends chills down visitors’ spines year after year.
Knott’s Scary Farm party highlights
The park’s atmosphere will grab you right from the start. You’ll quickly see why horror fans can’t get enough of this place. Over 1,000 monsters roam freely through specially designed scare zones. These creatures hide in the fog, ready to make you jump when you least expect it.
The haunted mazes take terror to another level with their detailed designs and horror scenarios. Each maze tells its own scary story:
- The Depths: A sinister presence lurks in an abandoned underwater facility
- Wax Works: A macabre museum where wax figures spring to life
- Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind: A twisted carnival that plays with your sanity
The live shows give you a breather between scares. The Hanging, a crowd favorite, takes playful jabs at pop culture and celebrities with dark humor and impressive effects.
The regular rides become even more thrilling at night. Darkness adds an extra rush of adrenaline to every roller coaster ride.
Knott’s Scary Farm pricing
LA’s premier Halloween party offers different ticket prices based on your visit date and purchase method. Weeknight visits (Sunday through Thursday) cost less than weekend nights (Friday and Saturday).
Smart shoppers buy early bird tickets online to save big compared to gate prices. Expect to pay between $59 and $89 depending on the date. The Knott’s Scary Farm Pass might be your best bet if you plan multiple visits. It gives unlimited access throughout the Halloween season for about $110-135.
These add-ons can make your night even better:
- Fright Lane passes ($90-115): Skip those long maze lines
- Boo-fet dinner ($45-55): Fill up before the scares and get early entry
- Combo packages: Bundle your tickets with Fright Lane and dining to save money
Parking runs about $25 per car, so bringing friends makes sense. Knott’s Berry Farm season pass holders often get up to 30% off Scary Farm tickets.
Knott’s Scary Farm location and hours
This Halloween party sits just outside LA county in Buena Park, Orange County at 8039 Beach Boulevard. Downtown LA is 30-45 minutes away without traffic, but weekend Halloween crowds can double that time.
OCTA busses serve the area, and rideshare services run regularly between LA and Buena Park.
The scares start in mid-September and run through Halloween night. Gates open at 7:00 PM, with closing times at 1:00 AM on weeknights and 2:00 AM on weekends.
The event runs on select nights:
- September: Thursday through Sunday
- October: Wednesday through Sunday
- Extra nights during Halloween week
Getting there early pays off. Lines for popular mazes start forming before the 7:00 PM opening. Some ticket packages let you in at 6:30 PM.
This isn’t your typical family Halloween party. The intense scares and mature themes make it unsuitable for kids under 13. Families should check out Knott’s Spooky Farm, a kid-friendly daytime option running October weekends.
Thursday visits give you the sweet spot of shorter lines and full staffing. Sundays work well too, with smaller crowds but all the scares intact.
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios turns its Hollywood theme park into a terrifying playground for Halloween thrill-seekers. The event runs select nights from September 4 through November 2, 2025. Halloween Horror Nights ranks among LA’s most frightening seasonal events.
Universal Studios party experience
Southern California’s scariest Halloween party makes you feel the stark difference between watching horror movies and living them. The moment you enter the park, fog-filled scare zones greet you with nightmarish creatures that roam the streets. These monsters lurk in unexpected spots and create constant suspense.
Eight terrifying haunted houses form the core experience. Each house comes with its own unique theme. Horror fans can brave these attractions in 2025:
- Five Nights at Freddy’s: Face deadly animatronics Freddy, Bonnie, Chica, and Foxy
- Terrifier: Escape Art the Clown in a grisly environment dripping with gore
- Fallout: Confront the formidable bounty hunter The Ghoul in post-apocalyptic LA
- Poltergeist: Enter the infamous house atop a cemetery where restless spirits have overrun
- Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America: Follow La Muerte into the shadows where three ghostly legends await
First-time visitors describe the party as an adrenaline rush that mixes pure terror with delight. The atmosphere feels like a massive Halloween celebration rather than just another haunted attraction.
Universal Studios ticket pricing
This premier Halloween party in Los Angeles starts at $77.00 for general admission tickets. You can save up to $40.00 by booking online for select nights. The prices change based on dates, with popular nights costing more.
Horror fans can choose from several ticket options to enhance their experience:
- Multi-Night Passes: Come back for more scares with the Frequent Fear Pass (up to 33 nights) or Ultimate Fear Pass (all event nights)
- Express Pass Options: Skip regular lines once for each haunted house and attraction, starting at $139.99
- Combo Tickets: The After 2 P.M. Day/Night ticket combines daytime fun with nighttime terror, plus early access to select haunted houses from 5:30 PM
The R.I.P. Tour gives you VIP treatment with a guided experience and priority entry to houses and attractions. This premium package comes with a gourmet dinner and exclusive experiences that justify its higher cost.
Pass holders get special pricing on Halloween Horror Nights tickets, even for friends. Platinum Annual Pass holders receive one free General Admission ticket per pass for select nights.
Universal Studios best attractions
The Terror Tram stands out as a unique experience you’ll find only at Universal Studios Hollywood. The 2025 version features “Enter the Blumhouse” where you face villains like The Grabber and M3GAN. This attraction turns the famous studio backlot into a horror playground.
Scare zones throughout the park each tell their own story:
- “It’s the Witching Hour” with evil Latin American witches
- “Clowns with Chainsaws. What Could Go Wrong?” featuring chainsaw-wielding clowns
- “Your Fear is the Main Attraction” set in a seedy carnival
- “They’ll Crow. You’ll Scream.” placing you inside a massive crow’s nest
Several rides stay open during the event. You can enjoy Jurassic World – The Ride, TRANSFORMERS: The Ride-3D, and Revenge of the Mummy between scares. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter attractions give you a magical break from horror during event hours.
Live shows add another dimension to the experience. You can catch The Purge with fire and stunts, or watch Chainsaw Man characters perform.
The event also features themed food and merchandise. A Dining Pass gets you two entree items and four sides, snacks, desserts or beverages. The 2025 event introduces a “Feel the Fear Medallion Quest” where guests hunt for horror-themed medallions across the park.
The event’s intensity makes it unsuitable for children under 13. The park enforces strict costume rules and doesn’t allow costume masks.
Popular nights draw big crowds. Expert visitors suggest weeknight visits for shorter lines. Rainy nights often see fewer visitors, giving you a chance to experience more attractions quickly.
Past visitors praise the staff’s role in making the event special. From scare actors to tour guides, their steadfast dedication creates unforgettable moments beyond scripted scares.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval stands out as Southern California’s largest outdoor costume party. This spectacular event ranks as the region’s second-largest annual gathering, with only the Tournament of Roses Parade drawing bigger crowds.
West Hollywood Carnaval atmosphere
A one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard between N. Doheny Drive and N. La Cienega Boulevard becomes a spectacular showcase of creativity and self-expression. The celebration started small in 1987 and has grown into a Halloween tradition that reflects West Hollywood’s diverse culture.
The festivities come alive at the main stage where Santa Monica Boulevard meets N. San Vicente Boulevard. Partygoers pack the area to dance to live DJ sets surrounded by amazing costumes. The boulevard buzzes with:
- Thousands of costumed revelers showing their Halloween spirit
- Food trucks serving up festive treats and savory dishes
- Local bars and restaurants keeping the party going
The Los Angeles Halloween party stands out because of its incredible costume artistry. People spend weeks or months creating outfits that range from minimal to extravagant. These costumes capture everything from pop culture moments to political commentary, and group costumes add another layer of fun.
Santa Monica Boulevard turns into an open-air gallery of Halloween expression. Decorations cover the historic Route 66 stretch and create perfect backdrops that people share using #wehohalloween.
West Hollywood Carnaval cost and access
The best part about this Los Angeles Halloween party? It’s free. Unlike other major Halloween events with steep entry fees, everyone can join the Carnaval without paying a dime.
The 2025 Carnaval runs from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, October 31. The party doesn’t stop there – surrounding venues keep the celebration going late into the night. Lines stretch outside local bars along Santa Monica Boulevard as people keep the Halloween spirit alive.
Planning your trip takes some thought. City parking lots charge about $20 on Halloween night. Street parking becomes a challenge near the event, and many nearby areas need residential permits.
Your best ways to get there include:
- Rideshare services: Uber and Lyft drop off at designated zones on Santa Monica Boulevard just west of Orlando Avenue and Melrose Avenue just east of Huntley Drive
- The Pickup: West Hollywood’s free trolley runs a special Halloween route that takes you right to the fun
- Public transportation: Metro bus routes 4, 10, 30/330, 105, 212/312, 217, and 218 serve the area
Safety rules are important. The West Hollywood Sheriff’s Station bans drinking on streets and only allows clear plastic bags – no backpacks or camera cases. They also prohibit weapons, fireworks, and drones.
West Hollywood Carnaval crowd and vibe
Los Angeles’s biggest Halloween bash draws huge crowds – about 500,000 people show up each year. West Hollywood’s population sits at 34,399, which means the city becomes California’s fifth-largest for one night.
The massive crowds keep things upbeat and friendly. People love complimenting each other’s costumes and taking photos together. This event showcases West Hollywood’s welcoming spirit where creativity flows freely.
“You just have a great time, a positive atmosphere,” says Robert Young, who attended the Carnaval.
Adults make up most of the crowd – organizers suggest leaving young children and pets at home[131]. Many risqué costumes and packed streets make it tough for families with kids.
The party stands out by celebrating diversity and personal expression. Unlike theme parks, the Carnaval creates real connections between people. LGBTQ+ community members and allies come together to share the Halloween spirit.
Newcomers can’t believe the creativity they see. “The craziest costumes you’ve ever seen. Lots of people dressed up, having fun. It’s like the best time of the year,” Melanie Dikoph shares.
The cleanup runs like clockwork. Once the party ends, crews jump into action. Streets reopen by 5 a.m., and sidewalks look spotless by 8 a.m.. This quick turnaround needs 10 city workers, 30 people from a local recovery program, and seven street-sweep vehicles.
Halloween Time at Disneyland
Disneyland Resort’s magical Halloween celebration is the perfect family-friendly option among Halloween parties in Los Angeles. Both parks come alive with festive decorations, spooky attractions, and special entertainment from August 22 through October 31, 2025.
Disneyland Halloween party features
Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party is the highlight of Halloween at Disneyland Resort. This special ticket event runs on select nights from August 17 through October 31, 2025, at Disney California Adventure Park. The bash packs 5 hours of Halloween fun from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM. Guests enjoy a complete experience that balances spooky elements without going overboard with scares.
The event stands out from other Los Angeles Halloween parties with these special features:
- Treat trails where kids collect candy and meet Disney villains
- The ‘Frightfully Fun Parade’ starts with the Headless Horseman of Sleepy Hollow
- Villains Grove at Redwood Creek Challenge Trail turns into a Halloween dreamland with mystical lights
- Disney characters appear in special Halloween costumes
Mickey’s Trick and Treat Show delights younger children with its family-friendly interactive stage show. Mickey Mouse, Minnie, Goofy, and Donald team up with a silly mad scientist to create Halloween fun. Kids love the musical parts with two original Halloween songs, colorful projections, and special effects. Everyone gets a treat when the show ends!
The Halloween spirit extends beyond special events. The classic Haunted Mansion transforms into Haunted Mansion Holiday with a “Nightmare Before Christmas” theme. California Adventure’s three attractions get spooky makeovers: Guardians of the Galaxy becomes “Monsters After Dark,” while Cars Land turns into “Radiator Screams” with Luigi’s Honkin’ Haul-O-Ween and Mater’s Graveyard JamBOOree.
Disneyland Halloween ticket pricing
Oogie Boogie Bash tickets follow tiered pricing based on dates. Prices start at $139.00 for August and early September, going up to $199.00 on Halloween night. Here’s what you’ll pay:
- August dates: $139.00-$154.00
- September dates: $139.00-$169.00
- October dates: $169.00-$199.00 (Halloween night costs the most)
Your ticket lets you enter Disney California Adventure Park at 3:00 PM – three hours before the 6:00 PM party start. You also get unlimited Disney PhotoPass digital photo downloads from the event.
Keep in mind: guests with Oogie Boogie Bash tickets don’t need separate theme park reservations. However, parking costs extra.
The Oogie Boogie Bash Dessert Party offers a premium experience with the best seats for the ‘Frightfully Fun Parade,’ special treats, drinks, and a collectible enamel pin.
Disneyland Halloween family appeal
Disneyland’s Halloween celebration is perfect for families with kids of any age, unlike the intense scares at Knott’s Scary Farm or Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights. The events mix Halloween fun with just the right amount of spookiness.
Mickey’s Trick & Treat Show proves this point – it’s designed to be fun without scaring small children. Parents can relax knowing their kids won’t face the intense frights found at other venues.
Kids love seeing Disney characters in their Halloween costumes throughout both parks. The 2025 celebration features Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Pluto, Chip, Dale and friends wearing new Halloween outfits in Town Square. Jack and Sally from “The Nightmare Before Christmas” meet guests in New Orleans Square.
The Halloween fun extends to Disney hotels. Guests staying at any Disneyland Resort hotel can trick-or-treat at all three properties. Just pick up a treat map and wristband at the Front Desk.
Regular park visitors can catch the Halloween Cavalcade twice daily at 1:30 and 2:45 PM. These mini-parades showcase Disney characters in Halloween costumes and popular villains.
August and September visitors face hot weather but smaller crowds. Halloween Time brings more people, especially on weekends. The best times to avoid crowds are late August, early September, or weekdays.
Disneyland’s Halloween celebration ended up being unique among Los Angeles Halloween parties because it knows how to create fun for the whole family. You’ll find plenty of Halloween excitement without the intense scares that might worry younger or more sensitive guests.
Six Flags Fright Fest Halloween Bash
Six Flags Magic Mountain becomes a nightmare playground during its annual Fright Fest Halloween Bash. The theme park opens its haunted gates on select nights from September 19 through November 2, 2025, ready to give visitors spine-tingling chills throughout the Valencia location.
Fright Fest party experience
Night falls and Six Flags Magic Mountain becomes a haunted playground where “nothing is as it screams”. The park splits its scares into different experiences that will make your heart race.
Horror enthusiasts can test their courage in premium Haunted Mazes that challenge your bravery. The 2025 lineup features these terrifying attractions:
- Condemned – Forever Damned
- Vault 666 Unlocked
- Willoughby’s Resurrected
- Aftermath: Nocturnal Hunt
The park’s Scare Zones come alive with costumed creatures lurking in the fog. These scary areas are part of your standard admission. Performers roam freely through the pathways and bring frights directly to guests rather than staying in designated areas.
You can catch your breath between scares at Halloween-themed shows like “Margo Rita’s Monster Ball” or “Unleashed!”. These shows give you a brief respite from heart-pounding frights while keeping the Halloween spirit alive.
The 2025 event brings several attractions based on popular horror franchises. This marks the biggest expansion in event history. Recent years have seen additions from “Stranger Things,” “The Conjuring Universe,” and “SAW”.
Fright Fest pricing and passes
Your standard park ticket lets you access scare zones, shows, and most rides. The premium haunted mazes need a separate Haunted Attractions Pass.
Prices change based on when you visit. Weekend nights cost more. A Haunted Attractions Pass runs $30-50, while Express Haunted Maze Passes let you skip lines for $75-89.
Smart shoppers can save with these bundles:
- Ticket + Haunted Attractions Pass combinations
- Season passes that include Fright Fest access
- Group discounts for parties of 15 or more
The signature “Dinner with a Ghoul” dining experience or a catered meal can make your night extra special.
Fright Fest thrill factor
This ranks among LA’s most intense Halloween parties. The park warns that “this intensely scary Halloween event is not recommended for children younger than 13”. Parents should take kids home before 6 PM because things get seriously frightening.
The thrills reach new heights when you ride the park’s intense coasters in total darkness. The park’s team knows this well: “a trip to Six Flags Magic Mountain wouldn’t be complete without a ride or three on Twisted Colossus. It’s even scarier after dark!”
Guests who want milder scares can buy a No BOO Necklace. This discourages monsters from scaring them in Scare Zones, though there’s no guarantee. The park also offers family-friendly options like “Tricks and Treats” and “Oktoberfest” during fall.
Food adds another layer to the experience with “wickedly indulgent treats, delicious dinner options, and creepy cocktails”. You can grab limited-edition Fright Fest merchandise as a memento of your scary night.
Six Flags Fright Fest delivers an amazing Halloween party in Los Angeles. It blends thrills, entertainment, and seasonal atmosphere perfectly – if you’re brave enough to handle it!
Comparison Table
| Venue | Operating Dates (2025) | Price Range | Key Features | Age Recommendation | Location | Notable Attendance |
| Knott’s Scary Farm | Mid-Sept through Halloween | Standard tickets $59-89Season passes $110-135 | – Over 1,000 monsters- Multiple haunted mazes- Live shows- Night rides | Best suited for teens 13+ | Buena Park, Orange County | Not mentioned |
| Universal Studios Horror Nights | Sept 4 – Nov 2 | Basic admission $77+Express Pass $139.99+ | – 8 haunted houses- Terror Tram- Scare zones- Select theme park rides | Best for ages 13+ | Universal City, Los Angeles | Not mentioned |
| West Hollywood Carnaval | Oct 31 (6 PM – 11 PM) | Free admission | – Street celebration- Costume showcase- Food trucks- Live entertainment | Adults only | Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood | Around 500,000 people |
| Halloween Time at Disneyland | Aug 22 – Oct 31 | Oogie Boogie Bash tickets $139-199 | – Meet favorite characters- Trick-or-treat trails- Halloween shows- Themed attractions | Perfect for families | Anaheim | Not mentioned |
| Six Flags Fright Fest | Sept 19 – Nov 2 | Regular admission plus $30-50 for haunted attractions | – Haunted mazes- Scare zones- Themed shows- Night rides | Recommended 13+ | Valencia | Not mentioned |
Conclusion
LA transforms into a Halloween paradise every October. The city offers spooky celebrations that match any budget, taste, or tolerance for scares. No other city brings Halloween spirit to life quite like Los Angeles.
Your scare tolerance helps narrow down the perfect Halloween experience. Thrill-seekers will love Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal’s Horror Nights. These attractions feature Hollywood-quality sets and professional scare actors who create bone-chilling experiences through themed mazes and monster encounters.
Disney knows how to create the perfect Halloween atmosphere for families with young kids. Halloween Time at Disneyland strikes the right balance between fun and fright. Kids can meet their favorite characters in Halloween costumes and collect treats during the Oogie Boogie Bash.
West Hollywood’s Carnaval stands out as the perfect choice for Halloween fans on a budget. This free street party draws half a million people each year. Santa Monica Boulevard becomes a stunning display of costumes and creativity that rivals any paid event.
Six Flags Fright Fest hits the sweet spot between thrills and chills. The park’s roller coasters become even more exciting when you ride them in darkness.
The best Halloween experience depends on what matters most to you. Think over your priorities – maximum scares, family activities, budget, or convenient location. LA has outstanding options in each category.
LA’s Halloween scene has something for everyone. Free street parties or premium haunted attractions – take your pick. The city becomes a playground where spooky dreams come true. Put on your costume, gather your courage and dive into LA’s Halloween magic this October!
Key Takeaways
Los Angeles offers diverse Halloween experiences ranging from free street celebrations to premium haunted attractions, ensuring every budget and scare preference is covered.
• West Hollywood Carnaval is completely free – Drawing 500,000 attendees annually, this massive street party on Santa Monica Boulevard costs nothing to attend.
• Knott’s Scary Farm delivers maximum scares – With 1,000+ roaming monsters and intense haunted mazes, it’s not recommended for children under 13.
• Universal Studios offers Hollywood-quality horror – Eight themed haunted houses and the Terror Tram provide movie-level production values starting at $77.
• Disneyland provides family-friendly Halloween magic – Oogie Boogie Bash balances festive fun with age-appropriate spookiness for all family members.
• Six Flags combines thrills with frights – Experience roller coasters in darkness plus haunted mazes for a unique adrenaline rush.
Whether you’re seeking budget-friendly street celebrations, family activities, or spine-tingling terror, LA’s Halloween scene transforms the city into a playground where every spooky preference finds its perfect match.
FAQs
Q1. What are some family-friendly Halloween events in Los Angeles? Halloween Time at Disneyland is perfect for families, offering festive fun without excessive scares. The Oogie Boogie Bash features trick-or-treat trails, character meet-and-greets, and Halloween-themed shows suitable for all ages.
Q2. Which Halloween party in LA offers the most intense scares? Knott’s Scary Farm and Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights are known for their intense scares. Both feature elaborate haunted mazes, scare zones with roaming monsters, and Hollywood-quality special effects that create genuinely frightening experiences.
Q3. Is there a free Halloween celebration in Los Angeles? Yes, the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval is a free street celebration that draws over 500,000 attendees annually. It transforms Santa Monica Boulevard into a spectacular costume showcase with live entertainment and food vendors.
Q4. How much do tickets typically cost for Halloween events in LA? Prices vary widely. The West Hollywood Carnaval is free, while theme park events like Universal’s Horror Nights start around $77. Knott’s Scary Farm tickets range from $59-$89, and Disneyland’s Oogie Boogie Bash costs between $139-$199 depending on the date.
Q5. Are there any Halloween events that combine rides with haunted attractions? Six Flags Fright Fest offers a unique combination of thrill rides and Halloween scares. Visitors can experience the park’s roller coasters in darkness, adding an extra layer of excitement, while also exploring haunted mazes and scare zones throughout the park.
