Plus 5 more you won’t want to miss
Haunted Car Wash
The Haunted Carwash in Anaheim, California, offers a unique and spine-tingling Halloween experience that combines the everyday task of getting your car washed with the thrills of a haunted house. This attraction has gained popularity for its innovative approach to delivering scares while ensuring a fun and safe environment for all ages.
The Haunted Carwash, also known as the Tunnel of Terror, is located at 2219 Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA. It transforms a regular car wash into a haunted drive-through experience, where visitors remain in the safety of their vehicles while encountering a series of spooky surprises and live actors. This event is perfect for those looking for a family-friendly Halloween activity that still delivers plenty of frights.
What to expect
The main attraction is the haunted car wash tunnel itself. As you drive through, you’ll encounter fog, eerie lighting, and a host of creepy characters who interact with your vehicle. The tunnel is designed to create an immersive horror experience with a mix of visual and audio effects.
Throughout the car wash, live actors dressed as ghosts, ghouls, and other terrifying creatures will approach your car, adding an element of surprise and interaction. These actors are skilled at providing scares while ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all guests.
The Haunted Carwash uses a variety of special effects, including fog machines, strobe lights, and spooky soundtracks, to enhance the atmosphere and create a truly immersive experience.
The entire car wash is decorated with Halloween-themed props and sets, transforming the mundane task of getting your car washed into an exciting adventure.
The event typically runs on select nights in October, with specific dates and times available on their website. Operating hours are usually in the evening.
Knotts Scary Farm
This is one of the most renowned and longest-running Halloween events in the country. For 2024, Knott’s Scary Farm promises an even more terrifying experience with new mazes, scare zones, shows, and attractions that will leave visitors screaming for more.
Knott’s Scary Farm runs on select nights from September 19 to November 2, 2024. This event transforms the entire theme park into a nightmarish landscape filled with haunted mazes, scare zones, and live entertainment. It is designed to provide an immersive and terrifying experience for horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
What to expect for 2024
- Haunted Mazes: Knott’s Scary Farm is famous for its elaborate haunted mazes. Each maze has a unique theme and storyline, featuring detailed sets, special effects, and live actors. Expect both returning favorites and new mazes designed to push the boundaries of fear.
- Scare Zones: The park is divided into multiple scare zones where monsters and ghouls lurk around every corner. These zones are themed differently, ensuring a variety of scares as you navigate through the park. Scare zones are designed to keep you on edge, with actors ready to deliver unexpected frights.
- Live Shows: Knott’s Scary Farm offers a variety of live shows, ranging from comedic horror performances to intense, immersive theater experiences. These shows provide a break from the haunted attractions while keeping the spooky atmosphere alive.
- The Hanging: A fan-favorite, “The Hanging” is a satirical live show that pokes fun at pop culture and current events. It combines humor with horror, making it a must-see for visitors looking for some laughs amid the scares.
- Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny: This ride gets a spooky makeover for the season, featuring new scenes, special effects, and live actors to create a Halloween-themed adventure.
Knott’s Scary Farm 2024 promises to deliver a night of unforgettable scares and thrills. With its combination of haunted mazes, scare zones, live shows, and interactive experiences, it offers a comprehensive Halloween experience that stands out in Southern California.
The 17th Door
This event may be too much for some guests. Which means for some of us, it’s perfect.
The 17th Door in Buena Park, California, is known for being one of the most intense and immersive haunted attractions in Southern California. This haunt pushes the boundaries of traditional haunted houses with its interactive and psychologically challenging experiences.
The 17th Door is located at 1851 W Orangethorpe Ave, Fullerton, CA, and operates during the Halloween season. This attraction is not for the faint of heart, as it combines elaborate set designs, live actors, and interactive elements to create a deeply immersive and often disturbing experience. The 17th Door is unique in that it incorporates elements of fear, discomfort, and psychological horror, making it a standout in the world of haunted attractions.
What to expect
- Immersive Storyline: The 17th Door follows the story of Paula, a troubled college student dealing with a series of traumatic events. Each room you enter is a chapter in Paula’s story, and the narrative is designed to engage and unsettle visitors. The storyline is continuous and evolves each year, adding new layers and twists.
- Interactive Rooms: The attraction consists of multiple rooms, each with its own theme and set of challenges. Visitors must navigate through these rooms, often interacting with the environment and actors. The interaction can include physical contact, solving puzzles, and enduring various forms of psychological stress.
- High-Quality Production: The 17th Door is known for its high production values, featuring detailed sets, realistic props, and professional special effects. The attention to detail enhances the immersive experience and makes the scares more effective.
- Live Actors: The haunt employs a large cast of skilled actors who bring the story to life. These actors are trained to interact with guests in ways that heighten the tension and fear. Their performances are intense and often involve direct interaction with visitors.
- Safe Words: Given the extreme nature of the attraction, The 17th Door offers a safe word for guests who find the experience too overwhelming. Saying the safe word will allow you to skip a room or exit the attraction entirely.
- Additional Experiences: In addition to the main haunted attraction, The 17th Door often includes side experiences or mini-games that add to the overall experience. These can range from virtual reality experiences to escape room-style challenges.
Safety Concerns
The 17th Door is designed to be intense and can be psychologically challenging. Be prepared for an experience that goes beyond traditional haunted houses. Event organizers require participants to sign a waiver due to the nature of the experience. Make sure to read and understand it before participating.
In addition, if the experience becomes too much, don’t hesitate to use the safe word. The staff is trained to ensure your safety and comfort.
The 17th Door offers a unique and extreme haunted experience that is not for the faint-hearted. With its immersive storyline, high-quality production, and interactive elements, it provides a deeply engaging and terrifying adventure.
Disneyland Halloween Time
On the other end of the spectrum is Disneyland’s annual Halloween Time celebration. This magical and festive celebration transforms both Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure Park into a Halloween wonderland.
Halloween Time gets a jump on the other events, as it has one of the earliest starts of any Fall Festival or Halloween Haunting. Running from August 23 through October 31, 2024, this seasonal event is a must-visit for Disney fans of all ages. Guests enjoy special decorations, themed attractions, entertainment, and unique character experiences.
On Tap for 2024
- Haunted Mansion Holiday: One of the highlights of Halloween Time is the transformation of the Haunted Mansion into Haunted Mansion Holiday, featuring characters from Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.” This overlay combines elements from Halloween and Christmas, creating a unique and whimsical experience.
- Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark: At Disney California Adventure, Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT! gets a spooky makeover at night, transforming into Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark. This thrilling ride features a new storyline and special effects for the Halloween season.
- Main Street Pumpkin Festival: Disneyland Park’s Main Street, U.S.A. is adorned with hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins, creating a festive and picturesque atmosphere. The iconic Mickey Mouse pumpkin greets guests as they enter the park, making for a perfect photo opportunity.
- Halloween Screams: This nighttime spectacular features projections, special effects, and fireworks (on select nights) that light up the sky above Sleeping Beauty Castle. Hosted by Jack Skellington, this show brings Halloween magic to life with music and visuals.
- Plaza de la Familia: At Disney California Adventure, Plaza de la Familia celebrates Disney-Pixar’s “Coco” with live entertainment, festive decorations, and interactive activities. Guests can enjoy music, dance, and crafts inspired by the movie.
- Cars Land Haul-O-Ween: Cars Land gets a spooky transformation for Halloween Time, with Radiator Springs becoming Radiator Screams. The area features Halloween decorations, themed attractions, and character meet-and-greets with the Cars characters in their “car-stumes.”
- Villains Grove: Located in Disney California Adventure, this immersive walk-through experience in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail is transformed into a hauntingly beautiful world inspired by Disney villains. It features stunning lighting, sound, and special effects.
- Oogie Boogie Bash – A Disney Halloween Party: This separately ticketed event at Disney California Adventure features exclusive entertainment, trick-or-treating, and character meet-and-greets. The event runs on select nights from September through October and requires a separate admission ticket
Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is a magical and festive celebration that offers something for everyone. With its unique attractions, special events, and immersive decorations, it provides a perfect blend of Disney magic and Halloween fun. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned Disney fan, Halloween Time at Disneyland Resort is sure to create unforgettable memories.
OC Nightmare
OC Nightmare is a relatively new addition to the Southern California haunt scene. But it has quickly gained a reputation for its high-quality production and intense scares. The attraction is open on select nights during the Halloween season, typically from late September through October. It is designed to provide a fully immersive and terrifying experience, making it a must-visit for horror enthusiasts and thrill-seekers.
Event Highlights
- The Cemetery: Step into a haunted graveyard where the dead do not rest peacefully. This eerie environment is filled with tombstones, crypts, and ghostly apparitions that will keep you on edge.
- Undead Funeral Home Chapel: Enter a funeral home where the deceased are far from gone. This haunted house features detailed sets and live actors who bring the horror to life in unsettling ways.
- Grave Digger Shack: Venture into the dilapidated shack of a sinister grave digger. This attraction combines claustrophobic spaces and unexpected scares to create a truly terrifying experience.
- The Swamp Monster: Navigate through a dark and murky swamp where a monstrous creature lurks. The combination of fog, eerie lighting, and live actors makes this one of the most atmospheric attractions at OC Nightmare.
- The Carnival: Enter a twisted carnival where clowns and other freakish characters await. This attraction is designed to play on common phobias and deliver a high level of psychological horror.
- The Spider’s Lair: Face your fears in a lair filled with giant spiders and their webs. This attraction features detailed animatronics and special effects that create a creepy and immersive environment.
OC Nightmare is located at 400 W Disney Way, Anaheim, CA. The attraction typically operates on select nights during the Halloween season, from late September through October.
If you want to find a thrilling and immersive haunted house experience, this is a great option. OC Nightmare stands out in the crowded Southern California haunt scene. With its variety of themed attractions, high-quality production, and intense scares, it promises a night of unforgettable horror. Whether you’re a seasoned haunt fan or looking for a new Halloween adventure, OC Nightmare is sure to deliver.
Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade take place annually in downtown Anaheim, typically in late October. The event has a rich history dating back to 1923 and has evolved into one of the largest and most cherished Halloween celebrations in the region. It features a mix of traditional activities, live entertainment, and community engagement, making it an ideal way to celebrate the fall season and Halloween.
The first annual Fall Festival was held in 1924, which means this year is their 100th celebration. They have a slideshow on their website that details the full history of the event. They trace the history event, from their mascot – Andy Anaheim – to the almost fatal decision to re-configure Anaheim’s downtown in the 70s.
Celebrating 100 Years
- Halloween Parade: The highlight of the festival is the Halloween Parade, which features a procession of elaborately decorated floats, marching bands, costumed characters, and community groups. The parade is a vibrant and colorful spectacle that delights both participants and spectators.
- Fall Festival: The festival includes a variety of activities and attractions, such as carnival games, craft booths, food vendors, and live entertainment. It’s a great place for families to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in traditional fall activities.
- Costume Contests: The festival hosts costume contests for different age groups, encouraging attendees to showcase their creativity and Halloween spirit. Prizes are awarded for the best costumes, adding an element of fun and competition.
- Pumpkin Patch: A classic feature of the fall festival, the pumpkin patch offers a picturesque setting where families can pick out pumpkins for carving and decorating. It’s also a great spot for photo opportunities.
- Live Entertainment: The festival features a lineup of live performances, including music, dance, and theatrical acts. These performances add to the festive atmosphere and provide entertainment for visitors of all ages.
- Community Booths: Local businesses, organizations, and community groups set up booths to engage with festival-goers, offering information, activities, and giveaways. It’s a great way to learn more about the community and support local initiatives.
With the 100th anniversary, it is going to get crowded. But even so, the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade offer a charming and festive way to celebrate the Halloween season with your family and community. With its blend of traditional fall activities, live entertainment, and the iconic Halloween Parade, it provides a wholesome and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re a local resident or visiting from out of town, this event is sure to create lasting memories and get you into the Halloween spirit.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Our last two Orange County events both remind me of the old television show, Arrested Development. The Queen Mary is a location for the show. But guests for their Dark Harbor attraction aren’t coming for laughs.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor returns to Long Beach for the 2024 Halloween season, running from September 20th through November 2nd on select nights. This event transforms the historic ship and its surrounding harbor into a haunted playground, featuring a mix of haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars, and more. Named one of the Top 10 Most Haunted Places in America by Time Magazine, the Queen Mary provides an authentic and chilling backdrop for this spine-tingling experience.
Highlights for the 2024 Season
- Haunted Mazes: Dark Harbor features a variety of haunted mazes, each with its own unique theme and storyline. These mazes are designed to take full advantage of the ship’s eerie corridors and hidden passages, creating an immersive and terrifying experience. Expect both returning favorites and new mazes for 2024.
- Live Entertainment: The event includes live performances, ranging from spooky shows to high-energy dance acts. These performances add to the overall atmosphere and provide entertainment throughout the night.
- Themed Bars and Lounges: Dark Harbor offers several themed bars and lounges where guests can take a break from the scares and enjoy specialty cocktails. Each bar has its own unique theme and decor, adding to the immersive experience.
- Scare Zones: The event features multiple scare zones where actors in terrifying costumes roam freely, interacting with guests and delivering unexpected scares. These zones are designed to keep you on edge as you move between attractions.
- Experiences On-Board: In addition to the haunted mazes, Dark Harbor offers unique experiences aboard the Queen Mary. These can include ghost tours, escape rooms, and other interactive activities that explore the ship’s haunted history.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor is located at 1126 Queens Hwy., Long Beach, CA 90802. The event runs on select nights from September 20th through November 2nd, 2024.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor offers a thrilling and immersive Halloween experience that stands out in the crowded Southern California haunt scene. With its combination of haunted mazes, live entertainment, themed bars, and unique on-board experiences, it promises a night of unforgettable scares and fun.
Pageant of the Monsters
At publication time, we’re still awaiting confirmation that the Pageant of the Monsters will happen this year. The event is run by the Festival of Arts who also presents the living art of the Pageant of the Masters. And there again is the smile on my face recalling when we drove by the location by chance in 2016. Almost immediately, I knew where I had heard of the pageant.
I cannot recommend this highly enough, so once we have confirmation, we’ll update with this year’s theme and all the details.
The Festival of Arts’ Pageant of the Monsters in Laguna Beach, California, offers a unique and artistic twist on traditional Halloween events. Held biennially at the Festival of Arts grounds, this event transforms the venue into a spooky yet creative wonderland, featuring a haunted house, live performances, and interactive art displays.
What to Expect at the Pageant of the Monsters
- Haunted House: The centerpiece of the event is the haunted house, which is designed and built by the same creative team behind the famous Pageant of the Masters. This haunted house features elaborate sets, special effects, and live actors, providing a thrilling and immersive experience.
- Themed Maze: Each edition of the Pageant of the Monsters features a different theme for its maze. Past themes have included “Maze of the Minotaur” and “Haunted House,” each offering a unique storyline and set design that engages and terrifies visitors.
- Live Performances: The event includes live performances that range from spooky storytelling to musical acts. These performances add to the overall atmosphere and provide entertainment throughout the evening.
- Art Displays: True to the Festival of Arts’ roots, the event features interactive art displays and installations that blend creativity with the Halloween spirit. These displays often include optical illusions, sculptures, and other artistic elements that guests can interact with.
- Costume Contest: Guests are encouraged to come in costume, and the event typically includes a costume contest with prizes for the best outfits. This adds an element of fun and competition to the evening.
The Pageant of the Monsters is held at the Festival of Arts grounds, located at 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA. The event typically runs on select nights in October.
The Festival of Arts’ Pageant of the Monsters offers a unique and artistic Halloween experience that stands out from traditional haunted attractions. With its blend of high-quality production, immersive storytelling, and interactive art displays, it provides a night of spooky fun and creative expression. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly outing or a unique Halloween adventure, the Pageant of the Monsters promises to deliver a memorable and enchanting experience.
Other Halloween Happenings in Orange County
If you’ve tried all those and are still looking for other options, here are five more events that capture the spirit of the season:
- Haunted Fullerton Walking Tours For a unique blend of history and Halloween, the Haunted Fullerton Walking Tours offer a spine-tingling exploration of the city’s paranormal past. Led by experienced guides, these tours take visitors through downtown Fullerton, sharing tales of ghostly encounters and unexplained phenomena. While not as intensely scary as haunted houses, these tours provide a creepy atmosphere and fascinating insights into local lore. Tours run on select nights in October and are suitable for adults and older children.
- Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch This family-friendly autumn event is perfect for those seeking a festive atmosphere without the scares. Running from September 14 to October 31, 2024, the pumpkin patch offers a variety of activities including train rides, hayrides, a haunted house, and of course, pumpkin picking. Kids can enjoy face painting, carnival games, and a bounce house, while adults can savor seasonal treats. It’s a quintessential fall experience that captures the essence of the season without focusing solely on Halloween.
- The Haunted Scream Park For thrill-seekers looking for a truly terrifying experience, The Haunted Scream Park in Costa Mesa delivers bone-chilling frights. This event features multiple haunted attractions, each with its own horrifying theme. From a twisted carnival to a demon-infested asylum, visitors will face their deepest fears. Live actors, state-of-the-art special effects, and immersive set designs create a heart-pounding experience that’s not for the faint of heart. Open select nights from September 27 to November 2, 2024.
- Halloween Time at Great Wolf Lodge Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove transforms into a family-friendly Halloween haven throughout October. The “Howl-O-Ween” celebration includes trick-or-treating, Halloween-themed dance parties, costume contests, and spooky story times. Kids can participate in the “Trick-Or-Treat Trail” and enjoy seasonal crafts. The indoor water park adds a unique twist to traditional Halloween activities, making it a perfect option for families looking to combine holiday fun with a mini-vacation.
- Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch For those seeking an autumn-centered event, Tanaka Farms in Irvine offers a delightful pumpkin patch experience. Open from September 21 to October 31, 2024, this working farm provides a rustic, agricultural setting for fall festivities. Visitors can enjoy wagon rides, a corn maze, petting zoo, and U-pick vegetable gardens. The farm’s focus on sustainability and education adds depth to the experience, making it both fun and informative for visitors of all ages.
Tips for Visiting our favorite Orange County Halloween Events
- Buy Tickets in Advance: To avoid disappointment, purchase your tickets online in advance. These events are popular and can sell out, especially on weekends.
- Arrive Early: Arriving early can help you avoid the biggest crowds and give you more time to enjoy the displays at your own pace.
- Dress Comfortably: Many of these events are outdoors, so dress appropriately for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for walking. Likewise, for indoor events, be prepared for the crowds in dark cramped spaces. Layers you can remove to stay cool will help.
- Check the Schedule: Some events have special themed nights or additional activities on certain dates, so check the schedule on the official website for any special events or promotions.
- Have fun: Halloween is about having fun and enjoying a good scare. If you think an event is going to push your limits too far, skip and find another.
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