Nights of the Jack
Halloween may fall on one night of the year, but that doesn’t mean spooky fun only happens on Oct. 31. The city gets in the spirit all month long for some ghoulish good times. From murder mystery parties and creepy cocktail pop-ups to extravagant pumpkin patches and festive soirees, read on for how to celebrate Halloween all month long in Los Angeles.
Website/ 26800 Mulholland Hwy 91302
The celebrity-favorite Halloween experience returns for its seventh year to take King Gillette Ranch. Happening through Nov. 2, Nights of the Jack guides visitors through a mile of stunning, silly and spooky jack-o-lantern scenes and installations. The family-friendly experience also features photo moments, food trucks, The Spookeasy bar, a merch shop, face painting, psychic, AR photo moments and digital carnival games.
Website/ 888 S Olive St 90014
Throughout October, Rooftop Cinema Club in downtown is showing an array of Halloween-favorite movies like Hocus Pocus, Scream, Twilight and The Shining.
Website/ 4730 Crystal Springs Dr. 90027
Always one to go big with her Halloween costumes, Grammy-nominated artist Janelle Monáe teamed up with Los Angeles Haunted Hayride for a special edition of the annual experience. Called Monáe Manor, guests are immersed in a haunted maze at Griffith Park with a campy, creative, creepy flair. It is open until Nov. 2.
Website/ 900 Exposition Blvd 90007
On select dates from Oct. 3 to 31, Boney Island comes to life at the Natural History Museum from 6:30 to 10 p.m. In addition to soaking in the glowing Nature Gardens, attendees get to watch skeletons perform rope tricks, levitate through hoops, do shadow puppetry and more. There will also be local food trucks and vendors, photo opportunities, merchandise, museum collection showcases and nightly bar services for 21-plus guests.
Website/ 1418 Descanso Drive 91011
From Oct. 4 to 30, Descanso Gardens are transformed by jack-o-lanterns, lights, sculptures and more for the season. “Carved has always been one of our most exciting events, and this year we’ve added even more for visitors to enjoy,” said Juliann Rooke, CEO of Descanso Gardens. “It’s not just a Halloween celebration—it’s a celebration of artistry, community, and the joy of being outdoors. We’re thrilled to welcome guests of all ages to experience the magic of the season at Descanso.”
Website/ 342 N Orange St 91203
For a more sophisticated Halloween experience, House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée is back on select dates starting Oct. 4 for 21-plus Angelenos. The haunted, avant-garde event entices visitors with the tragic story of Francisco and Molly Vega and their descent into madness. While uncovering the dark tale of Casa Vega, you also have access to cocktails, live music, captivating dance performances, burlesque shows, tarot readings and mystical encounters. Tickets are now available.
Website/ 90016
From Oct 4 to 27, CBS and Just Fix It Productions will present Creep LA: Ghosts. The 60-minute haunted adventure puts a twist on CBS’s Ghosts and takes guests through two historic mansions in West Adams for photo opportunities, show memorabilia and a journey full of ghost stories.
Website/ 10100 Jefferson Blvd. 90232
Starting Oct. 5, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is open in Culver City. The pumpkin patch has been bringing Halloween fun to Angelenos for more than 30 years, and this year is no different with its offerings of food trucks, live entertainment, face painting, a straw maze, a bounce house and more. The 2024 run will also feature an expanded Pumpkin Village and a 12-foot owl made out of pumpkins, which has inspired the owl-themed kids' scavenger hunt.
Website/ Various
Closing out its outdoor movie season, Cinespia is bringing all the frights to the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Grab your tickets for The Texas Chainsaw Massacre on Oct. 5, Coraline on Oct. 12 and Trick ‘r Treat on Oct. 19. Then, it will host a screening of 1977’s Suspiria on Oct. 31 at The Orpheum Theatre.
Website/ 900 Wilshire Blvd 90017
Throughout October, the lobby lounge and Spire 73 at Intercontinental Los Angeles Downtown will have a smorgasbord of Oktoberfest specials. Come in to feast on German sausage sandwiches, Riesenbrezel and German beers.
Website/ 1400 Cahuenga Blvd 90028
At the I|O Rooftop, The Godfrey Hotel Hollywood will host its Halloween movie series, Terror with a View, every Wednesday in October starting Oct. 9. Grab tickets for cocktails, bites and screenings of Nightmare on Elm Street, Dawn of the Dead, Death House and Insidious.
Website/ 3612 W 6th St 90020
From Oct. 10 to 31, the Halloween pop-up by bar industry veterans Erin Hayes and Kelsey Ramage returns to The Normandie Club. Guests can visit to be immersed in a dark, alluring space and enjoy frightfully fun cocktails and mocktails. Highlights include the Memento Mori (Mezcal Union, Mr. Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur, Cruzan Blackstrap Rum, Cold Brew, Giffard Banane, Lustau Amontillado, Saline and Bitter Queens Chinese 5 Spice Bitters) and Nightmare Fuel (tequila, Giffard Mangue, Matcha, Lime, Bitter Queens Thai Spice Bitters and Absinthe).
Website/ 4175 Admiralty Way 90292
Promising a night of surprises, Jamaica Bay Inn will host a murder mystery dinner on Oct. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in Old Hollywood theme for the evening, which will feature a three-course buffet station, a private cash bar and a complimentary beverage ticket.
Website/ 1402 S Oak Knoll Ave 91106
On Oct. 19 at 5 p.m. in the Viennese Ballroom, The Langham Huntington, Pasadena, will host Murder: Without A Clue, a murder mystery comedy show and dinner. In addition to enjoying a three-course autumnal menu, guests will play games and solve riddles to uncover the “murderer.” Reservations are now open.
Website/ 701 Stone Canyon Rd 90077
Immerse yourself under the stars and in Hotel Bel-Air's immaculately manicured gardens for the Dorchester Collection property’s Halloween movie series. In addition to enjoying themed cocktails and bites, guests have the chance to watch The Addams Family (Oct. 22), Psycho (Oct. 23) and The Nightmare Before Christmas (Oct. 24). Reservations are now open.
Website/ 135 N. Grand Ave 90012
On Oct. 25, 26 and 27, LA Opera will hold three special screenings of the rarely seen 1931 Spanish-language Dracula. The film will be supported by a live performance of the score by the LA Opera Orchestra, which will be led by composer Gustavo Santaolalla.
See also: The Best October Events In Los Angeles
Photography by: Courtesy of Nights of the Jack
