Spooky season in Southern California is officially here! The air is crisp, the nights are getting longer, and the leaves are beginning to change into a golden hue, as much as they do here in Southern California anyway. Halloween in Los Angeles isn’t just one night, it’s an entire season. The county transforms iconic landmarks and hidden corners into realms of fright. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding terror aboard a genuinely haunted ship, retro 80s horror in Griffith Park, or a magical, glowing pumpkin trail that the whole family can enjoy, 2026 is stacked with incredible lineups.

Having attended these events over the years, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about the top Southern California Halloween events this season, including dates, ticket prices, brand-new 2026 mazes, and which vibe is right for your group!

Dark Harbor at The Queen Mary

Last Halloween we got to experience Dark Harbor at the Queen Mary. Yes, that Queen Mary. The famously haunted ship that is permanently docked in Long Beach California. From September 18 – November 1 2026, Dark Harbor has returned to take over the famous ship with spine chilling experiences, tickets start at $50.99.
There are terrifying mazes on the ship and around the harbor, there’s trapeze artists, and hidden speakeasy bars. Though there are no age restrictions for this Halloween event, I think it’s definitely suited more for teens and adults. They will not allow children under the age of 8 into the mazes so keep that in mind while deciding if you should take your children. We left the kids with grandma and made a date night out of it. 

What’s new & Reimagined for 2026

Some of the mazes aboard the ship included Lullaby and Infirmary. Last year, the creepiest maze was the Infirmary, and while I didn’t experience anything undeniably paranormal during our visit, I did feel very uneasy while walking through the Infirmary maze. There was a spot that felt like all the air had been sucked out of the room even though there were multiple windows open.

On the grounds you’ll find the circus themed maze, Big Top Terror, Break Out, and Voodoo. And looks like this year there is a new maze, Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact! I cannot wait to check the new maze out! It looks like it’s gonna be a good one.

Speakeasies Rides & Eats

Now lets talk about my favorite detail, the speakeasies. Hidden throughout the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor you can find five secret speakeasy bars! There are hidden clues scattered throughout that will lead you to each of the locations.
Note that you do have to purchase tokens that grant you access to the speakeasies or have a VIP badge. One of the coolest speakeasy’s was located in the boiler room. We were able to enjoy our cocktail and walk through the red lit boiler room soaking up the eeriness in the air.

Don’t forget to indulge in some good eats and drinks like Voodoo Fries, El Diablo, and so many more spots. My favorite drink of the night was from El Diablo. Check out this video to get a glimpse of my past experiences at Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. 

Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns

But if you’re looking for something calmer, Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns is the perfect choice. The Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns is a family friendly event that is suitable for all ages and is located in Los Angeles. This is the perfect event if you want to enjoy Halloween fun without all the jump scares. It runs from September 18th to November 1st 2026 and tickets start as low as $29.99 for adults and $24.99 for kids.

The Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns is a trail made up of thousands of brightly lit hand carved pumpkins. The displays are incredible! The amount of work and thought that went into carving each and every pumpkin to create each exhibition is truly magical.

About half way through the trail you’ll find food,drinks, and the kids favorite part, the giant bounce pad and jump houses. While the kids jumped around we took a moment to relax on a hay bale ate some food and sipped on some cocktails. They also have smores stations where you can make and enjoy a smore with your family. This was pretty neat, I love sitting around a fire and roast marshmallows in the fall. Yum. 

Tip, take your time walking the trail. Truly take the time to appreciate the hard work that went into carving all these pumpkins. The trail is shorter than we would like, which is why I’m telling you to take your time. Check out my video for a quick view.

Sensory-Friendly Night: They host a dedicated low-sensory experience. It will take place on Sunday, September 27th with reduced light and sound stimulation. Great for kids and adults who love halloween but are sensitive to flashing lights and sudden loud noises.

The Los Angeles Haunted Hay Ride

The LA Haunted Hay Ride has to be on your list, it runs from September 18th through November 1st 2026! This is perfect for families with tweens and teens. This attraction is located in the hills of Griffith Park, and tickets start at $38.99. There are five different scary mazes including the Haunted Hay Ride. The mazes were so good!! My two favorite mazes were Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem and Hellbilly Halloween. They were scary enough to keep me on high alert, but not make me cry. This years new maze at The Haunted Hay Ride is Fallen Angel, I can’t wait to check it out!

You can also find some pretty cool photo ops throughout the grounds, plenty of food, and a spooky carousel. For the first time ever, The Haunted Hayride will serve alcohol onsite! Expect to see new themed bars offering guests 21 and up another way to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Midnight Falls. Get a glimpse of my experience on my TikTok.

Frosty’s Forest Pumpkin Patch

For a more classic Halloween outing, you have to check out Frosty’s Forest Pumpkin Patch, located in Chino Hills, a city just east of LA County. This is a smaller event perfect for families and all ages. It’s been such a good time every time we’ve gone. They have carnival rides, fair food, a petting zoo, and of course pumpkins. Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch is also the home of two different mazes, one filled with fun photo ops and the other is for teens and adults who are looking for a good scare. It’s a 2 acre corn maze with haunted houses and scare actors hiding in the dark waiting for the perfect moment to give you a good scare.

Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch is always on our list of things to do during Halloween because it’s affordable and there is something all of us enjoy. And on Monday’s admission is free at Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch! So if you’re local or live nearby this might be a good spot to visit with the family this Halloween! Here’s Frosty’s Pumpkin Patch pricing so you can check it out.

Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventures

And of course, if you’re looking for something truly magical you have to go to Oogie Boogie Bash at Disney California Adventures. This event is as magical as it gets. Disney transforms into the cutest haunted realm of our dreams. There are trick or treat trails throughout the park where you can collect candy and goodies from cast members. Each trail leading to an encounter with a Disney villain. Definitely a Halloween event you don’t want to miss and the entire family can enjoy. Check out this blog post if  you want to read more about my experience at Oogie Boogie Bash.

Quick SoCal Halloween Travel & Event Links

Dark Harbor Tickets: Book directly via darkharborhalloween.com

LA Haunted Hayride Tickets: Book directly via losangeleshauntedhayride.com

Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns Tickets: Book directly via https://magicofthejackolanterns.com/la/