Halloween is almost upon us and Los Angeles as always, offers a wide range of events and activities to mark the occasion. In my mind nobody embraces this holiday quite like the Americans do. For the month of October everything becomes ‘spooky’… Even dog biscuits gets the ghoulish treatment!
Unfortunately one of Southern California’s most popular events, the West Hollywood Carnaval is still on hiatus for 2022. It’s a shame as it is probably one of our most iconic destinations to celebrate All Hallows’ Eve. Craig and I have spent many a memorable night there over the years. The West Hollywood City Council decided not to approve the funding at their last budget meeting and opted to encourage the alternative Halloween experience of encouraging local businesses to host small scale events instead.
To be honest, as a local I am half relieved, as pre-pandemic the Parade was attracting hundreds of thousands of people (500,000 according to many reports). Obviously this isn’t ideal when you are just trying to go about your daily business. To find out more visit weho.org/halloween
But that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do! Halloween falls on a Monday this year, which means basically at least 4 nights of ghostly activities…..
LA has something to offer for everyone’s tastes. For a chill(ing) night you can’t go wrong with an evening at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery screenings hosted by Cinespia. On October 15th they are showing the John Carpenter cult classic The Thing, followed by Brian dePalma’s Carrie on the 22nd. This is a great place for groups but don’t be afraid to go solo – everyone is so squished together you definitely won’t feel alone. Pack a picnic (booze is allowed) and make sure to wrap up as it does get a bit nippy once the sun goes down. They do also have food and drink for sale there.
I highly recommend getting a taxi if you are planning to drink, or purchase a parking pass if you have a designated driver.
On October 29th Cinespia are hosting an extra special event, at the Los Angeles Theatre in DTLA; a gothic masquerade ‘full of passions and pleasures for lovers, blood brothers, and friends forever more’. Followed by a screening of Bram Stoker’s Dracula in honor of its 30th anniversary. Gary Oldman plays the wicked Count, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. Dapper vampire costumes or gothic glamour formal attire required. Visit Cinespia.Org for full details and to purchase tickets.
Knotts Scary Farm has been going for over 40 years – I’ve never been but heard it is a hoot.
Tickets aren’t cheap but you can find discounts if you look around. Goldstar.com are currently offering them for $54.
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights is always a thrill – it runs through till October 31st. Again, discounted tickets are available if you look around. I’ve seen them on AAA.com and at Costco too – they often do promotions with brands like Coca Cola so have a look around before you pay full price.
Then there is Dia de los Muertos. If you are looking for something a bit different, and perhaps more in line with tradition you can’t go wrong with this; it is one of Mexico’s traditional holidays reuniting and honoring beloved ancestors, family and friends. There is a big local event at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery. The daytime event is more kid-friendly and the evening is probably better suited to those not scared of the dark or being in graveyards at night… Visit ladayofthedead.com for details.
There are of course so many other fantastic ghastly events happening this month but I just don’t have room to include them all here – but I will start a list on our blog which can be found at www.Britsin.LA. So if you have something that you think I should include please drop me a line at hello@britsin.la
Cheers!
Eileen
