In just a few weeks, children and adults alike in Downtown LA will don costumes and celebrate Halloween. Many will go door-to-door, asking for tricks or treats — but only expecting the latter.
For those wanting to do things a little differently this holiday season, or celebrate in several different ways, there are a variety of Halloween events that are held in or near Downtown LA in October.
Here are just a few of the ways that Downtown Angelenos can celebrate the holiday this year.
The 18th annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids will be held on Halloween Day at Grand Hope Park.
DTLA Alliance/Submitted
18th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids
WHEN: 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31
WHERE: Grand Hope Park, 919 S. Grand Avenue, Los Angeles
COST: $13 to $15
INFO: downtownla.com
Last year, the DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids drew hundreds of families seeking a safe and festive holiday experience. The DTLA Alliance is keeping that spirit alive this year for the 18th annual event, which will be held on Halloween Day at Grand Hope Park in partnership with Arizona State University, the YMCA, Majestic Art Gallery, Capital One Café, Bazic Products and Street Food Cinema. The festival is ideal for children ages 2 to 8.
There are various family-friendly events planned for this year’s festival, all of which are included with ticket admission. Pre-sale general admission — or any ticket purchased before Oct. 31 is $13, while tickets purchased on the day of the event are $15. Children ages 3 and under receive free admission.
There is a trick-or-treat trail, where children can experience the joys of going door-to-door for candy in a safe environment. There will be individuals dressed as children’s characters for meet-and-greets as well as photos. DJ Q the Jedi will perform a set that keeps the energy alive, and children can dance along. The DTLA Alliance has a magic and puppet shows planned every 30 minutes at its storybook stage. Children will have the chance to get their face painted for free, and there will also be balloon twisting and hands-on arts and crafts.
Tickets also include a complimentary meal including a hot dog, chips, cookie and water. Additional snacks, sodas and hot beverages will also be available for purchase.
Founded in 1998, the DTLA Alliance is a coalition of more than 2,000 property owners in the Downtown Center “who are dedicated to building and maintaining a safe and productive community for businesses, residents and visitors,” according to its website.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
WHEN: 7 p.m. through Nov. 2
WHERE: Griffith Park Old Zoo
COST: $40
INFO: losangeleshauntedhayride.com
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride calls its experience “the most fun you’ve ever had getting scared.” With tickets available online for $40, the hayride is open Thursday through Sunday until Nov. 2, giving thrill-seekers ample opportunity to visit.
The premier attraction is set in Griffith Park’s historic Old Zoo, blending thrills with nostalgic charm. The theme, “Midnight Falls,” reinforces that feeling. It transports guests to a fictional 1980s Halloween festival town.
Like years past, the experience includes the signature hayride through Midnight Falls, mazes and various interactive attractions. This year, notable additions include:
• “Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem,” a maze filled with surprises and mischief
• “Elvira Pop-Up Shop,” a retail store offering exclusive merchandise
• “Madame Aurora’s Séance,” an upcharge experience
The event may be too intense for children under the age of 12.
DTLA Halloween Block Party
WHEN: 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26
WHERE: Shops 4th & Main, 334 Main Street, Los Angeles
COST: Free with RSVP
INFO: lasocialdistrict.com/do/dtla-halloween-block-party
DTLA Proud is partnering with the Shops 4th & Main to host its first-ever Halloween Block Party, the event bringing the Tim Burton graveyard to life. Free with RSVP, street party featuring a DJ lineup, stage shows by D’vils Whorehaus and She’s in Parties LA, food trucks and over 20 queer vendors for guests to enjoy. The event includes a beer garden for attendees ages 21 and up.
Halloween @ Elevate Lounge
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 24
WHERE: Elevate Lounge, 811 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles
COST: Varies
INFO: instagram.com/elevatelounge
Beginning Oct. 24, Elevate Lounge in Downtown LA is hosting a series of rooftop celebrations. It is hosting Halloween costume parties on Oct. 24 and Oct. 25 for those ages 21 and up. On Oct. 30, it is hosting a college night Halloween costume party, inviting those ages 18 and over. The celebrations culminate with a Halloween day party on Oct. 31 — costumes are encouraged for each celebration.
The Real Los Angeles Tours hosts a weekly DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost Tour, visiting places including the Biltmore Hotel.
Wikimedia Commons
DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost Tour
WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 18, Oct. 28, Nov. 11, Nov. 8
WHERE: Starting at Historic Broadway Metro Station, corner of 2nd Street and Broadway, Los Angeles
COST: $55 per person
INFO: thereallosangelestours.com/tours/dtla-murder-mystery-ghost-tour
The Real Los Angeles Tours hosts a weekly DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost tour, taking guests on a three-hour adventure through the community, enjoying cocktails in a couple of haunted bars.
The tour first visits the Biltmore Hotel, the last place the tragic Black Dahlia, Elizabeth Short, was seen alive. Next, it stops at Clifton’s and learn about the anti-corruption drive of its Christian founder, after which it travels to the dreaded Hotel Cecil.
From there the DTLA Murder Mystery Ghost tour heads to the once grand Alexandria Hotel, where Rudolph Valentino’s ghost still haunts his old penthouse, then the Barclay Hotel, home to two serial killers. Guests will also tour the site of the Chinatown Massacre of 1871 before finishing at the Halls of Justice.Tours can sell out, and The Real Los Angeles Tours says online that if an individual does not make a booking, email info@thereallosangelestours.com, telling them when they want to do the tour and how many guests are in the party.
The Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is open for the season through Halloween.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch/Submitted
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch
WHEN: Through Oct. 31
WHERE: 10100 Jefferson Boulevard, Culver City
COST: $10 to $25 admission
INFO: mrbonespumpkinpatch.com
Though a short drive away from Downtown LA, a pumpkin patch is a beloved Halloween classic that parents and children alike can enjoy. The Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch is open for the season, bringing a wide variety of pumpkins sourced from the family’s farm in Oregon. Founded in 1987, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch brings a spooky, fun environment complete with pumpkin carving, straw mazes and face painting to Los Angeles. All weekday attendees receive $5 in “Pumpkin Bucks” with paid general admission, and on weekends, adults receive $5 in “Pumpkin Bucks” and kids receive 5 Activity Tickets with paid general admission. The pumpkin bucks can be used towards the purchase of a pumpkin and can be combined and used any day up until Oct. 31.