Spooky season is upon us, and there is a petrifying plethora of activities you can do to celebrate Halloween. From pumpkin patches and haunted houses to scary movie screenings and autumnal cocktails — there’s something for everyone. The real question is: are you here for the candy or for the fright? Are you more Trick or Treat?
Take our quiz and find the best Halloween activities in the Long Beach area. Or, if you want to skip the quiz, scroll down to our Halloween guide below.
Pumpkin Patches 🎃 Food and Drink Specials 👻 For the Goblins 🎃 Haunted Houses 👻 Halloween Movie Screenings
Sweet (not scary) things to do during Halloween in Long Beach
Pumpkin Patches
El Dorado Frontier Pumpkin Patch
El Dorado Frontier’s 8th annual pumpkin patch offers family-friendly activities like photo booths, pumpkin popcorn buckets, a treasure hunt, carousel, slides and train rides. That’s on top of five acres of pumpkins ready to be picked. Tickets range from $5 for general admission to $50 for a VIP Fun Pass. But the best part might just be that kids 13 and under are free! (El Dorado Frontier’s Pumpkin Patch, 7550 E Spring St. Long Beach, CA, 90808)
Mr. Jack O’ Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch
There are several locations for Mr. Jack O’ Lantern’s pumpkin patch in Southern California, but a “Jack Pass” at the Torrance location will get you access to pumpkin bowling, a pumpkin bounce house, the pumpkin smash (to take out all your autumnal rage), candy corn hole, the petting zoo (with goats!), pumpkin putting and “boo” basketball. Daily entry tickets are just $1. (Mr. Jack O’ Lantern’s Pumpkin Patch, 17520 Prairie Ave. Torrance, CA 90504)
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch
Yes, Hana Field in Costa Mesa is a bit of a drive from Long Beach, but visitors are met with fresh pick-off-the-vine pumpkins and sunflowers, a Jurassic Frigh-themed corn maze, barn animals ready to befriend and the pumpkin blaster (Yes, you blast a pumpkin!). Tickets are $23 from Wednesday-Thursday and $27 from Friday-Sunday (Keep in mind the farm is cashless). The patch will also have a Día de los Muertos special (50% off admission) and celebrations on Nov. 1. (Hana Field, 427 Anton Blvd., Costa Mesa, CA 92626)
Pumpkin City
About 40 minutes from Long Beach is Orange County’s pumpkin patch meets carnival: Pumpkin City. After the trek, visitors can pick a pumpkin, enjoy amusement rides and sample a craft brew and a bratwurst at The Oktoberfest Beer Garden. The patch is dog-friendly and open every day — visitors who come during the week before 4 p.m. gain free admission. Tickets for the game booths, rides and activities are $1.70 each, but you can also purchase discounted ticket packs. (Pumpkin City, 24203 Avenida de la Carlota, Laguna Hills, CA 92653)
Commerce Pumpkin Patch
The best parts of a country fair meet the best parts of Halloween at Commerce Pumpkin Patch. Located about 30 minutes from Long Beach, Commerce Pumpkin Patch has a petting zoo, paintball, pumpkin painting, carnival-style games and foods, as well as pumpkins. Parking is free, as is admission for children 2 and under. (Commerce Pumpkin Patch, 5933 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040)
Food and Drink Specials
Fright Dive at the Aquarium of the Pacific (Friday, Oct. 30)
Don’t be fooled by the name — Fright Dive at the aquarium will have live music from the Salton City Surf Club and Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, DJs like DJ Fonz De Leon and DJ Donny Dream, and food specials like the “Dracula-Asada Nachos.” Dress up in a costume, but the aquarium even warns guests to avoid the gruesome getups. Tickets for the Friday 18+ event are $54.95 for non-members and $49.95 for members, and can be purchased here.
The Ordinarie’s “The Haunting” pop-up
The downtown Long Beach tavern has transformed into an immersive Halloween spectacular that makes you feel like you’re drinking and dining inside a haunted house. The Haunting’s themed cocktails like the “Clown Pear-anoia” with mezcal, pear, and fennel, or the “Liquid Lobotomy” with spiced rum and pumpkin-spiced pineapple pair well with the vintage ghostly decor. Make your reservations here.
Beachwood Brewery’s “Sips from the Crypt” pop-up
Beachwood Brewery’s Halloween pop-up comes with concoctions that you sip out of fun cups like Frankenstein’s head, a witch’s hat or the “Totally Smashed Patch” with pumpkin liquor, walnut bitters and maple cold brew from a jack-o’-lantern. On Halloween, the brewery is hosting a party from 7 p.m. to midnight with music from DJ Smarty McFly and Oracle card readings by Brenda López. You can RSVP to the party here.
Midnight Oil’s Black Lagoon Speakeasy
The backrooms of Midnight Oil turn into the dark depths of the Black Lagoon for Halloween, serving creepy cocktails like the “Blood Dawn” with mezcal, blackberry, ginger and absinthe. Pair your Halloween potions with snacks like marinated chicken thigh skewers or vegan dumplings. On Oct. 26, Midnight Oil is also hosting a cocktail competition where mixologists can duke it out, and you can sip their creations in your best costume. Reserve your table here.
The Bamboo Club’s “Tremble Club” pop-up
Time for a terrifying tiki cocktail! The Bamboo Club puts on its Halloween alter ego until Nov. 3, where guests can partake in the special “Tremble Club” cocktail menu surrounded by ghoulish decor. Drinks like the “One Wish Willow” with mezcal, rum, apricots, cherries, and chocolate bitters or the “Zoinks! Scoobs!” with coconut & date-infused rum will entice you to stick around for their Halloween activities. On Mondays, the Bamboo Club screens fun, light-hearted Halloween movies, and on Tuesdays they screen the jump-scare classics. They highly recommend reservations, which you can make here.
For the Goblins (Kids)
Halloween carnivals at Lakewood parks (Saturday, Oct. 31)
Eight parks across the city of Lakewood are hosting themed Halloween carnivals this year. Bloomfield Park’s theme is “Toy Story,” while Mayfair Park will have a “Monsters Inc.” themed carnival. You can see all the themes and participating parks here. The carnivals are free, family-friendly, and will kick off at 6 p.m. and run until 8:30 p.m. If you are interested, they are still looking for volunteers.
4111 Country Club Drive Halloween display (Saturday, Oct. 31)
The homeowners of 4111 Country Club Drive in Long Beach have set up an elaborate and spooky Halloween display every year for the last seven years. Every year, they choose a theme that lures locals to their front yard. A big board at the front of the yard always reveals the backstory. This year, a zombie apocalypse has interrupted the funeral procession of newly wed skeletons, Agatha and Archibald. (Skeleton funeral? On Halloween, sure.) On Halloween night, the owners set up shop at the front of their driveway to hand out (full-size) candy bars to trick-or-treaters who marvel at the animatronic skeletons, pumpkins and creepy dolls. The lights and skeletons come alive at 6 p.m. and will last until Nov. 1, so make sure to add this house to your trick-or-treat rotation. It’s relatively kid-friendly, but don’t be alarmed if a skeleton jumps out at you. (The full-size candy may help calm the nerves.)
Halloween preschool story time at The Bembridge House (Wednesday, Oct. 28)
When you think of the Bembridge House, you may think of its ghostly aura and lore. But on Wednesday at 10 a.m., bring your little ones to a special preschool story time inside the historic home and enjoy some Halloween tales and treats. After story time, enjoy a kid-friendly tour of the Bembridge House.
Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade (Saturday, Oct. 31)
The Long Beach tradition continues with the 25th annual Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade in Marina Vista Park. The parade starts at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, and you can still register your costumed pup to walk the parade for a $10 donation ($20 if you register on the day of the parade) here. Judges will award the best dog costume, the best dog walker costume, the best group costume, and best “float.” Dog-free humans are welcome to dress up and walk the parade too. Food trucks and other vendors will be available from 12:30-4 p.m. Click here to learn more about the rules, registration, and how to snag a front-row seat to watch our furry friends fright and delight.
Trick-or-treat on 2nd Street (Saturday, Oct. 31)
Start your Halloween right at 4 p.m. with trick-or-treating in Belmont Shore. Look for businesses along 2nd Street displaying the poster above. Meet at the Chase Bank on 2nd Street to enter the Instagram photo contest for a chance to win a prize.
Halloween + History + Vibes! The 30th Annual Historical Cemetery Tour – sponsored
Halloween marks the 30th Historical Cemetery Tour put on by the Historical Society of Long Beach. Stroll Long Beach’s oldest marked cemeteries, Municipal and Sunnyside on Willow Street, for a self-guided journey among graveside vignettes and diverse stories that built our city. Meet the cemetery’s residents through costumed actors from Long Beach Playhouse who portray extraordinary lives, unforgettable deaths, and the everyday people who shaped our community. The event includes a Día de los Muertos installation, a Cambodian memorial and blessing, local authors signing books, historical displays and timelines of Long Beach, LGBTQ+ history, political movers and shakers, and more. Lunchtime entertainment includes the African American Cultural Center of Long Beach and the Historically Black Cultural District paying tribute to a historical choir. Visit community partners and learn about the Japanese-American community at Grace First Presbyterian Church, chat with Rancho Los Alamitos and Rancho Los Cerritos, or ask Duke K. Fuller about your long-lost relatives lying at rest. Bring your own refreshments and take advantage of rest areas under trees. Guests are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and fill up for free. Arrive before noon for the full experience! Purchase tickets before Oct. 26 for discounts.
Want a chance to be featured in our weekly events roundup? Add it to our free community calendar at lbpostevents.com. For a guaranteed placement, contact [email protected] to purchase a sponsored item.
The Maya – sponsored
Celebrate Halloween and Día de los Muertos at Fuego with a festive weekend of seasonal cocktails, Mexican-inspired bites, and sweet treats. Sip on Halloween-inspired favorites like our Pumpkin Jack Martini or Pumpkin Old Fashioned. For the table, enjoy chicken enchiladas with mole, followed by traditional-inspired sweets including pan dulce, tamales dulces and Mexican hot chocolate. Come raise a glass, gather around the table, and celebrate the season with a little Halloween spirit and Día de los Muertos flavor at Fuego.
Scary (not sweet) events during Halloween in Long Beach
Haunted Houses
Fairbrook Manor
Since 2020, the East Long Beach home’s spooky transformation has become an annual tradition courtesy of Robert Duck, his family and, this year, 61 volunteers. The Fairbrook Manor has a cast of 34 volunteer actors — ranging from 11 to 35 years old — who realistically portray the ghouls and ghosts of kidnapped children, creepy toys and dolls throughout the halls of the mansion. Duck created the lore behind Fairbrook Manor, based on a real Long Beach resident named Victoria Fairbrook. For the sake of the haunted house, the story goes that James Fairbrook and his two children drowned in the lake behind the 1921 mansion, leaving Victoria in a delusional craze, luring local children into her home. Entry to the mansion is free, but visitors are encouraged to bring canned goods, toiletries or a $5 cash donation to benefit the Long Beach Rescue Mission. If you spook easily, check their social media to see when they are hosting “no scares” daytime tours. (The Fairbrook Manor, 5426 E. Fairbrook St., Long Beach, CA 90815)
The 17th Door
If you’re willing to take a drive, head to The 17th Door in Buena Park. Visitors make their way through screaming halls of Perpetuum Penitentiary, weaving in and out of — you guessed it — 17 doors of pure terror. You’ll encounter the horrors of the prison, like the demonic warden, the murderous butcher and the frightening barber (Watch out for his clippers!). Tickets can be purchased online and start at $39. Ghouls can add a “Mercy Pendant” for $8 if they don’t want to be touched as they make their way through the haunted halls. The haunt also asks visitors to sign a waiver before entering. Special packages can include an extra 30 mins after getting the bejeezus scared out of you to see the backstage and behind-the-scenes of the penitentiary. (The 17th Door, Buena Park Downtown Mall, 8420 On the Mall, Buena Park, CA 90620)
Knott’s Scary Farm
A Halloween classic, Knott’s Scary Farm offers mazes, haunting musical performances, rides and theme park treats like the Vampire Frappuccino and Petrifying Pastrami Fries. There are new mazes like “Inked,” where guests follow the 1930s cartoonist Mortimer Morbid, whose blood turns into ink. Or the “Unearthed” maze that takes guests into the middle of an unearthly excavation site with cursed tablets that can awaken the dead. Knott’s also added a new show to their lineup called “Voodoo: Bayou’s Edge,” featuring a Voodoo queen, Marie Laveau. Tickets can be purchased on their website and start at $75. Knott’s also offers season passes for $164 as well as other fast-lane options. (Knott’s Scary Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park, CA 90620)
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Long Beach’s iconic ship turns into a massive Halloween haunt, complete with spooky mazes, monsters, food, and drinks. The best part of Dark Harbor is the choices: There are six different terrifying mazes, from “Shipwrecked” to “Breakout: Maximum Security,” which follows the lore of the ship’s haunted B340 stateroom. Visitors can partake in “Haunted Hookah” or roast their own s’mores. The “Big Top Terror: Carnival of Chaos” includes black-light bumper cars, “Sinister Swings” and other frightening rides. And for those 21 and over, there are 12 bars and lounges to sip terrifying themed cocktails. Tickets can be purchased online, and customers can indulge in a “Dark Harbor RIP Tour” package that includes early entry, a personal guide, exclusive access to all the mazes, speakeasies, and a discount on merchandise. (Dark Harbor, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802)
Long Beach Horror Tour
Perhaps you’ve seen Driver’s 12-passenger electric buses with flashing lights and passengers belting out lyrics to their favorite karaoke song (their Bar-Aoke tour). But last year, Driver introduced a Horror Tour that took guests around Long Beach’s most notable haunts. Christina Ramirez, Driver’s Entertainment Director, said the tour was such a thrill that they brought it back this year and are planning to extend the Long Beach Horror Tour year-round. Tickets are $42, and the tour is also offered in Spanish. For one hour, guests are bussed to locations like The Bembridge House, Casa Bonita, and The Pike, as they learn about Long Beach’s horror history and folklore. Ramierz said the best part is when the tour takes a true crime twist and pivots to serial killer Randy Kraft, known as the Scorecard Killer. (Long Beach Horror Tour, Meet at Gaucho Beach, 780 E Shoreline Dr, Long Beach, CA 90802)
The Hollow Awakens at Lakewood Center
The Hollow Awakens might not truly terrify you, but that could be because you have a mission the moment you step through its spooky doors: find the monsters that have been awakened and put them back to sleep. Visitors choose a character and have a map to guide them through the ten “haunted worlds.” The haunted house is definitely more family-friendly than some other local options, but it still offers some jump scares if you so choose. Tickets can be purchased here, with packages like the $21 teen glow package that gives you a free glow swag bag. (The Hollow Awakens, 326 Lakewood Center Mall, Lakewood, CA 90712)
The Haunted Car Wash in Lakewood (Thursday, Oct. 29 – Friday, Oct. 30)
Your car may be dirty, but your soul is the thing that will be cleaned away when you pull into Lakewood’s annual Haunted Car Wash from Carwood Car Wash and Detail Center. Put your car in neutral, and as you lurch into the car wash, performers will jump out special effects will keep you on the edge of your seat. Tickets start at $28.52 and go up to $50 depending on the time you select. You can purchase tickets here.
Get your fright on at Downtown Long Beach Fright Fest on Pine! 👻 – sponsored
Pine Avenue is getting a spooky makeover! Downtown Long Beach’s second annual Fright Fest on Pine returns Saturday, Oct. 24, from 4 to 10 p.m., transforming the heart of Downtown into a Halloween block party packed with live DJs, a horror-themed pop-up market, delicious bites and drinks from local businesses, and a haunted house by Eulogy Collective. Best of all, admission is FREE, with paid activations available. Guests 21+ can also enjoy Downtown’s EZ Sip program, allowing them to sip drinks from participating businesses throughout the event footprint. Want to take your fright night up a notch? A limited number of VIP tickets are available for $60, so snag yours before they disappear! Enjoy exclusive access to the CRC Spirits Lounge, featuring a private cash bar, restrooms and seating, plus a complimentary drink ticket and two tickets for paid activities. Don’t wait until it’s too late to upgrade your spooky night out! Whether you’re coming for the scares, the music or a night out with friends, Fright Fest is the perfect excuse to dress up, explore Downtown and support local businesses! Learn more and grab your VIP tickets here. Long Beach Post email subscribers get 20% off VIP Fright Fest tickets with code: DTLBxLBPost
Halloween Movie Screenings
“Nosferatu” with a live score at Art Theatre (Saturday, Oct. 31)
What’s a better way to watch one of the scariest silent vampire films than with an eerie live score by the Jack Curtis Dubowsky Ensemble? “Nosferatu,” the 1922 classic German film by F.W. Murnau, will screen on Halloween night at 7 p.m. Tickets are $31.50 and can be purchased here.
Monday horror movie night at The 4th Horseman
It helps that The 4th Horseman pizzeria pub caters to those who love horror (as well as a great slice of pizza and a cold craft beer). Halloween doesn’t change that, but it does mean you can catch a horror movie screening every Monday night at 7 p.m. curated by Nick Kruse, who will tell movie-goers about his selection before it scares the living daylights out of you. Kruse said they generally try to keep the movie a surprise, but generously told us that Monday’s film will be “Sweet Home,” the 1989 Japanese horror flick by Kiyoshi Kurosawa. The special effects of “Sweet Home” were done by legendary special effects make up artist Dick Smith, who also worked on “The Exorcist” and “Scanners.” Kruse says that “Sweet Home” inspired the original Resident Evil video games. Check out The 4th Horseman’s Instagram to find out what film they will be screening and grab a $10 Fernet or Pfeiffers beer while you’re at it.
Dinner and a scary movie at Dolores on 4th Street (Oct. 22-31)
A staple on 4th Street, Dolores has been hosting a Halloween movie series all month long — their final three screenings include “Scream,” “The Craft” and “Halloween.” Diners can nosh on the restaurant’s signature truffle burger or try their Halloween specials like “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” pasta, while they tune in to a scary flick with surround sound. Screenings start promptly at 7 p.m., and it’s best to make a reservation.
Halloween Movie Trivia at Art Theatre (Thursday, Oct. 29)
If you are a fan of the fright films, test your knowledge at Art Theatre’s final Movie Trivia night of the year on Thursday. Study up because some of the categories include, “Tim Burton, Tim Burton, Tim Burton,” “1960s Television at the Cinema,” and
“Occult Classics.” It’s free to attend, but a donation is strongly encouraged when you get your tickets here.
The Maya – sponsored
A change of scenery can make all the difference. Escape to The Maya for a midweek reset, with time to slow down, recharge, and enjoy the waterfront. Save 25% on Sunday through Thursday stays and 10% on Friday and Saturday nights. Valid for stays now through December 31st, 2026. Blackout dates apply. Rates subject to availability. Learn more here.