With about three weeks left until Halloween, what better time to get your scare on than at the following “spooktacular” Long Beach events.

Nighttime Haunts

Toss on your witch’s hat and wizarding robes or any other costume you may have and hold on tight. The Boat of Horrors party, presented by Supreme Hollywood Group, will be held on the Grand Romance Riverboat, on October 21, Friday, from 9:00PM to 2:00AM. Those attending are required to dress in either costume or night club attire. Boarding will begin at 9:00PM. The boat will depart the Long Beach dock at 11:00PM and return at 2:00AM. The host will provide live music by DJs and a full stock bar during the cruise. Tickets start at $25 for pre-sale. For more details, click here or check the Eventbrite page.

The Boat of Horrors isn’t the only costumed cruise ride this month on the Grand Romance. Presented by QueenVee Entertainment, the annual Monster Bash Halloween Cruise begins its first night event this Saturday, October 15, at 10:00PM to 2:00AM. Can’t make it to the first event? Not to fear: the company will provide a second night cruise the following week on October 22 if you cannot attend the first night or would like to attend again. The cruise will feature music by DJisLord for the first night and DJ Escosio for the second night. Of note is a costume contest for “Best Male” and “Best Female” costume on both nights. Like the Boat of Horrors party, boarding begins at 9:00PM for both nights, with the boat leaving at 11:00PM and returning at 2:00AM. Tickets are $50 and $60 for VIP. For more details, click here for first night and here for second night.

Both cruise parties will be located at 200 Aquarium Way, Dock #4, behind the Outback Steakhouse and Chili’s Bar & Grill.

Festivities

The 17th annual Scarium of the Pacific returns at the Aquarium of the Pacific this Saturday, October 15, and Sunday, October 16, with both days starting at 9:00AM and continuing until 5:00PM. Discover frightening facts about the creatures that lurk deep beneath the ocean, with special Halloween programs such as a costume contest for kids, a creepy coloring contest, underwater pumpkin carving and more. Admission is free for Aquarium ticket purchasers and members. Children in costume are free with a printable coupon. The aquarium is located at 100 Aquarium Way.

Be a part of the walking dead or run for your life as thousands of zombies descend upon Rainbow Lagoon at this weekend’s three-day Long Beach Zombie Fest, starting Friday, October 14, to Sunday, October 16. The infamous Zombie Walk through Shoreline Village returns as well on all three days, starting at 6:00PM on Friday, 6:00PM on Saturday and 5:00PM on Sunday. Regular festival hours start at 5:00PM to 10:00PM on Friday and 2:00PM to 10:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. The festival will also include a new maze attraction called “Dead End,” a Thriller workshop, an escape room attraction and other highlights. The LB Zombie Fest will take place at 400-435 Shoreline Village Drive. For ticketing information, please click here.

The Shoreline Village Haunted House will return as part of the village’s Shoreline Village Halloween Haunt. The haunted house will be open in conjunction with LB Zombie Fest this weekend starting at 5:00PM. Other dates include October 20 to 23 and October 26 to 31. Admission is $5 and all proceeds will go towards the YMCA Youth Institute. There will be live magic shows and more spooky activities during the Halloween weekend.

Are you an avid dog lover who also dresses your dogs up? Then the Howl’oween Parade, presented by Haute Dog, is for you. The parade will take place on Sunday, October 30, starting at 2:30 PM at Marina Vista Park, 5355 East Elliott Street. The event will feature costumed parents and kids along with their dogs. Attendees can register to be a part of the parade beforehand. An adoption center and vendor fair will also kick off, to last from 12:30PM to 4:00PM. Those not participating in the parade may bring their own folding chairs or rent one for $10. For more details, please click here.

The Historical Society of Long Beach will bring back its 21st annual Historical Cemetery Tour on Saturday, October 29, at the Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery at 1095 East Willow Street. The tours will feature presentations by professional and volunteer actors who relate to the life of the deceased individuals. Tours will run continuously from 9:00AM to 2:30PM. General admission is $20. Tickets can be bought online, by phone or at the event from 8:30AM to 12:00PM. For more details, click here.

Learn more about Day of the Dead at the Museum of Latin American Art’s (MOLAA) Día de los Muertos Festival on Sunday, October 30, from 11:00AM to 5:00PM. The festival will include live performances, free art workshops, gallery tours and more. Admission to this event will be free. MOLAA is located at 628 Alamitos Avenue. For more details, click here.

Attractions and Performances

Not feeling up to festivals and cruises? You can also enjoy dressing up and listening to your favorite monster and superhero themes at the Long Beach Symphony’s Monster Mash-Up! A Halloween Dance Party! event at the Long Beach Arena, 300 East Ocean Boulevard, this Saturday, October 15, at 8:00PM. The event includes Halloween surprises like characters from Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. Former American Idol contestant Colby Benson is scheduled to perform. Tickets may vary depending on seating. Children 13 and under can attend free with purchase of regular adult ticket. For more information, click here.

As with every Halloween season, Long Beach has its own Halloween-themed amusement parks. Specifically, the LB attraction consists of the Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor. Run through six terrifying mazes and dread that you went. Dark Harbor will remain open through October 31. For more information, click here.