Looking for some scary fun this Halloween? Southern California has a ton of fall activities going on leading up to the big day. As an original East Coaster, I have to have to say it’s been weird celebrating Fall in 90 degree weather. Even though we’re surrounded by palm trees here, you can spot vampires, ghosts, and witches out in full force!
Knott’s Scary Farm
Get in the spooky spirit at Knott’s Berry Farm. This amusement park located outside of Los Angeles, California, transforms into Knott's Scary Farm this time of year. If you love people in masks jumping out at you in the dark, this is definitely the place for you.
If you're feeling brave, check out the themed "scare zones" including Ghost Town Streets, the Hollow, CarnEVIL, and Foresaken Lake. Each section of the park boasts it's own sketchy characters, rides, and things to do.
While it can be fun for the whole family, if you enter any of the scare zones the actors won’t spare you. Enter if you dare!!!! The creatures of the night lurk in the fog and shadows around every corner. Don’t say I didn’t warn you!
There are also a variety of themed mazes if you are really feeling invincible. This was the scariest part for me. When you walk through the scare zones, you can't see much in front of you so the actors can sneak up on you. That's scary and all, but when you walk through a "haunted house maze," there is horror lurking around every corner and they do a good job at getting you when you least expect it. Unlike the scare zones, there's no one else to hide behind or blend in with in the maze.
Here's where the real terror sets in... These mazes are a ton of fun, but only if you're into the sketchy Halloween stuff. It's not for the faint of heart! I did the Dark Entities attraction with my group and we had a ton of fun. It was alien themed, but you can also find mazes for zombies, a house of wax, and other houses of horrors. No matter which theme you choose, the set design, actors and props won't disappoint.
But if getting scared out of your wits isn’t your thing, you’re safe outside of the scare zones and mazes. There are three different themed sections of the park you can walk around and soak in the spooky decorations. Everywhere you turn there's some kind of crazy Halloween decor to really set the mood.
Knott’s Berry Farm really went all out for this. Most of the rides are open and you can even catch different shows, live music, dance competitions, and more. There are also food and drink vendors throughout the park, as well as restrooms and places to sit and chill. All of which are scare-free zones.
Oktoberfest in Big Bear
If you’re ready for fall vibes with your closest friends, head up to Big Bear Lake in SoCal for beautiful color-changing leaves, lake fun, and of course, Oktoberfest. Going on every weekend in October, you can head up into the mountains for some delicious German beers, food, and fun. Most people come decked out in lederhosen and even bring their own steins. Get ready for lots of friendly drunk people, lots of German singing, and unforgettable memories.
Enjoy live music, competitions, and browse the vendors throughout the event. If you visit around Halloween, Big Bear Oktoberfest even hosts a costume contest. When I attended, I stayed at a local cabin when I went in mid-October. We Ubered to the Convention Center and back (sorry Bella!). It was super easy and totally affordable. If you attend Oktoberfest, I suggest spending some time during the days exploring the area before heading into the venue for the night. There are some mean Jeep trails with your name on it!
Fall in SoCal
Although carving pumpkins probably isn’t super popular in the Southwest during the fall due to the hot weather, you can still see fun decorations throughout the different cities of SoCal and Arizona. Keep an eye out for local parades, festivals, ghost tours, and other fun events in your area. The closer we get to Halloween, the more there is to do! Restaurants, stores, and local venues are all joining in on the fun.
What are your favorite ways to celebrate fall? Comment below!
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