The coronavirus threat has put a damper on traditional Halloween activities. Still, there is plenty to do and see this Halloween season as some events have pivoted to remain open while following safety guidelines.
On Oct. 13, state health officials "strongly discouraged" parties, door-to-door trick or treating, and large gatherings. The recommendation is similar to what Los Angeles County health officials had suggested a month ago after they initially prohibited trick or treating but then walked it back after backlash. Even so, some cities, including Beverly Hills, passed ordinances banning trick or treating and handing out candy. The city also will close down some streets to pedestrians and vehicle traffic.
Before then, one of the most prominent cancellations in L.A. County was West Hollywood's Halloween Carnaval, which the West Hollywood City Council approved in May.
Here are a few spooky Halloween events still happening around town.
Trick-or-Treat Bag Distribution
The distribution, organized by the office of Assemblyman Miguel Santiago, D-Los Angeles, will run from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Normandie Terrace, 540 S. Normandie Ave. in Koreatown.
"Halloween Driving Howl"
This event will take place at five locations in Alhambra from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. with activities including a drive-by photo booth, a pumpkin patch, a trick-or-treat station, a ghost-themed art station, and a haunted house.
"Hauntoween L.A."
Billed as a family-friendly and interactive Halloween-themed drive-thru experience, this event will take place from 3-9 p.m. at the Promenade in Woodland Hills. It will include a Jack O'Lantern tunnel with more than 1,000 carved pumpkins, mini mazes, and a backlight tunnel.
Scavenger Hunt
For those near Littel Tokyo, there will be a socially distanced scavenger hunt beginning at 4 p.m. at Cafe Dulce in the Japanese Village Plaza.
Haunted Street Experience
A Halloween trick-or-treat drive-thru and haunted street experience from 6-9 p.m. between Pacific Avenue and Centre Street along Sixth Street in San Pedro.
"Halloween Spooktacular"
In Inglewood, a family-friendly drive-thru experience will be held from 6-10 p.m. at Grevillea Art Park.
See thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack O' Lanterns and depictions of movie stars, sports heroes, and animated characters at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas. Touted as an "Instagrammable Halloween experience," the event was changed to a drive-thru where visitors stay in their vehicle while cruising 50 acres of property. The event runs through Nov. 1, and tickets must be purchased online. The cost is $69 for a vehicle of up to 7 people, plus $20 more for 8 to 12 people.
Stranger Things: The Drive Into Experience
Fans of the Netflix series will be transported from downtown Los Angeles to 1980s Hawkins, where they can explore the Upside Down with all its visual and audio special effects — all from their vehicle. The experience is recommended for those age 13 and up, and dressing up for the occasion is recommended. Tickets start at $59 for two people in one car.
Visitors can enjoy a socially distant walk-through of pumpkin-themed displays in La Cañada Flintridge. Children ages 14 and younger are encouraged to wear their costumes. The event runs through the end of October, but some days, including Oct. 31, are reserved for members only. Cost: $15 for adults, $11 for seniors and students, and $5 for children ages 5 and up.
Usually held at Griffith Park, this event, now a drive-up experience, was forced to move to San Dimas to accommodate vehicles. Attendees can expect terrifying sights, including a haunted show featuring a multimedia story projected on a 40-foot screen, as well as horrifying sets and characters from Midnight Falls. Tickets start at $49.99 per vehicle. Note that this event, which runs through Nov. 1, is not recommended for children under age 12.
Urban Legends of Southern California
Happening at the OC Fair and Event Center, this event is described as an immersive experience with strobe lighting and fog. Visitors will get to experience four interactive show zones, all while in their vehicles and wearing a mask if they want to put down their windows. The monsters come alive during the immersive show and scare the living daylights out of visitors, all while keeping socially distant. Tickets start at $69.99 per vehicle, and the event runs through Nov. 1. Watch Spectrum News 1 reporter Parker Collins' report for more info.
Owners of this 30-acre Irvine farm transformed it into a drive-thru pumpkin patch. As visitors enter the one-mile route, they are given a scavenger hunt to fill. The farm includes all-things-pumpkin and fun facts about farming. The Drive-Thru Pumpkin Farm Experience runs every Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 31, and pre-registration is required. The cost is $20 per passenger. Another option at the farm is its U-Pick Pumpkin with Wagon Ride, which costs $25 per passenger and runs Monday through Friday through Oct. 30. For more on this event, see Spectrum News 1 reporter Jo Kwon's report.
This community scavenger haunt replaced Signal Hills' annual carnival. Parents and kids can look for Ghostly Gus and earn a prize once a line on their grid is complete.
Watch a classic Halloween movie at this drive-in and grab a bite by pre-ordering or mobile ordering while at the location. Some of the movies being shown include Hocus Pocus, Beetlejuice, and Coco. Advance tickets are required and cost $20 per vehicle and $8 for general admission. Dates can be found on their site.
On Oct. 29, 30, and 31, the zoo's parking lot will be transformed into a drive-in movie theater showing Goosebumps, The Addams Family, and other spooky movies. Tickets must be purchased online. Cost is $100 per vehicle for up to two guests and $140 per vehicle for three or more guests.
Boo at the Zoo at the Santa Ana Zoo
Visitors can enjoy this family-friendly experience while dressed up in Halloween costumes. In the walkthrough, visitors will spot "merry, not scary" decorations. Kids will get goody bags on their way out. Timed tickets must be purchased online and are $10 for members and $15 for nonmembers.
From a gigantic pumpkin patch to pick-your-own fields, Underwood Family Farms' 50-acres in Moorpark offers visitors plenty of room to social distance while still enjoying the season. Visitors who must wear masks while on site are encouraged to buy tickets online. Tickets are $8 per person on weekdays and $15 per person on weekends.