Los Angeles does Halloween in a way that feels very tied to the city itself: theatrical, visual and spread across dozens of different neighborhoods. Hollywood naturally leans into film-inspired events, while Downtown LA and the Arts District bring warehouse spaces, live music and large-scale productions into the mix. Koreatown, Little Tokyo and other cultural neighborhoods add completely different traditions and late-October programming. Theme parks and professional effects artists also give the city's haunted attractions a noticeably cinematic edge. By Halloween week, the choices range from cultural celebrations and screenings to themed music nights and performance-led events.
The Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever returns on October 24, 2026 at Hollywood Forever, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard. This will be the 27th annual edition, with the official Hollywood Forever calendar scheduling the celebration from 12 PM until midnight.
The gathering continues Hollywood Forever's long-running Día de los Muertos tradition, placing the celebration within one of Los Angeles' best-known historic cemeteries. The 2026 edition is a rain-or-shine event, and attendees aged five and older require admission.
The Tim Burton Rave Halloween brings gothic movie-inspired visuals to Boardner's by La Belle, 1652 N Cherokee Avenue in Hollywood, on Friday, October 2, 2026. It runs from 10 PM until 2 AM, with costumes encouraged and themed décor and photo areas worked into the night.
Musically, the focus moves through alternative favorites, emo, new wave and darkwave rather than sticking to a single genre. The visual concept draws broadly from the dark fantasy and eccentric atmosphere associated with Tim Burton's films, giving the event a recognizable theme without being presented as a screening or traditional tribute show.
The Halloween Costume Party in Los Angeles takes place at Catch One, 4067 W Pico Boulevard, on October 31, 2026, running from 9 PM to 2 AM. Music across the night includes reggaeton, hip-hop, Latin music and current hits, with costumes strongly encouraged.
The gathering uses Catch One's large main room and is restricted to guests aged 18 and over with valid identification.
The 31st Anniversary Heaven & Hell Halloween Party is scheduled for October 30, 2026 at Jungle Hollywood, 1640 N Cahuenga Boulevard. The long-running Hollywood costume event includes two separate music spaces, a red-carpet setup and a costume competition, with either a costume or formal attire with a mask required for the night.
Freaks & Horrors: A Halloween Cabaret & Cocktail Experience is staged at The Cat's Crawl, 660 Heliotrope Drive, with performances scheduled for September 24, October 10 and October 17, 2026. Doors open at 8 PM and the show begins at 9 PM.
The production combines an original scripted Halloween story with cabaret-style stage performances and immersive theatrical elements. It is a 21+ show and includes alcohol service.