October is here, and with it comes Halloween fun. West Los Angeles transforms into a spooky wonderland during this time of year. If you’re like me and like to celebrate the holiday all month long, you’re in the right place. From spooky nights out to family-friendly fun, here’s our guide to the best Halloween events and attractions across West Los Angeles!

Absolutely Halloween!, Santa Monica Playhouse 

“Absolutely Halloween!” is a heartwarming musical performed at the Santa Monica Playhouse. This children-friendly show follows the adventures of a young girl named Candy as she helps save Halloween from disappearing. With memorable tunes, vibrant costumes, and interactive elements, this production is an excellent way for families to celebrate the scary season together.

When: October 5 – 27

Family Matinees, the Academy Museum

The Academy Museum is a museum dedicated to celebrating the history and artistry of motion pictures. Every Saturday at 11:00 a.m., the Academy Museum is hosting Family Matinees, which include iconic movies appropriate for children. To commemorate the spooky season, the Academy Museum is showing Frankenstein on October 5, Bride of Frankenstein on October 12, and Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein on October 26.

Cinespia, Hollywood Forever Cemetery

What could be a better fit for Halloween than scary movies screened in a cemetery? Hollywood Forever Cemetery is a Los Angeles landmark and the final resting place of several Hollywood icons. It’s also a cultural hub hosting events such as movie screenings by Cinespia. At the Cemetery, movies are showcased outdoors on the Fairbanks Lawn, an open grassy field. To celebrate Halloween, Cinespia will be screening The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, Coraline, and Trick ‘r Treat at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

When: October 5, 12, and 19

Fall Festival, The Original Farmers Market, Fairfax District 

The Fall Festival is an annual family-friendly event that brings together the community to celebrate the season. This festival boasts a range of activities for all ages, including live music, delectable food vendors, carnival games, a petting zoo, and even a pumpkin patch. The streets are lined with Halloween and fall decorations, crafting a charming festive setting. Attendees are encouraged to attend in costumes.

When: October 19 and 20

Halloweenie 18: Only Fangs, Hollywood

Halloweenie 18: Only Fangs is a special edition of the annual Halloweenie fundraising event in Hollywood. This year’s theme focuses on vampires and other creatures of the night, encouraging attendees to dress up in their most fang-tastic costumes. The event will feature vampire-themed activities, photo booths, a haunted graveyard experience, spooky decorations, and a special guest appearance from a famous vampire character. Additionally, funds raised from this event will be donated to Project Angel Food, a non-profit that prepares and delivers healthy meals to feed people impacted by serious illness.

When: Friday, October 25

West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval

This Halloween Costume Carnaval is a lively celebration that takes place annually in the heart of West Hollywood. This vibrant event attracts thousands of people from around the world, all decked out in their most innovative and fun costumes. The streets of West Hollywood come alive with a festive ambiance, filled with music, dancing, food vendors, and a parade of costumed revelers. The Carnaval is a celebration of diversity, self-expression, and community spirit. Find it along Santa Monica Boulevard between Doheny Drive and La Cienega Boulevard.

When: Thursday, October 31

Happening Nearby: Nights of the Jack, Calabasas

Nights of the Jack is a Halloween-themed festival held in the Santa Monica Mountains. This immersive experience features a winding trail illuminated by thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns, crafting an enchanting and spooky atmosphere. Guests can indulge in festive food trucks, listen to live music and partake in family-friendly Halloween-themed activities. It’s a well-loved event for those seeking a distinctive and memorable Halloween celebration.

When: September 27 – November 2

Image by Yulia Ogneva on iStockphoto.com