'Tis the season for Día de los Muertos celebrations, fall festivals and Halloween parties. Scares on the screen include Psycho Live, Vampires, Verotika and a double feature of The Raven and The Old Dark House. [Check out more options in our Halloween Guide.] For events that have nothing to do with All Hallows' Eve, check out gravity-defying acrobatics, a sneaker pop-up museum, Santa Ana's 150th birthday party and music from the Crescent City.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Gravity and Other Myths: Backbone
The Eli and Edythe Broad Stage -- 1310 11th St., Santa Monica
The Australian company blurs the boundaries between contemporary circus and acrobatics. Their show Backbone makes its L.A. premiere this weekend for three performances in Santa Monica. (This is not The Broad in downtown L.A.)
COST: Tickets start at $59; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25; 6 - 10 P.M.
Late Night! Stanley Kubrick
Skirball Cultural Center -- 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Brentwood
The after-hours celebration of the new exhibition Through a Different Lens: Stanley Kubrick Photographs features an outdoor screening of The Shining at 7:30 p.m.. The party also features a DJ, food trucks and a cash bar.
COST: $5 general admission, FREE for Skirball members; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Nightmare at the Brewery
Common Space Brewery -- 3411 W. El Segundo Blvd., Hawthorne
The brewery releases its latest beer and throws a Halloween party. Tour a "haunted brewery," participate in a costume contest, throw some axes (because alcohol and axes are a good mix), play games and win prizes. Nosh on tacos throughout the weekend courtesy of LB Tacos and Tacos La Bomba. The festivities are family-friendly but if you must be at least 12 years old and wear close-toed shoes to throw axes.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Artcrimes
Burgundy Room -- 1621 N. Cahuenga Blvd., Hollywood
Perfectly themed for the season, this art show features gruesome installations by Scott Hove (the creator of Cakeland), new paintings by tattoo artist Henry Lewis and performances curated by Vanessa Burgundy. The moody, dark space is only open in the evening and tickets are required.
COST: $15; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
ReelAbilities Film Festival
Universal Cinema AMC at CityWalk Hollywood -- 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City
The three-day fest showcases new and classic films that "explore, embrace, and celebrate the diversity of our shared human experience." One of the centerpiece films (Saturday at 9 p.m.) is a rare screening of Todd Browning's 1932 cult classic Freaks. Co-presented by Vidiots, the film features circus sideshow performers of the 1930s. Once reviled and misunderstood, the movie has become a "seminal pop culture provocation."
COST: Tickets start at $8, many panel discussions are FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
Jason Cruz Fine Art Exhibition
Copro Nason Gallery -- 2525 Michigan Ave. # T5, Santa Monica
Cruz, the frontman of the punk-pop band Strung Out, celebrates the launch of his new children's book, There are such things as in your dreams. View some of his artwork and works by guest artist Steve Caballero. The all-ages exhibition opens with a reception on Friday night at 6 p.m. and a special acoustic performance by Strung Out. If you can't make the opening, the exhibition is also open on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25; 5 - 9 P.M.
San Gabriel Fall Fun Festival
Mission District -- 320 S. Mission Dr., San Gabriel
Little ghosts, ghouls and goblins are invited to a fall spooktacular fair. The night includes a costume contest, food trucks, free family photos, and trick or treating.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
Other family-friendly Halloween/fall festivals this weekend include:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31
Psycho Live
The Theatre at Ace Hotel -- 929 S. Broadway, downtown L.A.
The L.A. Opera Orchestra accompanies Alfred Hitchcock's 1960 thriller about a motel attendant with mommy issues.
COST: Tickets start at $29.; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26; 6 - 11:30 P.M.
Boo Ha Ha, A Haunted Oktobeerfest
OC Fair & Event Center -- 88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa
Beer lovers can sip more than 80 German-style and local craft beers and buy traditional German food. Live entertainment and activities such as stein-holding competitions, zombie face-painting and costume contests take place throughout the weekend. Unlimited beer tastings are available from 6 to 9 p.m. with concessions open until 11:30 p.m. VIP guests enjoy access to a private lounge and a selection of rare beers. This is a 21+ event.
COST: $55 - $80; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25; 7:30 - 10 P.M.
City Sounds
Grammy Museum L.A. Live -- 800 W. Olympic Blvd., downtown L.A.
The museum's new concert series highlights local LA. music by featuring artists from specific neighborhoods. In honor of Filipino History Month hear music from Historic Filipinotown. The lineup includes Apperson, Jessica Garcia, Ruby Ibarra and Klassy. Located between Echo Park, Westlake, and Rampart Village, the HiFi neighborhood has been home to a vibrant Filipino-American community since the 1940s.
COST: FREE, seats on a first-come, first-served basis; MORE INFO
Through SATURDAY, JANUARY 11
Sneakertopia
HHLA, 6081 Center Dr., Westchester
LAce up your kicks. L.A.'s newest pop-up museum, dedicated to the "pioneers and patrons of all things sneakers," opens on Saturday for a limited run. Immerse yourself in sneaker culture and pop art. In addition to rare shoes, the museum also features photo opportunities with iconic images of Michael Jordan, Marty McFly and Run DMC.
COST: $23 - $38; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25; 8 - 10 P.M.
TO....OBLIVION: Historic Landmarks Around Los Angeles
Boston Court Pasadena -- 70 N Mentor Ave., Pasadena
Composer and guitarist Alexander Elliott Miller performs his album dedicated to long-gone L.A. landmarks and significant sites. Each of the six works, composed for electric guitar and sound effects, honors a different landmark including the Dunbar Hotel, the Zanja Madre and the Belmont Tunnel.
COST: $20 - $30; MORE INFO
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26; 9 P.M. - 2 A.M.
Fire Walk with Me: A Twin Peaks Halloween Party
Echoplex -- 1154 Glendale Blvd., Echo Park
Costumes are highly encouraged when you enter the black lodge for this themed party. Expect live performances and DJ sets from Angela Seo (Xiu Xiu), among others. There will be photobooths, art installations and a Miss Twin Peaks costume contest (all genders). This event is 21+.
COST: $12; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3
Grand Park Día de los Muertos
Grand Park -- 200 N. Grand Ave., downtown L.A.
The DTLA park joins forces with Self Help Graphics & Art and Lore Media & Arts to host free Day of the Dead festivities that run trough Nov. 3. In addition to 35 altarz, expect plenty of performances and events. On Saturday, from 7 to 9 p.m., a traditional Noche de Ofrenda ceremony will be held. Expect a night of contemplative reflection connected to indigenous practices. At the event, artist Ofelia Esparza will unveil a community altar. Enjoy performances by CAVA, Nina Diaz, Danza Divina de Los Angeles and Tierra Blanca Dance Company.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
Additional Día de los Muertos events this weekend include:
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
True Crime Stories of Los Angeles & Ghost Tours
Heritage Square Museum -- 3800 Homer St., Montecito Heights
The museum hosts two creepy, immersive experiences this weekend. The True Crime event (noon - 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday) examines a Victorian love triangle, a murder, a historic riot and other crimes in early L.A. Watch characters amble through the old houses, performing reenactments and trying to solve cases. After the sun goes down, stick around for a small group "ghost tour" with spooky tales about the families who used to live in these houses and the tragedies of the area. The ghost tours are only on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.
COST: $10 - $20 (True Crime); $45 (Ghost Tour); MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
Boo-nion Station
Union Station -- 800 N. Alameda St., downtown L.A.
The free, two-day, family-friendly Halloween party takes place from 12 to 6 p.m. each day. The train station's South Patio transforms into a mystical Halloween Village with performances, Halloween crafts, face painting, tarantula tattoos and puppet shows. There's a Treats-on-Track Trail with lots of sweets at 1, 3 and 5 p.m., a dance party on the half hour and costume contests at 2 and 7 p.m.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26; 10 A.M. - 6 P.M.
Corgi Beach Day
Huntington Dog Beach -- 100 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach
The Fall 2019 edition returns with the little doggos (and their humans) frolicking on the sand and surf. Take part in contests, photo backdrops, vendors, surfing and a big beach pawty. All (friendly) dogs are welcome.
COST: FREE; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 5 P.M. - 12 A.M.
Haunted Little Tokyo: The Block Party
Little Tokyo -- downtown L.A.
The party closes down 2nd Street between Central and San Pedro for a night of food, live music, entertainment and a haunted beer garden (for those 21+). Trick-or-treating runs from 5 to 8 p.m., the block party runs from 6 p.m. to midnight, and there's a 21+ after party from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. at Noy Pitz Bar and Grill.
COST: FREE admission to block party and trick-or-treating; other activities extra; MORE INFO
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26; 8 - 10 P.M.
Verotika
The Montalbán -- 1615 Vine St., Hollywood
Arena Cinelounge presents a screening of musician Glenn Danzig's directorial debut. The anthology of bloody, creepy, erotic horror tales is based on Danzig's long running dark comic imprint of the same name.
COST: $20; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 9 A.M. - 1 P.M.
Skechers Friendship Walk
Manhattan Beach Pier -- 2 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Manhattan Beach
Walk from the Manhattan Beach Pier to the Hermosa Beach Pier and back again for a good cause. The 3.4-mile walk supports children with special needs and education programs. The day features bounce houses, kids' activities and giveaways plus live entertainment from Kodi Lee, the most recent winner of America's Got Talent.
COST: $30 individual registration; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 12 - 4 P.M.
Big Lebowski Halloween Brunch
Preux & Proper -- 840 S. Spring St., downtown L.A.
Party like The Dude at a brunch with themed drinks and dishes like burgers, andouille nachos and po'boys. Costumes are encouraged. In fact, any dude, dudette or duderino who comes in costume gets a free white Russian frozen daiquiri, so slip on your comfiest robe.
COST: free admission, food costs vary; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 2 - 4 P.M.
The Other Reindeer Scarolers at Greystone Mansion
Greystone Mansion -- 905 Loma Vista Dr., Beverly Hills
Listen to classic Halloween songs performed by The Other Reindeer Scarolers at the historic mansion. Dressed as Victorian zombies, the ensemble sings Halloween and Christmas Carol "scarodies" in four-part harmony. Sweet Nothings Cake Shop provides the dessert buffet. Costumes are welcome but no masks or full face coverings. Guests can tour the first floor of the mansion.
COST: $55 - $65; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 1:30 - 4:30 P.M.
Vampires
Autry Museum of the American West -- 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park
The museum's Weird West Series, which focuses on hybrid genres, continues with a screening of the 1998 John Carpenter film. Vampire hunter Jack Crow (James Woods) leads a gang of "slayers" against bloodsuckers in New Mexico. One of the best vampire westerns, the film is introduced by Brad Sykes, filmmaker and author of Terror in the Desert: Dark Cinema of the American Southwest.
COST: $14 for regular adult admission; MORE INFO
bloodoween
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 9:30 - 10:30 P.M.
Bloodoween Show
The Pack Theater -- 6470 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood
The Nightchurch sketch team celebrates its third anniversary at the Pack with a night of bloody comedy sketches, burlesque and a guest appearance by Alejandro Montoya Marin. The entire theater will be transformed into a kill room with ponchos for audience members who'll be immersed in all the blood and gore this zero-budget show can afford.
COST: FREE (or pay what you can); MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 7 - 10 P.M.
Take Me to the River LIVE!
Smothers Theatre, Pepperdine University -- 24255 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu
Celebrate the music of New Orleans with sets by the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Ivan Neville, Ian Neville and Walter "Wolfman" Washington, plus Mardi Gras Native Americans with "Big Chief" Monk Boudreaux of The Golden Eagles and "Big Chief" Romeo of the 9th Ward Hunters.
COST: $10 - $27.50; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 3 - 9 P.M.
Santa Ana's 150th Anniversary Celebration
Centennial Park -- 3000 W. Edinger Ave., Santa Ana
Come celebrate the city's 150th birthday with live music, kid-friendly activities and free food samples. Enjoy performances on two stages from the SAUSD Marching Band, Como La Flor, Slapbak, Rosie Cortez & the Bliss Band, Los Cadetes, Folklorico by Relampago del Cielo, break dancers and Chinese dragon dancers.
COST: FREE admission; MORE INFO
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27; 7 - 10 P.M.
The Raven / The Old Dark House
Alex Theatre -- 216 N. Brand Blvd., Glendale
The Alex Film Society's annual Halloween screening is a double feature of Boris Karloff films, both directed by James Whale: The Old Dark House (1932) and The Raven (1935). Host Illeana Douglas is joined by special guests Bela Lugosi Jr. and Sara Karloff. Douglas tapes her podcast, The Film Scene (with co-host Jeff Graham), live during the on-stage segment.
COST: $17; MORE INFO
