Halloween activities in the L.A. area

Halloween is a tailor-made holiday for Los Angeles — a town that knows a thing or two about getting into costume and pretending to be somebody (or something) else. This year there is spooky fun all over the place on All Hallow’s Eve; candy-and-pumpkin-filled family festivities for the tiniest tots, for instance, spook houses for the adventurous young and bass-thumping costume parties for the 21-and-older crowd. There’s plenty of entertainment to go around for ghosts and goblins big and small. Here are 10 of the best for 2011.

Long Beach Zombie Walk IV Join a shambling, groaning army of zombies aiming to break the record for the largest zombie walk in the world — or at least eat a lot brains. A spooky day of live performances, zombie-themed food and drinks, zombie makeup stations and more, culminating in the walk. Downtown Long Beach Promenade, between 3rd and Ocean. Street fair begins 2 p.m. Saturday; Zombie Walk at 8 p.m. Free. zombiewalklb.com.

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival Massive crowds turn out each year for WeHo’s spectacle, which shuts down a stretch of Santa Monica Boulevard with food booths, live entertainment and some of the most creative and barely-there costumes on the planet. West Hollywood, Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard. 6-11 p.m. Monday. https://www.weho.org.

Masquerade: KCRW’s Halloween Ball and Dance Party Now in its third year, the popular masquerade ball includes interactive experiences by Lucent Dossier’s vaudeville circus troupe, macabre storytellers in the haunted bridal suite, five food trucks, 17 KCRW DJs manning the turntables, and live performances by Dengue Fever, Moby (DJ set), Mariachi El Bronx and Milagres. Park Plaza, 607 S. Park View Street. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. $85. https://www.kcrw.com.

Muse Costume Ball A night of masquerade fun to celebrate the closing of the Tim Burton exhibit, which stays open until midnight. Featuring performances by 25-piece experimental jazz orchestra Killsonic, Jeremiah Red and Sneaky Nietzsche. Prizes will be awarded to the best Tim Burton character costume, best movie monster, and most creative costume. LACMA, 6067 Wilshire Blvd., Park La Brea. 8:30 p.m. Saturday. $100. (323) 857-6010. https://www.lacma.org.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride Hay-filled wagons haul intrepid guests through a fright-filled fantasy world in the woods. The 2011 experience looks deep into the minds of the Clifton twins, daughters of zookeeper Ferdinand Clifton who were rumored for years to suffer from violent nightmares so uncontrollable they were treated for sleep disorders. Griffith Park Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Ave., Griffith Park. 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m., Thursday, Sunday, Monday, 7 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday. $25. (310) 993-8289. losangeleshauntedhayride.com.

Halloween Horror Nights Ghostface Killer from “Scream 4” and his band of sadistic terrorists are on the loose at this annual shriek fest. Among the six new Scare Zones is a “La Llorona” experience (as imagined by Diego Luna), Alice Cooper’s “Welcome to My Nightmare,” Eli Roth’s “Hostel: Hunting Season,” and “The Thing: Assimilation.” Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, Sunday and Monday. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. $62. (800) UNIVERSAL. https://www.halloweenhorrornights.com.

Knott’s Scary Farm Haunt Berry turns to scary as fast as Dr. Jekyll does to Mr. Hyde. After the sun sets, enter Knott’s Berry Farm at your own risk. You’re not allowed to pass through the gates in costume, but plenty of creepy creatures will be crawling in every corner of Knott’s Scary Farm. Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Blvd., Buena Park. 7 p.m.-1 a.m. Thursday, Sunday and Monday. 7 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday-Saturday. $57. (714) 220-5200. haunt.knotts.com.

EEK! at The Greek The 60-piece Symphony in the Glen orchestra will perform a creepy collection of frightening favorites including “Night on Bald Mountain,” “Danse Macabre” and music from the film “Psycho.” Plus the world premiere of a composition by Arthur B. Rubinstein, accompanied by a reading of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” Greek Theatre, 2700 N. Vermont Ave., Los Angeles. 7 p.m. Sunday. Adult, $20-$125; children, $7-$10. (323) 665-5857. https://www.nederlanderconcerts.com.

Mark Z. Danielewski The critically acclaimed, bestselling author unleashes a theatrical presentation of his limited edition, illustrated ghost story “The Fifty Year Sword.” This year’s performance will include 40-foot shadows by shadow-caster Christine Marie, sound design by John Zalewski, live music, and more — all conducted by the author. REDCAT at Walt Disney Concert Hall, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Monday. $20. (213) 237-2800. https://www.redcat.org.

See http://161.35.110.226/halloween for a long list of Halloween events!

Other Halloween events:

Halloween Harvest Festival This annual fall festivity features all autumnal attractions such as a pumpkin patch, farm animals, a corn maze, a haunted house, hay rides, kids’ activities and more. Pierce College, 20800 Victory Blvd., Woodland Hills. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Thursday and Monday. 10 a.m.- 12 a.m. midnight Friday and Saturday. Festival admission, $5; activities, $2-$10. (818) 999-6300. https://www.halloweenharvestfestival.com.

Old Town Haunt Peek into the basement of the historic Union Savings Bank building, which is rumored to have a grisly history. Locked for decades, the haunted building’s doors will be reopened for your investigation. Enter at your own risk. Old Town Pasadena, 20 N. Raymond at Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena. 7-10 p.m. Thursday, 7-midnight Friday, Saturday and Monday, 7-11 p.m. Sunday. $15 Thursday; $17 Friday-Monday. (626) 248-7652. https://www.oldtownhaunt.com.

Spooky Science: Bug Invasion 2 Experience giant bug animatronics, a world-class insect collection and interactive educational stations. See the world of bugs through their eyes, find out about “the good, the bad, the ugly” of the insect world, and play with remote-controlled robotic bugs. Discovery Science Center, Discovery Science Center, 2500 N. Main St., Santa Ana. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Monday. Adults, $17.95, children, $12.95. (714) 542-2823. https://www.discoverycube.org.

Bob Baker’s Halloween Hoop-Dee-Do Celebrate Fall with a cast of more than 100 Halloween themed puppets, including the Purple People Eater, the Invisible Man, and a gaggle of Roaring ‘20s-era skeletons dancing the night away in Hernando’s Hideaway. Bob Baker Marionette Theater, 1345 W. 1st St., Echo Park. 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Through Nov. 6. $15. (213) 250-9995. https://www.bobbakermarionettes.com.

Six Flags Fright Fest Take a scary stroll through four haunted mazes including Lecter’s Slaughterhouse and the new post-apocalyptic Aftermath, or ride coasters in the dark. Just watch out for roaming zombies. Join ghoulish entertainers, Heckles and Twitch, for a shocking mix of comedy and terror. Six Flags Magic Mountain, 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway, Valencia. Fri.-Sat. 10:30 a.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and Monday. https://www.sixflags.com.

Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor The storied vessel hosts its annual Halloween Shipwreck, complete with a half-dozen different haunted locations, including the Village of the Damned, the Cage, and Hellfire, plus live music each night. Queen Mary, 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach. 7 p.m.-midnight Thursday-Monday. General admission, $34; VIP, $60. (562) 435-3511. https://www.queenmarydarkharbor.com.

Wicked Lit The dramatic spook show features adaptations of classic horror literature presented at a cemetery. Walk the hallowed burial grounds as three scary stories unfold around you. This year’s terror tales are Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Body Snatcher,” M.R. James’ ‘Casting the Runes,’ and Mark Twain’s “A Ghost Story.” Mountain View Mortuary Cemetery, 2400 N. Marengo Ave., Altadena. 8 p.m. Thursday-Friday, Sunday and Monday; 8 p.m. Nov. 2-6. $39-$60. (818) 242-7910. wickedlit.org.

Haunted Trails Small groups will be carefully guided through a mad world of mass confusion, personal confinement, terrible torture and horror. Not suitable for children younger than 8. Crown Valley Park, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday; 6:30-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $10. (714) 362-4350. cityoflagunaniguel.org.

Treats-n-Suites Halloween Bash Little ghosts and goblins can trick-or-treat around the stadium suites and throughout the south concourse at the Home Depot Center, as well as enjoy Halloween-themed activities including a scavenger hunt, hay ride, bag decorating, arts and crafts, a costume parade and face painting. Home Depot Center, 18400 Avalon Blvd., Carson. 5-6:30 p.m. Friday. $5. Advance registration required. https://www.lagalaxy.com/community/treats.

Max Maven Thinking in Person The celebrated magician and mentalist will astonish and amaze with his bizarre brand of category-defying mental magic. Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, 12700 Center Court Drive, Cerritos. p.m. Friday. $40-$60. (800) 300-4345. https://www.cerritoscenter.com.

3rd Annual King Tut’s Tomb Halloween The historic theater and its grand courtyard will be transformed into a spooky party pad, with DJs, go-go dancers, costume contests and a Haunted Pyramid dance room. 21 and older. Egyptian Theatre, 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. Fri. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. $20. (323) 604-6030. https://www.ournightlife.com.

Theatricum BOO-tanicum Wander Theatricum’s wooded grounds in the heart of rustic Topanga Canyon, where you’ll find a haunted house, ghost stories, pumpkin carving, game booths, and more. Live music from Peter Alsop, Many Distant Cities, the Matt Van Winkle Band, plus organic chicken and waffles from Bon Melange Catering. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Topanga. 4-10 p.m. Friday. Adults, $20; children, $5. (310) 455-2322, Ext.227. https://www.theatricum.com.

Halloween Night Dive There is no diving involved in the Aquarium’s annual Halloween shindig, which features DJs spinning spooky hits, live bands, cocktails, artists and 11,000 sea creatures. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. 7-11 p.m. Friday. $12.95. (562) 590-3100. https://www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Zombie Prom A donation of canned food to the L.A. Regional Food Bank gains admission to this spooky night of music and dance. Costume contest, music from DJ Strangler and the selection of the Zombie Prom King and King and royal court. Historic Linda Vista Hospital, 610 S. St. Louis St., Boyle Heights. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday. Can food donation. https://www.boyleheightsparanormalproject.org.

The Haunted Hotel Halloween Costume Party DJs spinning house, hip-hop, top 40, and more, plus multiple dance floors, costumed burlesque shows, spooky lighting and effects, and more. The Portofino Hotel & Yacht Club, 260 Portofino Way, Redondo Beach. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Friday. $60. (323) 378-5207. maxtickets.net.

Ghost Walk This spooky guided tour of Downtown Riverside’s oldest and most historic buildings includes tales of ghosts, goblins and the undead, live entertainment, game booths and souvenir stands. Not appropriate for young children. Downtown Riverside Main Street Mall, between Mission Inn Boulevard and University Avenue, Riverside. 5:40 p.m.-11:10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $15. (951) 787-7850. crballet.com.

The House at Haunted Hill This high-tech Halloween show utilizes the creative energies of film, TV and theater professionals to tell the creepy tale of a Hollywood starlet’s ill-fated wedding to a Hollywood screenwriter. The show lasts 12 minutes and repeats every 15 minutes and is viewed from the street. The House at Haunted Hill, 4400 Saltillo St., Woodland Hills7 p.m.-midnight Friday and Saturday; 7 p.m.-10 p.m. Sunday and Monday. Free. https://www.houseathauntedhill.com.

Disco Dracula Halloween Dance Party Enjoy an evening of spooky revelry with live music from Violet Tremors, zombie ABBA covers from the Singles, and dance-inducing DJ sets from Mahssa, Shazzula Nebula, Sarah Toon, plus a photo booth and others surprises. Cinefamily, 611 N. Fairfax Ave., Fairfax District. 8 p.m. Saturday. $20. (323) 655-2520. https://www.cinefamily.org.

Scream 3 Halloween Costume Party Celebrate the season of the witch with dining, dancing and DJs, and, of course, a costume contest. DJ sets from DJ Scotty Boy, Dean Mason and DJ Chad Watts. Zen Lounge, 705 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach. 9 p.m.- 2 a.m. Saturday. $40. (310) 372-9705. southbayhalloween.com/scream-2011.

¡Vivan Los Muertos! The public can learn all about the day of the dead with hands-on activities, traditional food, elaborate altar displays and an interactive community altar. Music and dancing will complete this lively event in honor of our dearly departed. The Autry National Center, 4700 Western Heritage Way, Griffith Park. 3-9 p.m. Saturday. Included with museum admission. (323) 667-2000. theautry.org.

Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade An all-day family friendly festival, featuring live music, game booths, a pumpkin patch and more. Additional entertainment includes a children’s costume contest, trick-or-treating, and a Halloween parade. Center Street Promenade, Broadway between Manchester and Clementine, Anaheim. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday. Free. (714) 765-4500. https://www.anaheimfallfestival.com.

Vroman’s Annual Halloween Party The storied bookstore’s annual Halloween festivity features ghoulish tales read by Mr. Steve and trick-or-treating throughout the store for costumed tots. Vroman’s Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 10 a.m. Saturday. Free. (626) 449-5320. https://www.vromansbookstore.com.

Historical Society of Long Beach Annual Cemetery Tour Actors dressed in period costumes guide visitors through a two-hour tour of the grave sites of some of the city’s noteworthy citizens. Sunnyside and Long Beach Municipal Cemeteries, 1095 E. Willow St., Long Beach. 9 a.m., 10 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon Saturday. Adults, $18; children 12-18, $5; children 11 and younger, free. (562) 424-2220. hslb.org/historical-cemetery-tour.

6th Annual Dusk-To-Dawn Horrorthon Spend the night at the Aero Theatre’s sixth annual Horrorthon, featuring between-film free food, giveaways, trailers, crazy shorts and surprises. Features include “Pet Sematary,” “Tourist Trap,” “The Pit,” “Videodrome,” “Alice, Sweet Alice,” and “Just Before Dawn.” $20. Aero Theater, 1328 Montana Ave., Santa Monica. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $20. https://www.americancinemathequecalendar.com.

Dead Celebrities Halloween Costume Ball Spend an evening of revelry among hundreds of celebrity wax figurines. Three dance floors, five bars and DJ sets from Eric Cubeechee, Rico Rox, and DJ Coolwhip. Dead celebrity costumes encouraged. Madame Tussauds, 6933 Hollywood Blvd. Hollywood. 10 p.m.- 2 a.m. Saturday. $75. 21 and older. (323) 462-0303. https://www.deadcelebritieshalloween.com.

Fangbanger’s Ball DJs Prophet and Yasha oversee an evening of scintillating, scantily clad spookiness during the Hollywood club’s grand opening. Vampire Go-Go dancers, open bar, two rooms of music, outdoor patio and more. Red Room, 6356 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. 9 p.m.-2 a.m. Saturday. $65-$75. 21 and older. (323) 604-6030. https://www.ournightlife.com.

Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves! This gypsy-camp style Halloween costume party features fortune tellers, magicians, decadent libations, DJs Mickey Madden and Mark Schoenecker and live music from JJAMZ and the retro rocking Allah Las. The Standard Hollywood, 8300 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturday. $15-$20. (323) 650-9090. https://www.thesatellitela.com.

A Halloween Hullabaloo The Actors’ Repertory Theatre explores Halloween through the ages during this interactive musical fairy-tale journey. Santa Monica Playhouse, 1211 4th St., Santa Monica. 12:30 and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults, $12.50; children, $10.50. santamonicaplayhouse.com.

The Haunted Hollywood Scavenger Hunt Learn all about the ghost-plagued buildings and haunted spots on Hollywood’s famous strip, including a spooky hotel, a movie-themed bookshop and the famously creepy Hollywood Wax Museum. Hollywood Area. 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. Sunday. $22. (877) 946-4868. watsonadventures.com.

Halloween and Mourning Tours The theme is death and mourning etiquette during the Victorian era at this annual family friendly shindig. On Sunday, children ages 2 to 12 are invited to come in costume, play period games, listen to spooky stories and receive treats from costumed interpreters. Heritage Square Museum, 3800 Homer St., Montecito Heights. Noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults, $10; children $5. (323) 225-2700. Heritagesquare.org.

Halloween Films Selected by Joe Dante Skip the torture porn in favor of two black-and-white terror classics selected by the director of “The Howling” and “Gremlins”: The H.G. Wells’ inspired “Island of Lost Souls” (1932) and the overgrown bug gem “Them” (1954). New Beverly Cinema, 165 Beverly Blvd., Park La Brea. 4 p.m. Sunday; 7:30 p.m. Monday. $7. (323) 938-4038. https://www.newbevcinema.com.

Boo at the Zoo The Los Angeles Zoo is transformed into themed areas for trick-or-treaters with performances, pumpkin carving, crafts and creepy crawlies. L.A. Zoo, 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults, $14; children, $9. (323) 644-4200. lazoo.org.

Enchanted Green Hallows Eve The Eco-Station transforms into a trick-or-treat village with an environmental twist. Kids will enjoy costume contests, prizes, candy, games and more. Star Eco Station, 10101 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. One child free per paying adult. Adults, $8, each additional child $6. (310) 842-8040. Starinc.org.

Fiesta Muertos A weekend celebration of Day of the Dead on Olvera Street with face painting, strolling mariachi bands, Aztec dancers, puppet shows, ballet folklorico and other fun family activities. Community altars will be on display in El Pueblo’s historic Plaza. 125 Paseo de la Plaza, Olvera Street. Noon-6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Free. (213) 625-7074. https://www.ci.la.ca.us.

Haunted Garden A nighttime tour of the garden — which is decked out to include spirits, ghouls and other frights — ends with a Haunter’s Ball, with games and treats for the intrepid. Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Adults and teens, $12; children 12 and younger, $8. (714) 278-3407. fullertonarboretum.org.

Halloween Stuntacular What started as a modest event held at Kirsten Dunst’s house for trick-or-treaters has blossomed into an eight-year charitable tradition benefiting the Make-a-Wish Foundation. More than 30 performers will entertain kids with a live Halloween-themed stunt display. Westfield Fashion Square, 14006 Riverside Drive, Sherman Oaks. 6, 7, 8, 9 p.m. Saturday-Monday. Free. (855) 788-6811 Ext. 502. https://www.stuntacular.com.

Halloween Pumpkin Hunt Hundreds of Halloween eggs and mini pumpkins will be hidden throughout the Kidspace Gardens for enterprising tots to seek out. Kidspace Children’s Museum, 480 N. Arroyo Blvd., Pasadena. 11 a.m.,12 and 1 p.m. Sunday. $3 per child, not including museum admission. Advance registration required. (626) 449-9144. https://www.kidspacemuseum.org.

Natural History Museum Halloween Festival Kids and their families will enjoy a costume parade, trick-or-treating in the museum galleries, face painters, balloon artists, treat stations, crafts and more. Free with general museum admission. Natural History Museum, 900 Exposition Blvd. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Adults, $12; children, 13-17, $8; children, 5-12. $5. 213-763-DINO. https://www.nhm.org.

Howl Activities include family friendly free workshops, contests and musical performances, including pumpkin carving and costume contests. The day will end with the ninth annual performance of Melanie Jones’ “Scary Stories” from 6:30-8 p.m. Angels Gate Cultural Center, 3601 S. Gaffey St., San Pedro. 2-8 p.m. Sunday. Festival admission free; “Scary Stories,” $5. (310) 519-0936.

Haute Dog Howl’oween Parade Delight in the sight of more than half a thousand costumed canines strutting their stuff down the street in search of a best dog costume prize. Livingston Park, Livingston Drive at Park Avenue, Long Beach. 2:30 p.m. Sunday. Spectators free. Pet parade registration, $20. Bulldog kissing booth, $1. https://www.hautedogs.org.

Halloween Silent Film: “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” Organ virtuoso Clark Wilson will improvise an appropriately spooky soundtrack on Disney Hall’s pipe organ for Robert Wiene’s atmospheric German Expressionist 1920 silent film. Walt Disney Concert Hall, 111 S. Grand Ave., L.A. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $38-$63.50. (323) 850-2000. https://www.musiccenter.org.

jason.gelt@latimes.com