By Justina Bonilla
Though Covid-19 has become responsible for canceling many of our favorite holiday events and traditions, such as the famous West Hollywood Halloween Carnival, local haunted houses, and trick-or-treating, Halloween is not canceled. Many venues in Southern California have created spooky and safe alternatives for adults and families alike. Highlighted either by county or at home programs are Covid-19 guideline-friendly Halloween events for a frightful good time. In fact, several programs are already underway, bringing the Halloween spirit early. (Featured photo above by Toni Cuenca from Pexels)
Prices and dates for events available in the title links.
LOS ANGELES:
Dedicated to “Bringing people together through ART”, the LA Art Society is hosting a horror movie drive-in cinema experience at the Gardena Cinema in the city of Gardena. Each day has two separate themed screenings from the family-friendly horror films “Spooky Series”, to the rated-R horror films “Dark Series”.
The favorite LA Halloween attraction is modifying its signature scares for a drive-through experience. At the end of the trail, enjoy a drive-in of scary short film festival, with scare performers in a live show.
Hosting their first ever drive-in movies experiences, the LA Zoo is hosting three weekends of film, with unique themes which are predominately family orientated. The themes include: Week#1: Animal Adventures (Zootopia), Week #2: The Brilliant Betty White (The Lorax), and Week #3: Hair-Raising Halloween (The Addams Family (2019)).
ORANGE COUNTY
Orange County’s only art house cinema theatre, The Frida Cinema, is hosting an array of pop-up drive-in experiences. Among their array of films for the season are the horror classics Evil Dead 2, Deep Red: 45th Anniversary, and the Halloween classic The Nightmare Before Christmas.
A COVID-safe Halloween family friendly trail through the zoo. Family friendly costumes are encouraged and goody bags are available for children.
The tasty treats that are featured attractions of the fair, are now available by drive-thru. Drive-thru the OC fair grounds for a unique food experience, with food favorites from funnel cakes, to kettle popcorn, and Pink’s Hot Dogs.
Urban Legends Drive-Thru Haunt at OC Fair & Event Center
Enjoy three interactive scare zones at the OC fair grounds, filled with monsters and special effects. Each scare zone is filled with “immersive storytelling and terrifying scenes”.
SAN DIEGO
The family fun of a pumpkin patch can now be experienced at home, with Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin’s newest features, curbside pickup or home delivery with Grubhub. Enjoy ordering online an array of pumpkin sizes and fun pumpkin decorating and carving kits. Mr. Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkins is available in both San Diego and Los Angeles.
The Haunted Aquarium Remix at the Birch Aquarium has created a mix of new outdoor activities as well as animal activities and encounters for families. Costumes are encouraged when enjoying their Haunted Kelp Maze and viewing the sea creatures of the deep and dark parts of the sea.
SPECIAL ONLINE EVENTS
The Frida Cinema: Camp Frida Blood Stream
While also hosting the pop-up drive ins, The Frida Cinema is also holding its traditional Camp Frida 12-hour movie marathon online, on October 24 from 8pm to 8am. This year’s films are 1980’s cult slasher horror films, such as Spookies, Zombi 3, and Terror Train, starring Jamie Lee Curtis.
STREAMING SERVICES
While most streaming service already proved horror movies year-round, some are highlighting horror films in either special Halloween sections, with original content.
With its featured Halloween section, Netflix is also expanding on its horror section new horror film premieres, in particular Vampires vs. the Bronx.
Featuring its highlighted horror films in Huluween, while also premiering new horror films, like Books of Blood.
The year-round horror film streaming platforms, is featuring new film releases and highlighting horror cult classics.
The free streaming service features an array of horror movies, including modern, classic and cult films.
TV:
Every Friday night in October, TCM (Turner Classic Movies) will play classic horror films, from the timeless Universal Monster films of Dracula and Frankenstein to the infamous The Wicker Man, and a full day of classic horror delights on Halloween.