Buena Park's Epic Halloween Guide: Knott's Scary Farm and Spooky SoCal Adventures
Halloween sparks endless debates: best costumes (Fortnite or Avengers?), top sequels (Zombieland 2 or Maleficent: Mistress of Evil?), and candy corn—love it or hate it? One thing everyone agrees on: Buena Park, the ultimate SoCal Halloween destination, dubbed Boo-ena Park each fall. Just five miles from Disneyland, this entertainment hub transforms from mid-September through October into a non-stop Halloween haven. Plan an overnight stay to experience it all.
Discover five top ways to embrace the spooky spirit in Buena Park:
Knott’s Scary Farm
Since its early days with a Gold Rush "ghost town" alongside Cordelia Knott’s famous fried chicken and boysenberry pie, Knott’s Berry Farm has paired phantoms with fun. For nearly 50 years, it’s hosted Knott's Scary Farm, a six-week extravaganza featuring haunted mazes, thrilling shows, and over 1,000 roaming monsters. Each year brings fresh scares.
New for 2019: Wax Works maze, where a deranged plastic surgeon lurks in an abandoned wax museum. Origins: The Curse of Calico immerses you in a witch trial in Ghost Town. For laughs, Puppet Up! - Uncensored combines Jim Henson-style puppetry with improv comedy, directed by a veteran of Ellen, Seinfeld, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
Returning favorites include Special Ops: Infected with zombie hordes and laser combat; Dark Ride in an abandoned carnival; and Paranormal Inc.’s haunted Hayden Hill Hospital. Events run select nights from September 19 to November 2, with separate admission.
Knott’s Spooky Farm
Family-friendly Knott’s Spooky Farm suits younger guests. Trick-or-treat through Calico with friendly ghosts, join a costume contest, and dance at a Peanuts party. Camp Snoopy offers Monsters are Coming singalongs and Halloween-themed Grand Sierra Railroad. Included with park admission; weekends September 28–October 27, plus Halloween.
Vampirates Dinner Adventure
Vampirates Dinner Adventure elevates Pirates Dinner Adventure with Halloween flair. Journey to 1800s Captain Black’s ship—will you dine or be dinner? Enjoy swordplay and a four-course meal (vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free options; kids’ menu available). Weekend costume contests too. Shows: October 1–31, 7 p.m. Mon–Fri; 5 & 8 p.m. Sat; 3 & 6 p.m. Sun.
Local Tricks and Treats
Cauldron Spirits and Brews serves boozy ice cream, Grey Witch cocktail (gin, champagne, crème de violette), Halloween costume contest, and Witching Hour deals (Wed, Thu, Sun midnight–2 a.m.). Porto’s Bakery and Cafe, a Yelp favorite, offers Día de los Muertos cupcakes, sugar skull cookies, and Pan de Muerto.
Fall Festivals
The Olde Tyme Festival (September 28, noon–5 p.m., free) features historic tours, crafts, entertainment, food, games, storytelling, and a costume parade. Silverado Days (October 18–20) brings food, music, rides, and quirky contests like pie-eating and chubbiest baby.
Halloween Hotel Deals
Stay local with Buena Park hotels. Knott’s Hotel packages: Bare Bones ($210+), Haunted Dreams ($300+), Gruesome Getaway ($470+), including Scary Farm tickets and perks (double occupancy). Hampton Inn & Suites Buena Park: 10–12% off with advance booking.
Buena Park’s Halloween magic will have you extending your stay.
