This is Halloween in Pasadena
October is all about pumpkins, ghouls, and spooktacular Halloween activities.
Celebrations in and around Pasadena start as early as September, so get your costumes ready for this year's monster-sized list of Halloween-themed events. Whether it's costumes and candy with the kids and family, or scary and haunted adventures for grown ups, enjoy some of the best ghoulish activities in the Los Angeles metroplex in the lush city of Pasadena.
Halloween at Kidspace
Halloween at Kidspace Children’s Museum is happening all month long this October. Arrive in costume and join the other fairies, mermaids, pirates and superheroes strutting their stuff in the daily Kidspace Halloween Parades. Visit the costume creation station for some DIY accessories and costume additions, decorate a pumpkin, meet a snake in Slitherin' Snake Tent, and enjoy the magic of Halloween.
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Carved returns with a new route and even more pumpkin magic for 2024 at Descanso Gardens! Stroll through a mesmerizing mile-long trail filled with glowing jack-o-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and whimsical displays through the Camellia Forest and picturesque Rose Garden. This year, enjoy the specially lit Descanso Railroad and marvel at the playful wood spirits carved from five enormous logs by Chainsaw Jenna. Don't miss the "Rhizome" installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere, and be sure to visit the Día de los Muertos altar. Rain or shine, this family-friendly event offers Halloween fun for all ages.
Dia De Los Muertos
On Thursday, November 1, the Armory Center for the Arts and the Pasadena Community Job Center, along with the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department, will host a vibrant celebration of the cherished century-old tradition of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. The event will feature captivating dance performances, creative arts and crafts, delicious food offerings, and the beautifully adorned "ofrendas," all designed to pay tribute to the lives of our departed loved ones at the Villa Parke Community Center from 5 - 9 p.m.
The Haunting of Old Pasadena Tour
The Bunker Experience in Old Pasadena brings back the immersive ghost tour on Thursday nights this Halloween season. The Haunting of Pasadena Tour takes you through the vaults located beneath one of the oldest buildings in Pasadena, the Union Saving's Bank Building, where haunting events have been said to take place throughout the building's 130 year history. The tour will also take you to the opening of the catacombs left over from the Spanish Mission that was once located at the building’s site. You'll hear the stories of the ghosts that still haunt this underground structure.
Halloween Spooktacular at One Colorado
Join the Halloween Spooktacular at One Colorado for a day of spooky fun! The event kicks off with the Bob Baker Marionettes from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., where ghostly ghouls perform a Halloween Hootenanny—costumes encouraged and free for all. Then, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m., get creative at the Pumpkin Decorating event. For $10, each guest can craft their own spooky pumpkin with all supplies included. Spaces are limited, so grab your spot and celebrate Halloween with family-friendly fun!
Haunted Pasadena Walking Tours
Through castles and courtyards, mortuaries and theatres, darkened alleyways and shuttered shopping malls, come walk through the haunted stories of Pasadena. Meet the phantoms who haunt its alleys, underground tunnels, corridors, and back rooms. Experience a nighttime wander through the Playhouse Village and Old Pasadena as you dive into the unexplained mysteries and dirty dealings that pepper Pasadena's past. From stories about the catacombs to the Parsons Suicide Squad to Crazy Cazaurang, enjoy the Haunted Pasadena Walking Tour on Fridays at 6:30 p.m.
Spooky Fall Getaway at Hotel Dena
Celebrate the spooky season in style with a stay at Hotel Dena. Enjoy a cozy stay in a modern guestroom or suite, complete with parking for one vehicle per night. To set the Halloween mood, you'll receive a $30 daily credit to use at Agents Only, where you can sip on special fall beverages, including zero-proof mocktails that capture the essence of the season. As a special treat, hotel guests will receive a unique Hotel Dena Guide and a Lume Cube light upon check-in. This curated guide takes you through classic Halloween movie filming locations across Pasadena and South Pasadena, including iconic spots from the 1978 "Halloween" slasher film. The Lume Cube is perfect for capturing the ultimate selfie as you explore Pasadena's rich cinematic history. After a day of spooky exploration, unwind with a late check-out (based on availability) to rest and restore before heading home.
Trick-Or-Treating in Old Pasadena
Dress up in your most creative costumes on October 31, and head over to Old Pasadena for a Treat Trail. Enjoy store-to-store Trick-or-Treating and discover a variety of delicious treats and surprises at every turn, where shops and restaurants are handing out Halloween goodies for the little ones (first-come first-served). Once the candy bag is full, pose for a family portrait in the Halloween-themed photo area.
Strange Science: Out of Time at the Huntington
Travel from an ancient era to a dystopian future at this year’s Strange Science Halloween bash on Saturday, October 26! Enjoy thrilling performances, engaging talks, and live beats on the dance floor. Savor delicious food and drinks while exploring the new exhibition "Storm Cloud" and the Conservatory after dark. It's an unforgettable evening filled with chills, thrills, and a journey through time.
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