Spooktober Halloween Events in Long Beach

Halloween seems to get bigger every year, probably because it’s one holiday that really lets you do you.

And whether you like your Halloween sweet or spooky–or perhaps a little bit of both–Long Beach is ready and able to help you get ghosted, in a good way. Whether it’s frightful fish, jaywalking zombies or speakeasies, Long Beach has everything you need to treat yourself to a great All Hallow’s Eve.

THE PASSION OF DRACULA

Watch the heart-racing "The Passion of Dracula" at the Long Beach Playhouse's Mainstage Theater (September 21 - October 19). Mystery and horror film buffs will enjoy the live adaptation of this eerie tale as drama clashes against a supernatural force.

THE QUEEN MARY'S DARK HARBOR: THE SPIRITS RISE

Step into the haunted side of Queen Mary, if you dare, and prepare for a night of haunts and screams. Frightfully delightful activities include haunted mazes, hidden speakeasies, sharpshooting games, and fire spinners. This yearly haunt runs from September 20 to November 2.

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HALLOWEEN HOOTENANNY

Relish craft brews and exceptional wines at the Halloween Hootenanny. This fall occasion ensures bone-chilling fun with plenty of succulent drinks, local vendors, talented musicians, and scrumptious treats. Make your way to this exciting Halloween festival at the Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) on October 12, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

LONG BEACH ZOMBIE WALK

The Zombie Walk returns to Shoreline Village with a free Halloween celebration for all ages featuring DJs, entertainers, scarers, a separate kids area, a photo booth, meet-the-monsters photo ops, a zombie band, vendors and of course the zombie walk. This celebration of pretty much everything undead takes place Oct. 19, from 4-10 p.m., and is highlighted at the end with the Zombie Walk itself, which begins at 8 p.m. and will march/stagger down Rainbow Harbor. Perhaps best of all, the walk is free, which is great since zombies are not only well known for devouring brains but are also notoriously cheap.

FRIGHT DIVE

Ever wonder what the Aquarium of the Pacific (100 Aquarium Way) is like at night, you know, do the fish get freaky? Experience the spooky side of the Aquarium of the Pacific, Oct. 25 (7:30 - 11 p.m.) during Night Dive, a takeoff on the Aquarium’s popular monthly Night Dive adults-only (18-plus) event that features DJs and bands performing amid the Aquarium galleries. There are also food trucks serving unique fare on the front plaza, as well as drinks and cocktails. Fright Dive not only adds the Halloween element with frightful decorations but encourages attendees to wear costumes, especially Aquarium and/or ocean-themed getups!

SCARIUM OF THE PACIFIC

Experience a family-friendly Halloween celebration at the Aquarium of the Pacific, where underwater pumpkin carving and a vampire magician await! This spooky event will be held on October 26 at 9 a.m.

Credit: Aquarium of the Pacific

Fall Fest at the Pike Outlets

Shop 'til you drop at the Pike Outlets while enjoying the Fall Fest on October 26 (12 p.m,. - 3 p.m.). Create unforgettable memories by meeting with iconic Halloween characters, listening to fun performances, and participating in a social media costume competition. This family-friendly event is open to all ages—there are even balloon and caricature artists!

CREDIT: The Pike Outlets

HISTORICAL CEMETERY TOUR

For more than a quarter century, the Historical Society of Long Beach has conducted these annual living history tours of the city’s two oldest cemeteries: Long Beach Municipal Cemetery and Sunnyside Cemetery. This year’s tour takes place on Oct. 26 and, as in the past, it will feature stories of famous and ordinary Long Beach residents, acted out by actors–usually from the Long Beach Playhouse–in period costume. They know their subjects well, and are eager to take your questions. Though the tour is in a cemetery, it’s important to note that the purpose of the tour is not to frighten but enlighten folks about the people who helped shape Long Beach.

TRICK-OR-TREAT ON 2ND STREET

Don your favorite costume and bring the little ones to the annual Trick-or-Treat on 2nd Street on October 31 (4 p.m. - 6 p.m.). Collect sweet bites and candies from businesses that have jack-o'-lantern signs in their windows. Capture Instagram-worthy pictures from a professional photo booth and groove to upbeat performances.

Credit: Vixen Creative Agency

Nosferatu with Live Score at the Art Theatre

On Halloween night, watch F.W. Murnau’s chilling 1922 horror classic NOSFERATU at the historic Art Theatre of Long Beach (2025 E 4th St) accompanied by live music. The Jack Curtis Dubowsky Ensemble will play composer and conductor Jack Curtis Dubowsky’s original score to Nosferatu. The screening will be held on October 31 at 7:00 p.m. JCDE sparks new life with original scores to classic silent films, combining intricately composed material and structured improvisation. Nosferatu is an iconic German expressionist film directed by F.W. Murnau, one of the influential directors of his day. The film’s element of the Black Death – the European plague with no cure – would have resonated strongly with a 1922 audience that survived the Influenza Pandemic of 1918-1919 that killed over 40 million people. The film emphasizes the supernatural with stunning high-speed special effects, created in-camera.

PRESS-TELEGRAM’S SCARY STORIES CONTEST

The Press-Telegram’s scary story contest is a sure sign Halloween is on its way. As usual, the contest will be split into three divisions for stories and drawings: elementary school (K-5), middle school (6-8) and high school. Stories must be no longer than 650 words. Artwork must be original; no tracings. Submissions are due by 5 p.m. Oct. 7–that’s your deadline. The scariest stories and drawings will appear in the Sunday, Oct. 27 edition of the Press-Telegram. In addition to publication, top finishers for stories and artwork in each age category will also receive a $20 gift card to In-N-Out. That stuff is scary good.

More Seasonal Fun

This Weekend in Long Beach Learn More

Cultural Festivals at the Aquarium of the Pacific Learn More

Haunted Long Beach Learn More

Arts Month in Long Beach Learn More

All Things Pumpkin in Long Beach Learn More

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.