CONFAB: The Art of Mounting
Take a page out of The Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and spend a night at The Natural History Museum (yes, literally sleep there) on Halloween. The taxidermy-themed evening includes a discussion about the art of stuffing, a gallery scavenger hunt, live music, craft beer and wine served from 8:30 p.m. to midnight, and snacks when the clock strikes 12 a.m. More information (The Natural History Museum, October 31)
COMEDY: Eddie Pepitone’s Bloodbath
Headliner Eddie Pepitone (aka “The Bitter Buddha”) will be joined by fellow comedians Chris Fairbanks, Matt Kirshen, and Duncan Trussell for a night of hilarity. More information (The Comedy Improv, October 30)
CONFAB: BarkLA: Celebrating Advertising’s Best Friends
Networking is definitely more fun with dogs. More than 150 advertising, marketing, and media professionals (and their canine friends) will unite to socialize and raise money for Best Friends Animal Society and NKLA. More information (Team One Advertising, October 30)
FOOD: Manhattan House Halloween
Created by executive chef Diana Stavaridis, the special menu includes offerings such as a Bloody Beet Salad and Grim Reaper Punch. Costumed patrons pay happy hour prices all night long. More information (Manhattan House, October 31)
CONFAB: 18th Annual Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival
This month-long event at the Moorpark farm features everything from pumpkin picking to corn mazes to tractor rides. Each weekend is themed, and not all events occur on all weekends, so check the schedule of activities before planning a trip. More information (Underwood Family Farms, through October 31)
MUSIC: Krammpstein, Blahdios, Rhythm Coffin
Odds are good this might be one of the more unique ways to your spend Halloween night. Mac Sabbath is a recently formed L.A.-based “Drive Thru Metal” parody band that re-writes Black Sabbath songs with lyrics about fast food. More information (Whisky A Go-Go, October 31)
CONFAB: “Studio 448” 1970s Halloween Ball
Live cover band Crystal Starr and the Bowties & DJ Phatrick will provide the soundtrack to this ’70s themed bash. More information (Mrs. Fish, October 31)
FILM: Cinespia at Hollywood Forever
Savor the season (and L.A.’s year-round good weather) with Cinespia’s outdoor cinema at Hollywood Forever. Catch The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Halloween. More information (Hollywood Forever Cemetery, October 23, 24, and 31)
CONFAB: 8th Annual Halloween Party for DTLA Kids
Looking for something fun for your littlest goblins? This party—complete with face painting, puppet shows, and bouncy houses—should do the trick (or treat). More information (Grand Hope Park at the FIDM, October 31)
FOOD: Bow & Truss Halloween’s Eve
We’re all about Halloween-themed desserts, costume contests, and all night happy hours. More information (Bow & Truss, October 30)
CONFAB: Creep LA
New to L.A.’s haunted house scene, Creep LA’s brand of heebie jeebies involve both “traditional scare tactics” and “emotional interactions,” which makes us feel like tears might be involved (on our part, at least). The company hopes the frights will linger with guests long after they’ve navigated a warehouse full of mazes, corridors, and dark rooms. Yikes. More information (718 E. Jackson St, through October 31)
ART: Lighting Design Workshop with Brendan Ravenhill
Ravenhill’s fixtures illuminate restaurants like Osteria La Buca, L&E Oyster Bar, and the Springs DTLA. The industrial designer teaches some tricks of the trade at this workshop, leading participants through the process of creating a brass pendant light. More information (Poketo at the Line Hotel, November 1)
CONFAB: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
It’s hell on wheels as participants brave a boogey-man’s abode, a spooky maze, and various haunted houses. More information (Griffith Park Old Zoo, through October 31)
THEATRE: Wicked Lit 2015
Three supernatural stories take the stage: The Grove of Rashomon (mystical), The Ebony Frame (satanic), and The Fall of the House of Usher (timeless Edgar Allen Poe). More information (Mountain View Mausoleum & Cemetery, through November 14)
CONFAB: Boney Island
One of the most impressive DIY haunted houses in Los Angeles, this haunt takes place in the front yard of former Simpsons producer Rick Polizzi. The skeleton-themed wonderland even exposes visitors to the realm of magic, with all sorts of other surprises that are suitable for kids. More information (4602 Morse Ave, October 21 – October 31)
MUSIC: Halloween at The Hollywood Roosevelt
This annual party features a performance by rapper Travis Scott. VIP tickets are still available. More information (The Hollywood Roosevelt, October 31)
CONFAB: Dia De Los Muertos Celebration
This annual celebration hosted by the city of Santa Monica begins with a procession and blessing led by Ketzaliztli dancers. The female mariachi group Las Colibri and the band Conjunto Jardin, which performs son jarocho music, will also perform. More information (Woodlawn Cemetery, November 1)
CONFAB: Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor
Enjoy live music and DJs, magic acts, and costumed ghouls who will try to scare the living daylights out of you. If you’re feeling brave, try out Dark Harbor’s newest maze, Lullaby. More information (the Queen Mary, through November 1)