October sets the Burbank stage for crisp autumn evenings, themed festivities and crafty pumpkin-inspired décor.

As the Media Capital of the World, it’s no surprise Burbank offers some of the most imaginative costumes and special effects when it comes to an epic Halloween scene. From sensational theme park nights to spooky shopping and costumes-galore, the spirit of Fall takes over the city during October. Whether you’re trying to transform your home into a Fall Fairytale or create the perfect costume, this list of seasonal must-do’s goes beyond trick or treat.

HALLOWEEN EVENTS/FUN THINGS TO DO

The following are some great (costume-encouraged) upcoming events and happenings available throughout October.

Halloween Horror Nights

You never feel more alive than when you’re scared to death at Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, Southern California’s scariest Halloween event. Bring your friends and you might survive. Enter eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror. Terrifying Blumhouse characters have taken over the Terror Tram. Face the murderous android M3GAN. The Grabber. And more. Face nightmarish creatures prowling the streets of Universal Studios, appearing when you least expect it. You’ll also enjoy themed entertainment, food and exclusive merchandise.

Son of MonsterPalooza

Son of MonsterPalooza brings more spookiness to town. From October 11-13, 2024, the Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport Convention Center brings together all aspects of the horror movie industry with more than 150 vendors, unique exhibits, special celebrity guests and more! Single-day tickets start at $38.50 and 3-day passes go for $75.

Halloween Events with Burbank Parks & Recreation

• October 11, 12, 18, & 19: Haunted Adventure | Stough Park/Starlight Bowl | Begins at 7:00-9:00pm | $7 per person
• October 19: Floating Pumpkin Patch | Verdugo Aquatic Facility | 10:00am-2:00pm | $5 per person
• October 26: Little Pumpkins Tot Party | McCambridge Park | 10:00-11:30am | $5 per person
• October 26: Halloween Skate Fest | Valley Skate Park | 6:00-9:00pm | FREE
• October 30: Halloween Celebration for Adults | Tuttle Senior Center | 10:00-12:00pm | FREE
• October 31: Halloween Carnival | McCambridge Park | 6:30-8:00pm | $5 per person

Skate Oddity Halloween

On Saturday, October 26, 2024, Skate Oddity is hosting a nightmare on skates at the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center. General admission is $20. Skate rentals are available for $5. Upgrade to VIP tickets for entry to the VIP cave for just $8 additional. There you will enjoy refreshments, photo op, and films of hellish delight on the VIP TV screen! Not into skating? It’s FREE to come shop, picnic, grab a bite, and hang out while listening to our playlist! Costumes Encouraged! (but not necessary!)

Boo at the Zoo

October 19 & 20 and 26 & 27, the Halloween spirit will be in full swing for two frightfully fun weekends at the L.A. Zoo, with trick-or-treating stations featuring premium Mars candies, plus animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, education stations, an extinct animal graveyard, and more. Costumes are encouraged!

Free daytime access to enjoy special programming like Boo at the L.A. Zoo is just one of the many benefits of membership.

Hyaena Gallery

There is no better time for dark art than during the month of October. Known to celebrate dark, lowbrow, and underground art, the Hyaena Gallery captures the essence of the season through their spell-bound exhibits creating endless wonder. With all forms of expression being honored, the exhibit stays interesting, albeit a bit scary. The gallery is open to the public from 11:00am-7:00pm Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00pm-5:00pm Sunday and closed on Monday.

Mystic Museum

This Magnolia Park museum loves a good ghost story. The Mystic Museum highlights paranormal, mysticism and Halloween-inspired demonstrations. Prep for a proper  evening out with scary movie nights, ghost investigation and interactive immersive experiences. The exhibit runs daily from 11:00am-7:00pm and tickets cost $16 and are only available for in-store purchase.

HORROR SHOPPING

Burbank has a great many shops and boutiques dedicated to the horror genre. Whether you are looking for decorations for your Halloween party or a limited-edition comic book we’ve got you covered.

Dark Delicacies

Dark Delicacies, Home of Horror, is a one-stop shop to creepy tales and horrifying collectibles. Receiving stand up accolades from the New York Times for the “Best Horror/Fantasy Bookstore” in L.A., the shop features book signings, and themed events in the spirit of Halloween.

Bearded Lady

With sister stores, the Mystic Museum and Camp Horror, The Bearded Lady is the perfect place to shop for all your vintage Halloween oddities. If you’re looking for halloween decorations like taxidermized animals or trinkets representing seasonal fun, you’ll want to browse the Bearded Lady until you find the special treasure you crave.

House of Secrets

It’s no secret that this comic and toys shop is a Burbank classic. Fit with an array of spirited Halloween titles, the store has a relaxed yet entertaining kind-of-vibe. If you’re a comic book fanatic, plan to happily purchase some epic Halloween-themed memorabilia.

Blast from the Past

Located in Magnolia Park, Blast from the Past is Burbank’s essential shop for movies, comics, and collectibles. Stroll through and browse their collection on October 28, 2022, for Magnolia Park Night Out when the vibe is lively and haunting.

COSTUME SHOPPING

Looking for a unique costume not likely to be duplicated? These specialty and vintage shops have specially-curated collections for browsing.

Halloween Town

Props, decor and costumes-galore! Everything you’ll need to  become unrecognizable to your guests (and family members) can be found at the year-round Halloween Town in Magnolia Park. With over 20 years of business, this local go-to stocks new merchandise each year. The large space is called a “town” for a reason, as you will have aisle upon aisle of everything you never knew you needed for Halloween!

Junk for Joy

Junk for Joy caters to those looking for a one-of-a-kind costume, full of history and personality. Family-owned and run since 1976, the shop prides themselves in creating unique costumes based on the customer’s vision. Specializing in vintage clothing and accessories from the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s, they encourage you to pick your era and get creative!

It’s a Wrap

Putting a new spin on used clothing, It’s a Wrap is the only second-hand store of its kind that sells Hollywood movie and tv costumes to the general public. That’s right, you can wear threads worn by the stars! If you’re vying to mimic your favorite Hollywood movie character for Halloween, this is your best shot!

Playclothes Vintage

Playclothes Vintage lives up to its name with a large selection of garments to play dress-up no matter what your theme might be. The period pieces, unique accessories and wigs are a few reasons this shop has a reputation to please and play!

HALLOWEEN ATTIRE 

Burbank has a plethora of vintage-inspired shops that always have the best in spooky fashion. 

Vixen by Micheline Pitt

This vintage-inspired boutique hits dead on the mark this Halloween. Micheline Pitt is a local Burbank designer who is doing big things with her recent partnership with Paramount Pictures. Her new Halloween line features epic Bettlejuice, IT and Edward Scissor Hands attire. Browse through each funky and unique character online or in-store for your perfect piece.

HALLOWEEN MAKEUP 

Makeup Designory

Get your Halloween makeup done by the professionals at Makeup Designory (MUD) in Downtown Burbank. MUD will make your ultimate Halloween look come to life with special effects makeup and prosthetics. All ages are welcome and the studio is open to the public Thursday – Monday. 

Between the exciting treats and festive tricks, the City of Burbank comes alive this season. With events that elicit Halloween joy and shops that sell the quirkiest attire and gifts, you’ll (likely) want to stay in character as Halloween season takes over the city.