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

Legend has it you should never go alone to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Southern California’s scariest Halloween event. Summon your scream squad and you might survive. Enter eight haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in horror. The Terror Tram is back and this time the bugs are taking over. Tour Guide Larry Larva and his bug-headed exterminators are out to get rid of human pests once and for all. You’ll be dropping like flies.

 

Son of MonsterPalooza

Son of MonsterPalooza brings more spookiness to town. From October 13-15, 2023, 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 $35 and 3-day passes go for $75.

Halloween Events with Burbank Parks & Recreation

• October 13, 14, 20, & 21: Haunted Adventure | Stough Park/Starlight Bowl | Begins at 7:00-9:00pm | $7 per person
• October 21: Floating Pumpkin Patch | Verdugo Aquatic Facility | 10:00am-2:00pm | $5 per person
• October 28: Little Pumpkins Tot Party | McCambridge Park | 10:00-11:30am | $5 per person
• October 31: Halloween Celebration for Adults | Tuttle Senior Center | 10:00-11:00am | FREE
• October 31: Halloween Carnival | McCambridge Park | 6:00-8:30pm | $5 per person

Children Halloween Gingerbread House Activity

October 29th from 3pm-7pm. Children and parents will have the chance to assemble a one of a kind Halloween themed gingerbread house in the Swedish Restaurant. IKEA will supply the gingerbread house, icing, and candies to assemble the houses. Feel free to bring any extra materials to make your Halloween themed gingerbread house unique. Spaces are limited, RSVP today! *One gingerbread house per family.

Skate Oddity Presents Killer Clowns on Rollerskates

On September 16, 2023, Skate Oddity is hosting a nightmare on skates at the LA Kings Burbank Sports Center. Skate rentals are available for $5. VIP tickets grantsaccess to the VIP Circus where you can take a skate break, watch killer clown movies (like Killer Klowns from Outerspace, IT, Terrifier, and House of 1,000 Corpses) while snacking on candy and popcorn and sipping free Liquid Death refreshments. Not into skating? It’s FREE to come shop, picnic, grab a bite, and hang out while listening to our playlist! (Paid tickets only necessary to skate inside the rink.)

Boo at the Zoo

In October, decked out Halloween-themed exhibits and costumes will add the seasonal spirit to the animal kingdom. The weekends include an extra layer of excitement with outdoor live shows, animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo opportunities and more! Admission to this family-friendly event is included with a general zoo ticket purchase.  More information to come soon. 

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 am to 5 pm daily.

 

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 Monday through Friday from 11 am to 7 pm 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.

Crusty Bunker

The self-proclaimed ‘coolest little comic shop on Magnolia,’ has gained a local following with its unique and classic comic book collection. October is the perfect time of year to geek-out on your favorite villains and horror stories inside the Crusty Bunker in Magnolia Park.

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!

Slone Vintage

A vintage clothing and gift shop, they carry clothing from the 1930s-1990s for woman, men and kids. Each piece is thoughtfull hand-selected, cleaned and repaired. So you can wear any of the pieces out!

Glandale Halloween

Looking for a large selection of costumes? Glendale Halloween has opened a pop-up shop in the Burbank Town Center. The have everything you need for Halloween from costumes, accessories, masks, makeup, and wigs to the great decor and lighting.

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.

 

Unique Vintage

Whether you’re frolicking in pumpkin patches or summoning the dead, Unique Vintage’s Creepy Collection is filled with the perfect pieces for your Halloween fun! Visit their location on San Fernando Blvd in Downtown Burbank.

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.