You’re in for one spooky ride

You’ve been on a hayride before, but how about a haunted hayride? Travel deep into the hills of Griffith Park for a hair-raising, tractor drawn carriage ride through the abandoned Old Zoo anytime between now and Sunday. Why? If the hayride isn’t scary enough for you, venture through the twists and turns of the haunted hay maze – hope you can make it (out alive).

Location: Griffith Park, Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Dr., Los Angeles, CA, 90027 (directions) Date/Time/Cost: Please see website for details  Web: losangeleshauntedhayride.com.

The Living (and) Dead

Dia de los muertos may translate to “Day of the Dead,” but Saturday’s event at Hollywood Forever Cemetery is sure to be a lively one.  Traditional performances and processions, a Calaveras art exhibition and local Mexican cuisine are just a few happenings to look forward to as we honor and celebrate those before us. Why? The event’s theatrical and musical performances will have the dearly departed rolling over – we mean jamming along – in their graves.

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)  Date/Time: Saturday, October 30^th from 2:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.  Cost: $10 per person  Web: ladayofthedead.com

Come One, Come All

For its twenty-third year in a row, West Hollywood will play host to hoards of costume-clad ghouls and booys at the oh-so-spooktacular Halloween Carnival. Featuring live entertainment, a wicked costume contest and more, this event is sure to awaken the (holiday) spirit in you.  Why? You’ll have so much fun, it’s scary.

Location: Between La Cienega Boulevard and La Peer Drive on Santa Monica Boulevard, in West Hollywood, CA (map).  Date/Time: Sunday, October 31 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.  Web: westhollywoodhalloween.com.

Treat Yourself

If ghouls and goblins aren’t for you then Social Construct’s The Lost Weekend will truly be a treat. Avoid the tricks and traffic of West Hollywood and don your vintage gear for a “film noir inspired” extravaganza hosted at (predominantly) organic flower shop The Language of Flowers in Santa Monica. Why? “Be bad and do good”: proceeds from the event will go toward funding breast cancer research and to a start-up company working to make fashionable organic cotton tops as alternatives to hospital gowns for those undergoing radiation treatment.

Location: The Language of Flowers, 726 Montana Ave., Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)  Date/Time: Saturday, October 30 at 8 p.m. or Sunday, October 31 at 8 p.m.  Cost: Purchase your tickets online for $15  Web: lostweekend.eventbrite.com.

Images courtesy of We Heart It and Flickr users riptheskull, Robb North, x-ray delta one and foxtongue.