Best Hollywood-Themed Halloween Experiences: Roosevelt Hotel, Charles Manson Hunts, Pantages Theatre Shows and More

In a city built on movie magic, Halloween is effectively a year-round business. But in October, Los Angeles takes its spookiness to another level, turning the city's theaters and historic sites into scenes worth the screen time. For film buffs and true crime enthusiasts, several walking tours offer a closer look at the dark side [...]

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In a town built on movie magic, Halloween is practically a year-round business. But in October, Los Angeles takes its horror to another level, transforming the city's historic theaters into scenes worthy of the screen.

For movie buffs and true crime lovers, several walking tours offer a closer look at the dark side of Hollywood history. The Sunset Boulevard True Crime and Ghost Stories Tour follows some of the Strip's most infamous figures and scandals, from mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel to Charles Manson and the infamous Wonderland murders. Meanwhile, the Haunted Hollywood Walking Tour explores ghost stories and tragedies surrounding landmarks like the Roosevelt Hotel, Magic Castle, and TCL Chinese Theater. Related Stories 'Godzilla Minus Zero' review: Godzilla and King Ghidorah battle to the death in the larger sequel 'Godzilla Minus One' 14th Review: Ava DuVernay's powerful sequel to '13th' turns a Constitutional Amendment into living history.

The Hollywood Ghost Night Walking Tour also takes visitors through Tinseltown's haunted past, with stops at the historic El Capitan Theater and Musso and Frank's Grill, the latter of which has long been the home of Hollywood royalty.

Whether you're looking to get into a scary movie or simply celebrate the spooky season with a distinctly Hollywood twist, here are some of the best Halloween experiences to book in and around Los Angeles this October.

Hollywood's haunted past takes center stage on this 90-minute walking tour of some of the entertainment capital's most famous landmarks. Stops include TCL Chinese Theatre, El Capitan Theater and Musso & Frank Grill, where guides recount ghost stories, unexplained encounters and darker histories behind some of Tinseltown's most recognizable addresses.

From the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel to the Magic Castle and the TCL Chinese Theatre, this guided walking tour explores the ghost stories surrounding some of Los Angeles' most iconic landmarks. Along the way, visitors hear about the celebrities, scandals and supposed supernatural encounters that have contributed to Hollywood's reputation as one of the nation's most haunted entertainment districts.

In this two-hour tour that combines Hollywood history, true crime and supernatural legends, the darker side of the Sunset Strip gets its own special attention. Guides retrace the stories of infamous figures including mobster Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, Charles Manson and the Wonderland Gang, exploring the murders, scandals and alleged hauntings that have become part of the boulevard's mythology.

Fame and misfortune go hand in hand in this adult-only tour that explores the darker legacies of Hollywood's biggest stars. Over 90 minutes, guests visit famous landmarks including the TCL Chinese Theater, the Pantages Theater and the Hollywood Knickerbocker Apartments, learning about the supposed tragedies, scandals and controversies associated with the entertainment industry's storied past.

For those who prefer their Halloween thrills with a cocktail in hand, The Obscure in the Los Angeles Arts District offers a two-hour tasting experience of mythology, theatrical storytelling and composition. Guests sample six drinks – three house brews and three signature cocktails – in an atmospheric, candlelit setting. On select Fridays and Saturdays during the Halloween season, the venue also hosts "Devil's Quarters," a darker twist on its signature experience.

One of New York City's most notorious haunted houses returns for another season of elaborate scares. Celebrating more than two decades of horror, BloodManor transforms 10,000 square feet into a maze of themed rooms, ominous passageways and costumed performers designed to captivate visitors. The attraction also offers special "Lights Out" nights for an even more dazzling experience.

Edgar Allan Poe's gothic tales get a theatrical makeover in Poe's Night, an all-in-one production at the Hudson Theater in Los Angeles. Combining live performances of the author's horror stories with four themed cocktails, the 90-minute experience also features music by Danny Elfman, composer of "Beatle Joyce" and "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

Universal Studios Hollywood's annual Halloween Horror Nights returns with a series of haunted houses and scare zones. And the event's live entertainment after dark transforms the theme park into a sprawling horror playground, complete with eight haunted houses and the infamous Terror Tram. For fans who have always wanted to get into a horror movie, this is about as close as it gets.

A long-standing fall tradition in Los Angeles, Mr. Bones' Pumpkin Patch brings a family-friendly Halloween experience to Culver City. The seasonal destination features a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, photo opportunities and local food trucks, along with weekend entertainment. This is an ideal option for those looking to celebrate this season without jump scares.

Halloween meets rock music and burlesque at The Cat’s Crawl, where “Femme Freak Fatale” combines TemperMental’s live performance with pole dancing and theatrical routines from Rock N Pole Burlesque. This adults-only show features Halloween favorites from the soundtrack, emo songs and costume-encouraged originals.

For a different kind of horror experience, the Museum of Medieval Torture takes visitors through 7,000 square feet of interactive exhibits that explore the gruesome history of medieval punishment. An audio guide provides historical context, while an accompanying ghost hunting experience allows guests to use an app to search for paranormal activity throughout the attraction.

The Sanderson sisters are back. This grown-up musical spoof of Disney's Halloween favorite "Hocus Pocus" brings the Wicked Wizards of North Hollywood to the Wisteria Theater for an hour of comedy, original skits and audience interaction. After the show, guests can join the cast for a Halloween party with themed cocktails, photo opportunities and dancing.

Some of the most well-known horror movie scores get a classic makeover in this candlelit concert at Hollywood's historic Chinese Theatre. The hour-long performance features orchestral renditions of spooky favorites, including music from "The Exorcist," "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" and Michael Jackson's "Thriller," providing a more atmospheric alternative to the usual Halloween festivities.

Burlesque, theater and supernatural shenanigans collide in this adult-only cabaret at The Cat's Crawl. The original film follows three witches who accidentally release demons from Hell, setting off a night of pole dancing, theatrics and darkly comic storytelling. Halloween-themed cocktails and a costume-friendly atmosphere complete the experience.

The makers of 'Drunk Shakespeare' present Bram Stoker's vampire classic in 'Drunk Dracula', a 90-minute theatrical comedy at the Hollywood Hotel Cafe. The premise is simple: an actor downs five shots of whiskey before joining in on a chaotic retelling of the story of the Count of Transylvania. Guests can order cocktails right at their seats as the increasingly unpredictable performance unfolds.

Edgar Allan Poe's literary universe is transformed into a full-scale theatrical playground in "Poe-Etique," an immersive experience that transports guests to Raven's Manor, a mysterious sanctuary isolated from the plague-ravaged world. Visitors move through a series of rooms and encounter cursed lovers, mad scientists and characters inspired by Poe's The Masque of the Red Death, becoming active participants in a terrifying tale of obsession, madness and survival.

Along with its celebrity likenesses, Hollywood's famous wax museum also offers a few extra scares. The entertainment center's all-access pass includes four attractions, including Outbreak – Dread the Undead, a zombie-themed experience set against the Catastrophic Trial of the Fountain of Youth and Hannah's Mirror Maze. Visitors can also explore interactive collections inspired by the film and take part in the Chaos 5D Adventure.