Exclusive Event Report: Los Angeles’ Haunted Hayride 2013

Steve Barton   |  

Oct 16, 2013

• Share on Facebook
• Share on Twitter
• Share on LinkedIn
• Share on Flipboard
• Share on Reddit
• Share on Pinterest
• Share on WhatsApp
• Share via Email

The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride has become a Halloween tradition of sorts for Dread Central. Its carnival-like atmosphere, dark mazes, and signature ride through Griffith Park always deliver the goods – and for the 2013 edition, it’s better than ever.

Numerous celebrities took to the red carpet to celebrate the grand opening before piling onto the twenty-five-minute ride through the fog-drenched hills and cornfields. Outside, impressive assortments of freaks stalk visitors while live bands play. Delicious circus treats are served, paranormal experts speak on stage and inquisitionists conduct live witch hangings. This is one event where you’ll find as much care put into the stuff outside as in the main attraction itself.

This year’s hayride is easily the best it’s ever been: Highlights include a church of satanic cultists, burning undead children and a weird S&M alien zoo (where this writer shared a tender moment with one sexy alien freak). These are just a few of the things you’ll encounter as maniacs jump on and off your tram and target people’s screaming dates. One undead child even gave me this:

There’s also plenty to do once you’ve left the hayride – from posing for macabre photo ops to watching sword swallowers and Tim Burton-esque stilt-men. And for an extra fee, visitors can attend the Dark Maze, a pitch-black experience where groups are given a strobing lantern and set loose into the darkness where all sorts of creatures await.

If you want to experience all the great Halloween attractions California has to offer, the Haunted Hayride is a no-brainer. The event is currently running now through the end of October (every Thursday-Sunday in addition to Wednesday, the 30th). General Admission is $30, Double Attraction Passes are $39 and VIP passes that surpasses the line wait are $55. $5 Off Discount coupons are available with your purchase of any Sunkist or Squirt soda product at all Southern California Ralph’s Supermarkets. Your purchase supports the LA Parks Foundation, preserving parks for the people of Los Angeles. TICKETS ARE ON SALE NOW! Visit the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride website for complete details.

Subscribe to our Newsletter