2011 Halloween Events in Los Angeles: The Weekend Event Guide

Los Angeles is full of Halloween events for everyone from kid-friendly face painting, haunted houses for the teens, and adults-only masquerade fun.

This year, the ghostly excitement isn't just for Halloween night. Events will happen all over the metropolitan area throughout the weekend. Kids will be happy to wear their costume before they go trick-or-treating at events like Boo at the Zoo, which transforms the LA Zoo into a Halloween extravaganza.

For those looking for heart-pounding, palm-sweating fear, Los Angeles has some of the scariest hayrides and truly haunted ships that only the brave can survive.

Universal Studio's will even take visitors inside of their scariest box-office hits.

Here are some of the best haunted happenings in Los Angeles:

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride:

This year's Los Angeles Haunted Hayride will go deeper into the story of the Clifton Twins. The twins' journal of violent nightmares is transformed into Los Angeles' scariest haunted hayride. There's also a terrifying attraction called The In Between, which brings visitors through a dark maze. If you can't handle this palm-sweating action, use the safe word I'm a baby and staff will take you out of the nightmare. The hayride will be open all weekend long from Thursday to Monday. Tickets cost $25 for general admission to the hayride and $35 for both the hayride and maze. The ride is located at the Griffith Park Old Zoo, 4730 Crystal Springs Ave., Griffith Park.

Haunted Hollywood Scavenger Hunt:

For something different this Halloween, try a Haunted Hollywood Scavenger Hunt. Guests will learn all about secret Hollywood murders, suicides, and the tortured souls who stay behind. The hunt will take visitors searching for clues through the Roosevelt, Knickerbocker Hotel, and historic theaters. There are six people per team and registration cost $25 per person. The hunt starts at 6:00 p.m. all weekend long. Starting location is revealed upon registration.

Boo at the Zoo:

On Oct. 29 & 30, the Los Angeles Zoo is turned into Boo at the Zoo. This family-friendly event will gives kids a chance to get up close and personal with creepy creatures, get freaky face paintings, and watch gorillas and other animals enjoy pumpkin treats. Tickets for the event are the same as general admission: $9 for kids and $14 for adults.

Queen Mary's Dark Harbor:

For those that will venture to Long Beach, there is a frightening pay off waiting aboard the Queen Mary. Operating between 1936 and 1967, more than 49 people are reported to have been killed on the ship. In the 1990's the ship was turned into a hotel, where guest can check in to fear. For the 17 annual year, the ship and surrounding dock is transformed into the Dark Harbor, which Creepy LA gives an A+. Every fear will be brought alive in different mazes called Submerged, The Cage, and The Village of the Damned, to just name a few. Tickets for the night cost $29. Buy online to get a $5 discount. The Halloween hauntings end Monday. Queen Mary's Dark Harbor was also featured on IBTimes's America's Scariest Haunted Houses.

Universal Studio's Halloween Horror Night:

Two of Hollywood's scariest horror films, The Thing and Hostel, come to life this weekend at Universal Studies Halloween Horror Nights. If you were closing your eyes in the theater, it may be best to sit this one out. General admission tickets cost $62, but if you buy your tickets online for Thursday, Sunday, or Monday you can save $15.

Saturday, Oct. 29 Only - KCRW's Halloween Costume Ball and Dance Party:

The masquerade event is such a hot ticket that only VIP cabanas are available. KCRW has stepped up its game at the third annual benefit bash by bringing in famed DJ, Moby. This 21 and over party has four DJ stages and five themed ballrooms.

Monday, Oct.31 Only - The West Hollywood Halloween Carnival:

Massive crowds shut down Santa Monica Boulevard during the West Hollywood Halloween Carnival. Those that have been to the Village Halloween Parade in New York City, expect the same brilliant chaos. There will be entertainment, great food, and some of the most extraordinary costume creations. The parade starts at 9 p.m. and last until 11 p.m., although the street is shut down until the next morning for after-hour celebrations. The parade runs along Santa Monica Boulevard from Doheny Drive to La Cienega Boulevard.