Dramatic sets, passionate actors, beautiful mood lighting – what more could you ask for? A kiddie fair with a pumpkin patch and petting zoo located in the same lot, perhaps? Empty Grave haunted house has you covered!

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The upcoming season promises all new thrills, but drawing from last years thematics:

“As legend has it, the groundskeeper was haunted by voices of ghosts, instructing him to kill… so he did. He dug a hole to bury the casualties, but before he could do so, the earth collapsed inward, killing him. Now, years later, the empty grave has been unearthed and is ready to consume all who enter.” (adapted from the Empty Grave)

Situated in a large lot near the Laguna Hills Mall, Empty Grave is a brilliant nod to good old fashioned halloween fun. This haunted house possessed some of the most elaborate, inventive, and intricate sets I witnessed all season. What struck me most intensely was their masterful use of lighting to create shadows, mood and a dreamlike atmosphere that almost felt like a visual narrative, complementing the concept beautifully. The team behind this haunt is top notch, among some of the most passionate, genuine and talented I’ve encountered.

My group was fortunate to walk through once as guests; a second time as press members. During the first run, I found myself screaming and startled within Empty Grave more than I had anticipated; the twisting maze and narrow corridors adding tension to the stunning set design. The frightening talent was refreshingly relentless, there was hardly time to catch my breath before encountering a new scare. The second go presented a rare behind the scenes opportunity to view actors posing amongst the props rather than running from them in scare mode. A quite zen experience to be honest, wandering amongst live art.

Beyond the thrills, an asset which sets this particular location apart is the potential for family fun. If you have children that are a bit too young for the big scares, Empty Grave is located directly behind Pumpkin City’s Pumpkin Patch: a halloween fair with games, petting zoos and, of course, pumpkins available to select for carving. Did I mention this portion is also free? As a (big) kid at heart, I enjoyed walking through this relaxing seasonal atmosphere afterward as a way of winding down the heart pumping adrenaline.

I definitely recommend checking out Empty Grave this coming season. It feels like a great way to kick off the timeless tradition of Halloween and conjure up a sense of nostalgia. The team puts a lot of heart into everything they do, and it shows. Is this the best kept secret in Laguna hills? Quite possibly. Come and find out! The gatekeeper is waiting for you…

For more info, dates and times, visit The Empty Grave.