The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is back for 2025 and, it is really a great year for the event. Once you are through security and headed through the iconic pumpkin archway into Midnight Falls, the magic of Halloween is alive. Taking notes from previous years, the layout has been refined offering a more cohesive experience including Midnight Falls, the Monte Revolta show, three mazes, a carousel, and of course, the titular hayride.
This event is also unique in that entry is free and so is parking. Of course there are upgrades, but in theory you could park and enter the grounds simply to soak in the vibes and interact with the characters. If you want to hop onto the hayride you can buy a ticket. If you want to hit the mazes, that’s a ticket. It is, essentially, an ala carte haunt with options for nearly everyone.
Also new this year is the addition of Elvira Mistress of the Dark in the form of a refreshed maze, a carousel redo, and verious voiceovers throughout the grounds
The Monte Revolta Show – DO NOT MISS
Nestled in the heart of the event is the town of Midnight Falls. Here we find the main stage which features the Monte Revolta show. Here, good ol’ Monte entertains with his special brand of tribute covers. With the assistance of a killer band, he puts on a phenomenal show.
The show is horror family friendly, featuring numbers based on Saw, The Exorcist, and a finale that has to be seen to be believed. (hint: it’s based on a movie that is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.) Be warned though, if you are close to the stage you may get wet.
Mazes
The event features two returning mazes and one updated walkthrough. All are worth the cash for sure, but one was a double threat.
Monáe Manor
The wonderful Monáe Manor returns virtually unchanged from last year. That’s not a bad thing as we really liked it. Here songwriter, wrapper, and emerging horror icon Janelle Monáe hosts a walkthough of her decrepit mansion complete with a tour of the cemetery. This one is a lot of fun.
Hellbilly Halloween
Next up is the enjoyable, of basic Hellbilly Halloween. Another repeat from last year, this maze is entertaining, for sure. We journey through the welcoming home of a band of ravenous cannibals on Halloween night only to find that we are the main ingredient in their feast.
The talent kills it again, so no shame in their game. Additionally the lighting, sound, and tech are all up to snuff, as it were. For the uninitiated, this will be another wonderful scare. But this concept is in need of a refresh or total redo. Still, it’s worth the price.
Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem – DO NOT MISS
The surprise highlight of the event for us was Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem. Taking the former Trick or Treat maze and adding Elvira seemed like a simple thing. Instead, the 13th Floor team have reinvented the maze to include the Mistress of the Dark, her trademark humor, and a lot of fun scares along the way.
This one was a lot of fun, and one that we can’t wait to see again.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – DO NOT MISS
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is very good this year. Following the overall theme of reinvention and refinement, this nostalgic journey through various set pieces while sitting on bales of hay is more polished than ever. Gone are the empty set pieces or long stretches of nothing. Instead we have a solid 20 minute attraction that features multiple set pieces and a few kep stops.
Yes, the hayride is still kitschy fun. No they have not figured out a way to make riders ignore the 5 freeway on the other side of the fence. But the experience runs smoother, cleaner. It offers just enough of a scare for families without being too intense. I have honestly not seen this experience look this good in years.
Food Options
The food options are copious and varied. What surprised us more was that the prices were pretty reasonable for food truck fare.
Add Ons
As mentioned, the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is a sort of build your own haunt experience. You can shoose to pend as little or as much as you like based on your budget and interest. While the Hayride and mazes are sort of a package deal, there are additional things that you can choose to buy access to. Prices vary by date. Check the website for details.
Defend yourself from the army of the undead with our exhilarating GellyBall experience! GellyBall employs electric devices, similar to airsoft equipment, to launch 8mm colored water balloons, providing a safe and enjoyable encounter. Rest assured, GellyBall offers a secure and entertaining activity, using smaller projectiles compared to traditional paintball. All guests will receive complimentary protective eyewear for their safety. You’ll be placed in a range-style booth, where you can engage with live actor zombies in an exciting zombie apocalypse simulation.
Combo Pack
Get the ultimate Haunted Hayride Experience! This includes the Seance, where Madam Aurora summons spirits from the beyond; a spin on the eerie Scary-go-Round; the action packed Zombie Splat Gellyball Experience; and 5 throws at Midnight Falls Axe Throwing.
Gold Parking
Gold Parking near the Hayride Entrance
