Spooky Events to Experience in Burbank, CA This Halloween Season
There’s something about October in Burbank that feels cinematic. The air gets a little crisper, the nights arrive sooner, and suddenly the city’s ties to Hollywood take on a playful, sometimes eerie edge. Studio backlots transform into haunted sets, neighborhood streets glow with jack-o’-lanterns, and every corner feels ready for its close-up. Whether you’re chasing spooky thrills, exploring classic film locations, or just soaking in the magic of fall in Los Angeles, Burbank is where Halloween comes to life under the California moonlight.
In Burbank, Halloween isn’t just one night of costumes and candy, it’s a month-long celebration that blends Hollywood magic with hometown spirit. From haunted studio tours to family-friendly pumpkin patches, there’s something for every kind of thrill-seeker. We have rounded up four can’t-miss Halloween experiences, all just moments from Coast Burbank Hotel.
1. Universal Studios® Hollywood: Halloween Horror Nights | September 4 – November 2
If you love a good scare, this is the Halloween event in Los Angeles. Universal Studios® Hollywood transforms into a full-blown playground of terror, featuring eight haunted houses inspired by cult-favorite films and TV shows. The Terror Tram takes you right through the studio backlot, where movie magic and mayhem collide, while scare zones keep the chills coming around every corner. Even the park’s food and drinks get a spooky twist, perfect for keeping your courage up between screams. Best of all, Coast Burbank Hotel offers convenient free shuttle service to and from Universal Studios, making it easy to dive into the thrills and return to comfort when the night is done. If you love a good scare, this is the Halloween event in Los Angeles, best suited for ages 13 and up.
2. Warner Bros. Studio Tour: Discover the Dark Arts | September 12 – November 9
Each fall, Burbank’s own Warner Bros. Studios embraces its darker, more mysterious side. The Halloween edition of the studio tour takes you deep into the Wizarding World, where Death Eaters lurk and Dementors drift through the shadows. For those seeking even more after-dark excitement, the exclusive NOX event (October 29–31) transforms the lot into an immersive playground of eerie encounters, themed cocktails, and trick-or-treat fun for adults. Guests of our Burbank hotel can take advantage of the free shuttle service to and from Warner Bros. Studios, making it easy to skip the parking hassle and enjoy a stress-free evening of Halloween magic.
3. Boo at the L.A. Zoo | October 18–19 and October 25–26
Looking for something festive that the whole family can enjoy? Then look no further than Boo at the L.A. Zoo in Griffith Park, just under four miles from our hotel in Burbank. Happening over just two weekends, this family-friendly celebration transforms the Los Angeles Zoo into a Halloween wonderland filled with animal encounters, trick-or-treat stations, and plenty of spooky décor that’s more fun than fright. Kids love watching the animals enjoy their pumpkin feedings, and parents will appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and daytime schedule. Since the event wraps up by late afternoon, you’ll still have the whole evening ahead to keep the Halloween spirit going.
4. Hollywood Bowl: Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas | October 25–26
There’s nothing quite like Halloween at the Hollywood Bowl, one of Los Angeles’ most iconic outdoor venues. Located in the Hollywood Hills, the Bowl brings movie magic to life with The Nightmare Before Christmas in concert, complete with a full orchestra performing under the night sky. Danny Elfman returns as Jack Skellington alongside special guests Janelle Monáe and John Stamos, creating a performance that’s part concert, part cinematic celebration. It’s a one-of-a-kind Halloween experience where music, film, and the glow of the Bowl’s open-air amphitheater come together for an unforgettable night in true Hollywood style.
Stay Close to Halloween Thrills with Coast Burbank Hotel
Getting to the scares shouldn’t be the scary part of your Halloween experience. Coast Burbank Hotel’s courtesy shuttle brings you straight to Warner Bros. Studio or Universal Studios® Hollywood, so instead of fighting for a parking spot, you’re already in line for the thrills.
Getting to the scares shouldn’t be the scary part of your Halloween experience. Coast Burbank Hotel’s courtesy airport shuttle makes travel easy, offering reserved rides to and from Hollywood Burbank Airport, as well as to local attractions like Warner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios® Hollywood. Instead of searching for parking or navigating traffic, you’ll be dropped off right where the thrills begin.
Drivers will love the free on-site parking, making it easy to come and go as you please. For a great meal without leaving the hotel, stop by Olive’s Bistro & Lounge, a local favorite known for its welcoming atmosphere, hearty comfort food, and creative cocktails. Guests can also head across the street to our sister property, The Safari Inn, a Coast Hotel, and enjoy a refreshing swim in the outdoor pool beneath the famous Safari Inn sign. Hotel amenities like free wi-fi and a 24-hour self-serve snack pantry make it easy to stay connected and satisfied during your stay at our Burbank Hotel.
Book your stay at Coast Burbank Hotel and make this Halloween one to remember. You’ve got the chills, the thrills, and now the perfect home base. Spend your days chasing ghosts at Universal Studios® Hollywood, dodging Death Eaters at Warner Bros. Studio, and exploring all the spooky fun Burbank has to offer, then come back to comfort, convenience, and a touch of Hollywood magic at Coast Burbank Hotel.
FAQs About Halloween in Burbank, California
Do I need to buy tickets in advance for any Halloween events?
Yes. Burbank’s Halloween experiences fill up fast, so we recommend securing your tickets early.
How do I get to the theme parks from Coast Burbank Hotel?
Our free shuttle runs hourly from 7am to 9:30pm and stops at major attractions, including Warner Bros. Studio and Universal Studios® Hollywood.
Does Coast Burbank Hotel have onsite parking?
Yes. Guests have access to free, secure outdoor parking located around the hotel.
See how guests made their Burbank getaway one to remember:
“We celebrated my wife's birthday here. It was our first time in California and we came to see Universal Studios.The free shuttle service to and from both the airport and the park allowed us to skip the rental car and spend the extra money on goodies at the park.” - Kristofer
“This is our go-to hotel for visiting Universal Studios Hollywood--it's pretty much the only hotel in the area with free parking, and the location can't be beat (ten-minute easy drive to the park). The rooms are spacious and well-kept with insanely large showers with dual shower heads. The staff has always been courteous and efficient.” - David