Halloween 2011 in Los Angeles

100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City, CA 91608 (map)

Universal Studios, home to many classic horror movies, is once again transforming its famed backlot into a series of mazes, including two themed after Alice Cooper and Rob Zombie. Make your way through scare zones terrorized by killer klownz, flesh-eating freakz and chainsaw-toting reapers. The event runs weekends through Oct. 31, with Thursday night events Oct. 20 and 27. Though it's open to all ages, parents should chaperone children under 13. Prices range from $37 to $169.

607 S Park View St., Los Angeles, CA 90057 (map)

KCRW's third annual Masquerade costume ball and dance party invades the Hollywood ballrooms of the legendary Park Plaza. Performances include DJ sets by station favorites and live bands (TBA), plus the showmanship of Vaudeville-style circus troupe Lucent Dossier. Trippy "Melting Rainbows" will be provided by performance artist Aaron Axelrod, and sustenance will be courtesy of food trucks. The 21-and-over party kicks off at 9pm; tickets are $75.

4730 Crystal Springs Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

Griffith Park will again host this year's Los Angeles Haunted Hayride, which debuted two years ago in Calabasas. Take your chances on a hay-filled wagon as it makes its way through the forest filled with scary surprises. This year, the adjunct side show event is included in the ticket price, but food and merchandise, as well entry into the maze, is extra. The suggested minimum age for attendance is 10; tickets start at $25.

6000 Santa Monica Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90038 (map)

The 12th Annual Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration is taking place at Hollywood's most famous cemetery. Happenings include everything from traditional, sacred ceremonies to performances by cabaret diva Astrid Hadad and Cafe Tacuba frontman Ruben Albarran. The event takes place Oct. 22 from noon to midnight; tickets are $10 per person (children under 7 are free).

8039 Beach Blvd, Buena Park, CA 90620 (map)

A Southern California tradition for nearly 40 years, Knott's "Scary" Farm's Halloween Haunt is a must-see. It's been described as a "160-acre living horror movie," with spooky lighting and fog machines throughout the park. Attractions include mazes, shows, "scare zones" and tons of monsters lurking in the shadows. The event runs on select dates from Sept. 23 through Halloween; ticket prices start at $34. The Haunt is recommended for kids over 13. As an alternative, Camp Snoopy offers family-friendly daytime events from Oct. 1 through 30, and admission is included in the cost of a regular ticket.

2516 Wilshire Blvd, Santa Monica, CA 90403 (map)

Every costume and accessory you could possibly want is available year-round at this Santa Monica shop, in business since 1976. The ante is definitely upped at Halloween, with an even larger selection of fairytale and super hero outfits for kids.

6600 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood, CA 90028 (map)

This Hollywood landmark has been a favorite costume shop for both the studios and civilians since the 1950s, and it offers the choice of renting or purchasing your Halloween outfit. Plus, the inventory is huge. Visit its website for a 10-percent off coupon.