L.A. Halloween Planner

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

The famed backlot opens for a rare nighttime glimpse as crowds brave spooky encounters with the most feared horror film characters. This year, the killer stars of "SAW", "My Bloody Valentine," "Chucky" and, of course, "Halloween" will be haunting the park in a variety of deadly mazes and haunted houses. As always, ride the Terror Tram at your own risk.

1440 North Topanga Canyon Blvd, Topanga, CA 90290 (map)

Much Love Animal Rescue will hold their 6th annual BOW WOW WEEN party and fundraiser on Halloween afternoon from 11am-4pm. Enter your prized pooch in the canine costume contest (there will be celebrity judges!), sample food from a variety of local vendors or adopt a dog from over a dozen different animal rescue groups. It's always a good cause and always a good time. And it's only $10 to attend.

305 N Harbor Blvd, Fullerton, CA 92832 (map)

One of Orange County’s best-known fine dining spots will become an interactive zombie land on Halloween. Executive chef David Kesler will prepare a special four-course dinner, owner Ryan Dudley will play host and the Maverick Theater troupe will play starring roles in the night’s fright-ivities. The interactive “Trick or Eat” begins with guests descending down to the underground restaurant via a freight elevator to find out who will survive and who will join the undead. Cocktails in the bar at 6:30 pm and dinner at 7pm. Tickets are $49.95 per person (not including alcohol). Reservations are required. Call (714) 525-5682 or visit www.cellardining.com

611 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036 (map)

The average Holloween night festivities not weird enough for you? Then it's Bollyween to the rescue! Cinefamily is cobbling together a sure-to-be bizarro event wherein they'll team with Dublab and premiere "Bollyween: The Movie," a mix-n-match feature showcasing the most out there, creepy, strange and crazy-costumed clips in Indian cinema history. The screening will then be followed by an all-out dance party. Naturally. Tickets are $20 and there'll be food, a phantom photo booth and giveaways galore.

755 North La Cienega Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

L.A.'s sexiest steakhouse is promising a bloody good time all weekend long with special menus and drinks (and plenty of partying at its adjacent club, Coco de Ville). Those brave enough can try spooky cocktails like the Blood Orange Bellini (a mix of Veuve Clicquot with a splash of OJ) and Vampire’s Kiss while dishes range from a Spooky Arugula Salad and Deadly Diver Scallops to “haunted” duck breast and The Great Pumpkin yogurt ice cream with pecan brittle and caramel sauce.

4400 W Riverside Dr, Burbank, CA 91505 (map)

Launched by one of Hollywood's most revered make-up artists, this go-to shop for movie makeup and beauty supplies also carries a close-up worthy collection of hairpieces and wigs.

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, but Halloween means an especially nice selection for the kiddies.

50 Pier Ave, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 (map)

X marks the spot for cool Halloween costumes! This Pier Plaza shop operates more like a souvenir gift shop these days, but around Halloween it lives up to its name. Dig through their heavy selection of the strange and bizzare--from fur-trimmed nighties to leopard print dinner jackets.

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

What's cool about this Hollywood landmark, delivering top-notch costumes since the 1950s, is the fact that you can either rent or purchase your Halloween getup. Plus they pretty much have everything--animal characters to Darth Vader.

4637 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 (map)

The helpful staffers and wall-to-wall inventory at this vintage/costume shop can amuse you for hours.

8727 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (map)

This lemon yellow bungalow on the boulevard is ripe for picking up thoughtful (and hilarious) cards and gifts all year round. As of mid-September the exterior is already dressed for Halloween, however. Come one, come all for stylish, ghoulish decorations and such.

1090 Westwood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90024 (map)

Go from oohs and ahhs to plain ol' AHHHHs. As of the first week in September, this gift shop transforms into Halloween central with costumes, makeup and props galore.