Exploring Los Angeles’ Halloween Events: From Nosferatu to Delusion

As the calendar flips to late September, Los Angeles gears up for a series of events that blend the eerie with the artistic, the spooky with the spectacular. The Halloween season in L.A. officially begins with the arrival of the first pumpkin spice latte, and this year is no exception. The city is set to host a variety of Halloween-themed events that promise to be bigger, scarier, and more creative than ever before.

One of the highlights is the showing of the 1922 silent film Nosferatu with a backdrop of Radiohead albums. This unique event, part of the Silents Synched series, will take place at the American Cinematheque, offering a hauntingly beautiful experience for film and music lovers alike. For those looking to immerse themselves in a more interactive experience, Delusion: The Red Castle provides an opportunity to step into the shoes of a patient found sleepwalking on the grounds of the creepy Dr. Frederick Lowell?s Red Castle. This immersive theater experience runs from September 20 through November 3, 2024, at 2421 S. Figueroa St., University Park.

For those not quite ready to dive into the Halloween spirit, there are plenty of other events to enjoy. The Brand Library and Art Center in Glendale is hosting Blended Worlds: Experiments in Interplanetary Imagination, a collaboration with NASA?s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. This showcase merges the creativity of artists with the innovative minds of JPL scientists and engineers to envision a future where our bond with nature is more integral.

Celebrating Cultural Diversity

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, and this week, the city will celebrate this diversity with a variety of cultural events. The Los Angeles Korean Festival, running from September 26 through September 29, 2024, at 3250 San Marino St., Koreatown, is a four-day-long event that celebrates the rich traditions of Korea while embracing the diversity of Los Angeles. The festival features food, local vendors, and performances, including a highly anticipated K-Pop contest.

Another cultural highlight is the Hola México Film Festival, which returns to L.A. with 20 films originating from Mexico. Screenings will take place at Regal Cinemas LA Live, the Egyptian Theater, and LA Plaza de Cultura Y Artes, offering a diverse array of cinematic experiences.

For those interested in the intersection of art and science, the Getty is hosting Lumen: The Art and Science of Light, an exhibition that examines how astronomy and optics impacted art and religion in the Middle Ages. This multi-faith examination is part of the Getty?s PST Art exhibitions this fall.

Music and Performances

Los Angeles is also a hub for music and live performances. This week, the city will host a variety of concerts and shows that cater to diverse tastes. On September 25, 2024, Grammy-winning British singer and producer James Blake will perform at the Hollywood Bowl with the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and conductor Thomas Wilkins. This concert marks Blake?s Hollywood Bowl debut and promises to be an emotionally bracing experience.

For fans of Broadway, the Bram Goldsmith Theater at The Wallis in Beverly Hills will host Mama, I?m A Big Girl Now on September 26, 2024. Fans can look forward to an evening of musical celebration as original Hairspray cast members Marissa Jaret Winokur, Kerry Butler, and Laura Bell Bundy take the stage to honor Hairspray’s 20th anniversary.

Jazz enthusiasts can look forward to a performance by acclaimed experimental Norwegian jazz saxophonist Bendik Giske at Zebulon in Atwater Village on September 25, 2024. Giske is known for blending technology with jazz and art, often collaborating across different media.

Food and Drink Experiences

Los Angeles offers a plethora of culinary experiences, and this week is no exception. The Mr. Black Espresso Martini Fest returns for its third year, uniting 250 bars nationwide in a celebration of the esteemed espresso martini. In L.A., specials can be discovered in numerous spots, including Accomplice in Mar Vista and American Junkie in Hermosa Beach.

Food lovers can also enjoy Seconds at PCH Food Week through September 29, 2024, at 6400 Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach. This event allows participants to collect stamps from restaurants serving dishes from around the world, with deals from many establishments, including $25 meals at Jinya Ramen and 25% off at Dan Modern Chinese.

For a more hands-on culinary experience, the online virtual cooking class platform Impastiamo has partnered with Drizly to offer a series of cooking and mixology classes during Hispanic Heritage Month. On September 26, 2024, chef Gaston Storace will host a class live from Buenos Aires, Argentina, teaching participants how to make lamb and vegetarian empanadas.

Our Advice on the City

Los Angeles is a city that never sleeps, offering a myriad of activities and experiences for both locals and visitors. Whether you?re a fan of the spooky season, a lover of cultural festivals, or a foodie looking for the next great meal, there?s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

For occasional travelers, we recommend taking advantage of the Talks & Telescopes events at Mt. Wilson. These monthly Saturday night astronomy lectures are followed by a few hours of stargazing, offering a unique and educational experience under the stars. It?s a perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with the wonders of the universe.

For expert travelers, consider exploring the lesser-known cultural events and exhibitions that Los Angeles has to offer. The Future Imaginaries: Indigenous Art, Fashion, Technology exhibition at the Autry showcases how indigenous artists have crafted visions of alternative futures, offering a thought-provoking and enriching experience.

In conclusion, Los Angeles is a city that thrives on diversity and creativity. Whether you?re here for a short visit or a long stay, there?s always something new to discover and enjoy. So go out, explore, and make the most of what this incredible city has to offer.