Knott's Scary Farm - The Legendary Southern California Halloween Event

The Legendary Knott's Scary Farm

For 50 years, Southern California theme park Knott's Berry Farm has transformed into the terrifying Knott's Scary Farm each Halloween season. What began in 1973 as a small attraction has grown into an iconic immersive horror experience drawing thousands of fear seekers every year. In 2023, Knott's Scary Farm celebrated its milestone 50th anniversary in spine-tingling style with new mazes, shows, and scares galore.

The Origins of Fear

The story of Knott's Scary Farm begins in 1973 when the theme park stayed open late one October evening and employees dressed up to scare guests. It was an experiment in Halloween fun that was an instant hit. The next year, Knott's again kept its gates open after dark and officially launched the event Knott's Scary Farm. In the early years, the Halloween transformation was minimal - haunted houses were built in Chicken Dinner Restaurant and the Bird Cage Theatre with minimal decor changes around the park. But year after year, Knott's Scary Farm grew into the immersive horror experience it is known as today with elaborate mazes, eerie pavilions, sinister scare zones, and freaky shows.

Mazes of Mayhem

The intricate haunted mazes are the highlight of Knott's Scary Farm for most fans. Taking cues from horror movies, supernatural tales, and nightmares, Knott's has created over 100 unique mazes since 1973. Mazes have featured famous horror icons like Chucky, Freddy Kruger, and the Green Witch as well as original concepts like Trick or Treat: Lights Out and The Depths. The maze designers go all out on sets, props, and effects to bring the scary stories to life and get your heart racing.

Some of the recent fan favorite mazes include:

• Pumpkin Eater - a twisted version of the classic pumpkin carving legend
• Origins: The Curse of Calico - exploring the evil paranormal roots of the ghost town
• Wax Works - a creepy maze of disturbed wax figures
• Dark Ride - bringing a demented carnival ride's animatronics to life

Each year Knott's introduces several new maze experiences while also bringing back a selection of past mazes by popular demand. The variety of themes and immersive sets keeps fans coming back for more.

Scare Zones and Creepy Characters

As you walk around Knott's Scary Farm, you are never safe from frights! Scare zones lurk around park where creatures, monsters, and creepy characters will suddenly jump out at you. In the fog-filled Ghost Town you might run into a deranged hillbilly family or be attacked by a vicious werewolf. The boardwalk area is haunted by menacing phantoms and skeletons. You can attempt to hurry past the possessed preachers and disturbing doctors, but there's no escape from the legions of ghouls and fiends.

Keep watching over your shoulder, as you'll never know what horror will appear next! Some of the most popular regular scare zone characters include the creepy clowns, wretched witch doctor, ominous pumpkin eaters, and chainsaw-wielding madmen.

Shows of Fright

If you need a break from the mazes, there are macabre live shows to enjoy at Knott's Scary Farm. The dance party Monster Masquerade Ball features spooky characters leading the audience in Halloween dances like the Thriller. Hanging: Truth or Rumor is an edgy acrobatic stunt show with audience participation. Conjurers mixes magic, illusion and comedy with sinister style. Awaken the Dead brings the Calico Cemetery to unlife with a raise-the-dead musical spectacular.

The most popular and long-running Knott's Scary Farm show is Puppet Up! Uncensored, where twisted improv puppeteers perform off-the-cuff comedy skits and songs with their naughty felt friends. And look out for surprise pop-up character shows around the park, like the creepy seance Spirit Talk or the "not so itty bitty" children of The Tiny Terrors.

50 Years of Fear

In honor of the big 5-0, Knott's Scary Farm pulled out all the stops in 2022 to make it the biggest and best Halloween event yet. Exclusive anniversary mazes included Knott's Scary Farm: Labryrinth of Evil Clowns,Invitation to Terror: Forsaken Souls, and Decayed Reverie: Unearthed Unease. More scare zones were added like Gorewood Forest with animal creatures and Carnaval of Carnage with evil circus folk. The Fiesta De Los Muertos dance party and Death Drums drum circle show were new lively celebrations of Dia de los Muertos.

Knott's kept the momentum going in 2023 with exciting new mazes and attractions as well as the return of fan favorites over the years. There are always new thrills and chills to experience, keeping Knott's Scary Farm a fresh terror tale each Halloween. After 50 years, Southern California's original theme park Halloween event is still the place for fright-seeking fun.

Visiting Knott's Scary Farm

If you're in Southern California when Halloween approaches, experiencing Knott's Scary Farm should be at the top of your plans. Here is some key information for your visit:

When to Go

Knott's Scary Farm runs on select nights in September and October each year, which are the peak weeks for Southern California's Halloween season. The event typically operates Thursday - Sunday nights. Hours are 7pm - 1am on weeknights and 7pm-2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Be sure to check the official Knott's Scary Farm calendar for exact dates.

Getting Tickets

Due to the popularity, it is highly recommended to buy your Knott's Scary Farm tickets in advance online. Ticket prices vary based on the night and time. Admission for a single night starts around $50 but you can get a season pass for multiple visits. There are sometimes discounts for early purchase. Add-on Fright Lane passes let you skip the maze lines at an extra cost.

Planning Your Visit

Once inside Knott's Scary Farm, create a plan to maximize your time. Plot out which mazes and shows are your top priorities and location them on the park map. Expect long waits for the most popular mazes on peak nights, so do those first. Ride the rollercoasters early too before lines build up. Save smaller attractions and scare zones for later when crowds thin out. Stay fueled with themed food and drinks to keep your stamina up!

Wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking and dressing in costume is encouraged to join the Halloween spirit! And most importantly, come ready to scream and have a frightfully fun time at the one and only Knott's Scary Farm!

FAQs

What are the best nights to go to Knott's Scary Farm?

The busiest nights are usually Fridays and Saturdays closest to Halloween. For shorter lines, aim for Thursdays or Sundays earlier in the season.

What's included with my Knott's Scary Farm ticket?

Your ticket grants admission to all the haunted mazes, scare zones, shows and rides during the event. Note that special up-charge attractions like VR experiences require an additional fee.

How scary is Knott's Scary Farm?

The event is aimed at teens and adults. The haunted mazes can be very intense! Scare actors will jump out and follow you. Know your limits and avoid mazes labeled as extremely scary if needed.

Can I wear a costume to Knott's Scary Farm?

Costumes are welcome! Keep it family-friendly - no overly gory or revealing outfits. Masks are not permitted. Accessories like capes, witch hats, and wigs are fine.

What are the best tips for navigating Knott's Scary Farm?

Prioritize popular mazes first, go on rides early to beat long lines, wear comfortable shoes, fuel up on themed food and drinks, and scream your lungs out!