Do you dare to visit the nighttime scare event at the theme park that started it all?

Scare Zones. Roaming Monsters. Haunted Trails. Chilling Mazes.

Photo Credit: Krista

For over 40 years in late September and throughout October, Knott’s Berry Farm in Buena Park, California transforms at night into Knott’s Scary Farm. The entire 160 acre park becomes a Halloween fright fest that will keep you on your toes as you round every corner.

Visiting Knott’s Scary Farm isn’t for everyone, but if you’re game it’s a terrifyingly good time. This after-hours party requires a special ticket and happens on select nights (Wednesdays – Saturdays) starting at 7:00 p.m. According to the official website, Knott’s Scary Farm is “the largest, most haunting Halloween experience in Southern California, with endless mazes and shocking surprises.”

“With 11 haunted attractions and more than 1,000 monsters roaming the park and lurking in the fog, whatever you’re imagining, it’s here…at Knott’s Scary Farm.”

Each autumn, Knott’s Scary Farm adds new things to terrify and entertain. Over the years, some aspects of humor have been added to offset the horror. This combination of humor and horror has proven to be a popular blend. If you’ve never been to Scary Farm, here are some tips for making the most of this annual macabre event:

Plan ahead for tickets. You can purchase tickets for one night or a Scary Farm pass for all of the nights. Enhancements are available like “Fright Lane with Skeleton Key” (priority access to mazes and bonus rooms) for an additional fee.

Enjoy a Boo-fet Dinner and get early admission. When you purchase the pre-scare Boo-fet, you will have access to a delicious meal and early entry to Scary Farm.

More than just dinner at the Knott’s Hotel pre-scare Boo-fet. This family of clowns kept us entertained. Photo credits: Lloyd & Krista

Visit the mazes early. If you want to avoid the crowds, visit as many of the mazes as you can early in the evening. The mazes are spread throughout the park.

Watch the live shows. There are two shows and they shouldn’t be missed. “The Hanging” is a parody round-up of the year’s celebrities and highlights of pop-culture told through music, jokes, and a series of staged hangings. Elvira returned to Knott’s Scary Farm in 2014 and performs a themed stage show.

Elvira returned to Knott’s Scary Farm in 2014. Photo credits: Krista

Check out the thrill rides. In addition to all the spooky parts of Scary Farm, many of the thrill rides at Knott’s are open during the party for your enjoyment.

Make it a “staycation” — scream and dream with a hotel package. Book a room at the Knott’s Hotel where you can play late and stay close. There are different types of hotel packages that include tickets to Scary Farm, overnight stay, and hotel parking. Some of the hotel packages have extras like the pre-scare Boo-fet dinner, buffet breakfast, and keepsake souvenirs. Last year, we did the “Haunted Dreams” package which was a great value.

Knott’s Scary Farm is geared for adults. We’ve seen families attend, however this event is not recommended for children under 13 years old and this is clearly stated when pre-purchasing tickets. If this nighttime event sounds too scary for you and your family, check out Knott’s Spooky Farm instead. Through the month of October on the weekends, Knott’s Spooky Farm is a not-scary daytime celebration of Halloween for children ages 3 – 11 during regular park hours.

Since 1973, Knott’s has turned itself into a fright fest each fall – much to the delight of Halloween fans. My favorite parts of Knott’s Scary Farm are the Boo-fet Dinner, the Scare Zones, and the Roaming Monsters. All of it is a frightfully good time!

Insider’s Tip: Don’t show the monsters you are scared. They feed off of this energy. It’s okay to be startled, but then try to laugh it off. The monsters will quickly lose interest and will haunt someone else.

Are you ready to be scared at Knott’s Scary Farm? Photo credit: Lloyd

There are still plenty of nights to experience Knott’s Scary Farm this year. Are you ready to be scared?

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