Friday the 13th isn’t just another day on the calendar—it’s a celebration of all things spooky, thrilling, and delightfully spine-tingling. Whether you’re a die-hard horror enthusiast or someone who simply enjoys a good scare, Southern California transforms into a playground of frightful fun when this infamous date rolls around.
Ready to make this Friday the 13th unforgettable? I’ve curated 13 spine-chilling activities across Southern California that’ll satisfy your craving for thrills and chills. Whether you’re in Los Angeles or Orange County there’s something sinister waiting for you.
- Street Food Cinema – Outdoor movie screening of Friday the 13th! I love these events! Reminds me of going to the drive-in as a kid. The latest season of Street Food Cinema returns featuring outdoor movies, live music, food trucks, and more! Enjoy live performances from up and coming bands and MCs that will be unique to each location.
- Zombie Joes – Urban Death is back!
New Fun, New Frights, Freaky “sit-down” signature horror production with new inexplicable horrors complete with Super Special Ultra-Terrifying 20th Anniversary maze! - Ghost Town Alive– All-New “Ghost Town Alive” and “Knott’s Summer Nights” starts Friday the 13th at Knott’s Berry Farm theme park offering new foods, jam-packed entertainment,
and sun-soaked fun at Knott’s Soak City. - High Desert Haunted House – Haunted House and Jason themed hayride. Enjoy Halloween festivities in summer! Be ready to scream.
- All Saints Lunatic Asylum– Scary haunted attraction walkthru haunted house that always manages to make me scream!
- Friday the 13th Marathon at the Frida Cinema see 1-5 on Friday and 6-10 on Saturday!
- October Village– tavern of terrors is a free pop-up market at villains brewery in Anaheim. This is a market where you can buy really cool horror themed items while having a drink.
- The Rift– Immersive themed speakeasy currently themed to one of my favorite horror movies: Evil Dead. Expect horror themed drink drinks and really cool photo ops.
- Slashers Axe Throwing– throw axes at your favorite horror, villains or play games against your friends like battleship, but with axes. This immersive themed axe throwing and bar is a must experience for horror lovers.
- 13th Basement escape room– enjoy a spooky but not too intense horror parody themed Escape room. This is the perfect place to bring your friends that don’t really like being scared too much. Full disclosure: I built this place with my partner and we’re very proud to share it with the horror community.
- Zoe Reborn – this is the Escape Room that you’re looking for if you want to be chased around by an actor and possibly shocked with a small taser device. This is intense and probably not a good idea to bring that friend that doesn’t like scary things.
- Friday the 13th Nerd Comedy Show – Standup comedy in a former 1920’s Mortuary. (Yes you read that correctly.)
- Queen Mary– Movie night market is screening Practical Magic. They are also doing a special haunted attraction on the ship that sold out quickly.
Southern California proves once again that it’s the ultimate destination for horror lovers and thrill-seekers alike. From intimate movie screenings that transport you back to the golden age of slashers to cutting-edge haunted attractions that push the boundaries of fear, these 13 experiences offer something for every level of horror fan.
Remember to book your tickets early—Friday the 13th events tend to sell out faster than you can say “Jason Voorhees.” And don’t forget to tag me if you share your spooky adventures on social media. I’d love to see which experiences gave you the best scares!
Whether you’re flying solo, planning a date night with a fellow horror enthusiast, or gathering your bravest friends for a night of terror, these carefully selected events promise to make this Friday the 13th one for the books. Sweet dreams… if you can manage them after tonight.
Have a terrifyingly good time, and remember—in Southern California, every day can feel like Friday the 13th if you know where to look.