March is serving up a rare treat this year: a Friday the 13th that lands just days before St. Patrick’s Day. If you’re looking to lean into the macabre, Southern California has an incredible lineup of markets, masquerades, and monsters.
Here are the best ways to celebrate the unluckiest day of the year this March 13th.
Night Markets & Oddities
For those who want to shop for the strange and unusual, these night markets are the place to be.
• Friday the 13th Oddities Market (Riverside): Head to the Raincross District for a pet friendly event featuring local vendors, tarot readings, and a raffle. Entry to the market is free from 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM, followed by a ticketed Nu Metal show at 9:30 PM. Location: Los Jilberto’s Taco Shop, 1635 University Ave, Riverside
Website: riversidescene.com
• All Saints Lunatic Asylum Night Market (Apple Valley): Located at 22521 Shawnee Rd., this event features a haunted maze, food trucks, and celebrity photo ops with Douglas Tait. The fun runs from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Location: 22521 Shawnee Rd., Apple Valley
Website: allsaintsasylum.com
• Fright Night Market (Bakersfield): A pet-friendly, all-ages event in Wall St. Alley. Expect horror-themed shopping, live music, and free entry from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Location: Wall St. Alley, Bakersfield
Website: frightnightmarket.com
Immersive Experiences & Performances
If you prefer your horror with a side of theater or adrenaline, check out these unique productions.
• Dark Masquerade (Long Beach): Presented by The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor, this elegant yet eerie masquerade runs for one weekend only (3/13 – 3/14). Masks are a must for this hauntingly romantic night. 1126 Queens Highway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Website: darkharborhalloween.com
• Paranormal Cirque Voodoo (Commerce): This fusion of circus, theatre, and cabaret is setting up its black and red tent from March 13th – 16th. Tickets range from $20 to $65 for a truly immersive trip into the underworld. Must be 13 to attend. 100 Citadel Dr (South of the Citadel Outlets), Commerce, CA 90040
Website: paranormalcirque.com
• 2026: A Rush Odyssey (NoHo): For a sci-fi twist on the weekend, head to LACAE on Camarillo St. for a space-themed journey starting at 8:00 PM on Friday and Saturday. 11031 Camarillo St, North Hollywood, CA 91602
Website: fonproductions.com
• Till Death by Black Casket Productions (Yucaipa): A “one night only” event on March 13, 2026. This is one of the most impressive immersive walk thru experiences I’ve been to in a long time. I highly recommend making the drive to Yucaipa for this. 34580 Yucaipa Boulevard, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Website: blackcasketilldeath.fearticket.com
Active Horror & Holiday Mashups
• Slashers Axe Throwing & Ales (Costa Mesa): What better way to celebrate Friday the 13th than by channeling your inner Jason Voorhees? Grab a pint and practice your aim at this themed axe-throwing spot. 1941 Newport Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92627
Website: slashersoc.com
• Curse of the Clover (High Desert): Can’t wait for Tuesday? This St. Paddy’s Day horror walk thru brings evil leprechauns to the High Desert. Entry is $13 and the mayhem starts at 8:00 PM. 9976 Joshua Road, Apple Valley, CA 92308
Website: High Desert Haunt
There are many more local small businesses that are horror themed all year long even if they aren’t doing a special event for Friday the 13th like our escape room 13th Basement or Slasher Pizza or Witch’s Cottage or one of many I haven’t listed but are still wonderfully spooky.
Which event are you brave enough to attend? Let me know in the comments or on my IG posts.