Southern California’s original haunted theme park attraction is back for its 53rd season!
Knott’s Scary Farm filled us in on everything that will be terrifying guests this fall during the sold-out “Nightmares Revealed” event. The evening opened with an appearance by Mesmer and a few other scare-actors mixed into the crowd. Then the main show began with special guests The Boulet Brothers followed by the ever so sassy Jeff Tucker for announcements. Various performers presented story and dance vignettes onstage, while the iconic Green Witch took over the hosting position.
Once the Halloween enthusiasts had been filled in on the upcoming season, the park opened up two lights-on maze tours, roaming characters, photo ops, make-up demos, costume demos and more. If you’re a Scary Farm fan that hasn’t attended a “Nightmares Revealed” evening, I highly recommend getting tickets for next year as soon as they are released. (They sell out quick.)
Now let’s get into what’s new and returning for Scary Farm 2026. This epic Halloween event runs select nights from September 17 through November 1.
Entertainment
Occultum: The historic Bird Cage Theatre brings dark magic, sleight of hand, and high-concept illusions through a collaboration with Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle. It’s the show I’m most excited about this season! Magician Rudy Coby explained there will be a different magician every weekend. Also this appears to be an opportunity for the performers to showcase magic that’s a little more outside of the box.
The Hanging: Noose Maxxxing: The controversial, fan-favorite satirical show returns to target the pop culture of the past year.
Voodoo: Bayou’s Edge: A slow drumbeat calls — and Marie Laveau, Voodoo Queen, guides you past the gate into the court of Baron Samedi, Lwa of the dead.
Into the Fog: This exhibit will showcase tribute art.
The Blind Tiger Memory Lane: Guests can enjoy a Speakeasy dance show with jazz band.
Scare Zones
CarnEVIL (Reimagined): Under the watchful eye of the hypnotist Mesmer, the circus has become an even more sinister spectacle, with the sideshow as the main event…
Returning Zones: Ghost Town Streets, Forsaken Lake, The Gauntlet, and Gore-ing 20s all return to haunt the walkways.
Mazes
Inked: Animation fans are in for a dark surprise. Mortimer Morbid, a washed-up 1930s cartoonist and former head of Morbid Studios, discovers that when blood becomes ink, imagination becomes reality. Determined to create one final Halloween special, he brings his infamous cartoon characters to life—only to unleash a legion of murderous toons hellbent on pulling viewers into their twisted world.
Unearthed: Embark on a perilous journey through the heart of an excavation site as you and your search-and-rescue team arrive at a ravaged base days after receiving a distress signal. Beware, for the discovery of the ancient tablets has awakened a malevolent force from a forgotten age—an ancient evil has been unearthed.
Returning mazes: Widows, Eight Fingers Nine: The Boogeyman, Cinema Slasher, Room 13, Mary: The Haunting of Worth Home, and The Zoo.
This season also marks the final curtain call for two iconic haunts: Origins: The Curse of Calico and Chilling Chambers will both be retired at the end of the 2026 run. I got a bit choked up when I found out Chambers is leaving us. It’s such a wonderful nostalgic journey.
Food & Beverage
Funnel Cakes: Poison Apple/Midnight Blueberry Cheesecake/Zombie Brain flavors Specialty versions of the classic theme park treat.
Craft Brews: CarnEvil IPA (a cotton candy double hazy) Wicked Wheat (a blood orange hefeweizen).
Stabbed Cheddar: Batter-fried cheddar coated in nacho cheese and rolled in crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos.
Ectoplasm Elixir: A pineapple margarita served in a blood bag.
Cherry After Dark: A black cherry seltzer engineered to glow under black light.
Ghosteroni Pizza: This pizza has a spooky name and a bit of a kick.
Cemetery Churro Bites: Churros with gummy worms and candy corn.
The Legacy Store will also be open again this season. Also if you have young children that love Halloween, don’t miss Spooky Farm select dates September 24-October 31. Tickets for Knott’s Scary Farm 2026 are on sale now.
Thank you Knott’s for inviting me to join in the excitement!