Haunted Soirée has repeatedly been one of my favorite Halloween events, so I was curious to see where this season would take the experience. This year’s HauntOberfest theme brings together Oktoberfest, folk magic, aerial entertainment and a mystery inspired by Pennsylvania’s real 1928 Hex Hollow murder.

The story blends its true-crime inspiration with dark fairytale elements and fictional characters. Without giving too much away, accusations of hexes and attempts to break a curse draw guests into a celebration with something more sinister beneath the surface. There are connections to the historical case, but this is a theatrical reimagining rather than an authentic retelling. I recommend letting the characters reveal those details rather than reading too much about the storyline beforehand. Conversations give you pieces of the mystery. Discovering how those pieces fit together is part of the experience.

This season’s show went a different direction with more Oktoberfest energy than the former fantasy vibe. The whimsical fantasy that I’ve loved in previous seasons felt less present this time around. Last year’s ghostly world had a gothic elegance and a dreamlike quality that made simply wandering through the space feel exciting. This year, the HauntOberfest theme leaned more toward revelry, with a stronger party vibe. That direction makes sense for this theme, but it changed what I personally connect with in the experience. The dark story is still there, but the social celebration felt more central to the evening.
This year’s event is perfect for guests looking for a Halloween party with interactive characters and a mystery to explore. However returning guests who especially loved the more whimsical atmosphere and the depth of intertwining lore of previous years should be aware of the vibe shift this October.
The Nocturne Theatre is a wonderful venue and I’m glad to see it offering several theatrical experiences this Halloween season. Alongside Haunted Soirée, the theatre’s current lineup includes The Eaves: A Supernatural Thriller by Justin Meyer, Soul Of Orleans: A Musical Séance, and Frankenstein: Resurrection. The lineup offers several different ways to spend an evening with dark theatre. Visit The Nocturne Theatre’s website for show details, schedules, and tickets.
Haunted Soirée continues to experiment with its mix of storytelling, interaction, and Halloween nightlife. HauntOberfest takes that combination in a more party-focused direction, using folk horror and a loosely adapted true-crime story as its foundation.
This season’s offering feels better suited to those looking for a festive Halloween night out with drinks, characters, and a dark mystery woven into the celebration.

Huge thanks to Haunted Soirée for inviting us out. It runs select dates through October 31 at The Nocturne Theatre in Glendale. For tickets and more information: https://hauntedsoiree.com/los-angeles/