There’s no doubt about it: All holidays will be weird this year. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun. Halloween 2020 in Los Angeles means crazy themed take-home cocktail kits, spooky donuts, drive-thru frights, socially distanced costume dinners, and so much more. Here’s the best way to enjoy the holiday around DTLA and beyond.
Scary Sweets and Treats
Who said kids get to have all the fun? Grab some Halloween-themed donuts from Trejo’s, which has neon buttermilk donuts donning sugar skulls, candy corn donuts, and some in the shape of ghosts. It’s in Hollywood, but you can order ahead of time for quick pickup. In Koreatown, California Donuts has the cutest spooky treats this side of La Brea. And in Atwater Village, the Village Bakery and Cafe features an array of cookies and treats, from witch’s fingers to “brain” cupcakes, plus “boo it yourself” baking kits and Jack Skeleton pot pies. Pre-order family meals and kits here.
Kooky Cocktails
Get cocktails to go for your own personal Halloween fright night. Openaire at the Line hotel in Koreatown has Midnight Margaritas for a group, complete with charcoal margarita mix, garnishes, and easy instructions. Order ahead here for pickup. What party would be complete without a movie-themed cocktail kit? Big Bar at Alcove in Los Feliz has them for Hocus Pocus, Get Out and The Shining, all available for pre-order and pickup.
Drive-Thru and Drive-In Frights
No need to get out of your car for this one, and honestly, maybe you won’t want to. Netflix brings its eerie series Stranger Things to life with a drive-thru experience right here in DTLA. Go through the “Hawkins Portal” to find an immersive mix of installations, props and set pieces from the production. Best part: It’s sticking around through February 28. And if you’re up for a bit of a drive, Fright Farms and Not-So-Spooky Farm in Riverside County features a thrill ride through the sleepy (and fictional) town of Hilldale, where strange sightings and creepy things are happening. The immersive experience runs through November.
Costumes Welcome
Good, safe, socially distanced fun can be found all around Downtown LA this weekend. There’s a progressive takeout hosted by Brew Ha Ha in Little Tokyo. Various restaurants, including Cafe Dulce, Fugetsu-Do, and Sake Dojo, will have food and drinks to enjoy at home (PS: There’s also a family-friendly scavenger hunt.) Also in Little Tokyo, The Mermaid is having a Fantastic Feast & Libations Halloween party that includes small bites and spooktacular cocktails. Winner of the costume contest gets dinner for free! There’s a Halloween-themed menu at Guerrilla Tacos in the Arts District, plus a costume contest for those joining the festivities on the patio.
Feature photo by David Menidre/Unsplash