Every year around this time, something sinister happens at Knott’s Berry Farm. The fog rolls in, evil creatures fill the midways and darkness lurks around every corner. Knott’s Scary Farm, the park’s annual Halloween event has become a tradition for willing victims looking to get the daylights scared out of them.
What began as a simple event in 1973 has turned into the world’s first, largest and most creative scary theme park. Now in its 42nd year, Knott’s Scary Farm features 160 acres of terror. The park offers eleven haunted attractions, four scare zones, two stage shows and 1,000 live monsters terrorizing guests.
What makes Knott’s special is the creative team tasked to come up with original ideas every year. For 2014, designer Brooke Walters invites brave souls to enter her creation called “Voodoo.” The indoor attraction will force you to choose a path through a swamp. Daniel Miller introduces a sadistic “Tooth Fairy,” a terrifying experience sure to incite nightmares.
An up-charge maze called “Trapped: Lock and Key” promises to prey on your every fear, as small groups are led through. Unlock even more terror and purchase a “Skeleton Key.” This pass allows entrance to secret rooms in select mazes.
Enter the world of Edgar Allan Poe in “Forevermore,” and see what an evil puppet has in store inside “Pinocchio Unstrung.” Houdini’s ghost visits “Black Magic.” “The Gunslingers Grave” offers a chilling view of the Old West. Take a ride on the newly restored Calico Mine Ride and see what the Green Witch has done inside. Plus, much more!
The Hanging is a stunt show filled with pop culture references and a famous celebrity hanging. Elvira: Mistress of the Dark returns to the 1,800 seat Ghoul Time Theatre along with dance group Academy of Villains (from Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance”) for a 30 minute production called “Elvira’s Big Top.”
New this year is “Special Ops: Infected.” Guests will be led through six-acres of mountainous terrain in the Camp Snoopy section of the park in groups of 12, led by a squad leader and armed with laser-style guns. Your mission: fend off zombies, complete tasks and do not become infected. This breakthrough, interactive experience will be as terrifying as it is challenging.
In addition, all of Knott’s world- famous roller coasters are open, along with a majority of their other attractions.
The event is recommended for guests 13 and older. For the little ones, Knott’s offers Camp Spooky during normal park hours on the weekend. Children can mingle with Snoopy and his Peanuts pals for family-friendly Halloween fun.
Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm, 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park, CA, 714.220.5200, knotts.com, select nights through November 1
