Berry Scary

Knott's Scary Farm, the 2005 Halloween Event at Knott's Berry Farm

We may take them for granted now, but before Knott's tricked out its park for Knott's Scary Farm 33 years ago, there were no theme park Halloween events. It is the oldest, one of the biggest, and arguably the best park scare-fest.

Knott's Scary Farm

• Knott's Berry Farm, Buena Park, CA
• Dates: September 29-30, October 1-2, 5-9, 12-16, 19-23, 26-31
• Cost: There is a separate admission to Knott's Scary Farm.
• Knott's Scary Farm video
• For more info: (714) 220-5200
• Official Knott's Scary Farm Web site

Zombies and bizarro monsters lurk behind every sagebrush in Knott's five scare zones, including the Silver Bullet Mine Town and The Dark Realm. This year's event features 11 mazes, including Hatchet High and Terror Vision in 3-D (where classic TV shows gone mad is the theme-- beware the knife-wielding "I Love Lucy" gang!).

Among the six stage shows is the always wildly inventive The Hanging, which takes a cheeky look at current events through blood-colored glasses. Other highlights include Festival of Freaks, professional weirdoes that eat glass and stick their fingers in light sockets (ouch!), and "Misfit of Magic" Ed Alonzo's “Howl-O-Ween” Party.

Many of Knott's regular rides will be open in addition to the Halloween mayhem. Particularly appropriate: the wonderful Ghost Rider wooden coaster.

Be forewarned: Knott's doesn't skimp on the gross-out gore. It's probably best to leave the younger kiddos at home. (On the weekends, Knott's offers the Camp Spooky Halloween Treasure Hunt, a daytime, tamed-down Halloween event expressly for smaller children). Also, Knott's Scary Farm is quite popular and frequently sells out on the weekends. To guarantee admission and avoid long lines at the ticket window, consider purchasing your passes in advance. Tickets are available online.