Halloween Guide

Get into the spirit of Halloween with the first installment of our guide to all things spooky.

Get into the spirit of Halloween with San Diego Magazine's City Guide. We show you the best haunted houses, this year's hot costume ideas, where to find your perfect outfit and more. Check back for further updates!

“Spooky” Things to  Do

The Whaley House
Thomas Whaley knew it was all about location, location, location — and 152 years later, his family estate still stands as one of the most famous homes in the United States, thanks to the paranormal activity that’s occurred throughout the house. Built in 1857 by the entrepreneurial businessman, the Whaley House has been called the most haunted house in the country by The Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted. Whaley built this family residence on the site of the town’s old gallows, where dramatic public hangings occurred. Thereafter, the Whaley family suffered tragedy after tragedy with the death of their children, including the disturbing suicide of their daughter Violet. The house has attracted visitors from all over ever since the tragic events, and many have admitted to seeing ghosts, shadows and flashes. With Halloween just around the corner, this is one haunted attraction you won’t want to miss. America's Most SCARY-OKE, Oct. 23 at 7; Whaley House Ghost Tour Oct. 24 at 12:30 a.m.; Exclusive Oil Lamp Tours Oct. 26-27 at 10:30 p.m.; general admission Oct. 29-31 10 a.m.-midnight. 2476 San Diego Ave., 619-297-7511.
whaleyhouse.org

Grand Haunt
North County can get its dose of screams and terror at the Grand Haunt in Escondido. This haunted house features 15 frightening rooms complete with real actors, a funeral parlor and numerous other scary adventures. Beware: After a visit to this spooky building you’ll probably wind up sleeping with the lights on. Through Oct. Wed-Thurs. 7-10; Fri-Sat. 6-midnight; Sun. 4-6 (lights on) & 7-10. 333 E. Grand Ave., Escondido.
mysgmedia.com/grandhaunt

Monster Manor
Step inside the eerie manor that belongs to the fictional Ghastley family and accept their invitation of having “room for one more.” The cursed family invites souls who are brave enough to enter their humble abode so they can relish in the nightmare-induced manor. Bringing people’s fears to life, the Monster Manor in Mira Mesa makes for a ghostly good time.
8235 Mira Mesa Blvd., 858-693-8558
monstermanor.org

National Comedy Theatre Halloween Spooktacular
Ready to laugh until you die? Then the Halloween Spooktaculuar comedy show is the perfect alternative to the typical terrifying Halloween activities. This hilariously spooky show highlights improv at its finest with dangerous sketches including one scene where a performer immerses his head underwater for the entire act. Oct 30-31 at 7:30 & 9:45. 3717 India St., 619-295-4999
nationalcomedy.com/spooktacular.html

  

The Perfect Look

Michael Jackson
Too soon, you say? I think not. Dressing up like the King of Pop is a great way to pay homage to one of the most iconic artists in the music industry. Besides, the numerous “faces” to choose from leave you with an endless variety of garbs whether you’re in the mood for sequins, embellished military gear, Jheri curls, short pants or one-gloved hands.

Kanye West and Lady Gaga
Those looking for the perfect couples’ costume need to look no farther than the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards. Kanye West’s infamous interruption during country songstress Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech, and Lady Gaga’s memorable performance and over-the-top wardrobe make this pair an ideal costume couple for Halloween. Even though the two recently cancelled their “Fame Kills” tour, there’s no reason they can’t reconnect on the spookiest night of the year. For Kanye all you need is a pair of highly distressed designer jeans, some neon-colored retro ‘stunna-shades’ and an intricately designed haircut. As for Lady Gaga, stilettos and a gaudy, spandex leotard covered up by a cropped red hoodie will suffice. Also, don’t forget to incessantly interrupt everyone you encounter to make sure that they are in fact, “listening.”

Vampire
Although most people have used this classic idea at one point or another in their life, vampires are making a full-fledged revival. Put an updated twist on this old-school costume by emulating one of today’s popular blood-sucking creatures. Dressing up as the hit characters from Twilight such as Bella Swan or Edward Cullen requires no extravagant attire. All that’s needed is a snow-white powdered face with deep red lips, a casual T-shirt and plain denim in dark and somber colors. Or, use the cast of True Blood as inspiration for your ghastly costume. Flattering and feminine tank-tops with braided locks will capture the essence of the dark Tara Thorton or a jet-black crew neck for the 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton.

 Alan from The Hangover
Everyone’s favorite obnoxious brother-in-law from one of this year’s biggest films, Alan Garner, is great character to portray for Halloween. The entertaining goofball has a few trademark accessories that can easily be thrown together to make the perfect costume. Choose from a frontal baby carrier (complete with a fake baby sporting aviator sunglasses) or a leather, mahogany satchel. With this hit costume, no one will dare to call you a “ruh-tard.”

Where to Get the Perfect Look

The Costume Shop
With affordable costumes and a wide range to choose from, North Park’s The Costume Shop offers everything you need to complete your look from costumes to accessories to makeup. Tues.-Fri. 10-6; Sat. 10-5. 2960 North Park Way, 619-574-6201.
thecostumeshop.net

Buffalo Breath Co
This year-round costume store has an outfit for anything and everything. Looking for medieval attire? They’ve got it. Need a rockin’ ’80s fit? They’ve got that too. With a plethora of costumes to choose from and a cost-efficient rental option, Buffalo Breath Co. houses a broad variety of Halloween get-ups. Mon.-Fri. 10-9; Sat. 10-8; Sun. 10-6. 2050 Hancock Street, 619-297-1175
buffalobreathcostumes.com

Spirit
Once a year, Spirit rises and brings out the must-have costumes for each October. Everyone’s favorite go-to shop for Halloween costumes offers nine different locations throughout San Diego: Arena Plaza, 3345 Sports Arena Blvd., 619-758-0673; Hawthorne Crossing (4240 Kearney Mesa Rd., Ste. 111, 858-565-4908); Sweetwater Crossing (1608 Sweetwater Rd., National City, 619-474-4013); Grossmont Center (8820 Grossmont Blvd., La Mesa, 619-337-0610); Parkway Plaza (565 Fletcher Pkwy., El Cajon, 619-441-2794); Henry’s Marketplace (9751 Mission Gorge Rd., Santee, 619-448-0493); Hspl El Camino (333 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760-635-8525); North County Fair (290 E, Via Rancho Pkwy., Escondido, 760-739-8435); Vista (1715 Hacienda Dr., Vista, 760-639-6300)
spirithalloween.com

Buffalo Exchange
The ultimate thrift store, Buffalo Exchange turns into Halloween heaven during this time of year with unusual costumes and wacky pieces that are perfect for completing a unique look. Patrons can buy, sell and trade anything and everything they need for the perfect Halloween attire. Pacific Beach, Mon.-Sat. 10:30-8. Sun. 11-6. 1007 Garnet Ave. 858-273-6277. Also in Hillcrest, Mon.-Sat. 10-8; Sun. 11-7 (3862 Fifth Ave., 619-298-4411)
buffaloexchange.com

Party Must-Haves

Experimental Bloody Marys
Presentation and creativity are key when throwing a Halloween bash. Forget the usual plastic cups and serve your spirits in plastic beakers. A spicy bloody Mary dished out in a science beaker will create an eerie mad-scientist vibe that will leave your guests wondering exactly what’s in the mystery concoction.

Pumpkin bowling
Entertainment and games are a must, and with pumpkin bowling you’ll be able to use a Halloween staple in a unique and fun way. Cover a few two-liter bottles with white paper and draw on Casper-esque faces. Set up the ghostly pins outside and bowl away, using small pumpkins as the balls.

Graveyard Trivia
Add some chilling decorations and create a fun game with homemade tombstones. Cut out a handful of tombstones on cardboard and come up with monster trivia to write on the front. After your guests write down their answers while making their way through the creepy graveyard, tally up who has the most correct and hand out a prize. Need some suggestions? What are the names of the Addams Family children? How many Saw films have been made to-date? Who played the psychotic family man turned murderer in The Shining?

Mozzarella Eyeballs
What’s a great Halloween party without spooky treats? This year jazz up your finger foods with some tasty eyeballs. All you need is individual mozzarella balls with a small chunk of olive appropriately placed as the pupil and a dab of tomato paste to create a bloodshot look.

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