A Late-July Spooksdate, Featuring Temecula Terror, Knott's Scary Farm, and Winchester Mystery House

All Around California

Another week, another round of haunt news for the upcoming autumn season! Even though Halloween wasn’t quite cancelled last year, with the home haunters really stepping up to pick up the slack, it wasn’t quite normal either, as just about every professional haunt took the year off due to challenges and complications from the Coronavirus pandemic. Although the recent surge from the Delta variant is now casting a bit of a pall on this fall’s events, the commercial haunts are still moving forward under the assumption that things will remain relatively under control or get better.

(One way to help with this is to get vaccinated if you’re able to—seriously… they’re safe, they’re effective, and they will help the more of the population gets them… don’t get waylaid by misinformation… anyway, now that I’m done with that soap box…)

We’ve got a round of news from this week, including another Knott’s Scary Farm announcement, a brand new haunted attraction for the Inland Empire, and even something from up north in the Bay Area! Plus, a quick update from Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Sprits event! Lets get to it!

New Temecula Terror Haunt from the Bloodshed Brothers & Clever Coven

From the terrifying depths of the Temecula Valley comes a new haunt presented by not-new haunters. Temecula Terror is a debuting attraction coming this October, put together by Clever Coven and the Bloodshed Brothers. If the latter name sounds familiar, that’s because they’re the folks behind the Hyde Street Massacre home haunt (and frequent Midsummer Scream Hall of Shadows feature). A couple of years ago, they put on their first proper commercial haunt, Terror in Train Town, and this year, they’re back with three mazes, food and drink, live entertainment, a pumpkin patch, a carnival setting, and a midway scare zone. We always love seeing new haunts and look forward to the latest entry into the SoCal fright scene!

From the press release:

Temecula Terror, Inland Empire’s Newest Halloween-Themed Attraction Brings Frights to Wine Country

Tickets on Sale Now | Open October 1 – 31, 2021

Temecula, CA – This October the Inland Empire will be home (or should we say a haunted home) to an all-new, hair-raising, terrifying haunt: Temecula Terror. Open for 19-days, October 1- 31, Temecula Terror invites thrill-seekers to visit a creepy, small town, off a back road in the Temecula Valley, and step into a Halloween Harvest Carnival… with a sinister intention. Tickets start at $20 USD for adults and are on sale today at www.temeculaterror.com.

Dubbed an Indie-Style Haunt, Temecula Terror is located in Galway Downs, a unique outdoor experience located in the wild, shadowing hills of the Temecula Valley Wine Country. Lit only by the stars in the sky and the event’s carnival lights, Temecula Terror will deliver frights for 19-days with 3 mazes, 2 bars, 1 VIP Bar, nightly live DJ and entertainment, carnival games, local food trucks, a pumpkin patch, and a scare zone with roaming monsters.

“Without giving too much away, Temecula Terror encourages those who dare to make it past the fanfare of the carnival and circus to discover that the small town hidden behind it, in the middle of wine country, is the real haunted attraction and not necessarily the carnival,” shared Jeromy Ball, Bloodshed Brothers.

Zachary Ball, twin brother to Jeromy Ball and other half of the Bloodshed Brothers added, “For those really looking to test their bravery, we dare you to step inside the maze we’re calling 301 Hyde Street - some of our own team members were spooked just going over the build and storyline.”

In addition to the frights, Temecula Terror offers something for haunt-lovers of all ages: Family Fright starts 5:00pm with a pumpkin patch, carnival games, trick-or-treating, food and more. Then at 7:00pm, as the sun starts to set and hide behind the rolling hills, the sinister scares begin as the monsters and ominous spirits are unleashed.

Bringing to life the biggest "haunt" Temecula has ever seen this spooky season, Temecula Terror tickets go on sale today and start at just $20 per adult (12+ years) and $10 for children (Family Fright). Local event production companies Bloodshed Brothers and Clever Coven have banded together to create the first-year haunt with an emphasis on involving local companies, brands, and stories from the heart of Temecula Valley. Visit www.TemeculaTerror.com for more information, to purchase tickets and to stay up to date on Temecula Terror announcements, sales, and more.

The Hyde Street Massacre from a past Midsummer Scream.

About Temecula Terror

Bringing terror to Temecula October 2021, Temecula Terror was created by the creative minds of Local event production companies Bloodshed Brothers and Creative Coven. Banded together to create an indie haunt with local roots in the heart of Temecula Valley at Galway Downs, the event will bring to life the biggest "haunt" Temecula has ever seen this spooky season. More than just a collection of "haunted houses", Temecula Terror dives deep into the history of the Temecula Valley and the small-town characterization that many locals and visitors hold dear, to create a spooky alternate reality, a trip back in time to a small-town Halloween experience unlike any other.

About The Bloodshed Brothers

What started as twin brothers having fun scaring the local kids in their front yard as a Halloween pass-time, has evolved into a full-fledged haunted attraction production company, taking their marquee vintage aesthetic with them everywhere they go. The Bloodshed Brothers delved into the world of professional haunting in 2011 with The Lake Elsinore Storm Stadium. From there, the company has produced two other short-term events: The Hyde Street Haunt at Galway Downs, and Terror in Train Town at the Perris Railway Museum. Now, the company is working behind the scenes on its newest project Temecula Terror, bringing scares to Galway Downs October of 2021.

About Clever Coven

Forged from friendship between three like-minded creative women, Clever Coven is a brand-new Creative Haunt Agency, specializing in Event Conceptualization, Marketing, Design, and Community Partnerships. Hailing from backgrounds in both the Corporate and Small Business Industry sectors, Clever Coven boasts over 25 years of collective experience in Event Production and Marketing. Join the coven on Instagram at @CleverCoven!

About Galway Downs
Located In the beautiful rolling hills of the Temecula Valley Wine Country, Galway Downs is a 242-acre premier multi-sport and special event facility located in Temecula, CA right off Highway 79 and a few miles from Interstate 5. Historically known as a host to international and national equestrian training and championships, it has now become one of the top wedding venues in Southern California and is busy host to sports and special events. For more information, please contact us at info@galwaydowns.com

Knott’s Scary Farm Announces Brand-New Scare Zone

Last week, when Knott’s announced their four returning scare zones (Ghost Town Streets, Carnevil, The Hollow, and Forsaken Lake), their trailer ended with a teaser for a potential new fifth scare zone over by the heart of the old Roaring 20’s themed land by peeking into the “speakeasy” at the Walter Knott Theater. Though technically part of Carnevil, this area lies at the fringes and is less frequented by monsters during the fall, making it basically one of the few remaining dead areas of the park—especially given the lack of a maze location at the Wheeler Dealer bumper cars for some time.

Well, the suspected new scare zone was confirmed with yesterday’s announcement. Named the “Gore-ing 20’s” (not the Goring 20s, because that would be like a bull or matador-themed scare zone), it will celebrate Knott’s history by bringing a new revelry of characters just in time for this century’s 20s. The concept is definitely intriguing, and it will be interesting to see how Knott’s handles theming around the area, but more street monsters and more spooks are always a good thing!

Knott’s Scary Farm begins its run this year on Thursday, September 16th.

Winchester Mystery House Announces Halloween Plans

Up north, Winchester Mystery House has also announced a series of Halloween festivities with a little bit of something for everyone! The new Lost in the House Tour will be this year’s Halloween tour within the house, geared more towards those seeking some of the supernatural and maybe some scares to boot. Outside, the nighttime projection mapping show from past Halloweens will return, along with a family-friendly jack-o-lantern trail.

The Winchester Mystery House is already eerie and a little bit macabre normally throughout the year. Mix in a little Halloween ambiance, and the spooky atmosphere really sinks in!

The Winchester Halloween House!! Er—Winchester Mystery House during Halloween.

From the press release:

WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE ANNOUNCES ALL NEW HALLOWEEN SEASONAL EVENT

ALL HALLOWS EVE STARTING SEPTEMBER 10TH
TICKETS ON SALE NOW

SAN JOSE, CA — Winchester Mystery House announced that tickets are now available for All Hallows’ Eve, an all-new estate wide Halloween event with both indoor and outdoor tours kicking off on Friday, September 10th.

All Hallows’ Eve features the Lost in The House Tour, a theatrical paranormal investigative adventure and the family-friendly Jack O' Lantern Trail. The Winchester Mystery House is also bringing back its popular projection mapped light show that brings the house to life.

(Image courtesy of Winchester Mystery House.)

Halloween and haunt fans will be thrilled by the Lost in The House Tour, a brand-new theatrical paranormal investigative adventure. For the 98 years that the house has been open to the public it has hosted paranormal investigators, mediums and even master magicians who came looking for proof of the paranormal. During the Lost In The House Tour, brave guests will be guided through the dark & dizzying hallways of the Winchester Estate in search of answers for themselves.…will they find them, or will they too be lost in the house?

Included in the All Hallows’ Eve ticket is the Jack O’ Lantern Trail. The trail features dozens of hand carved Jack O’ Lanterns displays throughout the Victorian Gardens and the Lost in the House Light Show, a projection mapped light show that uses the iconic front of the mansion as a canvas. The Jack O' Lantern Trail is a great option for young families looking for a magical fall evening experience.

“Winchester Mystery House is a must visit destination, especially as summer gives way to fall,” said Walter Magnuson, Winchester Mystery House General Manager. “The Lost in The House Tour takes it's cue from the many revealing paranormal investigations we've hosted, going back all the way to Houdini's historic visit in 1924. After the tour, our guests will be able to experience the illuminated Victorian Gardens in an all new festive way that is sure to fill you and your family up with Halloween spirit!

The Mystery House grounds spruced up for the fall.

Fall themed food and spirits as well as Axe Throwing at the Stables, Sarah's Attic Shooting Gallery and the all-new Houdini's Spirited Escape will be available for an additional fee.

The Winchester Mystery House will also be offering daytime guided mansion and garden tours throughout the months of September and October complimented with autumn décor around the estate, making it the place to celebrate Halloween this fall.

All Hallows’ Eve starts September 10th and runs on select nights through October 31st. Tickets are available now at winchestermysteryhouse.com

Midsummer Scream’s Awaken the Spirits Announces Panels

Last but not least, for those wanting to officially start their 2021 haunting season early, there are still a few remaining tickets left for Sunday of the Awaken the Spirits “pop-up” convention. In addition, the event has announced their panels, which will include features from Halloween Horror Nights, Winchester Mystery House, L.A. Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, and plenty of Southern California’s favorite home haunts!

The event also features a wide variety of vendor booths, and like any convention type event, there are sure to be creative fans dressed up for the occasion. No haunted attractions this time around, but Awaken the Spirits will be the first chance for guests to buy tickets to the winter Season’s Screamings event this December, which will feature some mini-haunts. Keep reading for more information!

From the press release:

AWAKEN THE SPIRITS! PANEL SCHEDULE AND LINEUP ANNOUNCED

MIDSUMMER SCREAM’S POP-UP EVENT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE PASADENA CONVENTION CENTER AUGUST 14-15! TICKETS NOW ON SALE - DAY ONE ALREADY SOLD OUT!

LOS ANGELES, CA - Halloween favorites including Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, and Winchester Mystery House will have presentations about their upcoming events during Awaken the Spirits!, Midsummer Scream’s “pop-up” event August 14-15, 2021 at the Pasadena Convention Center. The schedule, along with a list of special guests, vendors, and other surprises, is now available on the event website and through the Fan Guru app.

Saturday, August 14 will feature presentations by Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights, Winchester Mystery House, LA Haunted Hayride, and Delusion: Reaper’s Remorse. A special panel commemorating the 20th Anniversary of the feature filmThir13en Ghosts will kick-off the day with special guests including Producer Erik Olsen, Special Makeup Effects Designers Howard Berger and Norman Cabrera from KNB EFX Group, and Composer John Frizell.

Sunday, August 15 includes presentations from Six Flags Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest, voice and mo-cap cast from the best-selling horror video game Resident Evil: Village, a 30th Anniversary retrospective of legendary home haunt Rotten Apple 907, and a deep dive into how Epic Entertainment and Mycotoo (the teams behind Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor) bring horrifying creature and stories to life.

Both Saturday and Sunday will conclude with a 60-minuteHome Haunt Update featuring many of Southern California’s most epic and beloved home-grown Halloween attractions each day, and what their “comeback” plans are for 2021.

All weekend, guests can explore a sprawling show floor, including over 200 spooky vendors and displays, including a brand-new experience from Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights that will put your horror fandom to the test and see how brave you are!

Awaken the Spirits! is the first large-scale event that Midsummer Scream has produced since 2019. Hosting this convention-style pop-up is a thrilling endeavor, bringing the haunt and horror community together again for a weekend of socializing, cosplay, shopping, presentations, and fun!

Saturday General Admission tickets for the event have already sold out; Sunday tickets are still available, but are going fast!

To purchase tickets visit midsummerscream.org/awakenand download the Fan Guru app for a full schedule, list of speakers and vendors, and event map: https://fanguru.app.link/CoODSmJLJhb

The event will also be the first chance for guests to purchase tickets for Midsummer Scream’s holiday horror convention, Season’s Screamings, to be help December 17-19, also at the Pasadena Convention Center.

Midsummer Scream and the Pasadena Convention Center are working in accordance with all CDC, state, and City of Pasadena guidelines governing requirements for events and gatherings of this type.

For breaking information about Awaken the Spirits! and other upcoming Midsummer Scream events, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @midsummerscream and sign up for the newsletter at MidsummerScream.org.

And that’s that. We’ve had a lot of spooky updates this month, which is crazy, because it’s July (and we might even squeeze one more in), but you know how much we like the frightfully fun things, and we’re definitely seeing Halloween season rearing to come back with a vengeance this year!