Are you looking for the ultimate survivor’s guide to Halloween at Knott’s Scary Farm?
If you are like me, originally, you had no clue that Knott’s had a haunt event, let alone that it was easily one of the top 5 haunt events in the entire country.
Knott’s Berry Farm, located in Buena Park and only 10 minutes from Disneyland Resort, has the longest running theme park haunt in SOCAL.
It’s in the 50th year from its 1973 debut.
The houses along with their stories and details are truly a crown jewel for the haunt and should been more widely recognized in my opinion.
Nonetheless, I’m thrilled to share with you everything there is to know about this ghastly event.
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What is Knott’s Scary Farm?
Knott’s Scary Farm is Southern California’s take on the Halloween season.
What allows Knott’s Scary Farm to stand apart from other haunts is that its scare zones takeover the whole park!
There generally is no safe place and most of the scare zones are spread out.
This means that the actors can come at you through the fog, easily sneak up on you or even tag team you to give you a double scare.
I witnessed a couple get a triple scare while in Ghost Town.
Keep this is mind as I’m sure they will come out with something spectacular for the event’s 50th anniversary in 2023.
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When does Knott’s Scary Farm start?
California’s Knott’s Scary Farm is a specially ticketed event that tends to sell out its popular dates fast with select nights September 21st to October 31, 2023.
Below are the dates for the 2023 season and as I always say, the closer to Halloween, the higher the price.
In particular, I chose a Sunday to attend as I find with haunt events, these are the easiest days to manage. In this case, Thursday might be a great option as well.
Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Dates for September 2023:
- Thursday, 21st
- Friday, 22nd
- Saturday, 23rd
- Sunday, 24th
- Thursday, 28th
- Friday, 30th
Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Dates for October 2023:
- Sunday, 1st
- Thursday, 5th
- Friday, 6th
- Saturday, 7th
- Sunday, 8th
- Wednesday, 11th
- Thursday, 12th
- Friday, 13th
- Saturday, 14th
- Sunday, 15th
- Wednesday, 18th
- Thursday, 19th
- Friday, 20th
- Saturday, 21st
- Sunday, 22nd
- Wednesday, 25th
- Thursday, 26th
- Friday, 27th
- Saturday, 28th
- Sunday, 29th
- Tuesday, 31st (Halloween)
What time does Knott’s Scary Farm start?
Knott’s Scary Farm runs from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Wednesdays and Sundays and from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
2023 Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Tickets, Tours and Prices
With an event of this caliber, you would be surprised to learn how fairly affordable it is and the options they have available for guests.
Admission should be bought as early in advance as possible and will vary in price based on the date you plan on attending.
While there are fees and taxes on top of the Knott’s Scary Farm ticket price, you can get a discount if you are a:
- Season Passholder
- Military (whether that be active, inactive or retired with your ID)
As a Cedar Fair Platinum Passholder, which allows you to go to any Cedar Fair theme park, I paid $65.99 for my Knott’s Scary Farm ticket in 2022 (this year I was invited out by their media team so I didn’t pay in 2023).
You can save up to $5 off the admission price as a Passholder. The Military discounted prices start at $54.99 and can go up to $84.99.
How much does it cost to go to Knott’s Scary Farm?
General Admission tickets to Knott’s Scary Farm start at $59.99 and can cost up to $89.99 when you purchase online.
Knott’s Scary Farm Tickets 2023
- Single Night Admission starts at $59.99
- Admission and Meal Bundle starts at $74.99 (available online only)
- Nightly All-Inclusive Starts at $199.99 (available online only)
- Fright and Fast Lane Starts at $145
- 2023 Scary Farm Pass $149
- Very Important Monster Pass VIP Experience Starts at $550
- Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-Fet Dinner starts at $45
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Fright and Fast Lane Upgrade
You may want to consider Fright and Fast Lane for the event, which allows you unlimited priority access to the mazes and priority boarding on the attractions running that evening for the event.
The Knott’s Scary Farm Fright and Fast Lane start at $145.
Boo-Fet Upgrade
Another add on to consider, which came highly recommended by a friend who was able to do it, is the Boo-Fet + Early Entry deal.
The Boo-fet gives you a buffet spread of food which is served at 5 p.m. (when I visited) and gives you early access to select haunted mazes.
You’ll also get some awesome photo-ops with a few of the Knott’s Berry Farm monsters.
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How much is the Boo-Fet at Knott’s Scary Farm?
The cost for the Boo-Fet starts at $45 and does not include your Knott’s Scary Farm ticket.
Hipster Power Tip: Get to check in as early as possible and don’t forget that it comes with a souvenir bottle to take with you.
Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Tours
One would also consider doing one of the Knott’s Scary Farm tours, The Very Important Monster Tour.
The Very Important Monster Tour
This is slightly new and includes a private tour guide for up to 6 hours and your park admission, general parking, the Boo-Fet dinner and a Knott’s Scary Farm t-shirt.
You will get priority access to rides and shows too. Something to note is that is that you have to book a minimum of 2 guests per tour.
How much is The Very Important Monster Tour at Knott’s Scary Farm?
The cost starts at $550 depending on the date with the price changing depending on the night you choose.
This means you’ll be paying about $1,100 not including taxes and fees (and a tip). Once booked, you will be contacted to schedule a time.
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Scary Farm Beyond the Fog Tour (Postponed in 2023)
Then there is the cheaper option called the Scary Farm Beyond the Fog Tour.
At $79.99 (postponed in 2023), and running during the park’s normal operating hours, the three-hour tour takes you on a journey to learn about the history of Knott’s Scary Farm and get a chance to walk through the mazes with the lights on.
You will be given a Knott’s Scary Farm pin, lanyard and light refreshments.
Scary Farm Beyond the Fog Tour times range between 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and you can choose your tour date and time at time of purchase.
As of this post, the event is postponed for 2023.
How much is park at Knott’s Berry Farm?
If you plan on driving to Knott’s Berry Farm, parking can be purchased in advance for $30 online.
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What is Included at Knott’s Scary Farm?
Now that you know what Knott’s Scary Farm, how much it costs, and the upgrades, let’s get down to the nitty gritty and start with the mazes.
Knott’s Scary Farm Houses 2023
It’s time to get into the good part and that’s the house (or mazes) at this Halloween event in Calfornia.
The haunted houses at Knott’s Scary Farm are incredible and you’ll see why below!
1. Wax Works
The Wax Works takes you through a wax museum where you will encounter Dr. Augustus Scratch.
Dr. Scratch is a disfigured artist who might be behind the mysterious screams coming from the back room as victims are drowned in a boiling cauldron of wax.
Scare Rating 7/10
2. The Grimoire
This haunted house follows a series of dark tales weaved together with amazing sets and phenomenal special effects!
You begin your journey following a group of teens around a campfire, reading from an evil ancient book, which unleashes the demonic entities.
You then go through the excursion of those before them who read from the book and the consequences.
This house was so amazingly crafted and detailed, truly my favorite of the night!
Scare Rating: 9/10
3. Bloodline 1842
This was Knott’s Scary Farm largest maze to date!
You will be put in the middle of a vampire war and hunting with the day-breakers, armed with Bellatorian weapons.
After that, you can choose the clan and weapon setting as you go through the maze too, which in the past were Dead Eye, Spray Shot and Rage Runner.
It is a fascinating concept that I felt needed a bit of fine tuning. Good news is that there was a bunch of vampires and townspeople to guide you.
So, find the remaining Daybreakers and help them destroy the King of the Valhymphri.
Scare Rating 6/10
4. Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind
This is a return from last year and has come back to reach into the depths of your mind and take control.
It’s really cool to go through the maze due to its crazy sets! Like the sets move in some scenes and there was even a moving walkway which shook me!
Each room shows off a hypnotized victim as you hear Mesmer’s echoing voice throughout.
Scare Rating 8/10
5. Dark Entities
This is another returning house for its 5th year!
It’s a house on the science fiction. It very much so gives “Alien” franchise.
The dark entities in question are looking for a new host and the more they find, the more powerful they become.
There was a lot of sensory and I did find myself a bit overwhelmed at some points but overall, I thought it was just okay.
Scare Rating 5/10
6. Origins: The Curse of Calico
This is another returning maze which debuted in 2019. I personally was a big fan of it due to the way it immersed aspects of Knott’s Berry Farm folklore.
It follows a witch that was hunted down and hung to death. As she is about to be hung, she curses the town and disappears!
This is where we all go into the story as we watch the dark forces take over the Town of Calico.
The Origins maze was filled with insane special effects that made me want to go through again!
Scare Rating 7/10
7. The Depths
This is another returning maze on this year’s list and it takes place in an abandoned village that has underground caves nearby where a mining crew has gone missing!
This is due to the fact that mysterious creatures that live in them.
This maze had some fascinating effects that reminded me of Dead Man’s Pier: Winter Wake from Halloween Horror Nights Orlando.
Scare Rating 6/10
8. Cinema Slasher (NEW)
Embarking on an adventure within the enchanting Midnight Theater, you will be transported into a series of three slasher films.
Immersed in the realm of gothic horror, you’ll assume the roles of the movie characters as they strive to evade the menacing Slasher.
The ultimate question remains: will you make it out alive, or will you be forever trapped in a decaying world of yesteryear?
With a mischievous flair, the Midnight Theater beckons the courageous to purchase a ticket for Cinema Slasher!
This house is just downright fun and a great addition to Knott’s Scary Farm 2023.
Scare Rating 9/10
9. Chilling Chambers (NEW)
The “Chilling Chambers” is a haunting new attraction at Knott’s Scary Farm that pays tribute to the park’s first ever maze.
Led by The Keeper, the eerie curator of the conservatory of horrors, visitors will be taken on a spine-chilling journey through a menacing cathedral that delves into the terrifying maze themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s past.
Brace yourself for a scream-inducing experience as 50 years of fright are unleashed in The Chilling Chambers.
Scare Rating 7/10
10. Room 13 (NEW)
The Blind Tiger, a popular establishment on Memory Lane during the Prohibition era, is shaken by a series of violent murders.
The source of this chaos appears to be a tantalizing new cocktail called The Devils Elixir, but its origins remain shrouded in mystery.
Clues to this enigmatic green drink may be found within the opulent Argive Hotel, where Room 13 has become a foreboding space that no guest has ever left.
Scare Rating 7/10
Knott’s So Scary Farm Scare Zones 2023
As I mentioned before, the scare zones are spread out throughout the park so nowhere is really safe, especially in the fog.
The creatures can range from sneakily coming up on you and growling or they will come at you hard and fast!
Knott’s Scary Farm scare zones here are truly unmatched to their haunt events!
Here are the five Halloween Scare Zones at Knott’s Berry Farm:
- Gore-ing 20s: This zone was actually really fun and not terribly scary! They have live musicians and performers in the zone that makes it very lively! It is filled with otherworldly gangsters, flappers and more!
- Ghost Town Streets: This is the ONE! This is the zone that brings people back year after year. You will not be safe in this zone and the actors in this zone are the absolute best! The ghosts of this town are out and about.
- CarnEVIL: As I’m sure you can tell from the name, the freaks do in fact come out at night in this scare zone.
- Forsaken Lake: This was by far my favorite, which might shock those who love the Ghost Town scare zone. It is eerie and gives off 1800s Victorian gothic vibes mixed with watery doom. It is the music that really sold me! I could legit stay there all night!
- The Gauntlet (NEW): You’ll come face to face with the King and Queen of the land, mischievous jesters, fierce barbarians, wicked wizards, and rebellious peasants.
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2023 Entertainment and Shows at Knott’s Scary Farm
I was pleasantly surprised with the entertainment offerings! They definitely offer some sort of relief from the scares and are certainly unique!
The store also sells some event merchandise, which we will look at briefly in this guide.
2023 Knott’s Scary Farm Shows
- Dr. Cleaver Returns (NEW): Get ready for more Halloween fun with your beloved twisted doctor! Take a seat at the renowned Bird Cage Theatre and embark on a thrilling adventure into the afterlife.
- The Hanging: Uncancelled (NEW): The Lawman is back, ready to hunt down the most wicked wrongdoers of the previous year in this action-packed parody show that celebrates popular culture.
- Music, Monsters & Mayhem (NEW): With an electrifying soundtrack, uproarious humor, and a talented ensemble of monstrous performers who sing and dance, this show guarantees to make your heart race with exhilarating screams of joy!
- Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show): Calico Mine Stage: Prepare to be enthralled and terrified in equal measure as your senses are heightened during this unique carnival experience.
Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage
This offers circus type performers that showcase their talents and skills with extreme stunts!
You can find them on the Calico Mine Stage, and they are very mesmerizing, I must say!
Into the Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show
This show allows fans of the event to visit the factory store and check out artwork from various artists all over the country that are specially dedicated to the Scary Farm.
What rides are open at Knott’s Scary Farm?
Unless it is on the attractions refurbishment list, most of the rides will be open for the event and will have Fast Lane available.
These are the following rides open at Knott’s Scary Farm for Halloween (selections subject to change at anytime):
- Jaguar
- Coast Rider
- Ghost Rider
- Calico River Rapids
- The Calico Mine Ride
- Wave Swinger
- Pony Express
- Silver Bullet
- Supreme Scream
- Sierra Sidewinder
- Sol Spin
- La Revolucion
- Knott’s Bear-y Tales: Return to the fair
- Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny
Don’t forget to experience the ride with a haunted twist!
Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny
The Halloween Hootenanny at Timber Mountain brings together the residents and the mysterious creatures that inhabit the woods and caves.
As you venture through the Ride’s interior, you will encounter surprises such as the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and a thrilling journey through Skull Mountain, surrounded by a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns.
The experience is enhanced by an original soundtrack performed by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
2023 Knott’s Scary Farm Food and Drinks
There is a great selection of food, treats and beverages!
What I didn’t know until I was chatting with a Team Member is that all the scary farm offerings, except the tamales, are available during the day!
7 Best Halloween Food at Knott’s Scary Farm 2023
- Cinema Slasher Funnel Cake
- A la Diabla Fries
- The Gauntlet Garlic Overlord Burger
- Spookghetti Pie
- Black Velvet Cake
- The Knotty Bean Cocktail
- Ginger Snap Funnel Cake
You can take a look at the full menu here. I was very fond of the Crabby Sushi Roll and the Jack-O-Lantern Cheesecakes in past years!
Knott’s Scary Farm Halloween Merchandise 2023
When it comes to the event merchandise, you can find the standard apparel, drinkware, posters and more!
You can also find art pieces and other amazing items too that are limited edition including merchandise as well.
According to Knott’s Scary Farm, inside the Legacy Store are tributes to Knott’s Scary Farm’s horrific past, such as the Green Witch’s house, CarnEvil creeps, a cemetery filled with maze memorials, and a portion “dead-icated” to the granddaddy of all scare zones, Ghost Town.
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7 Beginner Tips For Knott’s Scary Farm
Now that you have all the basics down for Knott’s Scary Farm, let’s go through a few of the best tips for your trip!
1. Download Map PDF in Advance
If I may be frank, the map in the Knott’s Berry Farm app is garbage!
It isn’t very easy to follow and so this tip came from a Team Member and that was to download the PDF of the Knott’s Scary Farm map in advance.
The map is more detailed than the app’s version. I have taken the liberty of leaving it here for you!
2. Consider Attending on Halloween
As crazy as it sounds, in my research, I have discovered that you can actually get most of the tickets, tours and more for a decent price on that night!
3. Go Cashless
Knott’s Berry Farm is now a cashless park meaning they only take credit and debit cards or Samsung, apple or google pay. Cash is no longer accepted.
4. Get Fright Lane and Buy Tickets Online
Buying your Knott’s Scary Farm ticket online can save you between $40-$50 at the gate and actually guarantees that you can get in before tickets for your particular date sells out.
If you are determined to do every house, then you have to invest in the Fright Lane pass.
5. No Re-entry
Once you leave the event, you cannot come back in so make sure you have everything you need.
6. Know the Bag Policy
Guests can only bring, clear plastic bags smaller than 12” x 12” x 6” as well as non-clear wristlets or clutches no larger than 5”x 8”x 2” are allowed at Knott’s Scary Farm.
Also, all bags will be subject to search.
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7. Get Familiar with the Chaperone Policy
As of today, all guests ages 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a chaperone who is at least 21 years old in order to be admitted into the park.
The chaperone must present a valid government-issued photo identification with date of birth at ticket entry.
One chaperone may accompany no more than ten guests ages 15 or younger per day.
Overall, is Knott’s Scary Farm worth it?
Very quickly into the night, I discovered why Knott’s Scary Farm is considered one of the absolute best haunt events in the whole country.
The scare actors are absolutely fantastic, and the mazes are freakishly creative, unique and offer visitors amazing storytelling and memorable experiences.
The best part is the fact that this event is very affordable while not skimping on anything for their guests.
I left extremely impressed and cannot say enough good things about it besides the fact that i wish i could have done a tour and Boo-Fet!
Make sure to add this to your theme park haunt to-do list this season.
What did you find the most intriguing about Knott’s Scary Farm? Let us know in our Facebook Group!
About the Author
About the Author
Victoria is a professional solo traveler here to make your solo trips as stress free AND enjoyable as possible for you.
She has over 5 years of Disney and Non-Disney travel experience and was featured by POPSUGAR as one of the Top 50 Black Disney Creators you should follow.
She is a Proud Native to Baltimore, Md but always will call Disney World home. You can find her at Disney Tea with V.
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(Original Article Date: October 20, 2022/Updated by Editor on September 24, 2023)