This light show was so flippin gorgeous! I don’t even know how to start this rant. For me, Corona Haunt ranks high on every level with what they do.
We saw witches, ghosts, jack-o-lanterns, bats, skeletons, and a bloody house all come to life with the Ghostbusters theme. Some people find Disneyland magical. A good Halloween show is my taste of magic. I don’t know how they did it.. the ghost and skeletons were gliding around — and you almost forgot you were staring at a house.
The show ran about 10 minutes, which I was not expecting at all. Oh, and let’s not forget all the fog to add to the spookiness and the lawn covered in jack-o-lanterns. What a treat!
Fingers crossed for a frightful Christmas show of some sorts. Looking forward to the upcoming Shadow Mountain haunt! I’m actually kind of scared — because it looks like it’s going to be super dark in there — but I’m ready for the hike! Do yourself a favor this Halloween season and check out Corona Haunt. Reservations are sold out for time slots but they’re still going to run a virtual stand by line. You’ll scan the QR code at the entrance, head back to your car, and you’ll receive a text when it’s your turn to come back — EASY!
Corona Haunt’s – Shadow Mountain will run Oct 22 & 25 from 7:00 – 9:00. Oct 23, 24, 29 from 6:30 – 9:30 and Oct 30 & 31 from 6:30 – 10:30 coronahaunt.com
I went into this movie barely knowing anything about it. I had seen the poster for months but it never pulled me in enough to care. Then I thought, gee, I wonder how they’re making this like the TV show? Why did they wait so long to make this show into a movie? I watched the trailer — well, seems all right. PG-13, probably not that great.
Hated the cast straight away. A bunch of 30-somethings acting like geeks. Launched into their half-assed fantasies. Left with nobody to root for. The sets looked cheesy. The end twist, at least left you with something but the effort was too little too late. I was hoping it would be like the Twilight Zone and everyone would meet their doom at the end. No happily ever afters. Then they choose any ol random character to be Tattoo at the very end. What the fuck was that?
I don’t know why I did this to myself. I’ll stick with the original series. The original series was filled at the Los Angeles Arboretum in Arcadia, California where I went to school. There were a lot of trips to the Arboretum talking about the show — finding the locations. I’ll stick with my Queen Anne Cottage memories.
What the heck was that?? Started off just fine. I liked the era. I liked the story line.. or what I thought was the story line. Weird stuff happening around the house. Kids are acting like weirdos. Then the story just ends up being about some crazy ass dude that was living on the grounds with the kids. Why can’t the little girl leave? I really like Mackenzie Davis and she was the main reason why I was going to see this. My step-daughter was going for Finn Wolfhard. If you like movies that end without an ending and rolls straight to the credits — this one’s for you. If you like movies where you have to guess what the ending was — this one’s for you. Otherwise, just stick to the trailer — the most thrilling parts were in there. Honestly, the dirty hand running across the wall to the end music was probably better than the whole entire movie.
My other half was really excited about seeing this movie. I wasn’t sure at first when the trailer started. Then I thought I saw aliens. Were those aliens?? We were looking forward to it coming out.. and then didn’t rush out to see it. Instead we chose 1917, which we were late to the game seeing that one. We have kids so we’re usually late to the game anyway.
This movie starts off right away. They don’t waste any time cooking up the drama. The drama never stops. Basically you pick up right away that — they’re fucked. The chance of getting out of the fuckery is 50/50 and then as they go on and on they realize that that chance is getting very slim. I don’t know if you’re like us but we start choosing who the first to die is going to be, who will die in general, and who will be the final girl.. or boy. If you’re like me you may even choose a favorite, is that a girl thing? Yet, rooting for someone, anyone, the whole time.
I liked all the team work. The characters/actors all really worked together. The ending was predictable. If you saw it, did you guess it? I’m still wondering — were those aliens?? Sea creatures?? Will there be a number 2?? Anyway, I liked it.
What an absolute pile. I’m not really sure what I was expecting from this. Just, oh, another horror movie. Oh, another Grudge movie. There’s only two scenes that I can think of on why this was slapped with an R-rating. The jump scares were so predictable — you know when they cut the suspenseful music and it’s nothing but silence — you know it’s coming. That’s the sad part of the R-rating — my toddler would have really loved those parts. The jumping back-and-forth from story to story story was pretty annoying. She’s a cop, she goes into the bad house. Then the other families that were also linked up to that house are wandering around through the whole movie making Grudge noises.
There were a few good parts — I liked when John Cho’s character goes after his wife. I liked when Andrea Riseborough’s character plays back the tape and sees someone coming out of the bathroom. Lin Shaye’s kitchen scene. Those were fun little thrills.
The ending, wow, saw that coming. It was all just a mess. Kind of like my sloppy writing right now. If you liked it.. let me know!
I took my 9-year-old step-daughter to see this. She’s all about the girl power and I figured this would be filled with it! And it is! Of course I had her watch the original before we went. This is similar to the original as in — they’re in a sorority. This one has a totally different story line.
Spoiler; there are breaking necks. I don’t do breaking necks. I didn’t realize that PG-13 were big in the breaking necks department. I was a little uneasy throughout the film.
I like Imogen Poots from 28 Weeks Later, Green Room, Fright Night (remake), That Awkward Moment, Frank & Lola. So I went into this already liking this because of her.
This was a full weekend of fun but I only attended Saturday’s events. I found out about this event from Night Of The Demons. As soon as I heard cast reunion and showing — I knew I had to go!
Night Of The Demons was a childhood classic. When cousins would come over for the weekend, or summer vacation, sleepovers with girlfriends — this was on the watch list. I mean, this is my favorite Halloween movie. Plus, there’s a TSOL sticker on the boombox during Angela’s iconic dance scene.
I didn’t rush to get tickets right away because I’ve never been to one of these horror events and I wasn’t really sure how they worked. Plus, I was going alone. Then, I get an email from LifeStream about receiving a ticket to Darkside In Riverside if you donate blood. I’ve been donating blood with them since 2016 so I jumped at the opportunity.
The day came and I couldn’t believe I was going to be a part of Night Of Demons. Arrived early to pick up my pass. I turned in my LifeStream ticket and was given a VIP wristband and VIP lanyard. What?! Nobody filled me in on this. I see people talking to Tony Todd (Candyman), John Kassir (voice of the Crypt Keeper), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes), Ari Lehman (Friday The 13th), Harry Manfredini (Friday The 13th composer), Ann Robinson (War Of The Worlds), Robert Mukes (House Of 1000 Corpses), Linda Blair was also one of the guests but I didn’t see her. I made my way through some of the vendors.
The Night Of The Demons Q&A was hilarious! I have a few video clips of some of the funny stuff they were saying. The stories about filming, how they were cast, scaring the shit out of people in full demon makeup without even knowing it.
I went home to see my son and returned for the Night Of The Demons screening.
The cast were there to introduce the film and even stuck around to watch it while doing funny commentary throughout the whole thing.
If you’re into lipstick in the titty, booty shots, amazing demon dancing, fantastic one-liners, snapping necks, and just that classic 80s horror — this movie’s for you.
After it was over half of the cast stuck around and shook hands with everyone and took some photos. I met Billy Gallo (Sal), Hal Havins (Stooge), Lance Fenton (Jay), Amelia Kinkade (Angela) They were so nice. The rest of the cast in attendance, Cathy Podewell (Judy), Linnea Quigley (Suzanne), Phillip Tanzini (Max), Jill Terashita (Frannie), and director Kevin Tenney. Hopefully we’ll do it again one day.
Check out my favorite Halloween movie, Night Of The Demons.
If you’re interested in donating blood at LifeStream or just getting information about it visit lstream.org
We’re now in the 2nd week of October and our Halloween event calendar is filling up quickly. Since having my son 4 years ago, I started searching around for events happening around our area every holiday. Over the years I’ve been able to find a lot of great stuff that we attend year after year.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Knott’s Scary Farm — Location: Buena Park, CA Taking place on select nights between Sept 19th – Nov 2nd. Select nights means, Thursday – Sunday. Hours: 7pm – 1am Thurs & Sunday. 7pm – 2am Fri & Sat. Prices: $40 – $60 depending on the day.
I love that major theme parks start all of their Halloween events in September. I start decorating and feeling the spirit during September and so we take our Scary Farm trip in September. The largest haunt in Southern California with 9 mazes, 4 scare zones, and 4 shows — you’ll definitely be busy during your visit. Timber Mountain Log Ride has transformed into Halloween Hootenanny which you can also experience during your daytime visit to the park.
Let’s talk about ticket prices: Thursday’s and Sunday’s are $45. Friday’s are $54. Saturday’s are $60. Nov 1 – $48 & Nov 2 – $50. All passholders get a $5 discount. They have the easiest and fastest website to guide through when you’re trying to buy tickets to view all the different prices.
Knott’s is also the king of add-ons. You can purchase a Scary Farm ticket with Fright and Fast Lane for all mazes and rides. An all inclusive ticket which includes; admission, parking, Fright & Fast Lane, Boo-fet. Or you may choose just to add on one thing like the Fright & Fast Lane. The Boo-fet which allows early entrance, a photo with a monster, and a souvenir bottle. Of course all passholders get a $5 discount on all of these.
This is what I have to say about Knott’s Scary Farm — if your kids can handle scary stuff — take them! We made a date night out of it and left the kids at home. Our kids would have loved it. We’ll definitely be taking them next year. Here’s a spoiler — they have some great giant monsters that pop out. Of course, when you’re nervous going through a maze and you have strangers walking behind you you don’t really get to take the time to look and enjoy the scenery to it’s fullest, but what I did see was fuckin great! There were some great scares in there.
The best mazes this year — Dark Entities, Paranormal Inc, Origins: The Curse Of Calico. (Honorable mention: Pumpkin Eater)
Best show: Brian Henson (yes, that Henson) presents: Puppet Up! Don’t miss this. We caught the last showing and if we would have caught an earlier one we would have went again. They take suggestions from the crowd and it is so damn funny (and dirty). (Honorable mention: The Hanging, it’s a classic)
The Peanuts Gang are looking great and ready for you to meet-n-greet and see them during “The Monsters Are Coming, Charlie Brown”
Knott’s Spooky Farm — Let’s not forget about the daytime magic happening during Knott’s Spooky Farm. Taking place every Saturday and Sunday (as well as Halloween which falls on a Thursday this year). From opening until 4:30 you can trick-or-treat your way through Ghost Town. Grab your candy bags at the front gate and head to Calico to collect all your Hershey’s treats. Charlie Brown and the gang are back with their Halloween show. Let your little’s strut their costumes to the Peanuts dance party. Reese’s has transformed the Grand Sierra Railroad into something really spooky. Check out the critters at the livery stable. Kit Kat is presenting a pumpkin patch and Linus is there to help you pick one out — or decorate a cookie. Make a stop at the Bird Cage Theatre for spooky story time. Finish your visit to Camp Spooky with a drop down the Timber Mountain Log Ride and see it transformed into Halloween Hootenanny. We’ll see you at Spooky Farm!
Castle Dark — Location: Riverside, CA Known as Castle Park during normal operating hours this classic childhood location of mine is located here in Riverside. Taking place Friday – Sunday until October 27th. Hours: 7pm – 11pm Fri & Sat. 7pm – 10pm Sun. Price: $10 – $25 depending on what deal you can catch.
We’ve been attending their haunt for a handful of years and this was the 2nd year bringing Giuseppe. We noticed there were a lot of kids this year. This year Castle Dark is back with 5 scare zones and 3 mazes.
Best maze: Meltdown — you’ll be twisting, turning, and ducking in this one!
Don’t miss these scare zones: The Midway & The Lady In White. The lady in white had the kids too scared to turn their back on her. The midway had some great scare actors that show no mercy on children.
Let’s talk price: Normal: $24.99. Online sale: $19.99. Sign up to their emails and pay attention to their Instagram/Facebook and be on the lookout for their $10 deals. I was lucky to grab ours for $10 and we could use them for any night.
They also offer add-ons, like the pre-scare dinner with a souvenir cup. Dinner and a ticket. Behind the scenes experience which includes; admission, dinner, lanyard, trading card, t-shirt, drawstring bag, tour of the mazes, scare actor make-up prep, 15-20 minute scare experience in a maze. Or the Dia De Los Muertos & Castle Dark combo ticket. Prices vary.
Also, Dia De Los Muertos is happening every Saturday and Sunday from 11am – 5:30pm until November 3rd. Kids can enjoy arts & crafts, pumpkin painting, costume contest, and trick-or-treating. Tickets are $14.99 but if you buy them 4 days in advance you can get them for $10.99.
Spooktacular Halloweekend Friday Oct 11th & Saturday Oct 12th — 5pm. Location: Historic Civic Center – Corona, CA
The city of Corona is going crazy with their brand new Halloween event. 5 – 8 — Corona PD Trunk-Or-Treat – Location: City Hall Parking Lot – FREE 5 – 8 — Haunted House – Location: Vicentia Activity Center – $5 6:30 — Family Movie: Hocus Pocus – Location: City Hall South Lawn 4 – 9 — Escape Room by OBC Theater – Price: $20 (easy) $30 (hard) 9 – 11 — Paranormal Investigation Tours by Pacific Paranormal Investigation – Location: Corona Historic Civic Center – Price: $20
You’ll see us out there on Friday enjoying the Trunk-Or-Treat and the haunted house.
Darkside In Riverside — October 18th – 20th Times: 18th – 7pm – 1am 19th – 10am – 1am 20th – 10am – 8pm. Location: Fox Performing Arts Center & Riverside Municipal Auditorium Price: VIP Weekend Badge – $75. Weekend Badge – $45. Friday Badge – $25. Saturday Badge – $33. Sunday Badge – $20 (two children under 10 are allowed on each badge for free)
Friday frights – Friday the 13th – 40th anniversary celebration. Which includes a free mask. Paranormal Walk. Monster Speed Dating. Horror Dating Game. Vampira Screening
Saturday frights – Photo-Ops with Linda Blair (Exorcist), Michael Berryman (Hills Have Eyes), Tony Todd (Candyman/Final Destination), Ari Lehman (Friday the 13th), John Kassir (Voice of Crypt Keeper), PJ Soles (Carrie/Halloween), Night Of The Demons Group, Linnea Quigley and Amelia Kinkaid (Night Of The Demons). Location: Riverside Municipal Auditorium Q & A’s – Location: Fox Theatre – Linda Blair and PJ Soles. Night Of The Demons Cast Reunion. Michael Berryman. Ben Templesmith. Other Events include – Night Of The Demons Screening. Horror Jeopardy. The Deadly Survival Chase. The To-Fright Show. Monster Speed Dating. Paranormal Haunted Walk. Haunting Of Hill House. Yates Family Haunting Panel. Strange Mysteries. Resurrecting The Dead. Horror In Video Games. Folklore In Horror. Performance By Fitz and the Tantrums.
Sunday frights – Photo-Ops – Linda Blair, Tony Todd, Michael Berryman, John Kassir. Location: Riverside Municipal Auditorium Q & A’s – Location: Fox Theatre – Tony Todd and John Kassir. Vampira screening and discussion with director Kevin Sean Michael. Other events include – The Toys That Made Us. The Movies That Made Us. Darkside Of Disney. Grim Grinning Ghosts. Monster Speed Dating. Scream Contest.
Other guests include: Harry Manfredini (Friday the 13th composer). Bob Elmore (Texas Chainsaw Massacre 2). Danny Hicks (Evil Dead 2). Ann Robinson (War Of The Worlds). Robert Mukes (House Of 1,000 Corpses). The Boogeyman (wrestler)
You will find me at the Night Of The Demons events. Childhood classic for me.
Cove Waterpark Trunk-Or-Treat Saturday October 19th — 7pm – 9pm Location: The Cove Waterpark – Jurupa Valley, CA (Riverside) FREE
The 3rd annual trunk-or-treat at The Cove. We attended the first two. The first one was under the radar and super amazing. By last year word had really gotten out and if you arrived late some trunks ran out of candy. On that note, I suggest you arrive at 7. They also have crafts and games but do those when you’re done with the treating. It’s a fun little night out with the fam and folks do a really great job at decorating their trunks.
Stranger Things Party — Wednesday October 23rd — 4 – 7pm Location: Glen Avon Library. Jurupa Valley, CA (Riverside) FREE
Stranger Things – treats, activities, photos, and who knows what else! This is our local library and we just adore them. They’re always having amazing events which include; guests, characters, crafts, treats, games, prizes — they really go above and beyond. My kids are REALLY looking forward to this one.
Norco Sheriff’s Deparment & Norco Fire Department Trunk-Or-Treat & Pizza In The Park Thursday October 24th — 4pm Location: Pikes Peak Park. Norco, CA – FREE
A slice and a treat, sounds really neat! We’re there!
City Of Riverside Halloween Happenings Friday October 25th — 5 – 8pm Location: Various Parks in Riverside, CA — FREE
The sound of Halloween Carnivals sounds amazing but we’ll be attending the Eastside Fall Festival at Bobby Bonds Park. Why, you ask? Because they have the Fright Night Haunted Maze for $3. This looks like a lot of fun!
Inland Regional Center Fall Festival – Community Resource Fair And Carnival Sunday October 27th — 11am – 2pm — FREE Location: Main Street in Riverside, CA
Mom’s Club Halloween Open House Tuesday October 29th — 3:30 – 5:30pm Location: Arlington Heights Sports Park – 9401 Cleveland Ave, Riverside, CA — FREE
Adventures With Candy 