Halloween is my absolute favorite holiday—with Christmas coming in as a close second, of course—and I wish I could go back in a time machine to experience it like I did when I was 10. Don’t get me wrong, I can still find magic in celebrating Halloween as an adult, but sometimes I just wish I could capture the same feelings I had when I went trick-or-treating with a group of my friends for the first time or made witch hats in school with my classmates.

It feels like all the fun, timeless activities of Halloween are marketed or made for kids, while adults get saddled with wild raves or spending the night at home eating a jack-o'-lantern-shaped pizza. Don’t get me wrong, those can be fun, but I want more for us!

So, I sat down and tried to conjure up a list of different ways to spend Halloween that would actually be fun for adults! And that’s what I present to you today: my list of Halloween party ideas for adults that aren’t actually all parties! My goal was for this list to capture the nostalgic feeling of our best Halloweens while mixing in activities that are actually fun—not all centered around drinking, but rather just having a good time with a good friend(s). I hope you enjoy it, and can find the Halloween inspiration you’re looking for!

Halloween Bar Crawl

Plan a route of local bars or pubs, each offering Halloween-themed drinks or decorations if you can. It’ll be even more fun if you and your friends go dressed up in costume…you might even get some free drinks for the best dressed!

Host a Retro Halloween Party

Longing for the days of late-nineties or early 2000s Halloween parties? We have adult money now, throw your own! Stock up on vintage jack ‘o lantern buckets, bob for apples, catch donuts hanging from a string, and put on It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, and have the Halloween of your dreams!

Murder Mystery Dinner

Nothing says “Halloween” like murdering your host! Not really, but you know what I mean. Host a dinner party where guests participate in solving a fictional murder. You can purchase or download a murder mystery kit with character roles and plot details, or attend a themed event at a local venue.

Go to a Local Halloween Experience

There are so many great, local Halloween events that are fun for adults, especially in Los Angeles! Throw a dart and head to whichever Halloween event best suits you from this list. If you’re local to LA you could go to events such as Nights of the Jack, which showcases the best carved pumpkins you’ll see in SoCal, or a Haunted Hayride which will probably give you nightmares, but also a few laughs from seeing your friends get jump scared!

Go to a Theme Park Halloween Celebration

Many theme parks have special Halloween events with haunted houses, themed rides, and live entertainment. Check local theme parks for their Halloween schedules and special activities. Whether it's Universal's Halloween Horror Nights, Disney's Oogie Boogie Bash, or even Knott’s Scary Farm, there's nothing like the magic (and mayhem) of a theme park decked out for Halloween. Dress up, grab tour best ghouls, and dive into the thrills and chills!

Have a Horror Movie Marathon

Pick a theme, such as classic horror films or a specific franchise, and watch a series of movies in one sitting. Create a cozy atmosphere with themed snacks and decorations. Think popcorn with edible fake spiders, red velvet cupcakes that look like brains, and a cozy fort made of black and orange blankets. Get ready for a night of screams and laughs!

Host a Themed Costume Contest

Organize a party where guests dress up according to a specific theme, such as "iconic villains" or “2000s rappers." Award prizes for the best costumes and include fun categories like "Most Creative" or "Best Group Costume." Set up a mini photo booth with Halloween props and let the fashion show begin.

Halloween Trivia Night

Host a trivia game focused on Halloween themes, including questions about horror movies, Halloween history, and spooky folklore. You can do this in person or online with friends and family. Throw in some themed prizes and spooky sound effects to keep everyone on their toes. Bonus points for anyone who shows up in costume! If you’re having trouble coming up with trivia questions on your own, I suggest taking a look at Etsy! There are always people on there who’ve created trivia packs for every occasion that you can download digitally!

Spooky Bookclub Night

Get your book club together to read a horror, thriller, or mystery book over the course of October and meet on Samhain to discuss it. Bonus points for setting the meeting on theme to the book! Imagine discussing "Dracula" by candlelight with a goblet of red wine in hand. Spooky vibes guaranteed!

Spooky Cocktail Party

Create a menu of Halloween-themed cocktails and mocktails. Think "Bloody Marys," "Witch's Brew," and "Zombie Punch." Decorate with dry ice for a foggy effect, and don't forget the spooky garnish—eyeball olives, anyone? You can also enlist each of your guests to bring their own spooky cocktail that way you don’t have to do everything on their own! BYOC!

Escape Room Challenge

Visit a Halloween-themed escape room for a thrilling experience. Work together to solve puzzles and escape before the time runs out. Whether it's a haunted mansion or a mad scientist's lab, the adrenaline rush is perfect for Halloween. Teamwork makes the scream work!

Halloween-Themed Potluck

Have guests bring dishes with spooky names or themes. Think "Mummy Hot Dogs," "Witch Finger Cookies," and "Pumpkin Soup." Set up a buffet with creepy decor and enjoy a night of deliciously eerie eats.

Visit a Haunted House

Visit a local haunted house or ghost tour. Whether you scream your way through a professional haunt or explore a historical ghost tour, it's a surefire way to get into the Halloween spirit. Hold on to your friends—you're in for a fright!

Gothic Dinner Party

Decorate with dark, dramatic decor and serve a gothic-themed menu. Think black candles, red roses, and silver candelabras. Dine on dishes like "Beetroot Risotto" and "Blackberry Tart." It's an elegant and eerie evening that's sure to impress. You could even set this party to a theme with my Hocus Pocus Dinner Party Guide or my Coraline Dinner Party Guide.

Pumpkin Carving Contest

Host a pumpkin carving contest with creative prizes for the best designs. Provide carving tools, stencils, and plenty of pumpkins (or have your guests bring their own). Set up a display area and let everyone admire the spooky masterpieces. From classic jack-o'-lanterns to intricate designs, the creativity is endless!

Halloween DIY Crafts Night

Make Halloween decorations or costumes together. Gather supplies for making spooky wreaths, ghostly garlands, or custom masks. Or, you can jump on the thrifted ghost painting trend that’s super cute–and something I plan on trying this year!

Costume Karaoke Night

Sing your favorite songs while dressed in costume. Set up a karaoke machine, grab a microphone, and let the performances begin! You can also book a private room at your local karaoke bar! Whether you're a rock star vampire or a pop princess witch, it's a night of music and mayhem.

Outdoor Movie Night

Set up a projector and watch a super scary film in your backyard. Bring out the blankets, pillows, and popcorn for a cozy and spooky outdoor cinema experience. From "Psycho" to "The Exorcist," there's nothing like a scary movie under the stars on a chilly October night.

Halloween-Themed Game Night

Play board games or video games with a Halloween twist. Think "Betrayal at House on the Hill" or "Luigi's Mansion." Set up some themed snacks and get ready for a night of friendly (or not-so-friendly) competition.

Spooky Spa Night

Pamper yourself with Halloween-themed face masks and treatments. Think charcoal masks, pumpkin spice scrubs, and lavender-scented candles. It's a night of relaxation with a spooky twist. Perfect for unwinding after all those Halloween activities.

Haunted History Tour

Explore historical locations with ghostly reputations. Whether it's a haunted hotel, an old graveyard, or a historic mansion, there's plenty of spooky history to discover. Bring a flashlight and your bravest friends for a night of ghostly adventures.

Dark Comedy Show

Attend or host a comedy night with a macabre or Halloween theme–something like comedians telling spooky jokes or performing in costume just sounds like a great time. It's a night of laughs with a dark twist. Perfect for those who love Halloween and comedy.

Witchcraft Workshop

Learn about and practice witchcraft, such as making potions or spells. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned witch, it's a fun and mystical way to celebrate Halloween. Call on your coven, gather your supplies, cast your circle, and let the magic begin!