Hands up if Halloween is your favorite time of year! You get to dress up, you get to go trick-or-treating, you get to stuff your face with candy, and Halloween costume party events mean you can let your hair down all month long. And with all of this fun set against the backdrop of beautiful fall colors and cozy weather, there are lots of reasons to love Halloween.
Best of all, you don’t have to be a kid to get right into the fun Halloween party spirit either. From popular Halloween party venues like kid-friendly private rooms to wild and wonderful late-night cocktail parties with Halloween-themed cocktails, the celebrations at this time of year are designed to suit everyone.
No matter what you’re planning this Halloween, here’s how to find the right event space or spooky venue to make your party a truly haunting experience! Whether you're looking in lively Las Vegas or scenic San Francisco, the perfect venue can transform your Halloween celebration into something unforgettable.
Some venues, like an abandoned home or a haunted house, are obvious picks for Halloween events, while others might require a little more creativity on your part to nudge the fear factor up to 11. The good news is that there are spaces out there to suit every type of Halloween celebration, each offering its own entertainment options to elevate the experience.
Historic Homes
What could be more appropriate for a Halloween event than a historic (and hopefully haunted) home? From abandoned apartments to period mansions, these old homes ooze history and sometimes feel like they’re hiding ghosts at every turn. This old-world Victorian space ticks all the right boxes if you’re searching for a spooky blast from the past. Incorporating carved pumpkins throughout the property can add to the eerie atmosphere, while a dance floor in the main hall allows guests to revel in the moonlit night.
Industrial Warehouses
Add in some suitably spooky decorations, pre-decorated corners that tell a story on their own, and the right lighting to get your guests jumping at shadows, and before you know it you’ve got the perfect Halloween party space. A temporary bar area and dining area can transform the space into something both menacing and inviting.
Function Rooms and Banquet Halls
Not all Halloween parties have to be in dark and scary places designed to give a genuine fright. Instead, your Halloween celebration might be more about fun and laughter, good food and conversation, and of course, some great costumes. If that’s the case, a humble function room or a more extravagant banquet hall could fit the bill perfectly.
Outdoor Spaces
Make the most of the beautiful fall weather and take your Halloween celebration outside. You could set up a marquee in a park or estate garden, or maybe party under the stars in a spacious courtyard or outdoor patio. With mood lighting and even some basic decorations, you might be surprised just how easy it is to get a space looking just the way you want.
Choosing a Halloween venue isn’t as easy as you might think. While you obviously want something spine-tinglingly spooky, it’s also essential that you don’t forget to consider a host of practical inclusions. Take the following factors into account when comparing Halloween venues.
Size and Layout
Your Halloween space needs enough room for you and all of your friends to party the night away. A larger venue means ample room for decorations, haunted walkthroughs, and the like, but sometimes a cramped space can make a celebration seem more intimate, exciting, or maybe even a little bit scary.
Ease of Access
Want as many people as possible to come to your Halloween party? Make it easy to get to. Look for a Halloween venue that’s easy to access by car or public transport, and ideally has private parking. It’s also a good idea to consider the safety of the neighborhood for guests heading home after dark. You may also want a venue close to bars and other nightlife options for any partygoers who want to kick on into the night.
That Spooky Vibe
We’re stating the obvious here, but any Halloween party venue worth its salt needs to allow you to get a little bit spooky. Some venues already come with a creepy vibe, either thanks to their decor or perhaps history, while others require you to create your own. If you’re looking for a space that falls into the latter category, find out just how much fun you’re allowed to have with decorations before deciding if it’s the right space for you.
Price (and What’s Included)
Finally, don’t forget the all-important matter of cost. Set a budget early on and make sure you stick to it—no matter how tempted you might be by some super-unique, but also super-expensive, venues. Remember also to check the fine print so you know exactly what’s included in the price (furniture, tech, and AV gear, staff, etc.) and what isn’t.
Searching for unique or memorable party venues for rent to help take your Halloween celebration to the next level? Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Haunted Mansion
An abandoned mansion with a chilling mystery attached, a late-night Halloween party, and things that go bump in the night. Historic, haunted mansions are practically made for Halloween, adding a sense of authenticity to every spine-tingling scare. With its long-abandoned-manor theme, this seriously spooky escape room has the creepy vibe just right!
Halloween Ball
For something a little less blood-curdling, book a hotel ballroom as the venue for your Halloween ball. Encourage your guests to bring their A-game costumes, then treat them to a night of spooky snacks, Halloween-themed cocktails, music, dancing, party games, and more.
Haunted Woods
Ever noticed how some spaces that seem harmless by day can take on a much more sinister air when darkness falls? To really spook your guests, look for a secluded property on acreage, deep in the woods. If you get the venue right, you won’t have to work very hard to give your friends an almighty fright.
Frightening Farms
Throwing a kid-friendly Halloween party? Hosting Halloween on the farm is perfect for anyone planning a G-rated celebration. We’re talking pumpkin patches, farm animal feeding, mazes, fun games, and maybe a cute costume contest.