Into the Fog – Your Guide to Scary Farm

Don’t fear! This post has everything you need to know about Knott’s Scary Farm. From mazes to food offerings, get the inside scoop on everything in the fog.

As a Berry Blogger, I received complimentary admission to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Scary Farm brings the largest and most haunting Halloween fun to Buena Park, California. The Knott’s Berry Farm park has been scaring guests for decades with chilling mazes, unescapable scare zones, themed entertainment and dining, and more.

I’ve been gearing up for the infamous fog for weeks. I was able to attend the 2024 Scary Farm Announcement event “Scary Farm: Nightmares Revealed” where we got to check out the new offerings.

I’m so thrilled to break down everything you need to know about the haunting horrors that await you.

Scary Farm Mazes & Scare Zones

Each year brings excitement as we await the announcement of the mazes coming to the Scary Farm line-up. Even returning mazes are given fresh elements to keep us screaming for more, year after year.

Mazes Returning to Scary Farm 2024

• Room 13 – Violent murders at The Blind Tiger interrupt the Prohibition-era revelry on Memory Lane. A dangerously delicious new cocktail named The Devil’s Elixir seems to be at the root of the mayhem, but where did the mysterious green aperitif come from? The answers may lie at the heart of the extravagant Argive Hotel, where many have checked in to Room 13… but none have checked out.
• Cinema Slasher – Venturing through the mystical Midnight Theater, guests travel through the silver screen and into a trilogy of slasher movies. As they are swallowed into the world of gothic horror, they become the movie characters who try to escape the wrath of the dangerous Slasher. The theater opens its doors once again, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!
• The Chilling Chambers – In honor of the first maze in Knott’s Scary Farm’s prestigious history, the 10 Chilling Chambers gives a nostalgic nod to Scary Farm’s past while terrorizing the audience of today. Guests are thrust beyond the threshold of an ominous towering cathedral that leads to terrifying classic maze themes from Knott’s Scary Farm’s infamous history.
• Bloodline 1842 (Final Year) – Enter the battlegrounds one last time of the war-torn streets of the city of Valdonia. Armed with only your wits and courage, find the remaining Daybreakers and help them destroy the King of the Valhymphri.
• The Grimoire – Turn the page and enter the world of an ancient relic whose dark stories exist purely to turn your greatest nightmares into reality. Enter the world of a mysterious spell book and escape the demonic creatures inside or be eternally trapped within!
• Mesmer: Sideshow of the Mind – Within the canvas tent lies the secret of the most potent force in the universe: the human mind. A hypnotic session with Professor Mesmer can cure all phobias, including snakes, spiders, darkness, claustrophobia and much more!
• Wax Works (Final Year) – Buy a ticket for the final showing of the most amazing wax museum the world has ever seen! The figures look so lifelike you’ll swear you saw them move. And it’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard as victims are horrifyingly submerged into a scorching hot cauldron of bubbling wax.
• Origins: The Curse of Calico – Pierce the veil of time and discover the secret of the evil fog that hangs over Knott’s Scary Farm in Origins: The Curse of Calico. Unearth the sinister paranormal activity that plagues the town as Sarah Marshall is put on trial for her suspected crimes of witchcraft.

With two mazes retiring this year, you’ll not want to miss your last chance for the horrors.

New Mazes for 2024

Eight Fingers Nine

Become immersed in a living fairy tale in an 18th century colonial township that’s under siege by an inhuman monster who has a sick penchant for eating fingers. As night descends, Eight Fingers Nine emerges from the shadows in search of fresh meat. His vicious bite penetrates deep, causing sleep paralysis which holds his victim in sway while he slowly consumes their flesh. Step lightly and beware the dark, or you may be the main course at his next meal!

Widows

The night of the arachnid is upon us! Enter a web-covered nursing home where demonic, eight-legged black widows emerge from their silken tunnels to possess the withered bodies of the elderly residence. Their sole purpose is to secure a mate and hatch a clutch of eggs before sunrise. Will you climb into their web and succumb to their dark desires?

Scary Farm Scare Zones

One thing that sets Scary Farm apart from other Halloween events, especially haunts, is your inability to escape those that lurk in the fog. From entry into the park, you may prey victim to the monsters.

Uniquely themed Scare Zones add to the thrills.

2024 Scare Zones

• CarnEVIL
• Ghost Town Streets
• Forsaken Lake
• The Gore-ing 20’s
• The Gauntlet

We stopped in to learn more about the costuming for the Scare Zones. In 2024, check out the new costumes for CarnEVIL with themed clowns.

Scary Farm Shows & Entertainment

• Conjurers – Magic meant to amaze and amuse takes place during Conjurers – Magic and Mirth at the Bird Cage Theatre.
• The Hanging – The Errors Tour – The pop-culture parody show features humor and a lot of irreverance. The town of Calico is once again under siege! It’s up to the Lawman and the Hangman to rise up and battle the evildoers in all out bloodfest featuring the vilest villains of the past year.  Grab a seat at the Wagon Camp and bear witness to the ultimate skewering of pop culture. This show is not for the squeamish!
• Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Step right up to the Calico Mine Stage and walk into the mystique and darkness of the malevolent Le Magnifique Carnaval Du Grotesque. A collection of death-defying feats and carnival acts that will delight your darkest desires and fill your senses with terror and delight.
• Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan, held in The Factory Store. Don’t miss the collection of original art by unique and talented artists from across the country. These artists have drawn inspiration from Knott’s Scary Farm’s rich decades long history.
• Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny  – The Timber Mountain Log Ride residents celebrate the Halloween Hootenanny, which adds a seasonal twist to a park favorite. Mysterious creatures of Timber Mountain that live out in the woods and caverns join the citizens as they honor the season at the Halloween Hootenanny. The Ride’s interior features surprises as guests venture past the Calico Coffin Creeper band, the town’s green witch, and splash down Skull Mountain through a labyrinth of jack-o-lanterns all set to an original soundtrack by Krazy Kirk and the Hillbillies.
• Yours Cruelly, Elvira EXXperience The Mistress of the Dark^© is a Scary Farm icon! She graced the stage of the “Ghoul Time Theatre” with her electrifying shows for 20 haunted seasons. This show will feature video highlights and behind the scenes footage and memorabilia celebrating the illustrious career of the undisputed Queen of Halloween. Cassandra Peterson (aka Elvira) will be at Scary Farm for three nights for meet and greets.

Scary Farm Hours & Crowds

Knott’s Scary Farm is held select nights, September 19th through November 2nd. You can check out the full calendar here.

Scary Farm Hours:

• Select Wednesdays, Thursdays, & Sundays: 7 PM – 1 AM
• Fridays & Saturdays: 7 PM – 2 AM

I’ve had the best luck with smaller crowds on Sunday nights. If you’re planning on attending on a Friday, Saturday, or Halloween, you may consider adding a Fright & Fast Lane pass to your evening. It’ll get you to the front of the line for mazes and rides.

Scary Farm Tickets

Scary Farm is a separate ticket event, so all attendees (even passholders) will need tickets.

You can get discount Scary Farm tickets by purchasing them online from Knott’s Berry Farm. Purchase tickets online here. Passholders, don’t forget your passholder discount!

The best option is to secure your season of screams by purchasing a Scary Farm Pass. For $159, you’ll be able to enjoy every night of terror. Quantities are limited, so I wouldn’t wait on the pass.

Scary Farm Dining & Boo-Fet

All of that screaming can work up an appetite! Fuel up before Scary Farm at the Boo-Fet. The dinner includes early entrance to select areas of the celebration. It also comes with a digital photo download with a monster. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner starts at $45 when purchased online. Separate Scary Farm admission is required and not included.

What’s served at the Boo-Fet?

Enjoy endless supplies of Knott’s favorites like the famous fried chicken, a chef carving station, and boysenberry pie. The Boo-Fet also includes a souvenir cup.

Additional Dining:

If your sweet tooth is killing you, head to the Ghost Town Bakery for some amazing options!

The Knott’s Berry Farm Hotel also has dining options. Meet friends at the hotel bar for themed beverages prior to Scary Farm. Unsuspecting patrons may fall prey to lurking monsters. YES, there are monsters at the hotel, too!

Is Scary Farm Kid-Friendly?

Amidst the monsters, you will see children. Knott’s recommends the event for individuals 13+.

My teens can definitely handle the thrill. I have a 10-year-old, and she is NOT ready for Scary Farm. It would terrify her, so we are going to hold off for at least a few more years. Each year I see children of varying ages (some younger than 13). Some are totally fine, others are not. You’ll need to use your discretion to assess if your child is ready.

Keep in mind that there isn’t a “safe area.” Monsters begin scaring at the park gate.

Scary Farm Chaperone Policy

A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Guests 15 years old or younger must be accompanied by a 21+ year old chaperone with valid government-issued photo ID. Each chaperone can accompany no more than 10 guests.

Read everything you need to know about Scary Farm Chaperones.

Scary Farm is the must visit haunt in Southern California. It’s the place where nightmares never end. If you have any questions about the seasonal screams, let me know in the comments!

Scary Farm kicks off its 2024 season September 19, 2024. See you in the fog!