Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Guide: Discount, Mazes, Food

This 2023, Knott’s Scary Farm, Southern California’s longest-running and most haunting Halloween theme park event, is celebrating its 50th anniversary. It all started in 1973 as a fun three-day Halloween Haunt. This year, enjoy 29 terrifying nights.

In this Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Guide, we have the list of the newest terrifying mazes, a newly reimagined fan-favorite scare zone, and a gruesome lineup of new shows. These new haunting experiences add to the original scares that can’t be found anywhere else. Plus, where to buy discount Knott’s Halloween Haunt tickets, chaperone policy, bag policy, etc.

This golden anniversary’s lineup includes three new frightening mazes (for a total of 10), five sinister scare zones and four hair-raising shows. Guests can expect to uncover unforgettable experiences that will usher in characters from Haunt history. The 50th year of Knott’s Scary Farm starts on September 21 and runs through October 31.

[ez-toc]

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Mazes:

A. New Mazes for 2023

Cinema Slasher (New Maze) – 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. Will everyone survive, or will they become forever ensnared in the decaying reality from a bygone era? The conniving Midnight Theater wickedly opens its doors, daring those brave enough to buy a ticket to Cinema Slasher!

The Chilling Chambers (New Maze) – In honor of the first maze in Knott’s Scary Farm’s prestigious history, the “10 Chilling Chambers” is a ghastly new attraction that gives a nostalgic nod to Scary Farm’s past while terrorizing the audience of today. Guided by The Keeper, the sinister caretaker of the conservatory of horrors, 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. Scream from countless fears of seasons gone by as 50 years of terror are unleashed in The Chilling Chambers.

Room 13 (New Maze) – 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.

B. Returning Mazes

Bloodline 1842 (Maze) – Enter the battlegrounds of the war-torn streets of the city of Valdonia as you take a perilous journey into the heart of a raging war between the immortal Daybreakers and the bloodthirsty Valhymphri. Armed with only your wits and courage, find the remaining Daybreakers and help them destroy the King of the Valhymphri.

The Grimoire (Maze) – 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! Enter the professor’s dark world of hypnosis and come face to face with what lies beyond.

Wax Works – Buy a ticket and enter the most amazing wax museum the world has ever seen! The figures look so lifelike you’ll swear you saw them move…or scream. It’s rumored that blood-curdling screams can be heard echoing through the halls of Wax Works 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. All will be revealed as the Green Witch rises and curses those who have accused her.

The Depths – Follow in the steps of a doomed mining team as you plunge deeper and deeper into the catacombs beneath the sinister seaside town. All who have entered have never resurfaced. Myths of the terrifying horrors that lurk within the cave have often been whispered but never confirmed. But be warned, as this is your last chance to walk this treacherous path through a sunken ship and into the dark unknown that lies beyond.

Dark Entities – Teleport beyond Earth in a shattered space station, launching you through a zero-gravity descent into chaos. Strange forces have taken over, and the crew has been transformed into multi-dimension mutants. Escape quickly, as the dark entities plan to eliminate all living forms aboard the station for good. There’s nowhere to escape as time is running out.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Scare Zones:

A. New Scare Zones for 2023

The Gauntlet (New Scare Zone) – In this reimagined version of the fan favorite, classic characters return to invade Camp Snoopy, but with an updated twist. Guests will again encounter the King and Queen of the realm, maniacal jesters, brutal barbarians, wicked wizards, and lawless peasants. They’ve all returned with an onslaught of fresh terror. All Hail the King or suffer the wrath of The Gauntlet!

B. Returning Scare Zones

Knott’s Scary Farm is far more than a collection of haunted attractions. Every night monsters take over the streets and turn theme-park midways into murderous scare zones. From the world-famous Ghost Town Streets to the Boardwalk area filled with evil clowns, there’s nowhere to hide in Knott’s Scary Farm.

Ghost Town Streets is where Scary Farm all began! The dark streets of Calico are the original and largest, most fear-filled scare zone that started it all. Terror is around every corner as the fog-filled alleys hold monsters of every size. Good luck finding a safe passage through the cursed town.

Step back into the dark decadence of a bygone era as The Gore-ing 20’s scare zone terrorizes even the bravest and most brutal souls. The revelers at The Blind Tiger, the secret speakeasy on Memory Lane, danced their way into oblivion when their decadence brought upon them a deadly curse. Now, once a year, these wicked spirits of the past are allowed to haunt visitors with their deadly dance.

Step right up and come face to face with your worst nightmares on the Boardwalk. Deviant clowns and circus freaks are dying for your undying attention in the CARNEVIL scare zone. Smell the cotton candy as the maniacal midway monsters close in on you.

The Lake underneath Silver Bullet recedes to reveal the Forsaken Lake scare zone, where gothic creatures ravaged by the dark and murky waters wander from their crypts. Each night brings new terrors as a funeral procession makes its way to the spirit world. Don’t be fooled by their elegant dress; these creatures seek fresh blood to join them in their death march.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Shows:

A. New Shows for 2023

Dr. Cleaver Returns (New Show) – Your favorite demented doctor is back for more Halloween hijinks! Grab a seat at the world-famous Bird Cage Theatre for a wicked journey into the great beyond.

The Hanging: Uncancelled (New Show) – The Lawman has returned to track down the vilest villains of the past year in this pop culture parody stunt extravaganza. No one is safe when the gates of the Wagon Camp swing open.

Music, Monsters & Mayhem (New Show) – “Music, Monsters and Mayhem” takes you on a scintillating and provocative musical journey celebrating 50 years of terror and frights. Featuring a rockin’ score, wild laughs, and a cast of singing and dancing monstrosities bound to get your heart racing with screams of delight!

B. Returning Shows

Le Magnifique Carnaval du Grotesque (Show) – Calico Mine Stage

Step right up 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.

Art Show and Souvenirs:

Into The Fog: A Scary Farm Tribute Art Show – The Factory Store

Into the Fog is an art show specially curated for the discerning Scary Farm fan. The show is home to a 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 50-year history, and you’re sure to find an original or print you’ll want to take home. Along with the Scary Farm art show, you can find all sorts of souvenirs any Halloween fan will be dying to get their hands on.

Attractions:

Timber Mountain Log Ride: Halloween Hootenanny (Attraction Overlay) – 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.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Food:

Scare your taste buds with some of our hauntingly delicious seasonal food offerings. You’ll find more eats and treats highlighted on the Scary Farm event guide and located throughout the park. Gluten, vegetarian, and vegan friendly options available upon request. Must be 21 and older for alcoholic beverages. Valid ID required. Menu items and locations subject to change.

•  Boardwalk BBQ – The Swamp Gator Sausage, an alligator sausage with pesto sauce and roasted Peppers, and The Bat “Shhh” Crazy Pasta with Rabbit Tenderloin – bowtie Pasta with rabbit tenderloin, roasted broccoli and pepitas, goat cheese, and a raspberry vinaigrette.
• Grizzly Creek Lodge – The Gauntlet Garlic Overlord Burger* comes with alfredo garlic cream sauce, arugula, and garlic bruschetta, while The Mac and Cheese Pepperoni Pizza* offers up a creamy cheese sauce, macaroni, and pepperoni! 
• Miner’s Ma & Spuds – Camel Stew Bread Bowl and Sweet Potato Pie with walnuts! 
• Prop Shop Pizza – The Spookghetti Pie*, spaghetti baked in alfredo sauce and topped with mozzarella, sausage, and bacon bits served over bolognese sauce is sure to please. There’s also the Prosciutto Decomposing Pizza* with white sauce, mozzarella, arugula, prosciutto, and balsamic glaze, as well as the Mutant Turtle Philly Cheese Steak Pizza, which features turtle meat, sliced Philly meat, nacho cheese, mozzarella, and peppers. 
• Papas Mexicanas – A La Diable Fries – Yuca fries with deept fried shrimp in a spicy diable sauce cilantro lime rice, poblano crema, corn kernels, and green onions.*
• Calico Tate Tots – Finger and Toes – Fries and Tors combines with ground beed, shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, and cilantro.*
• Judge Roy Bean – Pickle Hitchin’ – whiskey and pickle juice in a cored-out pickle or enjoy The Knotty Bean, a bourbon, Nutella, Irish Cream, vanilla, and coffee served over ice.
• Desserts – Enjoy Cereal Killer Funnel Cake, Cinema Slasher Funner Cake, Ginger Snap Funnel Cake, Balck Velvet Cake, Raspberry Beignets, Spider Cookie, Witches Cupcake, Jack-O’-Lantern Brownie, Zombie Skull, Halloween Snoopy Cookie.

* Available select nights.

Legacy Haunt Store and Museum 2023:

In celebration of its landmark milestone, Knott’s Scary Farm has creaked open the cemetery gates to its 50th Anniversary Legacy Store and Museum.  The immersive retail experience features exclusive specialty 50th-anniversary merchandise fans will die for while the museum presents historic exhibits highlighting Knott’s Scary Farm’s frightfully rich past.

Featured 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. The 50th Anniversary Legacy Store and Museum is the ultimate celebration of Knott’s Scary Farm! 

Are Rides Open during Knott’s Scary Farm?

All of the thrill rides in the park are open during Scary Farm. For a complete list, visit the rides page. Please note: Attractions and their availability are subject to change without notice.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Tickets:

Admission into Knott’s Scary Farm includes access to all of the mazes, thrill rides and shows. Seating available on a first-come basis and doors close at show time. Performance, program, and show times are subject to change without notice. Outdoor shows performed weather permitting

Single night tickets – Buy Knott’s Scary Farm Discount Tickets and save up to $50 on select nights!

Scary Farm Season Pass – Celebrate this year’s anniversary with unlimited visits to all event nights. 2023 Season passholders can purchase the pass at $149 plus applicable taxes and fees. Non-Season 2023 Passholders can purchase standalone Scary Farm Season Passes for $159, plus taxes and fees.

Fright & Fast Lane – Ride and scream all night long with unlimited priority access to all mazes plus priority boarding on all Fast Lane rides. Fright & Fast Lane starts at $145 and varies by night. Separate Scary Farm event admission is required and not included.

Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet – Boo-fet offers a special chance to dine with the monsters of Scary Farm. Meals include a 2023 souvenir bottle, which gives unlimited refills on the night of your first visit, plus only $5 all-day refills for each additional visit through 2023. After dinner, enjoy early entry into select areas of Knott’s Scary Farm a few minutes before it opens to other mortals. Boo-fet early entry will be to the mazes Bloodline 1842, Dark Entities, The Depths and Wax Works, and exclusive photo opportunities with the monsters. The Knott’s Scary Farm Boo-fet dinner starts at $45 + applicable taxes and fees when purchased online. Separate Scary Farm admission is required and not included.

Knott’s Scary Farm Gruesome Getaway Resort Package – Turn your Scary Farm experience into a gruesome getaway with an overnight stay at The Knott’s Hotel. The Gruesome Getaway Hotel Package includes a one-night stay and hotel parking. Each registered guest also receives daytime admission to Knott’s Berry Farm, admission to Knott’s Scary Farm on the night of arrival, an exclusive Knott’s Scary Farm t-shirt, Fright & Fast Lane for unlimited priority access to all mazes and select rides at the park, Pre-Scare Dinner Experience at the Knott’s Hotel with early entry into select areas and a breakfast buffet for each morning of your stay.

Event Parking – All season-long parking is valid for Knott’s Scary Farm nights. Knott’s Scary Farm General parking is $35 per vehicle and can be purchased online or at the parking booth upon arrival. Applicable taxes and fees apply to online orders. For those looking to park closest to Knott’s Scary Farm, Preferred Parking is $50 per vehicle at our Grand Preferred Lot and subject to availability.  

Knott’s Scary Farm 2023 Dates and Hours

Knott’s Scary Farm has welcomed millions of visitors for 50 years of never-ending nightmares and has become an institution in the Southern California theme park landscape. This year, the event returns on September 21, 22, 23, 24, 28, 29, 30, October 1, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 31.

Knott’s Scary Farm is open 7:00 pm – 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays and 7:00 pm – 1:00 am on select Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.

Knott’s Scary Farm Age Limit

Due to the explicit and frightening nature of the event, Scary Farm is not recommended for children under 13. All guests, regardless of age, need to have their own paid admission ticket.

Chaperone Policy

A chaperone policy will remain in effect for all Knott’s Scary Farm event nights. Under this policy, 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. In addition, the chaperone must accompany their party during entry, remain inside the park during their visit, and be available by phone throughout their stay. Guests 16 years of age or older may be asked to present a valid government-issued photo identification (Driver’s license, State Issued ID Card, Passport) with date of birth at entry to verify their age. If unable to verify proof of age, guests may be denied entry into the park. Guests ages 15 years old or younger who are found inside the park unaccompanied by a chaperone will be subject to ejection.

Bag Policy

An updated bag policy will remain in effect for this year’s Knott’s Scary Farm. 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. All bags are subject to search prior to entry.

Are Costumes Allowed?

Costumes, masks and face painting are not allowed to ensure that there is no confusion between the Knott’s Scary Farm monster actors and guests. Clothing generally considered offensive including profanity, suggestive pictures or pictures of illegal substances on clothing are prohibited. For guest safety, shirts, shorts/pants and shoes must be worn at all times, including entering and leaving the park.

Other Halloween and Fall Events:

• Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights
• SeaWorld San Diego Howl-O-Scream
• Legoland Brick-Or-Treat
• Castle Dark Riverside
• Kids Free San Diego in October

More on Knott’s:

• Knott’s Berry Farm Discount Tickets
• Knott’s Merry Farm
• Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Food