Southern California’s biggest and longest-running theme park haunt is back for 2026, and tickets are already moving. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning “Scary Farm” regular, here is everything confirmed so far – dates, pricing, what is inside, and how to plan your night.

Knott’s Scary Farm 2026 Quick Facts

Prices and dates are set by the park and can change – always confirm current pricing and availability on the official site before you buy.

When Is Knott’s Scary Farm 2026?

The 2026 event returns for 26 frightful nights on select evenings from September 17 through October 31, running most Thursdays through Sundays. Because it is a separate ticketed after-dark event, Scary Farm typically starts in the evening after the regular park transitions over. Weekend nights closest to Halloween are the busiest and tend to sell out first, so if you want a specific date, book ahead.

How Much Are Knott’s Scary Farm 2026 Tickets?

Tickets went on sale Friday, July 10, at knottsscaryfarm.com. Pricing is date-based: it starts around $55 for Knott’s passholders and $65 for general admission, with most nights falling in the $65-$89 range depending on demand. Same-day tickets purchased at the gate run about $110, so buying online in advance is almost always cheaper. Season “Scary Farm” passes, fright-lane add-ons, and bundle offers are also available for visitors planning multiple nights.

Parking is an additional cost and is not included with event admission – check the official site for current parking rates and any premium or fast-lane upgrades. If this is your first extreme-leaning haunt, our guide on how to prepare for an extreme haunted house is worth a read before you go.

What to Expect at Knott’s Scary Farm 2026

Mazes and scare zones

The 2026 event is built around 10 haunted house mazes and 5 open-air scare zones where costumed monsters roam freely – more than 1,000 performers across the park on a given night. At Midsummer Scream in early August, Knott’s confirmed the first 2026 details: two fan-favorite mazes, Origins: The Curse of Calico (the park’s longest-running maze) and The Chilling Chambers, will take their final bow this season, and the CarnEvil scare zone is being reimagined with the return of Professor Mesmer plus new characters The Barker and the Clown Maker. At the park’s Nightmares Revealed event, Knott’s confirmed two all-new mazes for its 53rd season: Inked, which follows Mortimer Morbid, a washed-up 1930s cartoonist whose blood turns to ink and brings his drawings to murderous life, and Unearthed, which drops guests into an excavation site where a disturbed ancient tablet wakes something that should have stayed buried. Knott’s also enforces a new rule this year: filming inside the mazes is no longer permitted, and the park says it will crack down on it far more strictly than in the past. In a first for Southern California haunts, Knott’s also teamed with nearby Six Flags Magic Mountain on a collaborative maze (reported as Wolves Blood) that will run at Magic Mountain’s Fright Fest.

Shows and atmosphere

Three live shows round out the night alongside the mazes. Between attractions, the fog-soaked midways and roaming “monsters” are a core part of the experience – many regulars come as much for the atmosphere as for the mazes themselves.

Who it’s for

Scary Farm is an intense event and is not recommended for children under 13. It leans toward genuine scares rather than family-friendly fun, making it a strong fit for teens, adults, and serious haunt fans. If you are visiting with a group, a little coordination goes a long way – see our haunted house etiquette guide for tips on making the most of the night.

Tips for Visiting Knott’s Scary Farm

• Buy online early. Gate prices are significantly higher, and the best dates sell out.
• Arrive at opening. Maze lines grow through the night; hitting the most popular mazes first saves hours of waiting.
• Wear closed-toe shoes. You will be on your feet on uneven, crowded midways for hours.
• Check the date’s start time. Event hours vary by night; confirm before you arrive.

Planning your Halloween in Southern California? Explore more haunted houses in Los Angeles, or find haunted houses near you to build your full October lineup.