Entertainment & Events

The Fairgrounds are Getting Scary

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The Del Mar Fairgrounds are being transformed, as we speak, into a scary horror filled, Halloween masterpiece.  The Scream Zone is San Diego’s largest and scariest haunted attraction, and it’s opening this weekend. The Scaregrounds will be open September 28 through October 31 on select nights.

Featuring the House of Horror with rooms filled with terrifying scenes and scares lurking at every turn, a one-of-a-kind Haunted Hayride through the haunted barns on the racetrack and The Chamber with the largest spinning tunnel in San Diego, there’s something for everyone — from the slightly spooky, to the downright creepy. The Fairgrounds website maintains that the grounds are designed for a teen or older audience. The House of Horror is not recommended for children younger than 10. Younger children whose parents ride with them may enjoy the Haunted Hayride, but it is advised that parents to know their child’s “scare” limits.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to put an event like this together?

It takes the efforts of nearly 20 builders and staff working more than 2,600 hours to assemble, paint, decorate, and prepare The Scream Zone. Construction begins early in July, shortly after the San Diego County Fair ends. By August most of the walls are assembled, and painting of the rooms begins. Throughout September, props are designed, created, and installed; actors are selected and trained; and final preparations are made for the debut at end of month.

The Scream Zone hires a staff of performers who will spend more than 500 hours preparing their costumes and use over 50 pounds of makeup in preparation for their gripping portrayals of ghouls and monsters.

Additional haunted attractions will be hitting San Diego, including The Haunted Hotel which is open September 21 – October 31 and the Haunted Trail in Balboa Park which also starts September 28th and runs through October 31.

The Haunted Hotel

The Haunted Hotel, located downtown in the Gaslamp District, is the longest running haunted house in San Diego, according to their website. It has been rated one of the top 13 haunted houses in America and was also featured on the Travel Channel in 2009. Since then, the “hotel” has worked hard to maintain the scary tradition the venue is known for.

Balboa Park’s Haunted Trail

The Haunted Trail is San Diego’s only all outdoor haunted attraction, twisting and turning through Balboa Park, which has been transformed to visitors’ worst nightmare. The mile-long trail is full of spooks and surprises; you’ll never know when someone or something will jump out.

San Diego resident for over 10 years, I now call this beautiful city home. Originally from the Bay Area, I'm a California girl at heart. I love the outdoors, fitness, food, and a good craft beer (from San Diego of course).

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