What to KnowStrange ScienceThe HuntingtonSan MarinoOct. 30 and 31, 6 to 10 p.m.$90 general admission, $140 VIPHuntington members (Affiliate and up) “may reserve two” general admissionsThe popular Halloween event is turning 10 in 2026Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Oct. 1; 21+ only
The chirps of owls, the curious rustle of leaves, and moonbeams beaming upon those exquisite buildings, pathways, water features, shade trees, sculptures, and flowers: The Huntington at night can feel like an entirely different garden compared to what a person experiences in the daytime.
But ethereal opportunities to call upon the San Marino destination when the moon is high and owls fly don’t come along all that often, alas.
Mostly, the elegant, treasure-filled destination, which is known for its world-famous artworks, rare manuscripts, spectacular succulents, lovely tearoom, and about 1000 other memorable sights, sounds, and scents, is only open to visitors when the sun is shining.
Still, there are moments like Strange Science, The Huntington’s Halloween events, that give people the opportunity to make merry in the moonbeams while savoring a plethora of peculiar and playful after-hours activities.
The happening celebrates its decade-versy in 2026, with a party popping up Oct. 30 and another event set for, oh shivers, Oct. 31.
Tickets will be ready for purchase Oct. 1 at 10 a.m. and will, as swiftly as an owl flies, sell out.
On the starlit and lightly spectral schedule? In-the-air performances by CirqueSanity — think “aerial artistry and acrobatics” — and “dramatic arcs of electricity” adding light to the night at Nikola Tesla’s Laboratory.
Jonathan Molo will be summoning ensorcelled moments via magic, and smiles, so stop by and prepare to be agog.
If you’re a desert devotee and know George Von Tassel’s iconic Integratron, that cosmic-cool building that “landed” in Landers long ago, be sure to check out The Huntington’s newly acquired model.
Strange Science returns to The Huntington on Oct. 30 and 31 with all sorts of fascinating talks, stories, quizzes, performances, and magical revelries in tantalizing tow.
Informative talks diving into science, myth, and ideas have always played a riveting role in the Strange Science evenings, and if you lean toward the time-honored ways of gothic yarns? Be sure to float in the direction of The Wytch Wood, where all “spine-tingling tales” will be spookily shared.
And the creepy yet cool yet weird yet whimsical quiz showdowns will give revelers the opportunity to show off their deep knowledge in a range of fields, including art and botany.
Costumes are encouraged, and past guests have sported opulent outfits paying homage to the Grand Manner Portraiture paintings on view in The Huntington’s galleries.
There might even be a Blue Boy, or two, shaking their stuff on the outdoor dance floor, also known as The Mage’s Dance. There’s no need to dress vintage or in a historical way, however; get-ups run the gamut and can be quite modern and creative.