The fog machines are priming, the cobwebs are stretching, and Hollywood’s reigning scream queen is claiming a new throne. After a spine-tingling 40-year reign, Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, is trading her longtime Knott’s Berry Farm haunt for a fresh nightmare at the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. Announced at the Midsummer Scream convention, Cassandra Peterson’s iconic alter ego will inject her signature blend of camp and cleavage into Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group’s Griffith Park spectacle for Halloween 2025.
How Will Elvira Transform LA Haunted Hayride in 2025?
The collaboration reimagines the Hayride’s fictional town of Midnight Falls – perpetually trapped in the 1980s – as Elvira’s new playground. “It’s a natural fit,” says Thirteenth Floor CEO Chris Stafford. “We share that horror-comedy vibe and a rabid fanbase.” Key transformations include:
- “Elvira After Dark” Audio Experience: Hayriders will hear FM radio-style playlists and spooky commercials narrated by the Mistress herself, guiding them through the foggy trails.
- Trick-or-Treat Mayhem: The popular maze becomes “Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem,” featuring a facade of her Midnight Falls mansion.
- Gonk’s Carousel: The event’s skeletal animal carousel gets an Elvira-themed overlay starring her undead poodle from the 1988 film Elvira, Mistress of the Dark.
Peterson, 73, confirms the move energizes her legacy: “After years at Knott’s, I’m thrilled to partner with Thirteenth Floor. The Hayride is one of my favorite LA attractions – it’s fresh, exciting, and perfectly twisted.” (The Hollywood Reporter, July 2024)
Why Elvira’s Halloween Reign Never Ends
Elvira’s cultural footprint stretches far beyond seasonal scares. Since her 1981 Movie Macabre debut, Peterson has built a multi-million dollar empire spanning films, merchandise, and a New York Times bestselling memoir. The new partnership expands her kingdom:
- Exclusive Retail: Limited-edition merch – including an Elvira apron replicating her iconic dress – will debut at Thirteenth Floor’s 18 nationwide locations.
- Culinary Chaos: Her September 2025 release, Elvira’s Cookbook From Hell (Hachette), will feature in spooky “Baker’s Bundle” packages.
- Timeless Appeal: “Elvira transcends me,” Peterson reflects. “Her image is now part of Halloween itself – like Santa Claus for Christmas.”
Halloween’s explosive growth fuels the synergy. Peterson notes, “It’s encroaching on Christmas in consumer spending. People treat it as self-care – buying costumes and experiences just for fun.” (The Hollywood Reporter)
Midnight Falls: Where the 80s Never Died
Stafford’s team redeveloped the Hayride’s lore in 2019, creating Midnight Falls as an eternally retro hellscape. Elvira’s integration leans into nostalgic horror, with Peterson scheduled for a September 2025 media appearance. Though she won’t haunt the grounds nightly, Stafford hints at “creative interactions” ensuring her presence permeates the fog.
Elvira’s resurrection at LA Haunted Hayride marks a devilish new era for West Coast Halloween. As classic horror collides with immersive theater, fans can witness the Mistress of the Dark reignite her legacy in Griffith Park’s shadows. Tickets for the 2025 season go on sale this fall – prepare to scream, laugh, and embrace the macabre magic only Elvira delivers.
Must Know
Q: How long was Elvira at Knott’s Scary Farm?
A: Peterson’s partnership spanned decades with multiple hiatuses before ending in 2023. She cited wanting “fresh energy” for the character as a key reason for joining LA Haunted Hayride (The Hollywood Reporter).
Q: What exact changes will Elvira bring to the Hayride?
A: Key additions include a themed audio tour, a renamed “Trick or Treat” maze featuring her home, and a carousel redesigned with her undead poodle Gonk. Merchandise exclusives will also debut.
Q: Will Cassandra Peterson appear in person?
A: Yes – she’ll attend the September 2025 media night. Her voice and likeness will be integrated throughout the event via audio, theming, and retail.
Q: Why is Elvira culturally significant?
A: As horror’s first female host with creative control, she revolutionized Halloween marketing. Peterson owns the character outright, building a year-round empire that makes her a genre icon.
Q: When does the 2025 LA Haunted Hayride open?
A: Exact dates are TBA, but Halloween events typically launch mid-September. Thirteenth Floor will announce specifics later this year.
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