The dredges of summer are finally coming to a close and that can only mean one thing: Halloween season is upon us. This is a favorite time of year because there are so many traditions and rituals that are associated with the thirty first day of October. However, last year in Los Angeles, a new ritual was born and it has returned to haunt us yet again.

The Alone Experience is a fully immersive, large scale haunting that takes participants through multiple rooms (and levels) in a haunted house-like format, the likes of which you have never seen. As the name suggests, those who are brave enough, walk through completely alone and encounter all sorts of obstacles, ghouls, freaks, weirdos and sounds along the way. You never quite know what to expect and you don’t even really know where you’re going, so the disorientation makes it incredibly scary. I had the privilege of going through last year and was blown away. The venue was an industrial basement of sorts on the edge of downtown LA and the production value was amazing. Fully customized rooms, costumes and props meet you every step of the way. This is not a quick run through and the organizers pay close attention the detail and expect to even be manhandled and pushed around a little bit too (you sign a waiver of course).

This year’s experience is even bigger and better. The location has changed but we can expect a similar venue somewhere downtown (they let you know when you get your tickets), and the second incarnation will only be building upon the success of the first. To get us even more excited, the opening ritual will take place on October 17th with punk legend Lydia Lunch performing, along with Squeaky Blonde and other acts as well. I was legitimately frightened at times last year and I can’t wait to go back! Tickets are on sale now so get them while you can. I love October.

-JRS

For tickets and more information visit the Alone website here.