GUIDE: FREE Halloween events around SELA

Halloween is creeping up, and Southeast LA is getting into the spooky spirit.

From haunted houses and creepy mazes to candy giveaways, costume contests, and pumpkin patches, there's plenty of Halloween fun to be had without wandering too far from home.

We've rounded up eight free, family-friendly Halloween celebrations across SELA and nearby cities. Some attractions, food, and activities may cost extra.

The only thing scarier than these events? Missing out on the free candy.

Halloween Carnival and Dia De Muertos — Bell Gardens

The city of Bell Gardens will host its Halloween Carnival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bell Gardens Veterans Park, 6662 Loveland St.

The celebration will feature a laser light show, food trucks, Art in the Park, a Día de los Muertos community altar, and a costume contest beginning at 7 p.m.

Residents can also honor a loved one, including a family member, friend, or pet, by submitting a name and photo for the city's Día de los Muertos community altar.

Photos can be dropped off at the Community Family Services Center, 6662 Loveland St., Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., or emailed to BgCommunity@bellgardens.org. The deadline is Thursday, Oct. 29.

Bell's Ghost Town "Halloween Spooktacular" — Bell 

The city of Bell will host a Bell's Ghost Town "Halloween Spooktacular" on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park, 6500 Wilcox Ave.

Families can enjoy candy giveaways, a trick-or-treat trail, and a costume contest. Those looking for a spooky adventure can also visit the event's haunted mine.

La Noche De Los Spirits — Cudahy

The city of Cudahy will host La Noche De Los Spirits on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5 to 9 p.m. at Clara Street Park, 4835 Clara St.

The event will feature costume contests, arts and crafts, and a haunted house for families looking for some Halloween fun.

A memory ofrenda will also be part of the celebration, giving community members a place to honor and remember loved ones who have died.

Halloween Trunk-or-Treat — Maywood

The city of Maywood will host its Trunk-or-Treat event on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Maywood City Hall, 4319 E. Slauson Ave.

Guests are encouraged to come dressed in their best Halloween costumes for a spook-tacular evening.

Haunting'ton Park — Huntington Park

The city of Huntington Park will host Haunting'ton Park on Friday, Oct. 30, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Salt Lake Park, 3401 E. Florence Ave.

Families can enjoy trick-or-treating, games, train rides, a pumpkin patch, and a costume contest.

For those looking for a Halloween scare, the event will also feature a haunted maze.

Halloween Night Trunk-or-Treat — Commerce

The city of Commerce will host its Halloween Night Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, Oct. 31, beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center, 2535 Commerce Way.

Families can collect candy from decorated trunks at the Civic Center parking lot, where residents are invited to show off their spooky creations. A prize will also be awarded for the best-decorated trunk.

Residents who want to participate can decorate their vehicles, fill their trunks with candy, and reserve a spot by calling (323) 887-4434. Participants can arrive as early as 4 p.m. to set up and must be ready for trick-or-treaters by 6:30 p.m.

The celebration will also feature a "Goblin Giveaway" from 9 to 9:30 p.m. The goblin will call 10 children ages 12 and younger from each neighborhood, with prizes for those who answer. Parents can sign up their children during the event.

Halloween Festival — Norwalk

The city of Norwalk will host its Halloween Festival on Friday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Norwalk Park, 13000 Clarkdale Ave.

Families can enjoy candy, costume contests, games, music, and arts and crafts. Food trucks will also be available during the celebration.

Halloween Festival — Paramount

The city of Paramount will host its Halloween Festival on Saturday, Oct. 31, from 6 to 9 p.m. at Paramount Park, 14400 Paramount Blvd.

The celebration will feature costume contests, game booths, candy, and face painting for families to enjoy.

Admission is free, but families can purchase a $5 wristband for unlimited access to the event's inflatable zone.

For those looking for a scare, a ticketed haunted house will also be open at the Paramount Park Gym from 6 to 9 p.m., with proceeds benefiting the Paramount Education Partnership Scholarship Program. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door.