Spooky trail returns to Nights of the Jack




Trick-or-treating is one of the new activities added to Nights of the Jack, an immersive experience kicking off Sept. 30 at King Gillette Ranch, 26800 Mulholland Hwy. in Calabasas.

In its fifth year—and this one marking the return of the nearly milelong walking trail that had vanished because of the pandemic—the event encompasses 25 nights of Halloween fun, where the star attraction is thousands of hand-carved, illuminated jack-o’-lanterns.

“We are thrilled to be celebrating our fifth annual Nights of the Jack this year in Calabasas,” said co-founders Ben Biscotti and Tony Schubert in announcing the dates. “We look forward to entertaining everyone again with an immersive Halloween event that appeals to adults, families and children of all ages.”

The centerpiece activity is a walking trail through scenes intended to give guests the creeps or just put smiles on their faces.

Undersea creatures, Universal Studios’ monsters and Disney princesses are some of the spooky and not-so-scary themes of these multisensory scenes that feature music, eerie sounds, fog and lighting effects galore.

New for this year along the walking trail is a jungle animal scene.

Before or after the trail guests can sit for live face painting. Also new this year is trick-or-treating with live costumed characters, taking place Oct. 28 through 31.

Live pumpkin carving is always a highlight of the activities.

The lineup of two dozen food trucks includes Cousins Maine Lobster, Vivace Pizza, 8E8 Thai and Dreamy Creations.

Along with sweet treats, coffee, hot cider and cocoa served nightly, adults can go to the Spookeasy for top shelf spirits, cocktails, wine and beer.

Additional dessert trucks will be open Wednesdays.

Organizers said dozens of celebrities have attended Nights of the Jack, including Billie Eilish, Dwayne Johnson, Demi Lovato and Jamie Foxx.

The event offers a souvenir shop featuring Halloween gifts and light-up goodies.

Tickets are $29.99 to $44.99 and are available at nightsofthejack.com.

Follow Scott Steepleton on Twitter @scottsteepleton.