Wow, so I don’t think I’m alone when I say that 2020 was not what I expected. When I published my Odd & Macabre Los Angeles Events Calendar last year, I had no clue that most of the activities I included would either be cancelled or happen virtually. And it seems that may be the case for this year as well. But that’s okay because if anything, 2020 proved that there is fun to be had even when undergoing a lockdown; there are still experiences we can enjoy while at home.

So, my Odd & Macabre Events Calendar is slightly different this year. There are more virtual experiences and some events that I’m not completely certain are taking place, but are scheduled to happen. Most are based in Los Angeles, California, but I’ll also be including any online experiences I discover happening internationally since these activities are accessible to a wider audience. I also threw in a few special dates that relate to horror, esotericism and the macabre. I will be updating this continually throughout the year as news of more events pop up, and I hope I can continue to provide you with entertaining features in 2021!

January

2nd: World Introvert Day

A day dedicated to all the quiet ones! You can read about my experience as an introvert in my blog post Being an Introvert.

5th-7th: Virtual Market of the Beast

This virtual market will feature more than 50 vendors selling occult wares and other bizarre goods. The event will take place on Instagram and you can visit their IG profile for the schedule. Social media links can be found on the official website.

7th: Mystical, Magical, Practical Aromatherapy Presented by Ipso Facto (Virtual)

Learn about the healing properties and benefits of aromatherapy. The class takes place online via Zoom at 7:30 p.m. PST and is ‘pay what you wish.”

9th: Virtual Dance Party Presented by Bar Sinister

From 9:00 p.m. PST to 12:15 a.m. PST. Online event is free but donations are accepted.

12th: Dark of the Moon Magick Presented by Ipso Facto

Virtual class led by Jenn Morris at 7:30 p.m. PST. Class is pay what you wish.

13th: “Lilith: Daughter of Heaven or Succubus?” Lecture Presented by Ipso Facto (Virtual)

A lecture led by Dr. Rietveld that delves into the mysterious figure of Lilith. Takes place via Zoom at 8 p.m. PST and is pay what you wish.

16th: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place from 7 p.m. PST to 8:30 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

18th: SOS Tour Coffee Pop-Up Bar Presented by The 4th Horseman & Black Forge Coffee

Black Forge Coffee has launched their Support Our Stages tour and the coffee pop-up bar will set up shop from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at The 4th Horseman pizzeria in Long Beach, California! All COVID safety guidelines will be in place. 20% of the proceeds will be donated to various music venues and organizations.

19th: Edgar Allan Poe’s Birthday (January 19, 1809-October 7, 1849)

Learn more about the writer in my article Poe Pop Culture: A Birthday Tribute to Edgar Allan Poe.

23rd: “Dwellers on the Theshhold: A David Lynch Tribute Exhibition” Presented by Sugar Mount Gallery

The exhibit will feature works inspired by David Lynch by a variety of artists. Show will be on display through February 26th.

24th: The Paranormal & You by Linda the Ghost Hunter and Zachariah the Witch

This workshop will delve into ghosts, metaphysics and much more! Tickets can be purchased through the @zachariahthewitch Instagram page.

28th: Channeling Virtual Workshop Presented by Ipso Facto

Online class led by Jenn Morris at 7:30 p.m. PST. Price is pay what you wish.

31st: Dark Ambient Sound Bath Live Stream

Lauren Davis is the founder of Dark Ambient Sound Bath, a meditative experience that confronts the shadow self. The live stream will take place from 8 p.m. PST to 9 p.m. PST via Facebook. The event is free, but donations are accepted. Read about my experience here.

Ongoing: Stranger Things The Drive-Into Experience

This event started back in October 2020 and is still happening in Los Angeles. It’s a one-hour horror drive-in experience based on the TV show. Last I heard, it was continuing through February. Tickets start at $69 and vary depending on the number of people in a vehicle.

Ongoing: “Murder We Wrote” Presented by The Count’s Den

A virtual experience where you can choose your own experience. Price is $5.

February

13th: Shane Izykowski’s “The Kind of Love that Doesn’t Die” Presented by The Dark Art Emporium (Virtual)

The Dark Art Emporium will debut a new exhibit featuring works by artist Shane Izykowski. The pieces for this show will focus on the themes of love and vulnerability. Opening reception takes place virtually via Facebook at 7 p.m. and is free.

13th: Endless Night Los Angeles Vampire Ball (Virtual)

This will be the first time since I started attending three years ago that I won’t be experiencing this event in person, but thankfully a virtual version will take place, so you can join from anywhere in the world! The soiree is from 8 p.m. PST to 12:30 a.m. PST. Tickets start at $13. This was one of the last in-person events I attended in 2020! Read about it here.

13th: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place from 7 p.m. PST to 8:30 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

18th: Artist Talk With Shane Izykowski (Virtual)

Join me and artist Shane Izykowski as I host this discussion focusing on his latest works for the exhibit “The Kind of Love that Doesn’t Die” at The Dark Art Emporium. We will also be talking about the vulnerabilities people have submitted anonymously through his website and how we can start healing from the wounds they can cause. The event is free and will be taking place live on Facebook.

20th-21st: The Oddities Flea Market Virtual Edition

For the first time ever, The Oddities Flea Market, brought to you by Ryan Matthew and Regina Marie Cohn, will happen virtually! The event takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. EST and a select group of vendors will be featured. Tickets are $5 and get you access to the entire weekend.

25th: Rick Baker: An Intimate Self-Portrait Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

A conversation with special effects makeup artist Rick Baker. The event is in Los Angeles and happening online from 7:30 p.m. PST to 9 p.m. PST. Tickets are $10.

25th: Apuleius & the Cult of Isis & Osiris Lecture Presented by Ipso Facto

Virtual lecture led by Dr. James Rietveld from 8:00 p.m. PST to 9:30 p.m. PST. Price is pay what you wish.

March

4th: Elemental Magick w/ Jennifer Morris by Ipso Facto

Virtual class delving into Elemental Magick. It’s “pay what you wish” and starts at 7:30 p.m. PST.

9th: Hammer Goes to Hell: The House of Horror’s Unmade Films Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

Virtual event happening in London from 7 p.m. GMT to 8:15 p.m. GMT. Tickets are £8 ($10.89 USD).

11th: Hekate Lecture by Dr. James Rietveld by Ipso Facto

Learn about the goddess Hekate in this lecture presented by Dr. James Rietveld and hosted by Ipso Facto via Zoom. The event is “pay what you wish” and starts at 8 p.m. PST.

13th: The Night Market by Witches Brew LA

This outdoor event will be held in downtown Santa Ana from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. It will include a marketplace, beer garden and dining. There will be limited capacity to avoid overcrowding and pre-registration through the website is required. Social distancing and face masks will be enforced. From what I can tell, admission is free!

13th: Vince Locke with Ryan Bartlett & Brian Mercer by Dart Art Emporium

Virtual opening of new art exhibit. Event is held via Facebook Live at 7 p.m. PST.

20th: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place at 8:00 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

25th: An Orgy of Terror: Italian Horror Comics of the 1970s and 80s Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

Virtual event happening in Los Angeles from 7:30 p.m. PST to 8:45 p.m. PST. Tickets are $10.

31st: Black Veils University Courses-Vampyres & Blood Magick by Father Sebastiaan/ Endless Night

Father Sebastiaan leads these virtual courses about the vampyre lifestyle based on his teachings in his book Black Veils. This takes place online at 5 p.m. PST. You can reserve a spot via Facebook. I believe these courses are offered free of charge, but donations are accepted.

April

3rd: Camp Horror at Mystic Museum

Recently on social media, the Mystic Museum in Burbank, California, announced a new interactive experience coming to the shop! They gave a teaser on Instagram with a photo of a sign that said “Camp Horror.” It’s debuting April 3rd and for the grand opening, there will be food trucks and other entertainment. COVID restrictions will be in place so face masks and social distancing will be enforced, and a limited number of people will be allowed in at a time.

10th: FERAL (Group Show) by Dark Art Emporium

Virtual opening of new art exhibit. Event is held via Facebook Live at 7 p.m. PST.

13th: The Monster Mash: Remix Horror from the Magic Lantern to the Small Screen Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

Virtual event happening in London from 7:00 p.m. BST to 8:15 p.m. BST. Tickets are £8 ($10.89 USD).

17th: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place at 8:00 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

17th: Endless Night Tampa Vampire Ball

Starts at 6 p.m. PST online. The event will livestream from The Castle in Tampa, Florida. Tickets are sold through Eventbrite, but the link states sales have ended so stay tuned for more details or check back on the Endless Night Facebook events page in the link above.

29th: Walpurgisnacht: Folklore & Popular Culture Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

Virtual event happening in Los Angeles from 7:30 PST to 8:45 p.m. PST. Tickets are $10.

May

1st-2nd: Endless Night Vampire Dragon Ball

This will be the first of its kind for Endless Night. The event will celebrate Beltane and Walpurgis. The event starts on May 1st at 6 p.m. PST and concludes on May 2nd at 12:30 a.m. PST. Tickets start at $16.66.

8th: The Bunny & Creep Show by Dark Art Emporium

Virtual opening of new art exhibit. Event is held via Facebook Live at 7 p.m. PST.

22nd: Goth Day

A day dedicated to the macabre music-based subculture. Read my story of how I found my place within the goth community here.

22nd: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place at 8:00 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

26th: Dracula Day

The iconic novel Dracula by Bram Stoker was published on this day in 1897! Find ways you can pay homage in my feature The Undead Way to Celebrate Dracula Day.

27th: Projecting Horrors Real, Imaginary & Metaphorical Presented by The Miskatonic Institute of Horror Studies

The discussion will explore trans and other gender-non-conforming bodies in horror films. Virtual event happening in Los Angeles from 7:30 p.m. PST to 8:45 p.m. PST. Tickets are $10.

29th-June 19th: Adam McCarthy “Last Call” & Rachael Bridge “SleepWalking” at Copro Gallery

Dark artists Adam McCarthy and Rachael Bridge will debut new works in this exhibit at Copro Gallery running until June 19th. Reservations are required to view show in person. Admission is free.

June

12th: Tiny Terrors 4-A New Hope by Dark Art Emporium

Virtual opening of new art exhibit. Event is held via Facebook Live at 7 p.m. PST.

12th: Les Carnaval de la Lune Presented by The Witches Brew

The Witches Brew presents another night market experience featuring spooky and metaphysical vendors, entertainment, and food and drink! The event takes place at Heritage Square Museum in Los Angeles, California, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. A limited amount of general admission tickets are available for purchase.

16th: Belle, Book & Candle “Out of the Darkness” at El Cid

The witch-inspired burlesque troupe is returning with its first show in more than a year titled “Out of the Darkness!” Takes place at El Cid in Los Angeles. Show begins at 8 p.m. General admission costs $25 and is almost sold out.

18th-20th: Lethal Amounts Gallery Reopening

Dark art gallery Lethal Amounts in Los Angeles, California, will host a soft reopening from noon to 5 p.m. The establishment will be debuting their new permanent art collection and boutique. Admission is free.

19th: Fairhaven Cemetery After-Dark Lamplight Tour Presented by Haunted Orange County

Tour this historic graveyard at night! Takes place at 8:00 p.m. PST. Tickets are $24 per person.

19th: Endless Night Dublin Vampire Salon

Taking place at The Sound House in Dublin, Ireland. The event will livestream virtually starting at 12 p.m. PST and tickets start at $14.36.

24th-26th: Halloween 2020 Redo at Beetle House L.A.

Live entertainment and more Halloween fun happening from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.

26th-27th: A Killer Popup at SugarMynt Gallery

The event will feature vendors and more. Tickets are $15 and event runs from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

26th: Joe Vaux’s “Fever Dreams,” Alex Garcia’s Amor Muerte & Sazha Gazova “Follow the White Rabbit” Exhibits at Copro Gallery

Copro Gallery will be showcasing three exhibits by three different artists. Opening reception is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Show runs through July 17th. Admission is free.

July

1st: Blue Velvet at Harvelles Santa Monica

This burlesque show created by performer Olivia Bellafontaine returns with a show at Harvelles in Santa Monica, California! Performance commences at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15. Event is for people ages 21+.

2nd: The Lost Boys Backyard Movie Screening at SugarMynt Gallery

Movie begins at 8:00 p.m. Bring your own blankets, chairs, food, etc. Screening events are free with pre-paid gallery admission fee.

8th: Ice Nine Kills World Premiere Event at The Mystic Museum

Event will feature an immersive exhibit and opportunity to meet the band. Available time slots start at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35.

9th-11th: Midsummer Scream at the Long Beach Convention Center

CANCELLED. The horror convention will not take place this year and is rescheduled for July 29-31, 2022. The event is dedicated to all things horror and Halloween, featuring vendors, discussion panels, haunts and more! Get a peek at what happens here. But, they will be putting on a fun spooky event in December!

10th: Joe Vollan & David Russell Talbott Exhibit at Dark Art Emporium

22nd-25th: SHOOK! Mister Babadook Pop-up Pride Haunt Experience by Murder House Productions

Tickets are $25.

29th-30th: Beauty of Burlesque at Globe Theater

29th: LA Artshow at Copro Gallery

More details to come.

30th: Sex Cells Presented by Lethal Amounts at Globe Theatre

The dance and night club event returns to the Globe Theatre in Los Angeles, California. Doors open at 10 p.m. Tickets are priced at $16.95.

31st-August 1st: The Witches Brew Night Market

Takes place from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday. Must pre-register to attend. Event is free.

August

14th-15th: Midsummer Scream’s “Awaken the Spirits” at the Pasadena Convention Center

After having to cancel its horror convention in Long Beach, California, last year due to the pandemic, Midsummer Scream is hosting this weekend-long event “Awaken the Spirits” to give fans a sneak peak at what the 2021 Halloween season has in store. There will be more than 200 vendors, live entertainment, discussion panels and more to be announced. Tickets are on sale and start at $25. Hurry, because the event may sell out fast!

14th: David Van Gough Exhibit at Dark Art Emporium

14th: Benz and Chang, Wes Benscoter & Dan Seagrave Exhibits at Copro Gallery

20th: Phantasmagoria Music Show at Artifice

This event is being hosted by musician Rahne Pistor and will include performances by his band The Sixth Chamber, Blackr Sabbath and Midnight Sinfini, with belly dancing by Cleopatra of Egypt. It will take place at Artifice in Las Vegas, Nevada, and begins at 8 p.m. Admission is $17. Get more information by visiting the Facebook event link here.

20th: The Black Veils Burlesque Show at Harvelles Long Beach

Enjoy an evening of sexy cabaret put on by The Black Veils. Performance begins at 9:30 p.m. Tickets start at $15 and can be purchased at the Harvelles Long Beach website. The show is ages 21 and over and there is a two drink minimum.

28th: Endless Night Vampire Salon

Scheduled to take place at Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts, beginning at 4 p.m. PST to 10 p.m. PST. It seems this event may happen in person as opposed to virtual. Tickets start at $40.

30th: Frankenstein Day

No, this is not the day the classic horror novel was published, but it is the birth of its creator, author Mary Shelley! Find out how you can celebrate properly in my blog post How to Throw a Frankenstein Day Bash.

September

4th: Trick ‘R Treat in Haddonfield Halloween Exhibit at Sugarmynt Gallery

The event will display spooky artwork. Tickets are $30 to attend opening night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

4th: Endless Night Vampire Salon at The Under in Mexico City, Mexico

Taking place at goth club The Under in Mexico City. Tickets can be purchased at the venue website once more details become available.

9th-October 31st: Halloween Horror Nights Presented by Universal Studios Hollywood

After cancelling the 2020 haunt season, the theme park announced their plan to return in 2021. Mazes announced so far include The Haunting of Hill House, The Bride of Frankenstein Lives and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Tickets will soon go on sale. Orlando, Florida and Japan locations will also be holding Halloween events.

10th: Marie Laveau’s Birthday (September 10, 1801-June 15, 1881)

Marie Laveau was renowned as the Voodoo Queen of New Orleans. You can read more about her in my feature History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures.

10th-Nov. 6th: “The Evil Among Us” Dark Art Show at Palette Gallery

Co-curated by Shane Izykowki, the exhibit will showcase works by different artists exploring the theme of apotropaic magic. The gallery is located in San Francisco and opening night is on September 10th from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

11th: EGO & Carolina Seth Exhibit at Dark Art Emporium

11th: BLAB Group Exhibit at Copro Gallery

16th-Oct. 31st: Knott’s Scary Farm Presented by Knott’s Berry Farm

Tickets start at $50.

17th-Oct. 31st: Midnight Syndicate: Conspiracy of Shadows at Cedar Point

The duo returns to the stage of Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio, performing their live show filled with haunting melodies. Performances happen on select nights at the Jack Aldrich Theatre.

18th: Endless Night Babylon Grande Vampyre Salon Dallas

Scheduled to happen at House of Blues in Dallas, Texas. Guest DJ will be Baby Magick, plus there will be live entertainment, from belly dancing to blood baths! Doors open at 8 p.m. local time. Ticket price info not available when I checked.

24th-Oct. 31st: Los Angeles Haunted Hayride

The LA Haunted Hayride was one of the few haunt attractions to still take place in 2020 despite the pandemic and they’re back again this year! Sign up for early access to ticket sales. Presale is $10 off and happens on August 25th.

October

CANCELLED: Dark Harbor Presented by The Queen Mary

The company announced they plan to return in 2022.

Varies: House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soiree

Taking place in Los Angeles, New York and Dallas sometime during the fall. Start dates vary, but all continue through October 31st. Event is ages 21+ and tickets start at $66. Tickets go on sale on June 22nd at 9 a.m. PST. Join the waitlist now.

2nd: The House of Red Velvet Presents “A New Baptism” at Pico Union Project

These performance are dark and mesmerizing! Main event starts at 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $55.

3rd: A Halloween Market by Mockingbird Lane

8th-10th: Son of Monsterpalooza in Burbank, California

The event will take place a the The Marriott Burbank Hotel & Convention Center, featuring vendors, panels, celebrity guests and more. Tickets start at $25.

9th: “Chaos” Chet Zar Solo Show at Copro Gallery

9th: Karen Jerzyk Exhibit at Dark Art Emporium

12th: Aleister Crowley’s Birthday (October 12, 1875-December 1, 1947)

One way you can mark the occasion is by reading up on the occult. My blog post History’s Most Formidable Occult Figures will get you started.

15th-17th: Endless Night Salem Vampire Weekend

The weekend-long event will take place at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem, Massachusetts. Tickets start at $40.

17th: The Birth of Yours Truly, Vamp Jenn

Yes, this is my birth date! Right smack in the middle of the spookiest month of the year. Hopefully I can partake in a few haunting experiences and plan some special treats that I can share here with you all. To get an idea of how I’ve celebrated in years past, check out this blog post.

21st-22nd: Beauty of Burlesque Halloween Show at Globe Theatre

Show starts at 6:30 p.m. This is a 21+ ages-only event. Tickets start at $30.

22nd: Release the Bats XXIII at Que Sera

A night of goth music, death rock, post punk and dark wave! Doors open at 9 p.m. and event is for people ages 21+. More info to come.

22nd: The Black Veils Halloween Show at Harvelle’s Long Beach

23rd: Living the Scream in downtown Los Angeles

An event featuring dark art, live performances, horror vendors and more! Takes place from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. PST. Tickets will become available in July. For more details, find them on Instagram @livingthe_scream.

23rd & 24th: The Oddities Flea Market at The Globe Theatre

It’s been more than a year since The Oddities Flea Market has taken place and curator Ryan Matthew Cohn has announced that the event will be open to the public this fall! Tickets go on sale in June.

28th-30th: Endless Night New Orleans Vampire Ball at House of Blues NOLA

A weekend-long event featuring rituals, performances, dancing and more. Tickets start at $125.

29th: The Nightmare Before Christmas Concert at The Banc of California Stadium

The Nightmare Before Christmas soundtrack will once again be performed live and composer Danny Elfman will make an appearance! Tickets start at $59.50 and can be purchased via Ticketmaster.

31st: Happy Halloween!

November

1st-2nd: Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Presented by The Hollywood Forever Cemetery

A Mexican holiday celebrating the souls and memories of those that have passed into the next realm. Traditions include building an altar, called an ofrenda in Spanish, honoring the spirit of loved ones. The Hollywood Forever Cemetery usually holds an annual festival featuring food, drinks and performers. The event went virtual last year, so we’ll see what the plan is this year. I also discuss the holiday briefly in my blog post Celebrating Halloween Around the World.

8th: Bram Stoker’s Birthday (November 8, 1847-April 20, 1912)

13th: Aestheta Group Art Show at Dark Art Emporium

December

4th: BitchCraft LA Winter Fair

Happening in Los Angeles from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tickets are $4 online or $5 purchased the day of.

11th: Xue Wang Solo Exhibit at Copro Gallery

11th-12th: Witches Brew Presents “Night of the Krampus”

Featuring vendors, photo ops and Tarot readings. Taking place at the Anaheim Packing District. Must RSVP on the website.

17th-19th: Season’s Screamings Presented by Midsummer Scream at Pasadena Convention Center

Midsummer Scream had to postpone both 2020 and 2021’s horror conventions, but they’re delivering a spooky event for the holiday season! More details to come.

31st: Dita Von Teese New Year’s Eve Gala

Burlesque queen Dita Von Teese will resume her special New Year’s Eve show this year at The Orpheum in Los Angeles! Tickets are on sale and start at $80. Read about past shows I’ve attended here.