While not being much of a fan of horror, I’ve tended to steer clear of the scarier Halloween events that theme parks put on. In fact, the only way I was convinced to go the first time was when a friend assured me that the scare actors in the mazes weren’t allowed to touch you. That year, I joined that friend and a larger group to experience Knott’s Scary Farm for the first time ever. I’ll admit—the mazes weren’t my thing. I could appreciate the artistry, the lighting, the costumes, and the storytelling, but I wasn’t exactly eager to have fog-drenched ghouls leap from dark corners. Still, it was a fun night overall, even if I didn’t feel the need to make it an annual tradition.

Years later, however, one announcement changed my mind completely: Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, would be performing her final Halloween season of shows at Knott’s Scary Farm. I’ve always had a soft spot for entertainers who can balance humor and theatrical flair, and Elvira had that in spades. Her wit, her campy charm, and her ability to command a stage turned the spooky into something spectacular. This time, I didn’t go for the scares—I went for the show.

Standing in that packed theater, surrounded by fans who had followed Elvira for decades, I realized this was a very different kind of Halloween magic. It wasn’t about jump scares or haunted houses—it was about community. Elvira’s farewell felt like the end of an era, and the audience knew it. Every joke landed harder, every musical number drew louder applause, and when she took her final bow, the emotion in the room was undeniable.

As a photographer, I was thrilled by the challenge her show presented. The environment had all the hallmarks of concert photography—the low light of a darkened theater, the rapidly changing lighting, and the constant motion of dancers on stage. Even if you nailed the technical aspects of exposure and timing, there was still the matter of expression—did you catch the performer in a flattering moment, or mid-blink in a way that would never do them justice? Live shows are a challenge to capture well at the best of times, but when everything comes together—when the light, movement, and expression align just right—you’re rewarded with an image that freezes the magic.

While it was my first time seeing Cassandra Peterson’s iconic alter-ego in person, I’m so glad I went for the experience of seeing Elvira live. All these years later, the photos I captured that night have kept the memory alive, making that visit to Knott’s Scary Farm one I will never forget.

That night reminded me that Halloween events are more than just about fear—they’re about celebration. People gather for these limited-time events because they offer something fleeting and special: the chance to experience creativity that exists only in this exact moment. Whether it’s a haunted maze, a parade, or a live stage show, these experiences create memories that last far beyond the season.

If you would like to join a community for Theme Park photography where you can come share your photos from your theme park Halloween events from this year or years past, I'd like to extend an invitation to you to come join us at the Fairy Tale Photo Academy Theme Park Photography group on Skool. We're just getting the group started and would love to have you come join in and get to know other theme park photography fans. Click here to come join the fun.