The Huntington in San Marino is turning its gardens and galleries into an after-dark Halloween playground once again, with its Strange Science event set for Oct. 30 and 31 from 6 to 10 p.m. The 21-and-over program is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, blending costumed revelry with the institution's signature mix of art, science and storytelling.
According to NBC Los Angeles, this year's lineup includes fascinating talks, stories, quizzes, performances and magical revelries spread across the grounds. The evening will dive into science, myth and ideas through informative talks, giving the event its signature blend of scholarship and Halloween spectacle.
Aerialists, Arcs of Electricity and a Magician
CirqueSanity will bring aerial artistry and acrobatics to the night sky above the gardens, while dramatic arcs of electricity will light up Nikola Tesla's Laboratory, the station's report notes. Magician Jonathan Molo will be summoning his own brand of ensorcelled moments elsewhere on the grounds, and over at The Wytch Wood, spine-tingling tales will be spookily shared with anyone brave enough to listen.
Costumes are encouraged for the evening, and those looking to dance the night away can head to The Mage's Dance, the outdoor dance floor described in the same account. Quiz showdowns will also let attendees show off their knowledge across a range of fields, including art and botany, giving the trivia-minded something to do between performances.
A New Addition Tied to Desert UFO Lore
Among the newer additions to The Huntington's collections is a model of George Van Tassel's Integratron, per the same report. The acquisition fits into a broader expansion of the institution's holdings documenting the Integratron and the postwar UFO community that Van Tassel helped shape in California's Mojave Desert, according to The Huntington. The Los Angeles Times reported that the archive represents the Huntington's first major acquisition centered on ufology, as the Times described it.
Beyond the Halloween programming, The Huntington is known for its world-famous artworks and rare manuscripts, along with roughly 1,000 other memorable sights, sounds and scents scattered across its grounds, as NBC Los Angeles noted. That everyday identity as an art and botanical institution is part of what makes the after-hours Strange Science transformation feel so distinct for regulars.
Tickets and Member Access
Tickets for the 2026 event were set to go on sale Thursday, October 1, at 10 a.m., per the NBC Los Angeles account. Huntington members at the Affiliate level and above may reserve two general-admission tickets, giving loyal visitors a head start on securing a spot for the milestone 10th-anniversary edition.
Strange Science has evolved over the years from its earlier incarnations, which according to an earlier NBC Los Angeles report once included dancing, opera performances, educational experiences and chances to observe birds of prey up close. A 2025 edition featured a look at mourning fashion history alongside offerings like Skulls and Scholars and LA Opera Connects' Brewed Awakening, that same outlet reported, showing how the event has layered in new themes each year while keeping its science-meets-spooky-season identity intact.
