Nothing sends chills down your spine like evil clowns, undead monsters and a filthy car.
As Halloween approaches, you can bid farewell to your dusty exteriors and enjoy a scare at the Haunted Carwash, which is returning this year with three locations: Carwood Car Wash, 2729 E. Carson St., Lakewood; Big Wave Car Wash, 2219 Lincoln Ave. Anaheim; and its newest addition, Splash N Go Car Wash, 4384 Holt Blvd., Montclair. The event runs from 6-10 pm on select nights from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1.
The Haunted Carwash was the sinister concoction of spooky enthusiasts Long Vo and Veronica Young of Huntington Beach. In its 2020 debut, it was known as the Tunnel of Terror before being rebranded as the Haunted Carwash, which is now in its third year. The event was initially created as a way to celebrate Halloween during the coronavirus pandemic’s social distancing measures, which encouraged few in-person interactions.
The drive-thru car wash functions as usual, but adds a seasonal twist. Customers buy a ticket online in advance, line up to enter the tunnel, set their cars to neutral when prompted, and let the spirits guide them forward. As patrons move through the car wash tunnels, the creepiness ensues.
Monsters with props such as chainsaws follow participants down the dark car wash lot, with surprise scares that are sure to make you jump. Flashing lights and fog also help set the eerie scene, while spooky sound effects are broadcast through an FM channel to evoke an extra layer of horror. While this year’s theme has not yet been announced, last year’s iteration was creepy circus-themed.
Here are the locations and schedules for this year’s Haunted Carwash:
• Friday and Saturday: Oct. 3rd – 4 (Anaheim & Lakewood)• Friday and Saturday: Oct. 10-11 (Anaheim & Lakewood)• Friday and Saturday: Oct. 17-18. (Anaheim, Lakewood & Montclair)• Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Oct. 23-26 (Anaheim, Lakewood & Montclair)• Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: Oct. 23 – Nov. 1 (Anaheim, Lakewood & Montclair)
For tickets and additional information, visit thehauntedcarwash.com.