Six Flags Fright Fest 2026 (Magic Mountain)

[Jake S]

If I ran Fright Fest at Magic Mountain (which mercifully, I do not), I'd be leaning heavily into concepts, themes and ideas that have worked at Knott's Berry Farm. You're not going to compete with Horror Nights on IP integration and win. But my hunch is the crossover audience between Knott's Scary Farm and Fright Fest is very small given how far apart they are geographically.

Of course, if I'm wrong and the crossover is actually large enough to make a difference... well, I'd still think about going this route and perhaps even create a pass that gets you into both events for the whole season. I don't know what they paid to acquire the IPs in the past few years, but if the goal is to create a solid event with a fan base that comes back every year, I think there's better ways to spend that money.

 

[Rideguy70]

I did some checking, and last year both Saw and Trick 'r Treat were similarly fully gutted at about this same time of year, yet they both returned fully as a new version in time for Fright Fest. So it may not necessarily forebode anything in particular.

That said, I did hear immediately after FF last year that parts of Conjuring were sold off, so if nothing else it does appear that is not likely to return.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I did some checking, and last year both Saw and Trick 'r Treat were similarly fully gutted at about this same time of year, yet they both returned fully as a new version in time for Fright Fest. So it may not necessarily forebode anything in particular.

That said, I did hear immediately after FF last year that parts of Conjuring were sold off, so if nothing else it does appear that is not likely to return.

Yeah, I'm down for those to return and excited for whatever new and hopefully original IP they put in that old spot

 

[Viator]

Saw and Trick 'r Treat seem to be done-done.

 

[Jerroddragon]

Trick R treats spot was bad, as in no one knew it was there

My only hope is it’s moved

Saw spot got lines. So hopefully they use that land again

 

[Wishmaster]

I will say this again. SFMM FF should go all original (8 mazes) and work on innovation/lore. Carnage is a good example.

 

[Jerroddragon]

I will say this again. SFMM FF should go all original (8 mazes) and work on innovation/lore. Carnage is a good example.

I hope that route works for them

But honestly I went last year and it was a great event and besides Conjuring the IP houses were issues, both were still great houaws and SAW got the longest lines outside the Carnage house

I think a good idea, good costumes and good design always win along with the staffing update they had last year...it should not matter outside budget if its an IP or not....and the right IPs bring people in look at FNAF and Art the Clown last year making HHN one of its best and most attended years ever with EA, and express passes selling out fast then the years before it

If they can cut the ties with the IPs and it gives them a Huge budget to play with then I agree but if the budget for said mazes either way...then I hope Trick R Treat is back even if its a scarezone.

Last note, I really hope they find a way to do a roaming character like Art the Clown....I know the zones let actors move around a good deal but think it would be worth while to make a new Iconic who can be in any zone

 

[Wishmaster]

I hope that route works for them

But honestly I went last year and it was a great event and besides Conjuring the IP houses were issues, both were still great houaws and SAW got the longest lines outside the Carnage house

I think a good idea, good costumes and good design always win along with the staffing update they had last year...it should not matter outside budget if its an IP or not....and the right IPs bring people in look at FNAF and Art the Clown last year making HHN one of its best and most attended years ever with EA, and express passes selling out fast then the years before it

If they can cut the ties with the IPs and it gives them a Huge budget to play with then I agree but if the budget for said mazes either way...then I hope Trick R Treat is back even if its a scarezone.

Last note, I really hope they find a way to do a roaming character like Art the Clown....I know the zones let actors move around a good deal but think it would be worth while to make a new Iconic who can be in any zone

Roaming character should be an original. Just go the Knott’s route.

 

[Mr_Pendington]

If they can cut the ties with the IPs and it gives them a Huge budget to play with then I agree but if the budget for said mazes either way...then I hope Trick R Treat is back even if its a scarezone.

Fright Fest should prop itself as the budget friendly Haunt option, that can still pack a good punch. Especially with Knotts filling in the more premium haunt event since they're both under Cedar Fair now. And KSF is extremely successful even without IPs. $80 for entry (for the few that don't get an annual pass anyway) for almost 12 hours of park AND scare zone access is insane. I understand charging extra for mazes.

 

[Jerroddragon]

Fright Fest should prop itself as the budget friendly Haunt option, that can still pack a good punch. Especially with Knotts filling in the more premium haunt event since they're both under Cedar Fair now. And KSF is extremely successful even without IPs. $80 for entry (for the few that don't get an annual pass anyway) for almost 12 hours of park AND scare zone access is insane. I understand charging extra for mazes.

I mean it's been that for years

I think it just needs to keep leveling up every year

The New Show last year was like the best show they have put in Six Flags in year...the Holiday and DC shows are good but man...the Halloween show had some amazing lightening, great song choices, good pacing, fun dance moments and let people voted who won

The Carnage house was also great and had some fun boo holes, I wish they could have staffed more because they were really well hidden. It would be great if we got two more houses at that level and are new. Last year the staffing improved most houses but still some of the layouts are just old and would be nice to see them updated with a new house....

The issue with pricing is like all thing Knotts/Six Flags related I'm not sure if I would pay for a one day anything at either park, the AP is where the value is and if they can make a cheaper ticket that gets normal guests into the park and also in houses nice but I have a feeling this will be an issue with most people until they update the Haunt.
One way I've suggested is when Knotts is done with a House to send the props and sets over to MM. Not saying just do the same house but Knotts has some great stuff and repurpose those props and sets to make new haunts. I assume business wise this is smart but not sure if the people behind the scenes would go for this and not saying it would have to be every year but it would just be a way to cheaply level up the event and then they can go crazy when the event is making real cash like HHN and Scary farm does