Spooky season has OFFICIALLY arrived, witches, and FX just kicked it off in the most deliciously terrifying way possible. Last night, Friday, September 18th, FX transformed nya studios EAST in Los Angeles into a haunting, interactive maze celebrating the upcoming premiere of American Horror Story Season 13, with a two-day activation running through tonight, Saturday, September 19th — so there’s still one more day to experience it if you’re lucky enough to have a ticket. As a lifelong horror fanatic who attended opening night, I am not exaggerating when I say this experience gave fans like myself absolutely everything we could have wanted. I am SO excited for this new season, you guys have no idea.
A Chain Reaction of Screams: Walking Through 12 Seasons of Horror
Inspired by a Rube Goldberg machine (a wonderfully overengineered gadget that turns one simple action into an elaborate chain reaction), this free immersive activation had guests triggering each themed space in sequence to advance forward — setting off a spine-tingling chain reaction of scares, puzzles, and Easter eggs pulled from every single installment of American Horror Story’s twisted, decades-long legacy. The journey kicked off at the doorstep of the Murder House (yes, THAT house), wound through Asylum’s eerie corridors, and dropped guests straight into Freak Show’s unsettling carnival games — interactive challenges and jump scares lurking around literally every corner. It all built to a sneak peek at the franchise’s terrifying next chapter, and let me tell you, it was the perfect way to send chills down your spine before the new season even premieres. Part haunted house, part immersive theater, it genuinely walked that line perfectly — it was great. And the fans did NOT disappoint — people showed up on brand in full cosplay, with creative looks spanning everything from Coven witches and Twisty the Clown to Murder House’s Rubber Man, making the crowd itself feel like part of the show.
About American Horror Story Season 13 (I Cannot Wait)
This activation could not have come at a more perfect time, because AHS:13 premieres September 24th on FX and Hulu (streaming internationally on Disney+), and creator Ryan Murphy has described it as a full-franchise convergence — basically an “Avengers”-style crossover where beloved characters from across the anthology’s entire history collide to fight one final, ultimate evil. Think of it as a massive reunion. As someone who has been counting down the days, I could not be more thrilled.
And for anyone who, like me, considers Coven one of their all-time favorite seasons — buckle up, because this one is a literal dream come true. Sarah Paulson returns as Cordelia Goode, the Supreme of the Coven, alongside Emma Roberts, Gabourey Sidibe, Leslie Grossman, and Frances Conroy, all reprising their roles from the Robichaux Academy witches storyline. Jessica Lange — who famously swore up and down she’d never return to the franchise — is also back for her first season since 2018’s Apocalypse, joining Angela Bassett (once again embodying the iconic Voodoo Queen Marie Laveau), Evan Peters, Kathy Bates, and Billie Lourd. The season also welcomes newcomers John Waters, Joey Pollari, Alex Consani, Paul Anthony Kelly, and Avantika into the coven of chaos. Murphy has even teased that several actors will be playing as many as seven different previous characters throughout the season, making this hands-down the biggest, most ambitious crossover event in AHS history. My inner horror girlie is SCREAMING (in the best way).
The VIP After Party: Treats, No Tricks
After surviving the full immersive experience, VIP guests were treated to an after party filled with delicious lite bites — think grilled cheese, ahi tuna crispy rice, and beef tartare cigars — alongside signature cocktails, including a standout Espresso Thirtini that put its own delightfully boozy spin on the classic espresso martini.
The Ultimate Spooky Season Kickoff
This one-of-a-kind, free experience makes its final run today Saturday, September 19th, from 2 – 10:00 pm, and tickets are already completely sold out — proof that AHS fandom is as strong (and as fearless) as ever heading into Season 13. For anyone lucky enough to have a ticket, get ready, because this is hands-down one of the best ways to officially kick off spooky season in LA, blending nostalgia, genuine scares, and a can’t-miss preview of what’s coming next. If FX ever brings this activation back, run — don’t walk — to grab tickets. This is exactly the kind of only-in-LA fan experience horror lovers live for, and I am already counting down the days until Season 13 premieres. See you on the other side, coven.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Time: The experience takes about 20 minutes to walk through.
- Age requirement: Guests must be 18+.
- Parking: There’s no on-site parking, so rideshare is encouraged. If you’d rather drive, nearby paid lots include LAZ Parking at 6350 Selma Ave, Sixty Four Thirty Sunset at 439 N Cahuenga Blvd, and AirGarage at 1632 Wilcox Ave.
- Where to eat nearby: Make a night of it — The Aster’s rooftop restaurant Lemon Grove, Laya, Running Goose, and Elbow Room are all just a quick trip away for dinner or drinks before or after you brave the maze.
