LA Opera Will Host Halloween Costume Contest
The contest features a $10,000 grand prize for attendees of the upcoming October 31 film screening event.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Opera
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LA Opera will host a Halloween costume contest on October 31, 2026, featuring a $10,000 grand prize provided by an anonymous donor. Participants must be at least 18 years old to compete for the cash prize, VIP tickets, and a costume shop tour.
Why it matters
The event combines traditional operatic performance with cinematic history by screening the 1961 film Hercules in the Haunted World at the United Theater on Broadway. Live singers and an orchestra will accompany the film, offering a unique live entertainment experience for the local community.
The grand prize totals $10,000 and is exclusively open to participants 18 years and older. Winners additionally receive two VIP tickets and a private tour of the costume shop.
The players
LA Opera
This is a major performing arts organization based in Los Angeles that produces annual seasons of opera and special theatrical events.
United Theater on Broadway
Located in Downtown Los Angeles, this historic venue serves as the host site for the organization's upcoming film and Halloween programming.
Reg Park
He was a famous bodybuilder and actor who starred in the 1961 film Hercules in the Haunted World.
Christopher Lee
He was an iconic English actor known for his extensive filmography and his role in the 1961 production of Hercules in the Haunted World.
The details
The event at the United Theater on Broadway includes a screening of the 1961 classic Hercules in the Haunted World starring Reg Park and Christopher Lee. A live orchestra and vocalists will perform during the screenings on October 30 and October 31, with the costume contest and afterparty following the final show.
Timeline
The film Hercules in the Haunted World was originally released in 1961.
A screening without the costume contest is scheduled for October 30, 2026.
The Halloween costume contest and afterparty will occur on October 31, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This event highlights the cultural endurance of the 1961 film Hercules in the Haunted World through a modern live-accompaniment format. By integrating classic cinema with live opera elements, the organization positions its programming to capture younger audiences through interactive, event-based entertainment.
Attendees aged 18 and older can compete for the $10,000 prize during the October 31 event at the United Theater on Broadway. Tickets for both the October 30 and October 31 screenings are available through the organization's official ticketing portal.
The takeaway
Large-scale themed events like this offer arts organizations a way to drive engagement beyond traditional subscription models. Residents planning to attend should ensure they meet the minimum age requirements to be eligible for the costume contest prize.
Further reading
Explore upcoming productions and schedule details on the Opera page.
More information
To purchase tickets or find event details, visit the LA Opera event ticketing site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Southern California.
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