Join us for a day of spooky events at the Academy Museum – NBC Los Angeles

What would the films be without monsters?

The thought of a flickering film lacking a strange, supernatural and misunderstood superstar is scarier than any monster we can imagine.

Because these terrible and always fantastic characters form the backbone of much of the film industry, or if you prefer to stay on topic, the sturdy skeleton of the industry.

Like us, the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures reveres the vampires, werewolves and ghouls that give the silver scream screen so much of its frightening flair.

And to celebrate these fabulous, often furry and sometimes straight from the grave greats? There’s a joyful Monster Mash shuffling cinematically into the downtown institution on October 26th.

No, this isn’t a dance party like the timeless song suggests, but it is a day of seasonal and cinematic activities at the Miracle Mile Museum.

And some of these events are free, like the chance to take a spooky snapshot with some of Universal’s iconic monsters. The Bride of Frankenstein will be there, as will Frankenstein’s monster, and Dracula will forego his rule of never going out during the day to stop by too.

Or “hijack” if you prefer. (It’s hard to avoid a cape reference when talking about the Drac Man.)

Other exciting and enchanting events including a makeup and special effects demonstration and the opportunity to help create a community monster mural.

Some of the Monster Mash-inspired activities and presentations, such as the Magic Lantern Show, require you to purchase museum admissions. You should also get a museum ticket if you want to take the Monsters and Heroes Encounters Tour.

And lest you think the spooky stuff only haunts the Academy Museum in October, be alarmed, er, glad: The museum showcases great works of horror throughout the calendar, while its permanent exhibitions feature nods to some of the enduring monsters and haunting scripts from included the last century.

However, if you’re a movie lover and a fan of monsters, head to Wilshire Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, Frankenstein-style, on the last Saturday in October.

(We know he’s Frankenstein’s monster, but considering how busy he is as Halloween approaches, we think just calling him “Frankenstein” is the quicker and catchier route.)

Would you like to know more about vampires, ghosts and children of the night? Scream, um, check out all the information on the Academy Museum website now.