Fear Overload Halloween Haunt Opens Friday In East Bay

SAN LEANDRO, CA — Great news for folks who love to have the wits scared out of them: Fear Overload Scream Park in San Leandro will be up and running for Halloween 2020, opening Friday, Oct. 9.

The East Bay business, that peddles in fear, plans to open its annual attraction at the Bayfair Center with two new, creepy galleries in a new actor-less, walk-through format — a revamp due to the coronavirus pandemic.

"There will not be any actors this year, but the rooms are interactive, and there will be staff present to ensure social distancing," operators said, noting the haunt still will retain its "thrilling horror-themed" reputation.

The dual, pop-up attractions include: "Descend the Basement," which takes visitors through "the psychological ride on why basements are the epitome of fear and intimidation for many of us"; and "The Demon," a parallel-dimension jaunt with "Jungler," who takes the form of a young child with long, black hair covering her face and hears "your thoughts within the walls of its haunt." (Yikes!)

Operators said they adopted COVID-19 guidelines, based on health-safety advice from the CDC, state and local government agencies. Among Fear Overload add-ons and requirements: face masks for patrons and staff; capacity limits; installation of hand-sanitizer stations; plus physical-distancing compliance.

Tickets are on sale for upcoming, select dates from Friday, Oct. 9 through Saturday, Nov. 7. No tickets will be sold on-site this year. Follow this link for more information.

Fear Overload is located at Bayfair Center, 15555 E. 14th St. in San Leandro. Parking is free: Park at the Century Theaters lot, and enter the mall. The attraction is not recommended for children under the age of 12.

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