LOS ANGELES—Los Angeles’ historic Union Station is more than just a commuting travel point to many Angelenos. It is a living landmark that has become home to community gatherings and seasonal celebrations, and Halloween was no exception. Crowds of sunflower-dressed families, “Top Gun” aviators, glittering princesses, and fuzzy cookie monsters filled the open space, transforming the south patio into a cheerful, spooky village. With balloon artists in one corner, face painters and caricature drawings in another, costume contests in the center, and frightful music all around, Union Station’s south patio was dressed in its Halloween best.
Boonion Station, the event where LA’s iconic train station meets fall and its notorious holiday, returned Oct. 26, 2025. Now in its sixth year, this annual celebration offers more than sweet treats and festive decorations, it creates a space where families can gather, connect, and celebrate. “We’re special because it’s a free event that you can get to using public transportation and you can brush shoulders with the community here,” said Liz Kawayoshi, Morlin Asset Management event organizer.
Year after year, both new and returning families attend the event as it provides an engaging environment for their children. “I like that it’s a safe space for [our daughter] to play with other kids,” Eddy Espina said. “Its interactive for them, which [our daughter] really likes.” Boonion Station not only gives children an opportunity to dress up and enjoy seasonal fun, but it also invites families to explore the rich history and architectural charm of Los Angeles’ 85-year-old railroad terminal. “Every year we have great families come through, just wanting to have a fun time to celebrate the Halloween holiday here,” Kawayoshi said.
Because the event is easy to reach by train or Metro, Boonion Station draws families from all corners of Los Angeles, extending beyond the downtown community. “We’re from Highland Park, so we like to take the train over here and have some family time,” said George Fernandez who attends each year with his wife and three kids.
For some parents, Boonion Station provides an alternative when work schedules, safety concerns, or long commutes make traditional trick-or-treating difficult. “A lot of people don’t have the time to celebrate trick-or-treating in the nighttime with their children,” said Officer Cindy Corona of the Los Angeles Police Department. “Sometimes during the daytime it’s the best and the safest too.” The event gives these families a chance to enjoy the spirit of the holiday in an environment that is lively and secure.
With a goal beyond games, costumes, and Halloween festivities, Boonion Station fosters community pride and togetherness among Angelenos while celebrating the station’s legacy. In a city as large and ever-changing as Los Angeles, events like this offer the chance to create moments where community and connection can take root. “Throughout the years, Union Station has been a big part of Los Angeles,” Corona said. “It’s great to go places, meet people and enjoy your time, so it’s very important to keep these kinds of things alive.”
For visitors like Patti Sanchez, who came dressed as Fiona and Shrek with her husband, and their young daughter as a princess, the appeal is simple. “I just love Union Station! We’ve been to other events and fundraisers here, and we use public transportation when we can, so it just seemed like a fun event to bring our daughter,” Sanchez said.
In the age of social media, many attendees first discovered Boonion Station through posts online, helping the event grow as a staple in the Los Angeles’ calendar of community events. Boonion Station highlights how Union Station serves as more than a transit hub, but a place where families and community intersect. For Kawayoshi, that continuity is what defines its success. Kawayoshi said, “I’ve been involved in three Union Stations, and I think the most memorable thing for me is seeing the same children come by and they’re just older.”
