2025 Question and Answer With The Bernal Scream Haunted House

Mike and Abel Barrera (Co founders of The Bernal Scream)

CaliforniaHauntedHouses.com recently sat down with Mike Barrera of The Bernal Scream Haunted House, to discuss what's new at The Bernal Scream Haunted House for the 2025 Halloween Season!

What's new at The Bernal Scream Haunted House for 2025? Do you have any new rides, attractions, or special features that Haunt Seekers should know about?

Yes! The Bernal Scream has once again expanded our main attraction making it our biggest show to date! We have also relocated to an all new indoor venue Santa Clara County Fairgrounds in our home town of San Jose Ca.

What are you most excited about for the 2025 Halloween Season?

My favorite part of the season is watching our guest experience. Every year as the show continues to grow and evolve, so does the personal experience with our guest. The screams get louder, the chicken doors are blown off the hinges, the tears of horror ring deep into the night. It truly is the magic of the show.

What differentiates The Bernal Scream Haunted House from other local haunts in California?

For us we have always focused on carving our own lane. Both in creativity and vision. Finding unique ways to create our own identity. The Bernal Scream experience that guest have come to love and expect has never been about competition or trying to "outdo" anyone. There is plenty of love in this community to around. We have always believed that staying true to who we are, will always result in a delivery far beyond guest exception year after year. Additionally we think guest should experience as many shows as possible during the season and we hope that we to, can be a stop fo you this Halloween season.

How long has The Bernal Scream Haunted House been in business? Can you tell us a bit more about The Bernal Scream Haunted House's history?

The Bernal Scream was co founded by my father (Abel Barrera) and myself (Mike Barrera) back in 2013. At that time we were operating as a small free event in our own backyard a few nights a year, So many wonderful memories. But as time would have it and as crowds quickly begin to grow, we were lucky enough to be able to take The Bernal Scream out of our backyard and enter into the commercial spot light back in 2016. The show has grown so much since then, and every year we work harder and harder to make it our best one yet! Cheers to great 2025 season!

What's your favorite experience since opening The Bernal Scream Haunted House?

My favorite part of every season is watching so many people make amazing memories together night after night. Weather there crying, laughing, screaming or a little bit of everything, there making memories together that our show has been lucky enough to be apart of. For me, that makes it all worth it.

How long is a typical haunt experience at The Bernal Scream Haunted House from start to finish?

We don't caddel folks threw. We let you write your own experience, go at your own pace and really take everything in. There is so much to see and these kinds of shows are not cheap. So I tell everyone, take your time and embrace the moment but always remember, there is something waiting for you right around the corner...

On a scale from 1 to 10, how scary would you say The Bernal Scream Haunted House is? Why?

We believe that fear has no mercy and once your inside the attraction nor do we. Every single night our amazing team of actors and staff truly strive to be a 10! No show gets it right all the time, but no question we give it our all every single time.

Does The Bernal Scream Haunted House's property have any real haunted history? Do you have a spooky encounter you'd like to share?

The Bernal Scream itself has a history... But that's a story for another time.

What inspired you to open up a haunted attraction? What's your favorite part of the business?

Iv had the Halloween bug since I was in diapers. Every year growing up my family would go all out for the holidays. Halloween, Christmas ect. When I look back on my life, holidays were always my favorite time of year, they always felt magical to me. As I got older, I wanted to share that feeling with others and what better way then a haunted house!

How has new technology (i.e. animatronics, special props, etc) helped you to enhance The Bernal Scream Haunted House?

The Bernal Scream has always been a really cool mix of old school and new school. We always wanted to offer a little bit of everything rather then one or the other. Some rooms will be a more traditional style scare well others will operate with top of the line technology based scares. We use everything from animatronics, video projections, to concert level sound equipment and everything in between. There is miles of cable connecting everything from power, data, controllers, sensors, ect. We also offer a behind the screams tour if you want to learn a little more about how this whole thing comes to life.

Can The Bernal Scream Haunted House accommodate large groups? How many people can experience The Bernal Scream Haunted House together as a group?

Yes we can, however we always recommend breaking your group up for a more personal experience. But yes we can accommodate higher processing when needed.

Does The Bernal Scream Haunted House offer any special deals, discounts, or coupons?

We do have ongoing discounts such as our military discount. As well as sometimes we send out special discounts to our email list or at pop up events that were apart of. Sign up on our website anytime.

Anything else you'd like to let us know about The Bernal Scream Haunted House?

From all of us here at The Bernal Scream, we truly wish you a very Happy Halloween!