You can still feel the electricity in the air. That’s how those lucky enough to be inside the gates described it. At the Jackson family’s legendary Hayvenhurst compound in Encino, California, a place both mythical and intensely private, there was a palpable buzz. It was a feeling of magic, of memory, and of a presence that has never truly left.

For one spectacular weekend in October 2022, Michael Jackson’s children—Prince, Paris, and Blanket (Bigi)—along with their cousins, opened their childhood home for the annual “Thriller Night” Halloween party. But this was no ordinary celebrity bash. It was a dual-purpose event: a stunning, intimate celebration of the 40th anniversary of Thriller, the biggest-selling album of all time, and more importantly, a powerful night of philanthropy driven by the family’s own stories of hope and tragedy.

This was the Jackson family’s personal, heartfelt answer to the global Thriller 40 campaign. While the world was getting 4K-remastered videos and documentary announcements, the children were inviting guests into the very crucible where the magic was born, all to continue the charitable work that was their father’s truest passion.

The Hallowed Halls of Hayvenhurst

To understand the significance of the event, you must first understand the significance of the house. Hayvenhurst is not just a property; it is the Jackson family’s anchor, their sanctuary, and the creative womb for the King of Pop’s solo dynasty.

Purchased by patriarch Joe Jackson in 1971, this sprawling Tudor-style estate was the family’s first real home after leaving their tiny house in Gary, Indiana. It was behind these gates that the Jackson 5 adjusted to their new life as superstars. But it was in the 1980s that Michael, having remodeled it into a Disney-esque fantasy land, transformed it into his personal laboratory.

Long before Neverland, Hayvenhurst was the epicenter of his genius. It was in these rooms that he recorded the private demos for Off the Wall, Bad, and, most critically, Thriller. It was on these floors that he tirelessly practiced and perfected the Moonwalk. The 32-seat movie theater he installed was the very place, as Prince Jackson recalled, that a young, terrified him was first shown the “Thriller” short film by his father. This house is woven into the DNA of pop music.

For Michael’s children to host this event here was, in itself, a profound statement. It was a homecoming. They weren’t just using a “venue”; they were welcoming people into the sacred space where their father’s legacy was built, brick by brick, beat by beat.

A Party with a Dual-Purpose Heart

The “Thriller Night” was a collaboration between two foundations, each representing a core tenet of the Jackson family’s ethos: hope and resilience.

First is the “Heal LA Foundation,” co-founded by Prince Jackson and John Muto in 2016. Directly inspired by his father’s “Heal the World Foundation,” Prince’s organization is a serious, hands-on philanthropic endeavor. Its mission is to empower young people in underserved Los Angeles communities, focusing on “Self-Care” and “Education.” This isn’t just about writing checks; Heal LA runs tangible programs, like the “SMILE Program,” which integrates yoga and therapy dogs to support students’ mental well-being, and “Career Day” initiatives. The foundation, which operates under the slogan “make that change,” has also been on the front lines providing free meals during the pandemic and organizing massive toy drives for Christmas and Thanksgiving.

But paired with this message of hope is a story of profound personal healing. The event is also hosted by Prince’s cousins, Taj and TJ Jackson (sons of Tito), for their “Dee Dee Jackson Foundation.” The origin of this foundation is one of the Jackson family’s deepest tragedies. In 1994, the brothers’ mother, Dee Dee Jackson, was murdered.

To cope with this unspeakable loss, the brothers—who also form the music group 3T—created the foundation to turn their trauma into a force for good. Its mission is to support children and families navigating the complex, isolating journey of grief. Through music workshops, grief education, and their “Power of Love” podcast, they have built a community dedicated to healing, proving that even from the darkest of tragedies, a legacy of light can emerge.

This is the dual-engine that powered “Thriller Night.” It was a party that celebrated life while honoring those who have lost it, raising critical funds for both at-risk youth and grieving families.

Inside the Gates: A ‘Thriller’ Dreamscape

For those who attended, the experience was surreal. The entire Hayvenhurst property was transformed into a loving homage to Michael’s spookiest creation. The grounds were littered with zombie figures and chilling animatronics. Guests navigated a terrifying maze filled with strobe lights, werewolves, and zombies jumping out from the shadows.

In the garden, attendees were greeted by breathtaking, lifelike statues of Michael, crafted by the renowned GodaKing Studios. Nearby, a massive stage and dance floor were set up in front of a perfect replica of the Palace movie theater facade, as seen in the iconic Thriller video.

Perhaps most stunningly, guests were allowed to peer into the family’s private home studio. This was not a set or a replica; it was the actual, untouched room where Michael Jackson recorded the demos for “Billie Jean.” You could almost hear the ghosts of creation lingering in the air.

The centerpiece of the night, however, was the “Legacy Room.” Here, the family had curated a pop-up museum of priceless, deeply personal artifacts. On display was an almost overwhelming collection of history: Michael’s 1983 Grammys, the original, iconic red and black Thriller jackets, a signature black fedora, the sparkling, rhinestone-encrusted glove, and the pristine white suit he wore on the Thriller album cover. It was a collection of items that defined a generation, displayed intimately within the home where so much of it was first imagined.

The Next Generation Unites

Presiding over this extraordinary event were the three people at the center of the legacy: Michael’s children. Prince, ever the gracious host, was hilariously costumed as Mario from Super Mario Kart, joined by his girlfriend Molly Schirmang as Princess Peach. Paris, known for her intricate costumes, made a stunning and dramatic entrance as one of the menacing Black Riders from The Lord of the Rings.

And in a move that delighted fans, the famously private Bigi Jackson (Blanket) made a rare public appearance to support his siblings and cousins. Dressed in a black hoodie and hat, his presence underscored the event’s theme of family unity. They were joined by their cousins Taj and TJ, the co-hosts of the night.

The crowd was also filled with the “King’s Court”—Michael’s friends and collaborators who remain loyal to the family. Comedian Chris Tucker was in attendance, as were musical director Greg Phillinganes, engineer Matt Forger, and legendary drummer Jonathan Moffatt, all integral parts of Michael’s creative life.

As Michael’s music “blasted all night,” from “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” to “Billie Jean” to “Thriller” itself, a simple, powerful feeling unified the guests, the family, and the collaborators. As the original video’s narrator perfectly stated, “His presence was felt.”

It was felt in the sacred walls of the house that built him. It was felt in the generous, dual-hearted mission of the charities he inspired. And it was felt in the unity of his three children, standing together on their home turf, celebrating his art not as a museum piece, but as a living, breathing, and still-giving entity. The “Thriller Night” at Hayvenhurst was more than a party; it was a testament that the King of Pop’s greatest legacy isn’t just the music—it’s the unbreakable spirit of love, family, and healing that he passed on to the next generation.