Things To Do

60 Awesome Things To Do This Weekend in L.A. [10-19-2018 to 10-21-2018]

October 17, 2018 by We Like L.A. Staff

Los Angeles provides no limit of things to do, some awesome and some not so awesome. Since time is precious in this fast paced city we curate a list of things to do in Los Angeles for every weekend that’ll help you decide how you want to spend your limited supply of attention (not to mention dollars!).

This weekend, from Friday, October 19 to Sunday, October 21, features Triforium Fridays, Front Porch Cinema, Los Angeles Archives Bazaar, A Zombie Ballet, The 28th Annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair, Eastside Food Festival and MUCH more.

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Remember you can always go to our L.A. events calendar page to get an updated rundown of what’s happening around the city. Hope you find the rundown useful and, as always, enjoy your weekend!

Sherman Oaks Street Fair

Image via Sherman Oaks Street Fair


Keep in mind that while we retain complete editorial control of our content, for some of the ticketing options provided we utilize affiliate links and receive a commission if you purchase through our links.

Friday October 19th, 2018

1. Notorious RBG: The Life and Times of Ruth Bader Ginsburg opens at The Skirball Cultural Canter this Friday. From October 19, 2018 to March 10, 2019 guests are invited to explore the life and career of Ruth Bader Ginsburg through a collection of contemporary art, archives, interactives, archival photographs and more. Each gallery section will allude to a song by the Notorious B.I.G. as the name of the exhibit suggests, and will playfully bring out the similarities between the two.

2. One of the biggest electronic acts in the world, The Crystal Method, is set to play under L.A.’s oldest bridge this Friday! Presented by KCRW, the night will also include curated food vendors, a craft bar, performance poetry and opening act LondonBridge!

3. The Triforium is a huge public art piece with colorful glass panels located in Fletcher-Bowron Square. It was meant to perform light and music shows but due to a plethora of issues, it was never executed, and it has stood silent for decades… until now. Experience The Triforium restored and modernized to react to real time live performances! Three concerts will take place on the next three Fridays featuring artists including Reggie Watts, the LA Opera, and Taikoprojects. FREE

4. Front Porch Cinema (October 18-21) offers four straight days of classic films screened at the Santa Monica Pier, with access to all the fun amenities and attractions the pier has to offer including rides, games, food and more. FREE

5. The Haunted Hayride returns September 29-October 31 at The Old Zoo in Griffith Park featuring four different Scare Zones, including trick or treating in a blood-curdling neighborhood and riding on the Scary-Go-Round and taking a ride on the main attraction the Haunted Hayride. Check for discounted tickets on select days. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

6. Face your fears during Universal Studios Hollywood Horror Nights happening Thursday through Saturdays till November 3. This year, the Stranger Things maze is the main attraction. You’ll also get to experience bone chilling attractions by American Horror Story, The Shining, Halloween, KrampusAsh vs. The Evil Dead and Walking Dead. Check for discounted tickets on select days. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

7. Long Beach Zombie Fest returns Oct. 19 – 21 and invites guests to dress as corpses and shuffle down Rainbow Lagoon Park in a massive crowd of fellow undead. The festival also includes an assortment of activities like an interactive maze, a scavenger hunt, a Michael Jackson Thriller dance workshop, costume contest, art installations, music, a Little Shop of Horrors marketplace and more. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

8. Critically acclaimed, avant-garde haunt Creep returns with ‘Awake.’ The walkthrough thrusts participants through a 75-minute series of horrific situations in a shockingly cinematic fashion. As a result, you are placed face-to-face with your worst fears, presenting an incredibly unique and intimate horror experience. Happening at ROW DTLA on select Wednesdays through Sundays.

9. The Sivley family is back for their 47th year of hosting the award winning, Beware the Dark Realm a haunted house experience in the city of Santa Clarita. The haunt will run every Friday and Saturday thorough the end of the month. FREE

10Nights of the Jack is a half mile trail filled with thousands of hand-carved and illuminated Jack O’Lanterns. Family friendly and located in Calabasas, the experience is filled with pumpkins carved into notable animated characters, movie stars, sports heroes, and many more. Happening Wednesday through Sunday.

11. Celebrate the best of modern design, furnishings and more at the WestEdge Design Fair (October 18-21) with over 200 exhibitors, classes, demonstrations and much more. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

12. Head down to OC Fair & Event Center from Oct. 19-21 for to experience Japan right here in California! Now in it’s 9th year, OC Japan Fair will include a wide variety of Japanese food, art, pop culture, music and much more throughout its 3-day run.

13. Los Angeles’ favorite pampering bi-annual event, Spa Week, is back, with some of the best relaxation and self-care deals to be found from top spas for just $50.

14. Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre in North Hollywood presents their annual Halloween iteration of Urban Death. Guests will wind through a short maze before entering a darkened theater where series of disturbing vignettes will be presented one after another. Happening Friday and Saturday. Check for discounted tickets on select days. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

15. Climb aboard the 18th Annual Ghost Train in Griffith Park all weekend and ride on their iconic train into a spooky setting of animatronics, projections and pyrotechnic. The ride is family friendly with no blood, gore or actors jumping out to scare you like most Halloween experiences.

16. Alpine Village Oktoberfest celebrates 50 years! The fun kicks off this Friday with traditional Bavarian fun like Oom Pah Pah party bands, German fare, and delicious cold German beers. Oktoberfest runs Fridays and Saturdays September 7 through October 27.

17. Pumpkin Nights at Fairplex feature over 3,000 carved pumpkins across eight pumpkin-themed lands accompanied with special pumpkin fire and magic shows, carvings, and plenty more. Happening October 12 through November 4.

18. Americana and Blues fans rejoice can head over to The Theatre at Ace Hotel this Friday for “Across the Great Divide” a benefit concert featuring John Prine, Lee Ann Womack, Bob Weir, Lucinda Williams, Larkin Poe and more.

19. DTLA Film Fest (Oct. 17-21) happening at Regal L.A. LIVE and various other venues near by will screen 31 feature films, 77 short films, TV pilots and webseries episodes. This year will also mark the launch of Immersive, the festival’s first VR-AR series.

20. The Fairplex transform into a German playground for Oktoberfest on October 19-20. Expect Bavarian music, chicken dancing, bratwurst and pretzels while knocking back some authentic German beers. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

21. Haunted Little Tokyo is presenting a series of Japanese horror films from some of the best horror visionaries this month. The series continues with a screening of Mary and the Witch’s Flower (Hiromasa Yonebayashi) at Japanese Village Plaza.

22. Drive to the Peterson Automobile museum and head straight to parking level P3 for a special 25th anniversary screening of Jurassic Park.

23. Odd Nights At The Autry feature a collection of over 200 vendors, 20 gourmet food trucks, a beer garden, custom handmade treasures and live local bands.

24. Los Angeles County Museum of Art hosts free jazz performances on Fridays through November. Concerts take place at the main entrance. FREE

25. The 19th Annual Reign of Terror is one of the largest haunted houses in Southern California, containing a total of eight unique themes spread among 105 separate rooms in over 23,000 square foot space.

Saturday October 20th, 2018

26. The 13th Annual Los Angeles Archives Bazaar welcomes guests to enjoy a massive catalogue of archives, memories and information open for the public to peruse and explore along with a special screening of “Lost L.A.” FREE

27. Headlined by Gorillaz, Demon Dayz features a massive lineup of musical artists including The Internet, Erykah Badu, DRAM and many more at the Pico Rivera Sports Arena.

28. This Saturday things get spicy at Santa Anita Park with the return of the Hot Wings & Craft Beer Festival. Sample an assortment of creative chicken wings then wash it down with a cold brew, all while enjoying an Autumn day at the races. We Like L.A. readers can save $10 on tickets by using the special promo code WINGS18 when purchasing tickets.

29. The 4th annual Politicon (Oct 20-21) is a weekend filled with panels, debates, screenings, podcasts, comedy shows and more. Guests included Chelsea Handler, Jake Tapper, and Ann Coulter.

30. Visit the largest street festival in Los Angeles at Taste of Soul. The event, now in its 13th year, features live music across multiple stages, a Budweiser Beer Garden, a Children’s Zone, and countless vendors available throughout the grounds. FREE

31. Come experience the 3rd annual Oktoberfest at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles, featuring Californian brews alongside authentic German ales for tasting and purchase. Traditional Oktoberfest faire will be available as well as live music and dancing. Pre-purchase admission tickets are $5 and VIP tickets are available for $65.

32. Spatial Reality: Artists Explore the Future of XR is a new experimental exhibit coming to sp[a]ce gallery at Ayzenberg in Pasadena where some 25 artists will exhibit work in the mediums of augmented reality, virtual reality, and mixed reality. The exhibit runs weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) from October 13 to 28. General admission tickets are free, with premium VIP experiences also available for purchase. FREE

33. Sweet Sorrow is a merging of zombies and ballet in a horrifyingly beautiful spectacle! The show, which is the only annual ballet of the Halloween season in Los Angeles, shares an original story of Romeo and Juliet, following the duo after their deaths.

34. Sunstock Solar Festival is a music and arts festival powered by solar energy. The green-minded, zero waste celebration includes live performances by Karmic, Cayucas, a reunion show by The Epilogues and more. A beer garden, art installations, food trucks, and several other activities will also be available. FREE

35. Catch a classic horror double feature at The Vista Theatre thanks to Secret Movie Club. The Wolf Man and The Invisible Man will be shown in succession beginning at 10 a.m. with both selections projected in 35mm prints. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

36. A massive new food hall and grocery warehouse called Craving by 99 Ranch Market grand opens this weekend at the Chino Spectrum Marketplace. The 56,000 square-foot space will feature a grocery store, nine select food vendors and a beer & wine bar called “Piju.”

37. Once every month Griffith Observatory hosts a free public star party allowing the public to view through telescopes to see the stars and beyond as well as discuss with knowledgeable amateur astronomers about our solar system. FREE

38. Enjoy over 85 craft beers at the Burbank Beer Festival & Street Fair plus live music and other entertainment.

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39. Come fundraise to help homeless animals with a walk around Exposition Park during Strut Your Mutt LA. The walk will finish with a family friendly festival with food trucks, and activities.

40. Enjoy a bit of spooky fall family fun at Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City every Thursday through Sunday.

41. Unbound Productions’ site-specific Wicked Lit returns to the Mountain View Mausoleum, offering the perfect setting for all new tales of horror. This year, guests will enjoy two theatrical adaptations: Charles Dickens’ The Chimes: A Goblin Story, and Ernest Rhys’ Teig O’Kane and the Corpse. Guests will walk through the mausoleum as they follow both chilling tales. Happening Thursday through Sunday.

42. Knott’s Scary Farm is back with their signature haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living day light out of you and your crew. Happening Thursdays through Sundays. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

43. The free Beverly Hills artSHOW happening on October 20-21 will showcase over 200 artists ranging from pantings and sculptures to ceramics and jewelry on display across four blocks. FREE

44. There’s a 12-hour 80’s Horror Sequels Movie Marathon brought to you by Secret Sixteen, Friday Night Frights, The Mall and The Voyager Institute. Happening at Dynasty Typewriter at The Hayworth.

45. Stop by the Alexandria Hotel in DTLA and walk into The Wolves, Los Angeles’ most interesting cocktail bar to date. The ever-changing menu has a whole host of ingredients made in-house including bitters and vermouths.

46. The W Hollywood will throw an outdoor viewing party celebrating Lebron James’ highly anticipated first home game with the Lakers. Happening at The Station starting 7:30 p.m. the game will be shown on a 30-foot screen, and guests will be able to order from a Lakers and Lebron themed menu food and cocktails menu.

47. Street Food Cinema returns this weekend with screenings of Coco at LA State Historic Park in Los Angeles, Shaun of the Dead at Will Rogers State Historic Park in Pacific Palisades and Halloween at Eagle Rock Rec Center. Select screenings are discounted via Goldstar. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

48. The South Pasadena Arts Crawl is an all ages free event featuring art exhibitions, activities, live music, open houses, food and drink specials throughout the business district on Mission Street, and adjacent blocks. FREE

49. The 10th Anniversary of Jazz in Pink will feature jam sessions, panels from those working in the industry, vendors and more.

50. Head to the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens for Boo at the Zoo on any Saturday or Sunday during the month of October for a large assortment of seasonal activities for the whole family. Featuring live, expert pumpkin carvings, Halloween games, a mini pumpkin patch and plenty more.

51. Heritage Square Museum in Montecito Heights is hosting a movie screening of What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? this Saturday night.

Sunday October 21st, 2018

52. The 28th Annual Sherman Oaks Street Fair is San Fernando Valley’s largest single day event. Enjoy a plethora of activities and offerings, including a zip line, a ferris wheel, food trucks, live performances and over 200 vendors. FREE

53. Explore the galleries and space in Chung King Plaza (located in Chinatown) as it transforms itself into A.G. Geiger’s Art Book Fair. The event, which is free and open to the public, includes a series of publishers presenting their work including, a zine section, live music, discussion and more. FREE

54. Head to Mack Sennet Studios for Eastside Food Festival for a celebration of food, drink, comedy, and music that highlights the eastside’s vibrant culture. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

55. Take the family to Kidspace Children’s Museum in Pasadena for Haunted Arroyo. A museum after hours party, the evening will boasts a wide range of activities including potion making, glow-in-the-dark painting, a slime station, lantern crafting a Monster Mash dance party and more.

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56. The Outlaw Music Festival makes a stop at The Hollywood Bowl for a day of music from some of outlaw country’s most celebrated artists including Willie Nelson and Phil Lesh as headliners.

57. The Norton Simon Museum will host a Fall Family Festival this Sunday, from 1-3 p.m. A fun-filled creativity-themed event the day will celebrate music and movement in the Museum’s galleries.

58. Love the car brand Subaru? Head down to Subiefest, taking place at Santa Anita Park and explore a car show, vendors, family friendley activities and more.

59. The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor will transform into a seaport of the damned for the Halloween season with terrifying mazes and monsters at every turn. Happening Thursdays and through Sundays through Nov. 2. Check for discounted tickets before making your purchase. DISCOUNTED (via Goldstar)

60. There’s a Halloween Family Festival happening at Boomtown Brewery with kid friendly fun like a bounce house, face painting, arts and crafts, trick or treating and plenty of craft beer for adults.

Food Pick for the Week

This week’s pick by Christina Champlin, Co-Founder of We Like L.A.

The 6th Annual Vegan Chili Cook Off at Tony’s Darts Away takes place this Sunday, October 21. Celebrated vegan Chef Tal Ronnen of Crossroads Kitchen will lead the judging panel as five teams of chefs compete in an epic chili battle. Chef Caroline Concha of Beelman’s and Maggie Ortlieb, founder of VegOut LA will join Chef Ronnen on the judging panel. Plant-based LA chefs include: Avocadamama, Clean South LA, Krimsey’s Cajun Kitchen, Taqueria la Venganza and Word of Mouth Truck. Admission to the event cost $10 and includes five 3oz tastes of chili plus a ballot to vote for the People’s Choice winner. A portion of proceeds will benefit Freedom + Rescue Project.


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