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Let’s get your weekend into motion!
For this October 3-5 in Los Angeles, you’ll find Carved at Descanso Gardens, a Dumpling & Beer Fest in San Gabriel, Made in L.A. Public Opening Night at The Hammer, the Muertos Artwalk, Gather & Grow in Santa Monica, PetCon at PetSpace, Dogtoberfest, Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch, and more.
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Oktoberfest at Fairplex -> Starting this Friday, the Fairplex transform into a fantastical Bavarian Oktoberfest every Friday and Saturday with live oompah bands, DJs and plenty of German food and beers to go around. Oktoberfest will run through October 18. Tickets cost $16 – $19. 21+ only. More info here.
Carved at Descanso Gardens -> Descanso Gardens’ family-friendly Carved returns for 2025 this Friday with a freshly thought out pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route, hundreds of carved pumpkins, and kid-friendly activities. The experience will run nightly through October 30. Tickets run $27-$45 for non-members. Get more info here.
Urban Death Tour of Terror at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre -> Starting this Friday, Zombie Joe’s annual tradition of Urban Death is back with a brand new series of terrifying vignettes, bookended by walks through a creepy maze. The haunt will run every Friday and Saturday through November 1. Advance tickets are $24 online, or it’s $28 at door. Get more info here.
First Fridays in Chinatown – M FA > Every first Friday of the month, L.A.’s Chinatown stays open late for an evening of exploring the unique small businesses and contemporary art and culture spaces that make up the historic neighborhood. West Plaza and Chungking Road activate with local pop-up vendors, DJ-spun music, and extended hours at neighborhood art galleries (to 6 to 10 p.m.). There is also a concurrent Damnoen Saduak Night Market at Central Plaza (5 to 11 p.m.) All free to attend. More info here.
Dumpling & Beer Fest – > The annual Dumpling & Beer Fest returns to the Mission District of San Gabriel this year with 20 vendors on Friday. Admission is free, and if you’re 21 or older, you can purchase tickets for the beer garden ($50), for unlimited beer samples from regional breweries. More info here.
Delusion: Harrowing Of Hell – M > Thirteenth Floor’s Delusion Halloween series is back at a new location at the Variety Arts Theater in DTLA. This year’s conceptual “moving play” immerses guests in the world of Pagan’s Path, described as “a supernatural cult that has taken the metaphors of Dante’s inferno too far.” Performances run this Thursday to Sunday, then continue on select dates through November 9. GA tickets start $113 including fees. More info here.
Reign of Terror Haunted House -> The award-winning Reign of Terror Haunted House in Thousand Oaks is back now for its 25th season. This year’s haunt features 142 rooms in 11 different, inter-connected sections within 32,000 square feet of floor space. Standards tickets start at $42.99. The experience runs this Friday to Saturday, then continues select dates through November 2. More info here.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns -> Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is back a new South Bay Location. This year the experience takes over South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes on select nights (including this Friday to Sunday) through November 2. Expect a wandering path featuring thousands of glowing, hand-carved jack o’lanterns, plus enchanting light displays, towering inflatables, and playful bouncy pads. Tickets start at $24.99. More info here.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch -> Culver City’s favorite pumpkin village offers plenty of family fun, including photo ops in front of giant pumpkin installations, a straw maze, a super slide, petting zoo, giant rocking horses, and pumpkin decorating sessions. Mr. Bones kicks off this Saturday, and will continue daily through October 31. General admission cost between $15 to $17 depending on date and tickets for activities need to be purchased online ahead of time. There’s also a “Plus Pass” for $70 that covers unlimited access to select activities and entrance to an exclusive tent. More info here.
Made in L.A. 2025 Public Opening Night – FA TP > Made in L.A. is the Hammer Museum’s signature biennial exhibition highlighting artists practicing throughout the greater Los Angeles area, and per usual, they’re marking the debut of the 2025 edition with a big public celebration this Saturday Expect evening access to galleries paired with music in the courtyard, plus food and drink available for purchase all night. And it’s all free to attend! Keep in mind the exhibition will open to the public on October 5, and will be on view through March 1, 2026. More info here.
Adopt a Plant – M FA > The Plant Chica in Leimert Park is hosting its last Adopt A Plant event of the year on Saturday this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. They’re giving away 2,000 FREE houseplants! Just show up at the shop (4311 Degnan Blvd.) and be ready to give a new green friend a loving home. More info here.
Muertos Artwalk – M FA > Discover local artists and Olvera Street merchants during the Muertos Artwalk, returning this Saturday. The hand-curated event features a number of vendors offering unique artwork, jewelry, accessories, clothing, face painting, and more. Free to attend. Runs 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. More info here.
The Oddities Flea Market – > On Saturday, the Oddities Flea Market takes over the Globe Theatre for a day of off-beat shopping where you’ll find one-of-a-kind curiosities from over 70 vendors. Tickets range $28 to $55. More info here.
Rare Books LA -> Rare Books LA returns to Los Angeles Union Station this Saturday and Sunday with a massive selection of antiquarian books, maps, fine prints, book arts, and more. More than 50 exhibitors from all over the world will be on hand at Ticket Concourse with an massive array of first editions and other historical material. Runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, then 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. More info here.
Heavy Manners Comics Fair – FA > The Heavy Manners Comics Fair is back this Saturday and Sunday. This free-to-attend two-day event at the Heavy Manners Library (1200 N Alvarado St., Los Angeles) features over 40 local artists and cartoonists selling their comics and goods, with a different lineup each day. The fair is co-curated by Mikey Heller (@yoyorobot). Runs noon to 6 p.m. both days. RSVP is encouraged. More info here.
Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana at Tito’s Tacos -> This Saturday, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Tacos are teaming up to celebrate National Vodka Day and National Taco Day, which happen to occur on the same day of the year. Coupled with the food and drink will be entertainment by comedian Eric Schwartz and world famous Mariachi bands. Proceeds will go on to benefit The Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for food and alcohol, $20 for those interested in food only.
Barks & Boos -> On Saturday, the L.A. Arboretum hosts a day of fun for dogs, craft beers and food trucks for humans and pet adoption education for those considering rescuing a dog in need of a home. Coordinate costumes with your pup, and participate in a dog costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Admission for dogs cost $10 and will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and LA Arboretum Foundation. Human admission to the arboretum cost $18. More info here.
The Music Man at The Academy Museum -> This Saturday, a barbershop quartet will open a screening of Meredith Willson’s The Music Man in 35mm at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures as part of the museum’s Family Matinee series. The quartet, called #TheAccidentals, will perform songs from the classic 1962 movie musical, including “Lida Rose” and “Goodnight Ladies,” alongside barbershop standards. The performance is hosted by The Music Man Foundation, whose mission it is to honor Meredith Willson, who wrote the Tony Award-winning musical. Tickets are just $5. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. More info here.
Gather & Grow in Santa Monica – FA > The City of Santa Monica’s Gather & Grow series is back this Saturday at Reed Park with a free day of art and family fun starting at 4 p.m. Don’t miss “Remembering,” a poignant theatrical concert by Aristides Rivas and Meena Malik exploring the immigrant experience. Plus, join a communal Mending Our Spirits circle to repair beloved objects and take part in a Know Your Rights Workshop. Get more info here.
Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden -> South Coast Botanic Garden hosts Dogtoberfest every Saturday and Sunday in October, inviting guests to bring their dogs for a fun day out. New this year is the addition of live music, Oktoberfest-inspired competitions and a lot more activities for dogs. Bavarian-inspired food and beer will be available for purchase. Tickets are $18 per adult and $5 per dog. The $20 VIP options covers four free beer tastings, express lanes, swag, a pretzel necklace and puppuccino for your fur friend. More info here.
PetCon -> Get ready for the ultimate celebration of pets at PetCon 2025, returning to the Wallis Annenberg PetSpace this Saturday and Sunday. Enjoy two full days of pet-friendly fun, including celebrity pet meet-and-greets, adoptable animals, expert panels, and a Halloween-style pet costume contest. Tickets start around $33.95, with 100% of sales going directly to the PetSpace Extraordinary Care Fund. Runs 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. More info here.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2025 Concerts in the Dome series inside the legendary 100-inch telescope dome—renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. The program will be a a winds & strings celebration, with selections curated by Jonah Sirota and featuring works by Hans Gal, Britten, Prokofiev. Two performances will take place at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a reception in between. Tickets are $60. More info here.
Manilla Sound – FA > This Sunday, Benny Boy Brewing in Lincoln Heights hosts the October edition of Manila Sound, a Filipino-American creative collective that creates events featuring music, food, and local vendors. Expect DJ sets highlighting Original Filipino Music plus food offerings from Tatay Ry’s and Mano Po. The event runs from 4 to 9 p.m. Free entry, but it’s 21+ only. More info here.
PCC Flea – FA > The Pasadena City College Flea Market pops up on the first Sunday of every month with some 400 vendors spread throughout multiple parking structures/lots at the Pasadena City College campus. Here you’ll find a seemingly unending assortment of used/vintage clothing, art, records, comics, collectibles, and more. And there are food vendors too! It’s always free to attend. Runs 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. More info here.
Oktoberfest at ACB – M FA > Break out the lederhosen this Sunday Angel City Brewery a Oktoberfest bash where the Public House transforms into a classic German beer hall, serving up brats, pretzels, and traditional German-style beers—don’t forget your specialty boot! Compete in fun contests like stein-hoisting, a sauerkraut-eating contest, and yodeling for a chance to win prizes. Prost! More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
OTOTO’s Annual Sake Fest (October 5) -> OTOTO’s Annual Sake Fest returns Sunday with a lively midday walk-around tasting featuring more than 50 sakes. Importers and distributors will be on hand pouring everything from iconic labels to rare, new-to-market bottles. Light bites from the Tsubaki and OTOTO kitchens are included, and featured sakes will be available for purchase by the bottle to take home. Tickets are $83 via Tock.
Sober October Soirée at Burden of Proof (October 3) -> Kick off Sober October this Friday at Burden of Proof with a free party that proves you don’t need booze to have fun. Expect an open bar pouring Plaid Circus’ brand-new line of barrel-aged ready-to-drink cocktails, plus a live DJ, magician, and pizza from Pizza Ananda available for purchase. The party runs 5–8 p.m., and complimentary tickets are available with RSVP.
Frogtown Brewery 9th Anniversary (October 3-5) -> Frogtown Brewery is turning nine, and they’re celebrating with a weekend full of events. Friday kicks off with a new beer release, Saturday brings live jazz in the Beer Garden, and Sunday is Prince George Day, featuring the 2025 release of their award-winning Bourbon Barrel-Aged Porter plus live music. Also on Sunday, snag a Donut & Beer Pairing Flight with Donut Friend for $30. More info here.
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