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You ready for October in Los Angeles? We’ve scoured event calendars far and wide to bring you the best of what’s happening in the city of angels as fall commences. The list includes horror experiences, seasonal festivals, Oktoberfests, free community gatherings and concerts, Día de los Muertos celebrations, art shows, art openings, art nights… yeah we know, it’s a lot. But that’s all part of the fun right?
Planning starts below.
Things To Do This October
This month’s BIG LIST is #sponsored by BELLATOR MMA 286, bringing exciting mixed martial
arts action to the Long Beach Arena on Saturday, October 1. Tickets on sale now via
Ticketmaster.
Nights of the Jack (September 30 through October 31) -> The annual 1-mile trail of Halloween lights and jack o’lanterns at King Gillette Ranch returns this Friday, and continues on select dates through Halloween night. In addition to the signature walk, expect live pumpkin carving demos, face painting, a souvenir shop, and a “spookeasy” offering adult beverages for sale. Admission runs $29.99-$44.99 depending on which day of the week you attend. Get more info here.
Urban Death Tour of Terror (September 30 through October 31) -> 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. Performances begin this Friday, and continue on Fridays and Saturdays through October 29, with two bonus shows on Sunday, October 30 and Halloween Monday, October 31. Advance tickets are $20 per person. More info here.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (now through October 31) -> The signature Halloween experience held in Griffith Park continues on select dates through Halloween. Visitors will experience a revamped version of Midnight Falls, a fictional horror-town filled with roaming monsters, a haunted mortuary and macabre theatre. Hayride-only tickets start at $29.99, and GA tickets for all attractions start at $39.99. Get more info here.
Halloween Horror Nights (now through October 31)-> Scary season continues at Universal Studios with a fall horror takeover featuring the signature Terror Tram, plus a litany of scare zones, lives shows, and eight different haunted houses, including a nightmare experience based on The Weeknd’s After Hours video series. GA tickets start at $72, but VIP and express packages can push the price point well over $300 depending on the offer. Runs on select dates through October 31. Get more info here.
Haunt O’ Ween (September 30 through October 31) -> Haunt O’ Ween’s 200,000 square-foot playground of Halloween-themed games, performances, rides, and attractions is back in Woodland Hills on select dates through October 31. GA tickets run $36-$44. Get more info here.
Reign of Terror Haunted House (now through October 31) -> This award-winning haunted house and walkthrough experience located in Thousand Oaks is now in its 22nd season. The 2022 edition features 135 (!) rooms in 10 different, inter-connected sections within 28,000 square feet of floor space. Standards tickets are $30. Available on select dates through Nov. 5. More info here.
Beyond Fest (now through October 23) -> The 10th anniversary lineup for Beyond Fest offers a bold of lineup of 63 films screened across 5 Los Angeles locations: Aero Theatre, Los Feliz 3, TCL Chinese Theatre, Hollywood Legion Theatre and IMAX Headquarters/Playa Vista. And the best part? Many of the screenings are free. See the full film schedule here.
Batty for Bats (October 1) -> Wildlife education org Teranga Ranch comes to Sun Valley urban farm Hungry Gardens for a special educational session on the winged creatures, including facts on which bats live in our area, what they eat, and how they communicate. The session is free and open to the public, no reservation required. Runs 5:30 to 7 p.m. More info here.
NAIJA FEST (October 1) NAIJA FEST brings a celebration of Nigerian culture to DTLA’s Grand Park. Expect a fashion show, kids game, a dance competition, and more. Free to attend. More info here.
36th Annual California Avocado Festival (October 1-2) -> Take a drive up the coast to visit the 36th Annual California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria. The two-day event includes an Avocado Expo, a food court with loads of creative ‘cado inspired dishes, an arts and crafts venue, plus three stages of live music with over 60 performers scheduled. Entry is free. More info here.
Boo At The Zoo ( October 1-31) -> 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 an assortment of family-friendly, seasonal activities, including open-air shows, animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, and education stations. Entry is included with zoo admission, which starts at $22 for adults. More info here.
Cat Con (October 1-2) -> Catch the latest in feline culture at this two-day expo in Pasadena featuring cat-centric merchandise, workshops, and performances. Individual day GA tickets start at $42 per person. Get more info here.
Angel City Oktoberfest (October 2) -> Oktoberfest at Angel City Brewery includes special beers on tap, an Oompa band, contests in kraut eating as well as stein hoisting plus tasty German bites including pretzels from Röckenwagner and brats from Huntington Meats. More info here.
Japan Family Day (October 2) This one-day event at Santa Anita Park includes a live taiko drum performance, cosplay contest, and J-pop performance. Free admission with online sign-up. More info here.
Cochon555’s Heritage Fire (October 2) -> Cochon555’s Heritage Fire returns to Los Angeles with an all-star lineup of local chefs and artisans gathering to celebrate heritage breed livestock and heirloom produce. The all-inclusive event features unlimited food, a bevy of wines, cocktails, craft beers and live entertainment. Happening at The Westin Bonaventure Hotel in DTLA. General admission costs $99 and VIP is $150. More info here.
14th Annual Hola Mexico Film Festival (October 2-10) -> The 2022 Hola México festival is the largest Mexican Film Festival outside of México, with the nine-day lineup featuring screenings at the Montalbán Theatre, LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes, and Regal Cinemas LA LIVE. See the full slate and get tickets for individual events here.
Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana at Tito’s Tacos (October 4) -> 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 Mariachi entertainment and live comedy. Proceeds will go on to benefit The Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation. Tickets cost $30 for food and alcohol, $15 for those interested in food only. More info here.
Rock 2ND & PCH (October 6, 13, 27) -> Long Beach’s 2ND & PCH hosts a free concert series on three select Thursdays in October, features a selection of top Southern California tribute bands playing iconic hits from artists including Bruno Mars, Fleetwood Mac and Journey. All shows free to attend. More info here.
Carved at Descanso Gardens (October 7-31) -> Descanso Gardens’ latest version of the family-friendly Carved includes brand new UV light installations by Belgian artists Tom&Lien Dekyvere alongside a hay maze, pumpkin house, and hundreds of carved pumpkins inside the Camellia Forest. Tickets run $32-$38 for non-members. Get more info here.
Oktoberfest at Fairplex (October 7-22) -> The Fairplex transform into a fantastical Bavarian Oktoberfest every Friday and Saturday with live oompah bands, DJs and even a No Doubt tribute band plus German food and plenty of beers to go around. Tickets cost $10 – $15. This is a 21+ event. More info here.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (October 7-30) -> 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. Tickets range from $8-30, depending on date of attendance. More info here.
Grand Park 10th Anniversary Concert (October 8) -> Grand Park celebrates their 10th Anniversary with a free concert featuring performances by Tolliver, Boogaloo Assassins and Las Cafeteras. Get more info here.
The Oddities Flea Market (October 8-9) -> The Oddities Flea Market takes over the Globe Theatre for an off-beat shopping experience where you’ll find three floors of one-of-a-kind curiosities such as anatomical items, natural history items, osteological specimens, taxidermy crafts and more for sale. Tickets cost $20 for general admission and $50 for VIP. More info here.
Culver City Art Walk and Roll Festival (October 8) -> A four-block stretch of Washington Blvd will close to traffic for a day-long event featuring distinguished artists, live music, eclectic food trucks, wine and beer gardens, tastings, fun kid’s activities, interactive art experiences, and more. Free and open to the public. More info here.
Hollyhock House Family Lawn Party (October 8) -> Bring the kids in your life to Barnsdall Park for a morning lawn gathering featuring a puppet show from Bob Baker Marionette Theater followed by family crafts. The one hour event is free. More info here.
CicLAvia: Heart of the City (October 9) -> CicLAvia – Heart of LA brings the city’s biggest open streets event to Downtown Los Angeles for a route that includes hubs in Chinatown, Mariachi Plaza, Echo Park, and Grand Park. Get more info here.
Listening By The Moonrise (October 9) -> Clockshop’s quarterly Listening By Moonrise series is back at Los Angeles State Historic Park with a featured performance by Jeremiah Chiu & Marta Sofia Honer. More info here.
The Hammer’s Fall Exhibition Celebration (October 9) -> The Hammer Museum hosts a Fall Exhibitions Celebration featuring music in the courtyard and a cash bar, along with evening access to the museum’s newest exhibitions. Get more info here.
Pasadena ArtNight (October 14) -> The fall edition of Pasadena’s bi-annual ArtNight includes free activations at 20+ partner locations, including the Gamble House, Armory Center for the Arts, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum. Runs 6 to 10 p.m. Get more info here.
Dumpling Beer Fest (October 14) -> Dumpling & Beer Fest takes over the historic Mission District in San Gabriel for a night of highlighting tasty dumpling vendors, craft beer, live music and more. Early-bird beer tasting wristbands are available for $30 through September 30 prices will go up to $35 after September 3. More info here.
FIGat7th Oktoberfest (October 14-15) -> DTLA shopping center FIGat7th celebrates Oktoberfest with a two-day event packed full of danceable DJ sets, traditional brats, and a beer garden featuring brews from Smog City, Crown & Hops, Enegren, Stone Brewing, Common Space Brewing, and Benny Boy Brewing. Entry is to the event is free. Get more info here.
The Getty’s Indigenous People’s Day (October 15) -> The Getty celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a hands-on workshop, curator-led tours, and a special spoken word performance, all presented in conjunction with the exhibition Reinventing the Américas: Construct. Erase. Repeat.
¡Jotería! at LA Plaza (October 15) -> LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes’ ¡Jotería! highlights queer Latinx Culture through a free screening of Bamby Salcedo’s documentary QueenCiañera along with music, vendors, food, arts and crafts, and panels. The event starts at 4 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
Mt. Wilson Open House (October 15) -> Mt. Wilson Observatory and the California Art Club join forces to celebrate the marriage of science and the visual arts with an Observatory Open House, an all day Paint/Sculpt-out, a display of selected works of art from the “Mars, An Artistic Mission” exhibit. Runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. More info here.
80’s Oktoberfest (October 15) -> My Valley Pass turns back the clock on Okotberfest with DJ Swedish Egil and beers from a selection of top SFV breweries. Free to attend and family-friendly. Runs 4 to 8 p.m. Get more info here.
Binge Free Festival (October 15 – November 6) -> Santa Monica’s version of Fringe Festival offers three-plus weeks of free performances workshops, readings, music and poetry to the Santa Monica Playhouse. All shows are free, but tickets must be reserved in advance. Get more info here.
Beverly Hills Art Show (October 15-16) -> The fall edition of the bi-annual Beverly Hills Art Show comes to Beverly Gardens Park with over 200 artists expected to participate. Free to attend. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. More info here.
Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park (October 15-16 and 23-24) -> Oktoberfest returns to Santa Anita Park for two weekends of Bavarian beer tastings, steins, live music, dancing, and all that comes with this German themed celebration. Tickets start at $25. More info here.
Enchanted Garden at L.A. Arboretum (October 16) -> The first-ever adult Halloween event at L.A. Arboretum offers an evening of whimsy and intrigue, including themed cocktails, roaming magicians, tarot readings, and up-close nature encounters, all in a beautiful garden setting. Tickets start at $40 for non-members. Get more info here.
BlocktoberFest (October 16) -> Culver City’s Maple Block Meat Co. goes all-in for a day of BBQ, games, and live music, along with brews from Three Weavers, Paperback and El Segundo Brewing. Tickets (including unlimited food samples) starting at $55 per person, with an unlimited drink-plus-food ticket going for $75. More info here.
Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder (opening October 20) -> Forest Lawn Museum hosts an opening reception for a new exhibition examining the storied history the Bob Baker Marionette Theater. Bob Baker Marionette Theater: 60 Years of Joy & Wonder will remain on view through March 19, 2023. The exhibition is free to visit during open museum hours.
Cemetery Lane (October 19-30) -> The victorian homes at Heritage Square Museum get a haunted makeover during this throw back trick-or-treat experience. There will be 13 themed trick-or-treat stops in all, and tickets are $27-$32 depending on time of entry. More info here.
Forget About Spaghetti Festival (October 20-30) -> The Elysian Theater’s new comedy festival celebrates the theater’s one-year anniversary with ten nights of performances, including 17 new, original works and 6 free secret shows. Get more info here.
P-22 Day Festival (October 22) -> The annual celebration of the big cat who crossed two freeways in now in its seventh year. This year’s festivities offer plenty of exhibits and activities, including a P-22 photo booth, an urban wildlife garden installation, live music, and much more. Free to attend. More info here.
Grand Ave Art: All-Access (October 22) -> Grand Ave Arts: All-Access bands together over 10 arts and culture institutions along Grand Avenue for a day of art, activations, and family fun. Highlights include an instrument petting zoo at Colburn School, Día de los Muertos altars and art at Grand Park, a live recital from the LA Opera , and augmented reality tours and experiences. All activities free to attend. Get more info here.
L.A. Archives Bazaar (October 22) -> If you’re a Los Angeles history nerd, you won’t want to miss the trove of historical treasures at the annual L.A. Archives Bazaar, presented by L.A. as Subject and the USC Libraries. Free to attend. Get more info here.
Halloween Hootenanny Craft Beer Festival (October 22) -> The second annual festival brings 40+ craft breweries, cideries, wineries & kombucha makers to the Museum of Latin American Art for a one-day event. GA tickets start at $45 per person. More info here.
Fall Festival at The Original Farmers Market (October 22-33) -> The Original Farmers Market’s annual Fall Festival offers plenty of family-friendly fun, including a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, arts and crafts, pie-eating contests, and plenty of live music. More info here.
Pop-Up Magazine at Ace (October 24) -> The live multimedia experience returns with its fall issue on to The Ace Hotel Theatre with a special theme of “Love Stories.” Expect storytelling and spoken word presentations backed by illustration, animation, film, photography, and original music. Tickets start at $39. Get more info here.
Day of the Dead at El Pueblo (October 25 – November 2) -> In celebration of Día de Muertos, the Olvera Street Plaza will be decorated with altars for the public to view along with nightly processions and theatrical performances. More info here.
Bienvenido A La Twilight Zone (October 27-28) -> Lucha VaVOOM is back at The Mayan Theater this October for a special two-night Halloween event featuring their inimitable blend of Mexican wrestling, burlesque dancers, aerialists, and comedians. GA tickets start at $45 per person. Get more info here.
Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party (October 29) -> One of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods is throwing a 21+ block party for spooky season. Free to attend, the party will feature live music, a full bar, costume contest, and food. More info here.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever (October 29) -> The 23rd Annual Día de los Muertos festival at Hollywood Forever returns featuring unique daytime and evening events. Programming varies for the day/night events, but for both expect altars, traditional dance, art exhibits, culinary vendors, and a ceremonial procession. GA tix start at $35 for day, $55 for night. Get more info here.
Día de los Muertos at Pacoima City Hall (October 29) -> Día de los Muertos comes to the San Fernando Valley in the form of an afternoon festival at Pacoima City Hall featuring community altars, food, and music. Free to attend. Runs noon to 8 p.m. Get more info here.
Día de los Muertos at Forest Lawn (October 30) -> Forest Lawn’s is hosting Día de los Muertos events at three locations through L.A. County on October 30. Each includes special altars plus traditional folklórico and mariachi music. All are free to attend. Get more info here.
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