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Fall is in the air, and some of the city’s best seasonal to-dos on are deck.
In view this October in Los Angeles you’ll find the annual slew of Halloween haunts and experiences, the Muertos Artwalk on Olvera Street, Night Out at LACMA, Pasadena ArtNight, CicLAvia: Heart of LA, Made in LA at The Hammer, a Fall Exhibitions Celebration at the Skirball, Taste of Soul, Beverly Hills Art Show, the Festival of Flight, P-22 Day, and more.
Things To Do This October
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular! (now through November 9)- TP > Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular! brings more than 100 spirited puppets to life in a one-hour, family-friendly Halloween revue. Expect whimsical musical numbers, plenty of seasonal charm, and a Día de los Muertos sequence that celebrates the holiday and honors the community. Tickets are $28 per person. More info here.
Reign of Terror Haunted House (now through November 2) -> This award-winning haunted house and walkthrough experience located in Thousand Oaks is now in its 24th season. The 2024 edition features 142 rooms in 11 different, inter-connected sections within 32,000 square feet of floor space. Standards tickets start at $42.99. More info here.
Oktoberfest at Fairplex (October 3-18) -> 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. Tickets cost $16 – $19. This is a 21+ event. More info here.
Carved at Descanso Gardens (October 3-30) -> Descanso Gardens’ family-friendly Carved returns with a pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route, hundreds of carved pumpkins and kid-friendly activities. Tickets run $27-$45 for non-members. Get more info here.
Urban Death at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre (October 3 through November 1) -> 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. Runs on Fridays and Saturdays with multiple performances each night. Advance tickets are $24 online, or it’s $28 at door. Get more info here.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (now through November 2) -> Dark Harbor returns to the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach with terrifying characters, haunted mazes, live entertainment, ghostly experiences, sinister eats and secret speakeasies hidden inside and around Dark Harbor’s mazes and attractions. Tickets start at $45.99. More info here.
Nights of the Jack (now through November 1) -> The annual 1-mile trail of Halloween lights and jack o’lanterns at King Gillette Ranch continues on select dates through November 1. In addition to the signature walk, expect live pumpkin carving demos, a souvenir shop, and a “spookeasy” offering adult beverages for sale. Admission runs $29-$49 depending on which day of the week you attend. More info here.
Dumpling and Beer Fest (October 3) – FA > The Dumpling and Beer Fest returns to the Mission District of San Gabriel this year with 20 vendors. 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.
Street Food Cinema (select dates in October) -> The longtime outdoor movie series continues with a weekly schedule of horror movies that includes stops at Autry, Grand Hope Park, Ford Theatre, Million Dollar Theatre and Heritage Square. Advanced GA tickets start at $28.88. More info here.
Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden (October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 25, 26) -> 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.
The Oddities Flea Market (October 4) – > 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.
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (October 4-31) -> 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. 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.
Muertos Artwalk (October 4) – M FA > Discover local artists and Olvera Street merchants during the Muertos Artwalk. 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.
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 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 (October 4) -> 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.
Made in L.A. 2025 Public Opening Night (October 4) – 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. 2025 opening soon. 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.
Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (October 5, 19) -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2025 Concerts in the Dome series inside the legendary 100-inch telescope dome—renowned for its extraordinary acoustics. Two concerts will take place at 3 p.m. and 5 p.m., with a reception in between. Tickets are $60. More info here.
Screamfest (October 7-15) -> Screamfest pops up at TCL Chinese Theater for a nine-day lineup of films premiering the newest and most innovative works from American and international independent horror filmmakers. Tickets range from $16 for an individual screening to $300 for a full festival badge. More info here.
Night Out at LACMA (October 8 )-> Night Out brings LACMA exhibitions to life with an evening of after-hours explorations combined with local food trucks, cash bars, DJ sets, and shopping at the LACMA Store. Free to attend with RSVP. Starts at 7 p.m. More info here.
Autry After Hours ( October 9, 16, 23) -> The Autry continues its series of Thursday evening events this October with after-hours museum access and live talks, plus special activations for each night that range from live readings and panels to silkscreen printing workshops. Admission is $19 for adults. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Pasadena’s biannual ArtNight (October 10) – M FA TP-> The fall edition of Pasadena’s biannual ArtNight includes free activations at myriad partner locations, including the Arts Center, Armory Center for the Arts, Pasadena City Hall, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum. More info here.
Night Out at The Cube (October 10) -> Night Out at the Cube is back at Discovery Cube Los Angeles for a spooky, 21+ edition on Friday, October 10. From 7 to 11 p.m., explore exhibits while enjoying drinks, bites, and a live DJ. Take on the corn maze, launch pumpkin catapults, enter the costume contest, and solve the clues in the challenging Mystery at the Cube adventure! GA tickets (which include two drinks) start at $36. More info here.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day at The Getty (October 11) – FA M>The Getty celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a special activations, hands-on workshops, and musical performances. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An advance reservation (free) is required. More info here.
Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final (October 11) -> Catch the planet’s most electrifying street dancers at the Red Bull Dance Your Style World Final on October 11 at the Intuit Dome! Champions from 50 countries will battle in this mixed-style showdown, featuring hip-hop, popping, locking, and more. It’s all pure improv, and the kicker is that audiences will decide the winner for each round. GA tickets start at $42. Get more info here.
15th Annual El Velorio Cultural Celebration (October 11) – > One of L.A. County’s largest Día de los Muertos celebrations returns to Plaza de la Raza for an evening of one-of-a-kind art pieces from over 150 artists plus live performances, Aztec Dancers, food, and craft vendors. GA tickets start at $23. More info here.
LA Beer Fest – Oktoberfest Edition (October 11) -> The semi annual beer fest returns to Los Angeles Center Studios for an Oktoberfest edition featuring music by Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts and a Bavarian beer village with 50 local breweries and a dozen food trucks. Tickets start at $61.79. More info here.
Cinespia (October 11,18,25,31) -> Cinespia’s October lineup of outdoor movie screenings at Hollywood Forever Cemetery includes The Craft to Nightmare on Elm Street and a Scream Halloween Party. Tickets start at $29.99. Parking is extra! More info here.
BLOCtober Boofest (October 11) – M FA > BLOCtober at The Bloc in DTLA returns with a free, festive evening featuring a ton of Halloween fun. The highlight will be an outdoor screening of The Nightmare Before Christmas under the stars. But you can also dress up for retailer trick-or-treating, enjoy face painting, hot apple cider, and photo ops with Jack Skellington. Members of The Bloc Rewards App can even snag a complimentary pumpkin! All free to attend. Runs 5 to 8:30 p.m. More info here.
The Getty Presents Medieval Road Food: Eating and Drinking on the Go (October 12) – FA > Dive into the fascinating history of Medieval Road Food at The Getty! Historian Ken Albala will explore how people ate while traveling in the Middle Ages, from inns to packed provisions. Discover advice from a 1556 physician’s guide and learn how travelers indulged in “junk food” even then. Your $125 ticket includes a lively talk, a food and wine tasting featuring “health foods” and decadent medieval treats, plus three period-inspired wines. Must be 21+. More info here.
CicLAvia Heart of LA (October 12) – M FA > CicLAvia – Heart of LA brings the city’s biggest open streets event to Downtown Los Angeles for a route that connects Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Macarthur Park and Little Tokyo, with plenty of activation hubs spread throughout. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is free to attend. More info here.
The BINGE Fringe Festival of Free Theatre (October 14 through November 16) -> The tenth annual BINGE Fringe Festival of Free Theatre (The BFF) runs from October 14 to November 16 in Santa Monica. The festival features a wide range of free performances—from comedy and Shakespeare to slam poetry and improv—all by local L.A. artists. Best part? All tickets are FREE, but be sure to make reservations for in-person events. More info here.
Fall 2025 Skirball Exhibition Opening (October 16) – FA > The Skirball Cultural Center is hosting a free day of special activities to celebrate three new fall exhibitions: Draw Them In, Paint Them Out: Trenton Doyle Hancock Confronts Philip Guston; Glass Sukkah: This Home Is Not a House; and TORN Project by Susan Lerner. Visit from noon to 5 p.m. for daytime activities including tours and artist talks with Trenton Doyle Hancock, Therman Statom, and Susan Lerner. Or, enjoy an evening viewing from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Mingle with artists and curators while exploring the new exhibitions. It’s all free to attend, but reservations are required. More info here.
UCLA Film & Television Archive Free Fall Screenings (Oct. 17-Dec. 20) – FA > The UCLA Film & Television Archive kicks off its fall season on October 17 with a robust slate of 29 features, 19 shorts, and TV classics, all screened at the Billy Wilder Theater. Catch special events like a restoration of Fred Astaire’s TV specials, a Q&A for the groundbreaking film Wanda, and the world premiere of Eyes on Ukraine. Admission is free and seating is first-come, first-served. More info here.
L.A. Archives Bazaar (October 18) – M FA > Attention SoCal history hounds! L.A. as Subject’s Los Angeles Archives Bazaar returns this October, offering its annual treasure trove of historical treasures to explore as you engage with experts from dozens of institutions and archives. The 2025 event takes place at Golden Eagle Ballroom at Cal State University Los Angeles and is free and open to the public. More info here.
South Pasadena Arts Crawl (October 18) -> South Pasadena’s neighborhood night on the town returns with art exhibitions, interactive activities, music and more. Plus, the nearby Rialto Theatre will be hosting a centennial celebration as part of the Arts Crawl, adding more special programming to the mix including a live performance on the lawn just north of The South Pasadena Preservation Foundation Historical Museum. The Arts Crawl runs from 3 to 9 p.m. More info here.
Taste of Soul (October 18) – M FA > Experience the flavors and culture of South Los Angeles at Taste of Soul. This free family festival on Crenshaw Blvd. between Barack Obama Blvd. and Stocker Avenue draws over 350,000 attendees, showcasing the neighborhood’s best with 150+ vendors. Enjoy soulful cuisine, live performances, and community all in one day. More info here.
Beverly Hills Art Show (October 18-19) – FA > The fall edition of the bi-annual Beverly Hills Art Show comes to Beverly Gardens Park this October with over 200 artists expected to participate, showcasing work in painting, sculpture, watercolor, photography, mixed media, ceramics, glass, jewelry, drawing and printmaking. Runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Free to attend. More info here.
Culver City Art Walk and Roll Festival (October 18) – M FA > A a four-block stretch of Washington Blvd will close to traffic for a day-long event featuring gallery visits, artists, live music, wine and beer gardens, a kids zone, interactive art experiences, and more. Free and open to the public. More info here.
Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market (October 18-19) – FA > The annual Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market offers two days of a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, fall-themed games, live music, kids crafts, and photo opps. Free to attend. Starts at 11 a.m. both days. More info here.
Boo At The Zoo (October 18-19 & 25-26) -> On back-to-back weekends heading into Halloween, swing over to the Los Angeles Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly assortment of seasonal activities, including animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, and trick-or-treating stations. Entry is included with zoo admission, which starts at $27 for adults and $22 for kids. More info here.
Sherman Oaks Street Fair (October 19) – FA >The Sherman Oaks Street Fair brings a day of live performance, carnival games, and vendors to a half-mile stretch of Venture Blvd from Van Nuys to Kester. It’s once again expected to be one of the largest events held in the San Fernando Valley, as it annually draws more than 100,000 attendees. Free to attend. More info here.
Fall Fun Festival (October 24)- FA > The City of San Gabriel’s annual Fall Fun Festival pops up in the Mission District offering a range of family-friendly Halloween activities for all ages. Runs 5 to 9 p.m. and free to attend. More info here.
Grand Ave Arts: All-Access (October 25) – M FA TP > Dive into L.A.’s arts and culture scene when Grand Ave Arts: All Access returns to Downtown Los Angeles. Now in its ninth year, this free community event invites Angelenos to explore DTLA’s cultural corridor and enjoy performances, workshops, and activities provided by 13 iconic L.A. cultural institutions. The event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to RSVP here.
Spinning Sunset (October 25) -> After a successful summer event, the Sunset Strip is reconvening Spinning on Sunset for a fall shindgo featuring DJ sets, haunted activations, seasonal sips, and giveaways (although details are still TBD). What we do know is that it will run from noon to 6 p.m. and be held in and around The Pink Dot More at 8495 W Sunset. Get info here as it becomes available.
Japan Family Day (October 25-26) -> One of the largest Japanese Family Festivals in SoCal, Japan Family Day brings two days of Japanese culture, entertainment, and food to Santa Anita Park. Fun for the entire family the festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both dates, and attendees can also catch the G3 Tokyo City Cup at the race track on Sunday. Tickets cost $5 and after October 19 they go up to $10. More info here.
Brewery Artwalk (October 25-26) FA – > The bi-annual Brewery Artwalk is back with a free two-day showcase of over 100 participating resident artists offering the public a chance to chat with makers, peruse new works, and shop direct from the artists themselves. Runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Free to attend. More info here.
Downtown Día de los Muertos (October 25 to November 2) – M FA > Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos welcomes park-goers to contribute to a community altar, enjoy family-friendly activities, a free film screening, and the first Downtown Día de Muertos parade. Free to visit any time of day. Get more info here.
Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party (October 25) – M FA> 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.
7th Annual Disability Pride Parade & Festival (October 25) – FA > The 7th Annual Disability Pride Parade & Festival returns to the East L.A. Civic Center. This event is open to the general public welcoming allies and supporters for a day of solidarity. Expect live entertainment, activities and opportunities to connect with local resources. More info here.
Festival of Flight ( October 25) -> The annul Long Beach Airport Festival of Flight returns to the runway this October, offering a free celebration of local aviation history with aircraft on display, live music, kids’ activities, and food/beer for purchase. Head to the west end of the LGB airfield from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for all the fun. More info here.
The P-22 Day Festival (October 25) – FA > The P-22 Day Festival honors L.A.’s most famous big cat (may he rest in peace!) with a one day, family-friendly celebration in Griffith Park. Expect exhibits and educational activities for big cat lovers of all-ages. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.
Day of the Dead at El Pueblo (October 25 – November 2) – FA > 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 live entertainment on select days. More info here.
Last Remains (October 25) – M > Catch the first Halloween edition of Last Remaining Seats at the historic Million Dollar Theater. This lineup features a scary-good double feature: a 2 p.m. matinee of Young Frankenstein followed by an 8 p.m. showing of Carrie. Tickets start at $25. More info here.
DTLA Halloween Block Party (October 26) – M FA > Join DTLA Proud and Shops at 4th & Main for their first-ever Halloween Block Party on Oct 26th! The event transforms into a living Tim Burton graveyard, featuring a ghostly DJ lineup, a deadly stage show by D’vils Whorehaus and She’s in Parties LA, food trucks, and over 20 queer vendors. It’s free with RSVP, and a 21+ beer garden will be available. More info here.
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval (October 31) – FA > The city of West Hollywood’s massive block-party style Halloween spectacle comes to a one-mile stretch of Santa Monica Blvd between Doheny Dr and La Cienega Blvd. Expect DJ sets, food trucks and thousands of attendees dressed in their costumed best. Free to attend. Runs 6 to 11 p.m. More info here.
18th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids (October 31) – TP > The 18th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids returns to Grand Hope Park, offering a family-friendly environment with trick-or-treating, live puppet and magic shows, crafts, and food. GA tickets cost $15, kids under 3 are free.
Halloween Spooktacular at One Colorado (October 31) M FA -> The Halloween Spooktacular at One Colorado in Old Pasadena starts with trick-or-treating, and also features family photos and a silent screening of Dracula to cap the evening. Free to attend. Runs 4 to 8 p.m.
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