Posted by 
Can this heat wave please be over already? No? Okay, just checking. In any case, here are few to-dos to distract in the meantime.
From October 5-9 in Los Angeles you’ll find Spooky Movie Nights at RUNWAY, Screamfest in Hollywood, the The 48Hr Halloween Puppet Film Project, Urban Death at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre, Pasadena ArtNight, and more.
advertisements
Things To Do This Week
M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick
Carved at Descanso Gardens -> Descanso Gardens’ family-friendly Carved is open daily now through November 1. Expect a pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route, an illuminated railroad, whimsical wood spirits, hundreds of carved pumpkins and kid-friendly activities. Adult tickets run $29-$52 for non-members. Get more info here.
Lang Lang at Disney Concert Hall – M > Global piano superstar Lang Lang returns to Walt Disney Concert Hall this Tuesday for a captivating solo recital featuring Mozart’s playful Rondo in D major, Beethoven’s beloved “Pathétique” and penultimate sonatas, flamenco-infused selections from Albéniz’s Suite española, Granados’ Goyescas, and dramatic pieces by Franz Liszt. More info here.
Spooky Movie Nights at RUNWAY – FA > RUNWAY Playa Vista hosts outdoor Spooky Movie Nights on the turf every Tuesday in October. The series features Halloween family favorites, opening with Hocus Pocus this week followed by Casper, The Addams Family, and Coco. Attendees can enjoy free popcorn while supplies last, along with food and drinks from nearby eateries. Guests are encouraged to bring blankets or lawn chairs. Admission is free. Starts at 6:30 p.m. More info here.
advertisements
James Beard Foundation’s Taste America > This Tuesday, The James Beard Foundation’s Taste America returns to Los Angeles for an evening celebrating the city’s most exciting independent restaurants at The LINE Hotel. Hosted by Anna Sonenshein and Niki Vahle of Little Fish, recently named to the Foundation’s prestigious 2026–2027 TasteTwenty, the night brings together over 10 standout restaurants including Linden, Bridgetown Roti, Komal, KI, RasaRumah, Camélia, Maydan LA, Azizam, and Betsy for signature bites, beverages, and sponsor activations. Proceeds benefit the James Beard Foundation’s mission to champion independent restaurants nationwide. General admission is $175, premier tickets are $225. More info here.
Screamfest – M > Beginning this Tuesday, TCL Chinese 6 Theatres hosts the 26th annual Screamfest Horror Film Festival, presenting ten days of independent horror cinema, world premieres, retrospectives, and black carpet events. Opening night kicks off with the world premiere of the thriller The Night Driver followed by an after-party. Full festival badges are available for $300 alongside single-day pass options. More info here.
First Wednesdays at AoP -> The Aquarium of the Pacific hosts a First Wednesdays presentation with Dr. Pablo “Popi” Garcia Borboroglu, founder of the Global Penguin Society. The lecture explores the world’s 19 penguin species, the threats facing their habitats, and global conservation strategies. Afterwards, guests can enjoy live music, crafts, and cocktails in the art gallery. Advance tickets are $8. Runs 7 to 9 p.m. More info here.
The 48Hr Halloween Puppet Film Project -> On Thursday, The Bob Baker Marionette Theater hosts a screening of spooky short films from Handmade Puppet Dreams and the 48Hr Puppet Film Project, celebrating the irreplaceable magic of physical storytelling on screen. The program includes films made earlier that week for the 48Hr Halloween Puppet Film Project 2026, followed by a filmmaker talkback for a peek behind the curtain. Tickets are $23. More info here.
Night of the Jack -> Night of the Jack is back at King Gillette Ranch on select dates through November 1, including this Thursday to Sunday. The immersive, family-friendly Halloween experience features thousands of hand-carved illuminated pumpkins, glowing lantern displays, and projection mapping. The 2026 season introduces an all-new trail layout, a carnival with rides and games, food trucks, and “The Spookeasy” cocktail lounge for adults. Tickets start at $29.35. More info here.
Urban Death at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre -> Zombie Joe’s annual tradition of Urban Death is back beginning this Friday with a brand new series of terrifying vignettes, bookended by walks through a creepy maze. Runs on Fridays and Saturdays (and a few Sundays) with multiple performances each night. Advance tickets are $24 online, or it’s $28 at door. Get more info here.
advertisements
Pasadena’s biannual ArtNight – M FA TP-> ArtNight Pasadena returns for the fall this Friday, offering free evening admission to 20+ participating museums, galleries, and performance spaces. Highlights include live dance and musical performances, hands-on art workshops, ghost stories, and special exhibitions at institutions like the Armory Center for the Arts, USC Pacific Asia Museum, and The Gamble House. Runs 6 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Ivy Station Night Market: Spooky Season -> Culver City’s Ivy Station hosts a Spooky Season Night Market this Friday, promising a festive evening featuring local artisan vendors, craft beer from LA Ale Works, food trucks, and a live DJ. Attendees of all ages and their leashed pets can enjoy tarot readings, aura photography, mini pumpkin decorating, and hand-drawn portraits. Admission is free. Friday, Runs 5 to 10 p.m. More info here.
Son of Monsterpalooza -> Son of Monsterpalooza’s fall convention Son of Monsterpalooza returns to the Marriott Convention Center in Burbank to usher in the Halloween season this Friday to Sunday Horror, sci-fi, and fantasy fans can browse over 150 vendors offering unique art and collectibles, watch live makeup demonstrations, attend celebrity guest panels, and catch film presentations. Passes start at $38.65 for single day tickets. More info here.
Goth Cumbia Night -> This Friday, Benny Boy Brewing hosts Goth Cumbia Night, a 21+ spooky celebration featuring live music from Eddie Y Los Vamps. The evening includes a local artisan mini mart and a “Little Shop of the Dead” floral workshop. Admission is free. 21+ only. Runs 6 to 11 p.m. More info here.
Dining & Drinking
(picks by Christina Champlin)
Rustic Canyon’s “The First 20” Dinner Series (October 6–27) -> Rustic Canyon turns 20 on December 7, but the celebration is starting early. Before pop-ups were a thing and farm-to-table was a buzzword, founder Josh Loeb was hosting intimate family dinners in his Santa Monica home, an ethos that shaped one of the city’s most enduring restaurants. To mark two decades, Rustic Canyon hosts a four-night dinner series featuring the alumni, winemakers, and chefs who helped build it. “How It Started” on October 6 reunites founder Josh Loeb, co-owner and first head baker Zoe Nathan, opening Chef Samir Mohajer, and current Chef Elijah Deleon for a communal family-style dinner with regenerative winemaker Steve Matthiasson pouring his wines. “The Funke Years” on October 13 brings former Chef Evan Funke back to the kitchen for a collaborative prix-fixe, with former Rustic sommelier Jenna Issac pouring Red Car Wines alongside the winery’s co-owners. “Tallula’s Returns” on October 20 is a Tallula’s Takeover with Chef Saw Naing of The Dutchess, celebrating former RC Family restaurants and the dishes that defined them. And “The Wiz Kids” on October 26 and 27 reunites former Chef Andy Doubrava of The Catbird Seat with former Pastry Chef Erika Chan of Kato, with biodynamic wines from Âmevive’s Alice Anderson pouring on the second night. Tickets available via Resy. Presented by Resy and supported by S. Pellegrino and Acqua Panna.
The Haunting at The Ordinarie (October 1 – November 2) -> The creators of beloved holiday cocktail pop-ups Miracle and Sippin’ Santa bring their first-ever Halloween concept to California. The Haunting transforms The Ordinarie into an immersive hideaway inspired by childhood haunted houses, glowing jack-o’-lanterns, vintage decorations, and late-night horror movie marathons. The cocktail lineup includes the Widow’s Whisper, Scream-sicle, Poison Apple, Liquid Lobotomy, and Clown Pear-anoia, alongside spirit-free options, with limited-edition Haunting glassware available for purchase. Open daily from 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. through November 2.
The Bagel Burger (All Month) -> Goldburger teams up with Belle’s Bagels for this month’s Burger of the Month, serving up a seriously satisfying Bagel Burger. The mustard fried smashburger comes stacked with melted cheese, grilled onions, fresh pickles, and house made Russian sauce, all tucked into a Belle’s bagel.
Want to get the best things to do in L.A. sent straight to your inbox? Join over 60,000 Angelenos who subscribe to our twice weekly email newsletter!
By subscribing, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy and consent to receive emails from We Like L.A. about news, events, offers, and partner promotions.
advertisements
