71 Fantastic Things to Do in Los Angeles in October
It’s officially fall, and I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling the change. The morning darkness is definitely keeping me in bed an extra twenty minutes, and I need all the time I can get to make it through this list of the best things to do in Los Angeles in October. Be sure to scroll to the end for the spooky fall feels happening all month long for Halloween.
*This piece contains affiliate links to help you make the most out of October while benefiting the blog simultaneously. Thank you for considering the click.
October 1st to 4th
If you’re reading this in early October, then be sure to snag some $25 tickets to dozens of live theatre shows in the L.A. and O.C. as part of L.A. Theatre Week on TodaysTix. Performances take place at theaters like the Pasadena Playhouse, the Geffen Playhouse, the Kirk Douglas Theater, and many more – so these are hot tickets! L.A. Theatre Week runs until October 4th.
October 1st is World Sake Day, and you can celebrate with 50% off bottles of sake at Sushi Roku and Katana. Both restaurants are featuring their Shichida “Seven Fields” Junmai, a pure-rice sake made with no added distilled alcohol, with notes of apple and warm honey. The cost of this premium beverage is usually $76, but on World Sake Day you can enjoy it for just $38. Pair that with a Tuna Tataki or an off-menu specialty roll with a popcorn shrimp and jalapeño base topped with yellowtail diced chiles. It’s a must-order!!
October 1st to 4th, you’ve got 5 performances only of Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, the one-woman show starring Laura Benanti, at The Wallis in Beverly Hills. It’s comedy meets confessional.
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Terrazza at Hotel Casa Del Mar is donating $1 to Providence St. John’s Breast Cancer Research from every item purchased on their “Think Pink” Menus. Reservations can be made via Resy.
Friday, October 2nd, and subsequent Fridays, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. This is the final month, so don’t miss out. Check the calendar for your favorites.
Friday, October 2nd, is also Free First Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena. No tickets are necessary to wander the galleries and gardens.
Also on Friday, October 2nd, the comedy/dating show Love Isn’t Blind is on at the Pico Union Project at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7. The trick is that men can’t speak, which makes it a great event for couples and dating folks, plus shy guys who don’t want to be put on the spot. Wristbands also show relationship status and preferences. Get your tickets here beginning at $23.73.
From October 2nd to 4th, Levain Bakery is bringing back an insane flavor combination for 3 days only! Peanut Butter Dark Chocolate Chip Cookie was so popular in L.A. last year that they sold over 12,000 cookies in a weekend. This year, they’ve doubled down with an exclusive Peanut Butter Cookie Milk Latte made by steeping Levain cookies in oat milk overnight, also available for just 3 days. The taste is like peanut butter cookie dough, and it’s delicious!
Also on October 2nd to 4th is Club Solaire Venice Beach, hosted by Veuve Clicquot. The event features six ticketed experiences alongside public events, including the Regarding Her Champagne Bar and Folderol Ice Cream Parlor. Proceeds will benefit Regarding Her and the restoration of the Venice Beach Pier through the Los Angeles Parks Foundation. It’s a bougie way to give back. Register here.
Friday, October 2nd, marks the start of Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds, which takes place over the first three weekends in October. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $17, but do not include beer and brats.
Saturday, October 3rd, is Oktoberfest in Montrose from Noon to 10 p.m. on Honolulu Avenue. This community event shuts down the whole block with carnival rides for kids and steins full of suds for the adults. Admission is FREE, but you’ll need tickets to purchase all the extras.
Saturday, October 3rd, you can finally make that visit to Olive Young in Pasadena you’ve been putting off and meet Hello Kitty while you’re there! If you’re not familiar, Olive Young is a K-Beauty superstore and the first in the whole United States. Hello Kitty will be greeting fans from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., and every purchase gets you an Olive Young x Sanrio exclusive gift. If you can’t make it Saturday, the merchandise giveaway starts October 2nd.
Saturday, October 3rd, is the first post-season home game for the Dodgers, as they get one step closer to the World Series. Be there live, with tickets beginning at $146. October 4th has tickets beginning at $141. You can also head to your local NORMS beginning October 3rd to enjoy a FREE Short Stack every time the Dodgers win a game. Just be sure to sign up for their rewards program.
Saturday, October 3rd, you can score some swag and be among the first to taste the thoughtfully sourced smash-burgers at Burger She Wrote in Brentwood from 2 to 10 p.m. It’s their 3rd and largest location to date.
Also on Saturday, October 3rd, a burger restaurant across town on Sunset Blvd is having their grand opening. Patty Boys is celebrating its 1st anniversary with the grand opening they never had, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All purchases come with a FREE Patty Boys Gift and opportunities to win a free burger every month for a year. Handel’s Ice Cream will be outside giving FREE Scoops for the first 100 guests who show their receipt. Patty Boys is a build-your-own burger joint with standouts like The OG with American cheese and Chef’s choices like the Korean Banger.
If you’ve missed Dialog Cafe in West Hollywood, they are popping up at The Sun Rose Hotel in West Hollywood for a residency beginning October 3rd. The 18-year icon had to close its doors due to flooding, so the return of those Breakfast Burritos will be a bright spot in the neighborhood.
Saturday, October 3rd, is the 20th Annual Santa Monica Art Walk along Montana Avenue. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and includes Live Entertainment, Wellness Activities, an expanded Children’s Area, a VIP Agave Tasting for $25, and of course Art. Admission is FREE, but check the website for hour-by-hour class information and more details.
Sunday, October 4th, is the birthday of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. They’re celebrating by giving back to the community with FREE Samples, Giveaways, and more from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Third Street Promenade Cafe in Santa Monica. Having gotten to know this brand over the years, I’ve seen that it keeps it real, working with small-batch tea and coffee farmers, but operating on a huge scale with a lot of heart.
Sunday, October 4th, is KCRW Family Day at the Skirball Center. Reserve here for a day of FREE fun and great music at the museum from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 4th, is also World Sake Day at Camélia from 1 to 4 p.m. The event features an afternoon of tastings with over 60 sakes, with opportunities to take home a full bottle, plus delights from the Camélia Kitchen in the Arts District. Tickets are $88 plus a 10% gratuity. Reserve on OpenTable.
October 5th to 11th
Now through December 12th, Japanese fast-casual favorite Pepper Lunch has a new menu item that’s addictively good. Kimchi Cheesy Corn Pasta is a limited-time offering that blends Japanese-Napolitan-style pasta with kimchi, cheesy corn, and your choice of beef or chicken. The price is $16.99.
If you love Shake Shack and inspirational stories, consider being a part of An Evening with Danny Meyer on October 5th at A.O.C. restaurant at 6:15 p.m. The ticketed event includes a wine-paired dinner, a live interview with the author himself, and a copy of his book, What Could Possibly Go Right.
National Taco Day used to be October 4th, but they’ve moved it to October 6th so it can fall on a Tuesday. Follow this National Taco Day post to learn mas.
Rustic Canyon is celebrating 20 years in the business of feeding Angelenos well with a weekly dinner series featuring alumni and tastemakers from their group. It kicks off with “How It Started” on October 6th with Founder Josh Loeb, Co-Owner & first Head Baker Zoe Nathan, opening Chef Samir Mohajer, and current Chef Elijah Deleon. The cost is $120 before adding on that necessary wine.
Thursday, October 8th through October 24th, check out the new comedy from The Actor’s Gang, PUT YOU ON BLAST. Artistic director Tim Robbins says this original work by JR Reed “examines the world of DIY podcasting and goes deep into the basement to explore a fringe community of outcasts, all of whom believe that they have discovered a hidden truth that no one else can see.” Relatable? Get your tickets here.
Also on October 8th, grab your furry friend and head to The Culver Hotel for Fall Yappy Hour from 4 to 6 p.m. Humans can enjoy crafted cocktails and shareable plates while pups snack on the hotel’s signature “Barkuterie” Boards. Pet brands in partnership with the event will also be throwing in extra treats. Reserve your free spot here.
Friday, October 9th through the 15th, is the return of Hocus Pocus at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, with the fan event happening at 7 p.m. on that first Friday. Tickets are $35 and include a popcorn tub, drink, and a souvenir. Additional screening dates and times are also available.
On Friday, October 9th, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue their Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. for a final month. Check the calendar for your favorites.
Friday, October 9th is the second weekend for Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $17, but do not include food.
Saturday, October 10th, head over to the new 10/10Burger from author and IMPAULSIVE co-host Mike Majlak. He has spent his career judging burgers and decided to create the perfect one. Rate it for yourself at this Hollywood location beginning at noon.
Saturday, October 10th, is National Apple Cider Donut Day; a holiday created by the local Underground Donut Tour, based in Santa Monica. I just love the hustle of someone creating their own holiday – so it is a must on this list. Check out their tours here.
The first weekend of Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park takes place on October 10th and 11th. Tickets begin at $40.49 for Replica Steins, 8 Pours, and more. Get $10 off when you sign up on their website and don’t forget to dress to impress.
Flavors from Afar in Hollywood has reopened as a Pan-African Bistro and Wine Bar with authentic African wines, Afrobeat Saturdays, and Sunday Brunch. Visit October 10th or 11th – or anytime this month.
Sunday, October 11th, is the OFF THE HOOK Santa Monica Seafood Festival on the Santa Monica Pier, celebrating National Seafood Month and 100 years of Route 66! Tastings include West Side Oyster Club, Levain Bakery, The Surfing Fox, and many more. Most importantly, the event benefits Heal the Bay and is free of single-use plastics. Tickets begin at $115 for all-you-can-eat tastings.
October 12th to 18th
If you’re looking for the taste of fall but are beyond done with the PSL, head to Philz Coffee for a different flavor profile: Pecan Pie and Apple Cinnamon. While Cold Brew is on point, you can also get this hot.
Friday, October 16th is Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas in 4D at 7:30 p.m. at the El Capitan Theatre. Tickets are $70 for this one and include a live drawing demo with George McClements as you enter the theatre, a Jack Skellington popcorn container, a fountain drink, and an event credential. Additional screenings are available through November 1st.
Head to Heritage Square in Pasadena for SFC Presents: Boo-ze, Bites & Frights as part of Street Food Cinema beginning October 16th. The 21-and-over event features drinks, adult trick-or-treating, and screenings of spooky Halloween films like Obsession and A Nightmare on Elm Street. General admission is $53.47. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7:30 p.m. event. For more details on all the screenings, visit their website, which also features Halloween Films throughout October at other venues.
Also, on Friday, October 16th, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue its Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. See the calendar for your favorites.
Friday, October 16th is the last weekend for Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $17, but do not include food.
October 16th through 18th is the OC Japan Fair in Costa Mesa. There will be over 60 Japanese Foods to taste along with an expanded Cosplay and Ai♡Fes Idol Festival, Japan Pop, and more. Tickets purchased at the start of the month begin at $13.58.
Saturday, October 17th, is the 14th annual L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade Stand to fundraise and fight against childhood cancer. It’s a foodie event created by an optimistic child and is a great cause. Get tickets here.
Saturday, October 17th, the LA Opera is opening its 2026/2027 season with a FREE simulcast of Carmen. Locations include William Steinmetz Park in Hacienda Heights and the Santa Monica Pier transmitted live from the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion. Festivities begin at 4:30 p.m. and 4 respectively, and you can confirm your free attendance on the websites hyperlinked in each location. It’s also how you can snag a free gift.
Saturday, October 17th, is Smartless Live at The Hollywood Bowl with comedians Jason Bateman, Will Arnett, and guests. Showtime is at 7:30 p.m., and you can get your tickets here.
Also in Hollywood on October 17th and 18th, it’s Iron & Wine at The Ford Theater. Reserve here.
The last weekend of Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park takes place on October 17th and 18th. Tickets begin at $40.49 for Replica Steins, 8 Pours, and More. Get $10 off when you sign up on their website, and don’t forget to dress to impress.
Sunday, October 18th, be part of a moment in art at Fluffy McCloud’s in Echo Park when Of This Marvelous Void goes on display at 4 p.m. The exhibit features six artists who have hand-crafted ice cream flavors as artwork, all of which you can eat, until nothing is left but “the exhibition’s vitrine—an accumulating display of absences.” The exhibition is reminiscent of a 1958 show by Yves Klein using blue cocktails. Of This Marvelous Void is also marvelously family-friendly and is curated by Andrew McClintock, Founder of Culture Slop.
It’s an art historical reference to the infamous 1958 Yves Klein exhibition where he served blue cocktails in an empty gallery space.
Sunday, October 18th, is the Largest Dog Festival in North America, taking place in Santa Monica and across the nation. The Day of the Dog is back from Noon to 5 p.m. on Main Street in Santa Monica. The event raises money for Just Love Animal Society and features a day of fun for Fido, shopping, and more. Get more info here.
October 19th to 25th
Now through November 21st, you can check out Marilyn Monroe: Hollywood Icon at the Academy Museum. But did you know they also have tri-weekly screenings of her best films? This week is The Seven Year Itch, on Monday the 19th, Wednesday the 21st, and Friday the 23rd.
Wednesday, October 21st, Prince Street Pizza is serving away $1 Pizza Slices in honor of National Pizza Month. No rewards account required.
Friday, October 23rd, is Free Jazz Fridays at LACMA at 6 p.m. By now you know the drill: arrive early.
October 23rd and 24th, the L.A. Times Food Bowl is happening at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Any restaurant that’s ever been written about will be there, and for the first time ever, they will be debuting the 101 Best Restaurants List on site. Tickets start at $135 before fees.
Saturday, October 24th, is the Be Proud Fest in Long Beach. See the link for the event schedule for this Big Gayborhood Gathering, which celebrates the spirit and community of the LGBTQ+ citizens of Long Beach in Bixby Park from 1 to 6 p.m.
Friday, October 23rd to the 25th, head out of town for some Ojai vibes and Dear Evan Hansen at the Matilija Auditorium. The show is presented by Living Theater Academy of Dramatic Art and Ojai Music Academy, along with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and showcases the talent of young performers. Get your tickets here.
Beginning Saturday, October 24th, and running until November 2nd, is Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park between Grand Ave. and Hill Street. Stroll through the park to view multiple altars made by professional artists. The festival will kick off on Saturday, October 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., as part of Grand Ave Arts: All Access, and November 1st is a special Noche de los Muertos.
October 24th and 25th is Japan Family Day, the largest Japanese family festival in Southern California. Taking place at Santa Anita Park, tickets are just $5-$10 for a full day of fun, and if you see this before October 7th, you can request FREE Tickets! Doors open at 11 a.m.
Friday, October 23rd and Saturday the 24th, is My Chemical Romance at The Hollywood Bowl. Showtime is at 8 p.m., and you can get your tickets here.
October 26th to 31st
Thursday, October 29th, it’s a Halloween “spookeasy” at the Tam O’ Shanter in Los Feliz. This monthly experience includes Live Jazz and Prohibition Style-Cocktails after 7 p.m. Email jlarowe@lawrysonline.com for the secret password.
Friday, October 30th, it’s the last FREE Jazz at LACMA for the year, featuring the sounds of HIROSHIMA. The show starts at 6 p.m., but get there much earlier to claim your spot.
Friday, October 30th, it’s Hercules vs. Vampires, a cult-film screening with the LA Opera orchestra performing Morganelli’s live soundtrack at The United Theatre on Broadway at 8 p.m.
October 30th is From Dusk till Dawn at The Ford Theater in Hollywood, done in conjunction with street food cinema. This venues is one of the more spectacular spaces in this city and a great place to watch a movie. Get tickets here.
October 31st is Halloween, and you probably have been feeling the vibe all month long. The following section has everything you might want to consider for day of, just don’t wait too late to book. Also scroll to the end for the spooky cocktail and experiential events that have been going on since the end of September.
- October 31st is a screening of The Thing, plus a Halloween Party at The Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7:15 p.m. show; costumes are encouraged. Get tickets here.
- October 31st is The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Ford Theater in Hollywood. Get tickets here.
- October 31st, it’s Hercules vs. Vampires at The United Theatre on Broadway at 8 p.m. This event has the extra bonus of a Halloween afterparty with a DJ.
- October 31st is the annual Halloween Spooktacular in Montrose near Glendale from 5 to 7 p.m. The event offers a safe place for children to trick-or-treat at the storefronts lining Honolulu Avenue. Best of all, it’s free.
- If you’re in the Downtown Los Angeles area, bring the kids to ASU Grand Hope Park for the 19th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids from 5 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $13 pre-sale, free for under 3, and you can use the code DOWNTOWNER for a $10 discount while supplies last. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Spooky Fall Feels Happening All Month Long!
Now until November 1st (on select nights), visit the South Coast Botanical Garden for Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns. Expect dozens of pumpkins decked out in lights, along with dazzling displays in the dark that all ages will enjoy. Tickets begin at $29.99 for adults.
The Obscure Distillery is decked out for Halloween, and it’s a great time to enjoy a trio of curated cocktails in a frightful environment. Get tickets here for Thursday through Sunday, including all taxes and tips. It’s a must for a death-defying date night.
October 2nd through November 1st is Carved at Descanso Gardens. This stroll through the pumpkin patch offers lots of PG fun, including litters of jack-o-lanterns lighting your path and illuminated oaks. Tickets begin at $22 for members and $29 for non-members.
Night Of The Jack Halloween Experience is once again bringing screams and smiles to Calabasas. Festivities include immersive scenes along a mile-long trail, a carnival, and an adult “spookeasy.” Tickets begin at $29.35 for weeknights, and the event runs until November 1st.
Black Lagoon, the nationally recognized creepy cocktail pop-up, will be haunting two Los Angeles bars from October 1st to October 31st/November 1st. Visit Melrose Umbrella Co. and Midnight Oil in Long Beach and sip on something wicked like an Abyssa’s Obsession made with pumpkin-infused Kraken Black & Gold Spiced Rums. Non-alcoholic options are also available.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is riding again at Griffith Park. Tickets begin at $34.99, and the hayride runs through November 1st. Get yours here.
The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor: Fear Lives Here has set sail in Long Beach. The world’s most haunted ship runs select nights through November 1st, with tickets starting at $45.99. Make it a staycation and pair it with a Haunted Harbor Escape Package at nearby hotel The Maya. The package includes two tickets to your choice of one of the Paranormal Tours, including the Glory Days tour, Haunted Encounters tour, or Steam & Steel tour. You also get Welcome Beverages from Fuego and FREE Parking. Use code HHE or book on their website.
The Haunting Pop-Up, from your friends at the Miracle Holiday Pop-Up, is coming to The Ordinarie in Long Beach from October 1st to November 2nd. Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 1 a.m. daily.
Knott’s Scary Farm in Buena Park has been going strong since September and is the longest-running Halloween event. The theme park is transformed for Halloween with rides, mazes, and more than 1,000 scary creatures. Tickets start at $65 on the website. This event is not recommended for children under 13. The event is from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.
No Halloween feels complete without a trip to Universal Studios Annual Halloween Horror Nights, and if you choose your night right, you can get tickets for $82. The event runs now through November 1st.
Take your pick of the patch at Mr. Bones for pumpkins, slides, and a petting zoo in Culver City. Hours are 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. most days, and the event runs from October 2nd to the 31st. Check the website for pricing because it depends on when you go.
Also, in October…
October is National Pizza Month, and it offers a great chance to flex your sobriety muscles during Sober October. Get details on both of those below.
This is a good list. Do you have recommendations for November?
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