50 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. Here is a list of the best things to do in Los Angeles in October that will have you breaking out the cozy sweaters and crunching through invisible piles of golden leaves. Be sure to scroll all the way 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 – 8th
The first Oktoberfest of the season is happening at Benny Boy Brewing beginning September 29th and running until October 1st. Hours vary by day and include live music, Shappy’s Pretzels, and a Dogtoberfest event on October 1st. More details here.
Celebrate World Vegetarian Day on October 1st with one of the top five vegetarian spots in Los Angeles, according to DoorDash. Mr. Charlie’s is Vegan-Fast Food specializing in Frowny Meals that make many animals happy.
October 1st is also World Sake Day, and OTOTO in Echo Park is celebrating with an afternoon tasting featuring 40 different Sakes, Katsu Sando bites, and other delicious nosh. The event takes place from 2 to 5 p.m., and you can secure your spot on the OTOTO Tock page. The cost is $65.
Also, on October 1st, kick off part two of Hispanic Heritage Month with your little ones at Plaza de la Raza in Downtown Los Angeles during the KUSC Classical Kids Discovery Day. Expect performances, activity tables, and sensory music experiences from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event is FREE, register with the link here.
Want free pizza for a year? Blaze Pizza is celebrating National Pizza Month on their TikTok and Instagram channels with a Halloween Contest and Giveaway beginning Oct 1st. They’re also offering a special Sausage Garlic Pizza for just $8.99 for October.
October 3rd is the first performance of Hadestown at the Ahmanson Theatre. Get tickets as low as $37 with this link. The run ends October 15th.
National Taco Day is October 4th, and it’s your chance to take advantage of some deals on drinks, chips, and, of course, Tacos. Follow the National Taco Day post to learn mas.
Thursday, October 5th, is a limited engagement screening of The Lion King at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, including popcorn, a drink, and a souvenir.
Friday, October 6th, is the inaugural Taste of Pasadena event held by Pasadena Magazine from 7 to 9:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. The event is 21 and over and features restaurant tastings from the hottest spots in the city. Ticket prices begin at $18 and can purchased at Pasadenamag.com/taste.
Fall dineLA Restaurant Week is back from October 6th through the 20th, with tons of good deals to be had. Prix-fixe lunches and dinners begin at just $15! This year, you can even check a box for Michelin to double down on your money-saving efforts and save where it’s almost always a splurge.
Also, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue its Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. through November. Check the calendar for your favorites.
Friday, October 6th, is the start of Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds, taking place the first three weekends in October. It’s a combination brewfest and boofest for the 21 and older audience, but you can also just stick to German beers and sausages if that’s your preference. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $12.
Saturday, October 7th, is Park Yoga | Go Heart “Soulful Saturdays” at 10 a.m. in Verdugo Park in Glendale. The event is free and freeing all at once, and all levels of yogi are welcome. Reserve your spot here.
October 7th and 8th is the Asian Fall Festival at Santa Anita Racetrack in Arcadia. Expect cultural booths, performances, and a chance to win some money. The event takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and tickets for adults are $10.
October 9th – 15th
It’s Friday the 13th, so cue the creepy music; it’s time for Halloween, the original version, at The Autry Museum for Street Food Cinema. Tickets are only $20 with this link, and there’s no booking fee. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for food and drinks, and the screening begins at 8 p.m.
On Friday, October 13th, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue their Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. through November. Check the calendar for your favorites.
Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Racetrack takes place October 14th to 15th. Tickets begin at $38 for steins, pours, betting vouchers, and more. Get $10 off with this link.
October 13th and 14th is Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds. It’s a combination brewfest and boofest for the 21 and older audience, but you can also just stick to German beers and sausages if that’s your preference. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $12.
October 16th – 22nd
Don’t miss the last week of fall dineLA Restaurant Week ending on the 20th. There’s even a $25 lunch at Michelin-mentioned Kodo in the Arts District.
Thursday, October 19th, is a limited engagement screening of Moana at the El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25, and that includes popcorn, a drink, and a souvenir.
Friday, October 20th, offers a screening of The Ring at L.A. Historic Park. Gates open at 5:45 p.m. for a 7:15 p.m. screening. Tickets are $20.
Also, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue its Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. through November. Check the calendar for your favorites.
October 20th and 21st is Oktoberfest at the Pomona Fairgrounds. It’s a combination brewfest and boofest for the 21 and older audience, but you can also just stick to German beers and sausages if that’s your preference. Hours are 6 to 11 p.m., and tickets begin at $12.
Saturday, October 21st, will have you seeing wizards with Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix in the iconic Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Tickets are $22, and picnics are encouraged. Gates open at 5:30 p.m. for a 7:15 p.m. show.
Also on Saturday is Halloweentown at Verdugo Park in Glendale at 8 p.m. This film event is designed for your littlest girls and ghouls. Tickets begin at $21 with this link.
Also beginning October 21st and running until Thursday, November 2nd, is Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park between Grand Ave. and Hill St. Stroll through the park to view 20 altars made by professional artists. This coincides with Grand Ave Arts: All Access which is an afternoon of free arts, entertainment, and more – including many major institutions opening their doors for free access from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Make your free reservation on the website.
Saturday, October 21st, is the first annual Playhouse Family Play Day at the Pasadena Playhouse from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Expect a street party with FREE Entertainment with headliner Rachel Bloom (Trolls, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend), balloon animals, craft stations, food trucks, and more. Visit pasadenaplayhouse.org for more details.
Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Racetrack takes place October 21st and 22nd. Tickets begin at $38 for Steins, Pours, Betting Vouchers, and more. Get $10 off with this link.. The same weekend is also the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch for your little ones. More details in this link: presale ends October 4th. Starter pack pricing begins at $20 and includes a pumpkin, admission for one adult, a giant slide, and a trackless train ride.
October 23rd – 29th
Friday, October 27th, is BigSpin & Brewsky’s at Benny Boy Brewing in the Arts District from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. The theme is Halloween. All “witches and warlocks” get $1 off drinks – so come dressed to impress. The event is free to enter and includes a live DJ.
Also, The Los Angeles County Museum of Art will continue its Free Jazz Fridays at 6 p.m. through November. Check the calendar for your favorites.
Friday, October 27th to Sunday, the 29th is The Nightmare Before Christmas at The Hollywood Bowl with a full orchestra and the composer Danny Elfman himself, among other guests. Ticket prices range and can be purchased on the Hollywood Bowl website.
October 28th offers a screening of Hocus Pocus under the stars at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park. Tickets begin at $20 with this link, and children under 5 are free. The show starts at 8 p.m., but the grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for food truck fun.
October 28th and 29th is the Fall Festival and Pumpkin Patch for your little ones at Santa Anita Racetrack. More details in this link: presale ends October 4th. Starter pack pricing begins at $20 and includes a pumpkin, admission for one adult, a giant slide, and a trackless train ride.
October 30th – 31st
October 31st is Halloween, and unless you live under a rock, you probably have been feeling the vibe all month long. The following section has everything you might want to consider – just don’t wait too late to book.
Rosemary’s Baby at the Orpheum is sure to give your Halloween night some much-needed fright. Costumes are required, and the event includes a photo booth, bar, and live DJ. No one under 17 is admitted without a parent. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. for a 9 p.m. show on October 31st. Reserve here for $32 and up.
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 from the storefronts that line Honolulu Avenue. Best of all, it’s free.
Spooky Fall Feels Happening All Month Long!
October 6th to the 19th is the 30th Anniversary of Hocus Pocus at the El Capitan Theatre, while October 20th to the 31st is for The Nightmare Before Christmas, also celebrating 30 big ones. Check the schedule for fan screenings with special guests.
Now until October 31st (on select nights), visit Whittier Narrows Park 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 $19.99 for children and $24.99 for adults.
Check out Icons of Darkness every day in October to get up close and personal with the film costumes of your favorite horror flicks. There are over 200 costumes and props on exhibition, and it includes a guided tour. Admission is $20, and the tickets are timed.
October 6th through the 29th 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 $30 for members and $35 for non-members.
Nights Of The Jack Halloween Experience is once again bringing screams and smiles to Calabasas. Festivities include immersive scenes along a mile-long trail with games, selfie spots, and an adult “spookeasy.” Tickets begin at $29.99 for weeknights.
While I’ll never understand what basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal has to do with Halloween, it’s clearly popular because Shaqtoberfest is back for its second annual ride aboard the Queen Mary in Long Beach. Expect haunted trails, live entertainment, rides, and themed bars and lounges from now until October 31st. Tickets begin at $29.99, and some nights even have designated “Trick or Treat” early hours for the kiddos beginning at 6 p.m.
The Los Angeles Haunted Hayride is riding again at Griffith Park. Tickets begin at $29.99 and run through October 31st. Get yours here.
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 over 1000 scary creatures. Tickets as low as $62 with this link. This event is not recommended for children under 13.
No Halloween is complete without a trip to Universal Studios Annual Halloween Horror Nights, but the most terrifying thing just might be the price! Most tickets begin at $269 unless you’re coming at off hours when they can be as low as $77.
It’s not all freaky frights here! October is also Apple-Picking time, and the closest spot to Los Angeles is Oak Glen, California. You’ll find this small town just a little more than an hour away, and all the orchards are almost in the same block. Willowbrook Apple Farm is my favorite for U-Pick apples and U-Press Cider. They are open starting the first weekend in October from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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 5th to the 29th.
Also, in October…
October is National Pizza Month and also 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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