October in Los Angeles is a time of cultural celebrations, indoor and outdoor adventures, and perfect weather. Yes while we dont normally see a traditional Fall season like much of the country it does get a little cooler and typically still has lots of sunshine!
And there is a ton to do in in our city in October. Whether you’re into art, culture, or simply enjoying the outdoors, LA offers a wide range of activities to suit every taste.
In this article we have great list of activities for the entire family, from relaxing and educating, to scary and thrilling. Have fun Angelenos!
1 – Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Description:
The Fairplex in Pomona is inviting everyone 21 and older to celebrate Oktoberfest from October 1st to the 21st. Come on down Fridays and Saturdays from 6 pm to 11:00 pm. Expect a wide range of fun activities and entertainment including Bavarian music, authentic German food and the always fun Der Ententanz (the Chicken Dance).
The Oktoberfest at Fairplex is a tradition that has been alive for 10 years and it continues to bring the lively fun of this German traditional event right here to the South Land. Enjoy the distinctive German Oom Pah Pah sounds of The Rheinlanders. Dance to DJ Joe Vinyl and catch tribute bands at the Festplatz stage. Besides music, brats and beer you can also expect lots of fun games and prizes.
So get your friends ready to party hard Bavarian style and come on over to this month-long celebration to enjoy nights of good grub, dancing and cold beers.
Location: 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768
Pic Credit: @Groupon
2 – Halloween Events at Your Favorite Theme Park
Description:
Did you miss the chance to snag tickets to attend the mega-popular Oogie Boogie Bash at California Adventure? Don’t worry! There are still plenty of other Halloween spectacular events and activities at your favorite theme parks this month.
Take a visit Knott’s Scary Farm, the theme park claims to have the most haunting Halloween theme park event in Southern California. This 13+ only event features haunted mazes and attractions, sinister shows, and more than 1,000 terrifying creatures lurking in the fog and hiding across every inch of the park.
But if you listen to spook lovers in LA, the most elaborate haunted experiences can be found at Universal Studios. This year Halloween Horror Nights are back again and all ticket holders will get the scare of their lives with 8 haunted houses, including The Exorcist: Believer, Stranger Things 4, and Chucky: Ultimate Kill Count. And if that’s not enough for you, Terror Tram is also back this year, and this time the bugs are taking over.
For family-friendly events and the cutest wicked pictures, be sure to visit Disneyland. Yes even if you missed out on Oogie Boogie Bash you can still go next door and see Minnie and Mickey dressed up for their Howl-iday. Take your favorite annual photos at Main Street Pumpkin Festival, where gorgeous displays of carved pumpkins will be all around Main Street. Catch a selfie with the Pumpkin King Jack Skellington and his sweet girl Sally. For more thrilling experiences, hop over to California Adventure and enjoy the Guardians of the Galaxy – Monsters After Dark experience.
Location: Various
PIC Credit: @discoveruniversal
3 – Apple Picking and Harvest Celebrations
Description:
Apple picking harvest celebrations in Southern California are a delightful fusion of autumnal charm and West Coast flair, the perfect activity for locals and visitors, and of course, very family friendly as well.
Visitors can roam through rows of apple-laden trees, selecting their favorite varieties to pluck from the boughs. The experience is not only about the delicious, crisp fruit but also about forging lasting memories, taking beautiful pictures and having amazing picnics.
Our very first suggestion is Stone Soup Farm, this month the farm celebrates the autumn harvest offering Family Farm Day, a tour of the farm through their organic apple orchards. Expect workshops, and activities led by the farm docents.
Visit the many stations that focus on traditional agrarian trades and tour guided explorations of apple orchards and seasonal gardens. Your ticket also includes a cider pressing sample, dipping a traditional candle to take home, and kids activities including interactive garden and play space. You can visit their website for schedules and tickets.
Our next recommendation is Los Rios Rancho. Their U-Pick Apples is now open 7 days a week, for the season! Bring the little ones to this awesome farm and have a great time outdoors, watch all the produce the farm grows and more. You can book apple picking tours, or wagon rides. And don’t forget to visit their amazing Farm Kitchen and take a bite of succulent slow cooked dishes, deserts, and ciders. Los Rios Rancho features a Farm Fair through the entire fall season Fridays through Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm. Have fun everyone!
Location: various
PIC Credit: @losriosranch
4 – Pumpkin Carve Displays
Description:
In Los Angeles, the Halloween spirit is alive and well, and one of the most captivating traditions is the art of pumpkin carving. From intricate designs to spooky spectacles, the city is teeming with incredible pumpkin displays that are sure to bewitch and enchant. Venture to one of the venues in our list and have a great time with friends and family, take memorable pictures.
Descanso Gardens is known for its natural beauty, and during the Halloween season, it transforms into a pumpkin wonderland with its “Carved” event. Stroll through the enchanting garden paths illuminated by creatively carved pumpkins. You’ll be amazed at the skill and artistry behind these intricate designs, which often include themes inspired by nature.
Nights of the Jack is one of the most renowned pumpkin carve displays in Los Angeles. This ¾ mile trail at King Gillette Ranch features a striking display of carved pumpkins. This event is for all ages, so kids can have fun watching their favorite characters in pumpkin form, while grown ups can enjoy a tasty drink from the Spookeasy bar.
From October 1st to the 31st Boo at the LA Zoo welcomes all visitors to appreciate their delightful array of carved pumpkins. The display is included with your general admission. Special entertainment and activities will be available the last two weekends of the month.
Last but not least in our list is Magic of the Jack O’ Lanterns Los Angeles. This spectacular event features thousands of sensational carved pumpkins. This event is for all ages, and it promises gigantic elaborated and illuminated displays of a variety of themes including a pirate ship, dinosaurs, dragons and more. Enjoy all these awesome experiences.
Location: various
PIC Credit: @averagesocialite
5 – Halloween Events for The Younger Audience
Description:
Halloween is a fun time filled with spooky decorations, delicious fall flavored drinks, tasty bites, terrorizing immersive experiences and much more. But while it seems in LA adults are having all the fun this is still one of the most popular holidays for children. The kids love their costumes, treats, decorations and so forth. So here we got some very cool events for them to attend with their family. Have fun and create memorable portraits.
From September 28th to October 31st the National History Museum presents Boney Island. The nature garden will be transformed into a hauntingly whimsical interactive light-up experience for all ages.
This wonderful event for kids and their families features familiar sights for long-time Boney Island fans. Watch skeletons performing rope tricks, levitating through hoops, shadow puppetry and more. The museum will put its own spin on the event with artistic performances, real fossils, live animal presentations, trick-or-treating, and other ghoulishly glowing installations.
Another anticipated event is Boonion at Union Station! Get ready to see the historic and beloved Union Station displaying a fabulous Halloween flare. This free two-day fest of ghosts and goblins is happening in the South Patio of the Union Station. Expect an interactive haunted hay maze, spooky slime sessions, face painting, creepy crafting, and pumpkin decorating. Treats-on-track trail is happening at noon, 2 pm and 4 pm. You can park at Union Station East for $8. Enter off N. Vignes Street.
Follow the signs from Union Station East to the South Patio. Have a spooky fun time!
Location: Union Station, South patio.
PIC Credit: @LAGIRL
Do you agree with our list or did we miss an obvious one? Let us know by commenting below!