Fall is almost upon us! Well, technically, but this stretch of the West Coast would never know it if it wasn’t for the smorgasbord of pumpkin-flavored everything being churned out at bakeries and coffee shops. Or the elaborate seasonal events taking over Los Angeles this October. Without the chilly weather to remind us of the season, Angelenos tend to seek out festive fall activities.
So, even if you’ll still be soaking up the sun for most of the month, here are some of the most exciting plans to get into the fall spirit through spooky events, concerts, shows, and more.
1. Listen to hauntingly beautiful classics and hits by a string quartet
The wildly popular Candlelight Concerts have never ceased to captivate audiences across the globe. The series brings you talented musicians who perform live concerts in beautiful settings, all bathed in Candlelight. The exclusive event is now taking over iconic Los Angeles spaces for a unique magical evening near you!
2. Pick the perfect specimen at one of these wonderful pumpkin patches
Find the perfect gourd at one of these picturesque farms around L.A. You’ll get into creative carving and fill your home with your own glowing masterpieces. Plus there’ll be plenty of fun seasonal activities to keep you entertained while you’re at it. Scroll our list for our favorite places to go pumpkin picking.
3. Attend a surreal funeral for the modern age at The Cortège
Featuring large-scale puppetry, drone art, synchronized quadruped robots, original music from artists such as El Búho, Boreta, and TOKiMONSTA, and an open-air market with food and drinks, The Cortège is the definition of an experience you have to be a part of to fully understand. Read more about it here.
📅 When: Now through October 19
🎟️ Tickets: Get your tickets here
4. Go on a foodie adventure full of picnic treats and picturesque views
Foodies and adventure seekers alike — go on a culinary quest with Mystery Picnics! You and your friends will indulge in a self-guided foodie adventure where delectable bites await at every clue you solve. Along the way, you’ll collect gourmet picnic treats and unlock the door to a hidden, picturesque picnic spot far from the hustle and bustle. Download the Fever app and join in Mystery Picnics here!
📍 Location: South Bay
5. Celebrate Latinx Heritage Month with these cultural events around Los Angeles
Latinx Heritage Month is a time dedicated to celebrating and highlighting the contributions and accomplishments of Latinx Americans in culture and throughout history—past and present. It’s no secret that Los Angeles is home to many Latinx’s, and their influence on our city is impactful.
From desserts, restaurants, and cultural events—here are incredible ways to honor Latinx/o/a’s and our fellow Angelenos this month September 15 to October 15 and beyond!
6. Explore this twinkling night market at a century-old farm near L.A.
This century-old lavender farm just outside of L.A. has the most enchanting night market. You can wander through a tree-lined avenue illuminated with twinkling fairy lights at Lavender Market Nights, where you’ll be treated to delicious food and drinks, live music, games incredible handcrafted goods, and more. Find all the details here.
📍 Location: 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CA 92223
7. Make this autumn an unforgettable one with our fall bucket list
Embrace the magic of autumn in the City of Angels! Get ready for some spooky events, explore cozy neighborhoods draped in vibrant foliage, and indulge in delightful fall festivities. Get ready to opt for that warm latte and make the most of this season around the city by checking off our ultimate fall bucket list!
8. Fill your calendar with these spooktacular events this Halloween
Fill your spooky antics with delightful frights and familiar creeps with our list of haunting happenings across the city. From dark soirees to family-friendly events, here are all the thrilling events to fill your Halloween calendar with here!
9. Immerse yourself in a relaxing hot spring
What better way to beat the autumn chill than by soaking in a hot spring at one of the many hot springs near LA? We can’t think of a better plan than relaxing in the warm water, breathing in the fresh air, and enjoying the stunning views as the landscape gradually turn to shades of brown!
10. Take in the thrill of jazz with Jazz Is Dead
Jazz Is Dead is known for revolutionizing the live music scene by bringing exceptional jazz artists to Los Angeles for unforgettable performances. This Octover, fans can expect two electrifying concerts, showcasing the talents of some of the genre’s most celebrated musicians. As a leading force in modern music, Jazz Is Dead not only curates unique and vibrant shows but also fosters a dynamic jazz community in L.A. — blending innovation with tradition. Check out the dates here!
11. Explore tide pools near Los Angeles
Although visiting the beach in autumn might seem unconventional, it’s actually the best time if you want to explore marine life without visiting a zoo or aquarium. Luckily, there are many tide pools near the city where you can see crabs, anemones, and more when the tide goes out. This makes it one of the top things to do in Los Angeles in October!
12. Go chasing one of these gorgeous waterfalls around L.A.
Get out your hiking gear and go seeking these magical waterfalls hidden amongst the rocks and trees. The soothing sound of a rushing waterfall in the distance makes the treks to find them all worth it. Find them all here.
13. Visit one of the many haunted places in the city
Hotels, shops, bridges, and many other spots in the city are filled with chilling stories of mysterious noises, eerie shadows, and even encounters with entities from the underworld. If you have the courage to face your fears, explore some of L.A.’s most famous haunted locations known for their paranormal activity. These are some of the most thrilling things to do in LA in October!
14. Pick the perfect apple at one of these picturesque farms around L.A.
The weather begins to change and the leaves turn a different shade — well, sort of. Here in L.A., it means apples are ripe and ready for harvesting! One of our favorite things about this time of year is going apple-picking! Find the most wonderful farms to celebrate this delicious fruit.
15. Check out one of the many free museums and galleries
With this colder weather, no doubt time will be spent indoors. What better way to spend a day than surrounded by art at one of our world-class galleries and museums in L.A. See a few of our top choices in this list.
16. Pay a visit to L.A.’s coolest temporary museum exhibitions
L.A. museums turn over multiple creative and wide-ranging exhibitions every single month. In October, look out for an exhibit on cars from the 80s and 90s at the Petersen Museum, a VR Titanic experience at the Beverly Centre, and an exhibit on medieval travel at the Getty Center. See our full guide to L.A. museum exhibitions here.
17. Get your costume at one of these local Halloween stores and vintage shops
No need to panic buy online or head to one of those dull pop-up Halloween stores — because we collected some of the best local Halloween shops and vintage stores to grab yourself the ultimate Halloween costume!
18. Take a scenic night ride on an Echo Park swan boat
Echo Park Lake is a tranquil paradise, especially during the autumn — where the signature lotus beds and mesmerizing fountain await you. Immerse yourself in one of the best L.A. activities by hopping onto a swan pedal boat for a whimsical adventure on the shimmering water.
Cross this off your fall bucket list in Los Angeles, and grab your tickets to the beautiful swan boat on the lake here!
19. Warm up with one of our favorite coffee shops around the city
Coffee is what really gets Los Angeles going in the mornings, and there are plenty of coffee shops around to fill those needs. Whether you’re just stopping in for a quick pick-me-up before or after work, or looking for a spot to study — our list of favorite coffee shops have you covered!
20. Raise a stein at L.A.’s most spirited Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest 2025 is ramping up in L.A. with raucous, beer-fueled parties in September and October. Look out for Old World Oktoberfest at Old World Huntington Beach, sip from enormous steins at Wurstküche, or make the trip out to Big Bear for one of the most well-produced such events in SoCal. See our full guide to L.A. Oktoberfest events here.
21. Celebrate Día de los Muertos at these vibrant cultural events
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1-2, but many of L.A.’s best events begin in October. Join holiday traditions like creating calaveras, gathering marigolds, and building ofrendas. See more Día De Los Muertos events in Los Angeles!
22. Try a kayaking adventure at nearby beach
It might seem counterintuitive, but kayaking isn’t just a summer activity! Cooler temperatures mean fewer crowds and clearer ocean waters for better visibility. If you’re up for an outdoor experience on the water, get ready to paddle!
23. All 5 Twilight films will return to theaters this fall for the novel’s 20th anniversary
Are you Team Edward or Team Jacob? The age-old question will be re-visited this fall with the re-release of the famous Twilight film series. Lionsgate and Fathom Entertainment just announced that they’re celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Twilight novels by bringing the entire film saga back to the big screen, from Oct. 29 through Nov. 2. All five films will be re-released for special showings across the country. Find out here which L.A. theaters are showing the famous saga.
📆 When: Oct. 29 through Nov. 2, 2025
24. Show solidarity at AIDS Walk Los Angeles
AIDS Walk Los Angeles returns to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The event invites Angelenos to come together this October for a day of solidarity, awareness, entertainment, and fundraising in support of critical HIV/AIDS services throughout L.A. County. This year’s theme, “Community Is the Cure,” underscores the vital role of unity in advancing progress against HIV/AIDS and strengthening support for those affected. Find out how to join here!
📆 When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
📍 Where: West Hollywood Park
25. Sing along with Janelle Monae at The Nightmare Before Christmas Live at The Hollywood Bowl
This is Halloween! Jack Skellington comes alive for two nights only at The Nightmare Before Christmas Live is coming to the Hollywood Bowl this October. Sing along with Danny Elfman singing as Jack and Janelle Monae singing as Sally. Learn more here!
📍 Where: The Hollywood Bowl
📆 When: October 25 & 26, 2025
26. Cheer on the Lakers at a Theme Night
Get ready for another incredible season cheering on the L.A. Lakers! Here’s every Lakers theme night for the month of October. Get the full 2025/2026 season Theme Night schedule here!
- Oct. 17 – Pride Night
- Oct. 21 – Opening Night
27. Get your groove on at Charlie Puth’s Jazz Club Residency in L.A.
Grammy and Golden Globe nominee Charlie Puth is pivoting from pop for a jazz residency at the freshly minted Blue Note Jazz Club in Los Angeles. The “We Don’t Talk Anymore” singer just announced 16 residency shows in New York City and Los Angeles, beginning on September 25. Get the full scoop here!
📍 Where: Blue Note Jazz Club, 6372 W Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028
📆 When: Oct. 16-19, 2025
28. Descend into madness at the largest Halloween music festival in the world
Step inside the twisted carnival of sound and spectacle when Escape Psycho Circus transforms Southern California this October. Escape Psycho Circus 2025 is unleashing its most electrifying lineup yet. Returning for two nights on October 31 and November 1, the NOS Events Center in San Bernadino will transform into a twisted carnival of sound, featuring over 90 world-renowned artists across five immersive stages. Get all the details here!
📆 When: Friday, October 31 – Saturday, November 1, 2025
📍 Where: NOS Events Center in San Bernardino
29. Snack on takoyaki at the largest Japanese street food festival in SoCal
Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of Japanese culture at the OC Japan Fair. As Southern California’s largest Japanese cultural festival, this three-day event from October 17–19 offers an authentic taste of Japan right in your backyard. Read more here about all the delicious Japanese food options.
📍Where: 88 Fair Dr, Costa Mesa, California 92626
📅When: October 17-19, 2025
30. Catch a free film screening during Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY 360 Festival
Ava DuVernay’s ARRAY returns with ARRAY 360, a six-week cinema series that examines storytelling across generations and borders. From Nia DaCosta to Gregory Nava, experience a global lineup of films and conversations that inspire, challenge, and unite audiences. Learn how to attend for free here!
📆 When: October 4 – November 8, 2025
📍 Where: ARRAY Creative Campus (180 Glendale Blvd #5826, Los Angeles, CA 90026)
31. Get smooth skin at RoC Skincare’s free 3-Minute Clinic
On Thursday, October 23rd from 10am-2pm, RoC Skincare will host the “RoC 3-Minute Clinic,” an immersive pop-up experience in Beverly Hills to celebrate the launch of its new Derm Correxion Filling + Plumping Lip Volumizer. Guests will have the chance to experience the RoC innovation firsthand, receive full sized product and personalized consultations, and enjoy interactive product demonstrations. The event will be free and open to the public, offering guests a unique, hands-on experience with the brand’s latest innovation.
📆 When: Thursday, October 23, 2025 from 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM PST
📍 Where: 242 N. Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA, 90201