Fall is 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. Perhaps it’s that the notion of fall is so elusive in the surrounding natural landscapes that Angelenos feel compelled to make up for it in festive events and 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. Have a haunted cocktail at the House of Spirits
Dive into a realm of themed cocktails, captivating live entertainment, and spine-tingling interactive experiences this October! Discover a fabulously eerie evening at the House of Spirits event as you navigate through the haunted halls of Casa Vega this fall in L.A.
With its inspiration drawn from the final days of Spanish painter Francisco Goya and various Spanish folktales, the House of Spirits offers an authentic and chilling twist. This is one of the top things to do in Los Angeles in October! Grab your tickets to House of Spirits 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. Check out the Natural History Museum’s whimsical Boney Island experience
The Natural History Museum is bringing back its charming Halloween experience, where you can explore the Nature Gardens decked out in luminous, prehistoric spooky decor. Make an evening out of it with gourmet food trucks, a nightly bar, and plenty of photo ops. Visit from October 3-31, 2024. You can find out more here.
9. Visit This Spooky Speakeasy Hidden In A DTLA Distillery
Find the entrance illuminated with a dim amber lantern along Santa Fe Avenue in DTLA — and you’ll be welcomed into The Obscure. That’s if you have an invitation. This enchanting den pairs creative cocktails and art with craft spirits and creepy surroundings that will transport you to Hogwarts. Find out how to get in here.
10. 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!
11. Understand the essence of Los Angeles at Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You exhibit
BEYOND THE STREETS’ Teen Angel & Estevan Oriol: Dedicated To You is an extraordinary exhibition capturing the essence of Los Angeles through the lens of legendary photographer Estevan Oriol and the influence of the independent Chicano magazine, Teen Angel. This curation highlights Oriol’s raw talent for uncovering beauty in the often-overlooked aspects of Los Angeles’ rich and transcendent culture. Oriol meticulously explored his own extensive archive to present this powerful collection that also demonstrates how Teen Angel impacted his own work. Visit BTS here. Due to its incredible popularity, the exhibition has been extended Sunday, October 27th!
Info: Free to the public. Closed on Monday & Tuesday. Open Wednesday — Sunday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
When: Now through Sunday, October 27th
📍Location: 434 N La Brea Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036
12. Get your cinema scare on Searchlight’s ‘SearchFright’ Horror screenings
Searchlight Pictures is bringing two of its iconic horror films back to the big screen this October with special “SearchFright Pictures” events at the El Capitan Theatre. On October 5th, horror journalist Shannon McGrew will host a screening of The Hills Have Eyes. A week later, on October 12th, Ready or Not fans can join Samara Weaving and the filmmakers from Radio Silence for a Q&A following the film.
Tickets for these one-night-only screenings are available at www.elcapitantheatre.com, and include popcorn, a beverage, and a credential. Guests can also take photos at the SearchFright x Huluween step and repeat, with the first 500 attendees receiving a “Now Screaming” sweatshirt. Ticket info here!
13. 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 landascape gradually turn to shades of brown!
14. Celebrate all things pop-culture & meet Obi-Wan Kenobi himself at LA Comic Con
LA Comic Con returns to the Los Angeles Convention Center October 4-6, 2024 with 800+ vendors and artists, the best cosplayers around, and celebrity appearances from Ewan McGregor, Hayden Christensen, Rosario Dawson, Michael J. Fox, Christopher Lloyd, Christina Ricci, & many more. Click here for more info & tickets!
15. 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!
16. 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!
17. Check out ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience
Prepare for the occasion with Beetlejuice Beetlejuice: The Afterlife Experience, launching on August 23 at Ovation Hollywood. This immersive event, one of the must-see events in Los Angeles in October, features recreated sets, live entertainment, plenty of photo opportunities, exclusive merchandise, and a chance to meet Beetlejuice himself. Is this every fan’s dream…or nightmare?!
18. Experience the magic of The Vampire Circus
The Montalban Theater hosts Vampire Circus, a thrilling new twist on the classic cirque show perfect for Halloween. Set in an eerie cemetery where spirits come alive, this family-friendly performance combines circus acts with spooky theatrics. Expect dazzling acts from dancers, gymnasts, contortionists, and more, including the notorious “Graveyard Clown.” It’s one of the best things to do in LA in October!
19. 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.
20. 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!
21. 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.
22. 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.
23. 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 the new Latin Grammys exhibition at the GRAMMY Museum, an exploration of the Cyberpunk genre at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and a showcase about the science of light at the Getty Center. See our full guide to L.A. museum exhibitions here.
24. 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!
25.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!
26. 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!
27. Take a memorable guided hike to the iconic Hollywood Sign
Hikes in the fall, just hit different. You can experience the Hollywood Sign in a whole new way this month— up close and personal! Get ready for an awe-inspiring hike with an expert tour guide. This extraordinary tour hike is an experience you’ll surely want to cross off your summer bucket list — don’t miss out and book your Hollywood sign tour hike here!
28. Unleash your inner ghostbuster at this ghost-hunting tour in Los Angeles
Unleash your inner ghostbuster and prepare for a spine-tingling journey through the mystical streets of Chinatown! Join forces with a fearless ghost guide who’s ready to explore the supernatural side of this historic neighborhood. It’s time to confront the unknown! Are you ready for Real Ghost Hunting in Chinatown?
🎟️ Tickets: Grab your tickets to Real Ghost Hunting in Chinatown here!
📅When: Now through November
29. Raise a stein at L.A.’s most spirited Oktoberfest celebrations
Oktoberfest 2024 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.
30. 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.
- Oct. 26, 2024: El Velorio Día De Los Muertos Cultural Celebration at Plaza de la Raza
- Oct. 26, 2024: Day of the Dead celebration at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
- Oct. 25 – Nov. 2, 2024: Día de los Muertos Festival at Olvera Street
- See more Día De Los Muertos in Los Angeles
31. 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!
Edited by Sofía Delpueche and Jamie Ferrell