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.
Experience Jane Austen–inspired music by candlelight at Pasadena Presbyterian Church. For a cozy October night out, catch a Jane Austen–inspired Candlelight Concert featuring a string quartet and pianist at Pasadena Presbyterian Church on October 10 at 8:15 PM, with classical and Austen-related music by candlelight ahead of the Sense and Sensibility film release.
A bone-chilling theatrical experience that blurs the boundaries between live theatre and the supernatural. Looking for a spooky-season outing beyond the usual haunted house? The Eaves is an atmospheric horror production written and directed by Justin Meyer, weaving a haunting story of grief and a sinister entity at The Nocturne Theatre in Glendale.
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!
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.
If you’re looking to lean into October’s fall vibes with the whole crew, this beloved family event features a wide array of pumpkins, games, and activities for kids, including inflatable slides and a straw maze, all within a vibrant autumn atmosphere. Don’t miss out—a visit to Mr. Bones promises fun for the entire family!
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!
If you’re looking for a photo-worthy October outing, step into seven vivid neon worlds and play, touch, and photograph your way through an immersive light experience. NEONIKA is a multi-sensory light and color exhibition in Downtown Los Angeles’ Arts District featuring seven interactive neon worlds where visitors can touch, play, and photograph immersive installations across over 50 curated backdrops.
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!
A two-day Chappell Roan celebration raising funds for trans youth and LGBTQ+ organizations comes to Los Angeles. If you’re looking for a big October live-music moment with a good cause behind it, Chappell Roan headlines The Super Graphic Spectacular, a two-day charity concert and block party at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles supporting trans youth and LGBTQ+ communities. The event takes place on October 21 and 22, 2026, with performances, vendors, and a daytime block party requiring a separate ticket.
Around L.A., you can find beloved local businesses, like Fan Girl Cafe in West Hollywood, celebrating the festival with specials and promo items.
If you’re looking to add some meaningful culture to your October lineup, 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 from September 15 to October 15 and beyond!
Catch your favorite film at FocusFest 2026
FocusFest is a one-day event celebrating Focus Features’ iconic films and renowned filmmakers. Hosted by Justin Sylvester, this year’s expanded celebration will feature more screenings, special guests, three uniquely curated collections, and experiences that bring the worlds of Focus to life. Plus they’re offering themed food and beverage, exclusive merchandise, interactive experiences, and surprises.
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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!
Two nights of immersive Halloween production and electronic music at the NOS Events Center. If you want to spend Halloween weekend deep in L.A.-area spooky season energy, Insomniac’s Escape Psycho Circus returns to the NOS Events Center in San Bernardino for two nights on October 30–31, 2026, featuring 80+ artists across five or more stages, including Zedd, Steve Aoki, and Excision.
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.
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!
Oktoberfest 2026 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.
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!
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!
Show solidarity at AIDS Walk Los Angeles
AIDS Walk Los Angeles returns to West Hollywood Park on Sunday, October 18, 2026. 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.
Stroll glowing lavender fields, enjoy live music nightly, and taste lavender-infused food under the stars.
Lavender Nights transforms 123 Farm into a glowing nighttime experience with over 500,000 lights, live music, lavender-inspired food and activities running August 20–October 25, 2026.
Sample four autumn-inspired iced coffees in one Fall Mini Flight. For an easy October treat, head to Iced Above (with two L.A. County locations), which is serving Fall Mini Flights — four bite-sized iced coffees featuring pumpkin, toasted marshmallow, Biscoff-style cookie butter, and mazapan flavors — plus a Pumpkin Spice Dirty Soda.
Celebrate the Route 66 centennial on Montana Avenue — free and family-friendly. For a daytime October outing, head to the Montana Avenue Art Walk in Santa Monica for a free Route 66 Centennial celebration on Saturday, October 3, 2026, from 11:00 to 18:00. The open-air event spans roughly 7th to 17th Street and features classic cars, live music, art, vendors, family activities and food.
Step into David Lynch’s strange, cinematic vision of Los Angeles. If you’re looking for something a little uncanny this October, David Lynch: LA is a photography exhibition at Pace Gallery in Los Angeles showcasing five photographic series created between 1979 and 2008. It runs from September 19 to December 23, 2026, exploring the city’s atmosphere through Lynch’s uncanny, cinematic images.
Honor your pet at the L.A. Zoo’s Día de los Muertos ofrenda. For a meaningful stop during L.A.’s October spooky season, the Los Angeles Zoo’s annual Beloved Pets Ofrenda invites guests to honor their animal companions with a community-created altar in celebration of Día de los Muertos.
Follow Tinker Bell through millions of twinkling lights in an illuminated garden adventure. If you’re already mapping out your post-October calendar, Tinker Bell’s Neverland transforms South Coast Botanic Garden into an illuminated light trail filled with glowing installations, interactive fairy realms, and seasonal treats. The outdoor experience runs from November 13 through January 3 and features millions of twinkling lights along the garden’s paths.
If you’re craving something epic (and a little otherworldly) next month you can step into Arrakis with a jaw‑dropping, hyper‑immersive Dune experience in downtown Los Angeles. Dune: The Experience transforms a massive DTLA space into a multisensory, interactive exhibit celebrating Denis Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy with authentic props, costumes, photo ops and themed food and merch. The installation opens in the Arts District at 330 S Alameda Street in November – so if you’re ready for the journey, secure your spot now!
