The leaves may not be falling just yet, but the spooky season is creeping in!
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 the city. 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 ways to get into the fall spirit. [Featured Image: Sacred Sands Joshua Tree]
1. Watch A Classic Film And Sip On Cocktails Under The Stars
Enjoy this cinematic open-air soiree, featuring mouthwatering cocktails inspired by classic films. You’ll be whisked away on a magical journey into the world of where cinema spills out into your surroundings and even the glass in your hands. Get your tickets before the curtains fall at the end of October.
2. Channel Your Inner Witchiness Into The Art Of Boozy Potion-Making
Get out your robes and wands and gather around the cauldron for a bewitching night of wicked fun! There’s a magical potion class coming straight to your doorstep and it’s filled with witchy tricks and boozy treats. For this Hocus Pocus master class, you can park your brooms and allow the baddest witches in the business to bring everything you need straight to your doorstep. Sign up for an night of delectable sorcery here.
4-9. Roll Into One Of These Spooky Drive-Through Scenes
Hop into your car and roll into reimagined outdoor spaces across Los Angeles, where screens and stages will light up as the sun sets and the autumn leaves float to the ground. While we were all terrified that our annual zombie-filled traditions would be lost completely this year, the only real difference is that you’ll be doing most of it from the safety of your car—and don’t panic, there’ll be all sorts of safety measures in place so you don’t floor it with every fright. Here’s what you have to look forward to:
- The Santa Monica Mountains Will Be Illuminated With A Jack O’Lantern Drive-Thru
- L.A.’s HauntO’ween Drive-Thru Features A Pumpkin Patch And Trick-Or-Treating
- A Drive-Through Haunted House Is Heading To O.C. This Halloween
- L.A.’s Haunted Hayride Is Bringing You A Spooky Drive-Up Experience
- This Halloween Drive-Through Food Crawl Is Happening At An Eerie Lake In L.A.
- San Fernando Valley Halloween Drive-In Nights
10. Get Into The Saturday Groove With A Bottomless Mimosa Brunch
The beautiful outdoor oasis at the historic El Cid will be transformed into a disco dream for an unforgettable brunch party. You’ll be served up delicious food, a whole lot of 70s and 80s nostalgia, and as many mimosas as it takes to get you into the groove. Book yourself a spot at this throwback feast.
11. Go On A Sunset Booze Cruise With Oktoberfest Fare In San Diego
Prost! Raise a glass at this Sights & Sips Oktoberfest Cocktail Cruise. You’ll sail into the sunset with a delicious cocktail in hand and dine al fresco in the stunning San Diego Bay. It’s happy hour in California style with a festive German twist. Book your spot on this popular cruise before the season is over.
12. Head To A Haunted Wedding Party In A Secret Cemetary In Hollywood
Celebrate this merry matrimony, guests will be whisked off to the land of the dead (a haunted cemetery in L.A) to join haunted guests and enjoy libations served by Jack’s unliving relatives. You’ll choose from three different lunch options: Guest of the Dead, Deadly Time and Rest In Peace. Book your seat and dine with the dead.
13. Escape To This Pastoral Haven For A Delicious Brunch And Meet Your New Therapy Pet
Come for the delicious mimosa brunch, stay for goats! Grab a ticket and escape to the idyllic pastoral setting of the Santa Monica Mountains. Here, you’ll enjoy an upscale cheese-based brunch and mimosas with the irresistible distraction of adorable four-legged residents.
14. Celebrate La Dia De Los Muertos With Margaritas And Tacos In Culver City
15-19. Escape The City And Explore The State With These Outdoor Adventures
- 5 Funky Desert Towns You Need To Visit For The Ultimate Road Trip
- This Off-The-Grid Experience On The Edge Of Joshua Tree Is A Desert Paradise
- This Charismatic Dive Bar In Bombay Beach Is 223 Feet Below Sea Level
- Design Your Own Cliffside Dining Experience On An Island Off The Coast Of California
- Stay In On Of These Cute Wagons In A Serene, Rural Setting Near L.A.
20.Give Into The Nostalgia Of A Retro Game With This Boozy Bowling Session
Gather your friends and go back to simpler times with 2 hours filled with laughs, strikes, spares, and a few dreaded gutter balls. The AMC lanes have professional industrial hygienists to ensure you savor your high scores with full peace of mind. Put on your bowling shoes and book yourself a few rounds of fun here and get 50% off!.
21-23. Become A Tourist For A Day And Visit A Local Gem
Leaving the city can be daunting during these uncertain times, luckily there are plenty of local gems that are worth checking out at least once. If you’ve been to any of these spots already, then this may be the perfect time to become a tourist in your own city and rediscover these quirky little gems.
- This Quaint Little Lane Is A Taste Of Europe Hidden In The Heart Of DTLA
- This Mosaicked Venice Gem Is Open To Explore Every Saturday
- Take A Trip Back In Time To The Retro Replica Of The Original In-N-Out In Baldwin Park
24. Get Lost In A Magical Wonderland Of Art
Immerse yourself in this spectacular light-and-dark themed art installation: part hall of mirrors, part dark ride, part cake infinity wonderland. This birthday celebration-friendly event has recently been featured in We Love LA, KABC-7’s Localish, and KCET. Part dark ride, part hallucinatory Hall of Mirrors. Don’t miss out, make a reservation and wander through this kaleidoscopic maze.
25. Sip On Elaborate Cocktails And Let The Alluring Magic Show Dazzle You
In the shadows of this hidden, ornate theater, a magical world is conjured where you’ll be immersed in an experience orchestrated to entertain and beguile. Shows run Fridays and Saturdays featuring a rotating roster of magicians and illusionists, burlesque dancers, and more. Get your tickets here.
26-29. Go Apple Picking At One Of These 5 Orchards And Reward Yourself With Delicious Cider Or Donuts
While fall has officially arrived, but you would never know it in this hot L.A. climate. So there’s no better way to soak up the sun and get into the autumnal spirit than an escape to a gorgeous farm and fill your basket with delicious apples. Then, bask in this countryside setting with a cider in one hand and a donut or a freshly baked pie in the other.
30. Float Around Echo Park Lake On A Cute Swan Boat
The iconic floating swans are the perfect way to explore the park. You’ll get a thigh workout with views of the lush scenery all while practicing social distancing. Book yourself a fun day out here.
31. Contact The Dead At This Victorian-era ‘Mourning Faire’
Heritage Square Museum is bringing its eerie Mourning Tour back, but this year it’s all happening outdoors. Become well-versed in all the macabre practices of the Victorian times and wander through gothic structures while browsing the mysterious offerings from the undead residents of the past.
32. Pick The Perfect Pumpkin At This Wholesome Little Patch
Some seasonal traditions have not been completely canceled. You can still get into the spooky spirit at Mr. Jack O’lantern’s Pumpkin Patch. The Halloween action will include a spooky maze, pumpkin bowling, boo-sketball, a photo booth, a petting farm, a boo-loon pop and a range of themed the kids will love.
34. Sink Your Teeth Into This Delectable Tiki Mashup Of Music, Monsters And Things To Munch On
Hell never looked so good! Experience a realm where two worlds collide and music meets horror. Suffer in terror through two all-new, original mazes bringing monsters from the dead through the dark shadows and depths of hell. If you survive, feel the vibrations stemming from the slaying DJ’s and killer performances. Book your day of spook and terror here!
35-38. Take In The Delightful Floral Aromas At On Of These 4 Botanical Gardens
Botanical gardens never cease to be an inviting respite from the smoke and smog of city life. The blooms are ever-changing and L.A. is lucky to be the home of truly remarkable plant species. So take a day to wander through the tranquil, manicured landscapes and inhale the fresh floral aromas of Mother Nature. Here are 4 gardens that are open for reservations right now.
39. Prepare For A Terrifying Movie Marathon
Horror season is officially here! Get the sweats on, popcorn out and queue up all of your favorite shows and films and settle in for a month of cinematic thrills. Here are some of our recommendations across platforms.
40. Immerse Yourself In A Trail Of Murder And Mystery Without Leaving Your Home
Join the generous millionaires at Colonel Grady Pupon’s gala and prepare yourself for a KILLER night with a thrilling game of cat and mouse. You will be assigned a character to play or should we say… a SUSPECT? All clues will have been encrypted and emailed to you BEFORE the show, but don’t worry, a murder hasn’t happened… yet. Dress to impress because you never know who you will meet. Book your ticket here to receive your invite to this exclusive affair.
41. Take A Staycation At This Lush Urban Paradise
Summer isn’t over in California at The Silver Lake Pool & Inn. You’ll feel like you’ve gone on an exotic escape with giant palm trees, a sparkling blue pool and endless blue skies. Lounge amongst the white umbrellas, take a dip to cool off and replenish with mouthwatering cocktails and salads. You can even stay the night if you want this city break to last a little longer. Find out more here.
42-46. Leave Reality Behind And Go On A Surreal Escape Near L.A.
We all need a little change of scenery every now and then, but luckily Angelenos don’t have to travel too far for it. As much as we love L.A., with some of our favorite things out the picture, there’s simply no better time to get to know the surrounding lands and discover (or rediscover) all its hidden gems. Here are some dreamy weekend escapes, less than a 3-hour drive from L.A., that will make you feel like you’ve stepped into another world.
47. Wander Through The Hauntingly Beautiful Mausaulem In Mountain View
48. Catch This Rare Blue Moon That Falls On Halloween For The First Time In 2 Decades
This celestial occurrence only happens once in a Blue Moon and won’t happen again until 2039! While you might not actually see any shades of Indigo (unless there’s a severe amount of volcanic smoke filling the air, or unusual atmospheric conditions) it will offer stargazers a chance to see an astronomical wonder that doesn’t happen every day.
49-50. Lose Yourself In A Literary Oasis And Stock Up On Fall Reading
Immerse yourself in a world of fantasy and fiction at one of these literary gems: