A Big List of Things to Do This October in L.A. [2024]

October has arrived!

On offer for the spookiest month of the year you’ll find Boney Island at Natural History Museum, a Quantum Vibrations Music Series for PST ART, Bee Week at The Hammer, CicLAvia Heart of LA, Sherman Oaks Street Fair, the Muertos ArtWalk, Grand Ave Arts: All-Access, the L.A. Archives Bazaar, and MUCH more. Let’s get into the full rundown below.

Things To Do This October

M = Less than .5 miles from an L.A. Metro Station, FA = Free Admission, TP = Top Pick

Boney Island at the Natural History Museum (October 1-31) – M > The Nature Gardens of Natural History Museum Los Angeles is home to Boney Island. Expect an array of glowing installations, spooky skeletons, and shadow puppetry interlaced with artistic performances, real fossils from the museum’s collection, and plenty of trick-or-treating opportunities for the little ones. Boney Island runs on select days thorughout the month of October. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for kids. More info here.

Autry After Hours (October 3, 10, 17, 24) -> The Autry continues its series of Thursday evening events this October with after-hours museum access and live talks, plus special activations for each night that range from poetry readings and workshops to fashion tours and book signings. Admission is $18 for adults. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.

MONSTER PARTY: A Queer Halloween Immersive Show (October 3-4) -> Matt Dorado, heretofore creator of the immersive nightlife series Drunken Devil, has put together a special two-night engagement at Wonzimer Gallery in DTLA. MONSTER PARTY presents as an interactive Hollywood soiree set against the backdrop of McCarthyism and the Lavender Scare. Guests will mingle with peculiar party guests and sip on cocktails as a twisted narrative unfolds, taking them on a journey to hell and back (so they say). Tickets are $85 and that includes two drinks. Starts at 7:30 p.m. both nights. More info here.

Quantum Vibrations (October 4 & 17 ) – FA > Quantum Vibrations is a free, four-part music series that will investigate the intersections of art and science through music and sound, all presented as part of the PST ART Initiative. The first two events in the series pop up this October, including Black Quantum Futurism at Debs Park on October 4, then Quantum Preludes at The Getty on October 17. All events are free to event with advance registration. More info here.

Carved at Descanso Gardens (October 4-30) -> Descanso Gardens’ family-friendly Carved returns with a pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route, hundreds of carved pumpkins and kid-friendly activities. Tickets run $25-$30 for non-members. Get more info here.

Tito’s Fiesta Mexicana at Tito’s Tacos (October 4) -> Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Tito’s Tacos are teaming up to celebrate National Vodka Day and National Taco Day, which happen to occur on the same day of the year. Coupled with the food and drink will be entertainment by a range of artist from music to a magician and comedy Eric Schwartz aka “Smooth-E.” Proceeds will go on to benefit The Culver City Cultural Affairs Foundation. Tickets cost $35 for food and alcohol, $20 for those interested in food only. More info here.

Oktoberfest at Fairplex (October 4-26) -> The Fairplex transform into a fantastical Bavarian Oktoberfest every Friday and Saturday with live oompah bands, DJs and plenty of German food and beers to go around. Tickets cost $13 – $16. This is a 21+ event. More info here.

Dumpling and Beer Fest (October 4) – FA > The Dumpling and Beer Fest returns to the Mission District of San Gabriel this year with 20 vendors. Admission is free, and if you’re 21 or older, you can purchase tickets for the beer garden ($44.52), for unlimited beer samples from regional breweries. More info here.

LUMINEX 3.0: Landscape Frequencies (October 5) – TP FA > LUMINEX returns for its third year, transforming downtown Los Angeles into a vibrant outdoor gallery for one night only. This immersive exhibition turns the buildings of the South Park District into giant canvases, showcasing the work of eight cutting-edge multimedia artists. Featured creators include JOJO ABOT, Refik Anadol, Alice Bucknell, Nao Bustamante, Petra Cortright, Marc Horowitz, Carole Kim, and Sarah Rara, with special installations by Los Angeles Video Artists (LAVA). Free to attend. Pedicabs will also be available for booking ahead of time to make exploring the five-block exhibition on wheels instead of on foot for a fee. More info here.

ChainFEST (October 5) – TP > The gourmet food festival featuring chef-driven interpretations of iconic chain restaurant dishes is returning to Los Angeles at Skylight ROW DTLA. Guests will have the opportunity to savor elevated versions of classic items from beloved restaurants like White Castle, Red Lobster, and a revived Koo Koo Roo, along with exciting new creations from various cherished chains, all presented in immersive restaurant build-outs. The nostalgia is heightened with rides, carnival games, arcades, and unique entertainment. Tasting tickets, which include 13+ unique gourmet bites, start at $89.99. More info here.

Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch (October 5-30) -> Culver City’s favorite pumpkin village offers plenty of family fun, including photo ops in front of giant pumpkin installations, a straw maze, a super slide, petting zoo, giant rocking horses, and pumpkin decorating sessions. Tickets cost $10 to $25 depending on date and tickets for activities begin at $1 each. More info here.

Japan Family Day (October 5-6) -> One of the largest Japanese Family Festivals in SoCal, Japan Family Day brings two days of Japanese culture, entertainment, and food to Santa Anita Park. Fun for the entire family the festival runs 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both dates, and attendees can also catch the Tokyo City Cup at the race track on Sunday. Tickets cost $10. More info here.

Brewery Artwalk (October 5-6) FA– The bi-annual Brewery Artwalk is back with a free two-day showcase of over 100 participating resident artists offering the public a chance to chat with makers, peruse new works, and shop direct from the artists themselves. Runs 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. Free to attend. More info here.

Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden (October 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27) -> South Coast Botanic Garden hosts Dogtoberfest every Saturday and Sunday in October, inviting guests to bring their dogs for a fun day out. Explore a “pup crawl” with four stations offering free beer tastings (full beers for purchase), plus a Dance Pawty, Doggy Marketplace, obstacle course, and a self-guided Bark Walk showcasing the garden’s trees. Bavarian-inspired food and beer will be available for purchase. Tickets are $15 per adult and $5 per dog. More info here.

Culver City Art Walk and Roll Festival (October 5) – M FA > A four-block stretch of Washington Blvd will close to traffic for a day-long event featuring gallery visits, artists, live music, wine and beer gardens, a kids zone, interactive art experiences, and more. Free and open to the public. More info here.

The Oddities Flea Market (October 5 ) – > The Oddities Flea Market takes over the Avalon for a day of off-beat shopping where you’ll find three floors of one-of-a-kind curiosities from over 70 vendors. Tickets range $31.05 to $60.10. More info here.

Muertos Artwalk (October 5) – M FA > Discover local artists and Olvera Street merchants during Muertos Artwalk. The hand-curated event features a number of vendors offering unique artwork, jewelry, accessories, clothing, face painting, and more. Free to attend. More info here.

Sunday Afternoon Concerts in the Dome (October 6) -> Mount Wilson Observatory continues its 2024 season of classical concerts hosted inside the historic 100-inch telescope dome, where the acoustics are said to be some of the finest in the world. There will be two musical performances, one at 3 p.m. and the other at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60. More info here

The Autry of the American West Annual Block Party (October 6) -> Celebrate the Autry Museum of the American West’s 36th-anniversary with a carnival with bounce houses, a Ferris Wheel, plus access to museum exhibits like PST ART: Art & Science Collide. Enjoy plein air painting, an interactive horse experience with Urban Saddles, a meet-and-greet with PBS’ Curious George, a music workshop, fry bread for sale, and a Native Voices performance. Registration is required. Children 12 and younger get free admission and tickets to the museum cost $18. More info here.

Black Bar Social at The Music Center (October 8) – M FA> Each month at The Music Center, a featured artist or culture maker will pose a question and curate an experience to spark curiosity, imagination and conversation about the evolving cultural landscape of a vibrant Los Angeles. Free to attend. Runs 6 to 9 p.m. More info here.

Totally Valley Oktoberfest (October 12) -> My Valley Pass is transforming the historic Airtel Plaza Hotel into the town of Munich but with “A Valley Twist”. Enjoy Bavarian music, dancing, craft beer, food and appearances from Radio DJ’s from the 80’s and 90’s. Tickets cost $25 per person. More info here.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day at The Getty (October 12) – FA M TP>The Getty celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day with a special activations, hands-on workshops, and musical performances. Runs 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. An advance reservation (free) is required. More info here.

Halloween Hootenanny Craft Beer Festival (October 12) -> The fourth annual Halloween Hootenanny Craft Beer Festival takes place at the Museum of Latin American Art in Long Beach. The event features a curated lineup of craft breweries from around the world, along with local wineries, cideries, kombucha makers, and spooky art vendors. Enjoy live music, local artists, and delicious food vendors. General admission tickets start at $55 per person. More info here.

LA Beer Fest – Oktoberfest Edition (October 12) -> The semi annual beer fest returns to Los Angeles Center Studios for an Oktoberfest edition featuring music by Festmeister Hans Und Die Sauerkrauts and a Bavarian beer village with 60 local breweries and a dozen food trucks. Tickets start at $61.79. More info here.

The Wende Museum Presents Counter/Surveillance: Control, Privacy, Agency (opening October 13) – FA TP > The Wende’s latest exhibition offers a look at Cold War-era surveillance practices through historical artifacts and artworks from the museum and other collections. Highlights include facial recognition training materials used by East German border guards in the 1970s and 1980s, along with works from artists who creatively responded to authoritarian control. Admission to the museum is free. More info here.

Bee Week at The Hammer (October 13-20) FA TP– In conjunction with their exhibition Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice, The Hammer is hosting a “Bee Week” offering special bee talks, honey tastings, and a screening of the award-winning documentary Microcosmos.

Cosmic Art Night: Of Sea and Sky at Mt. Wilson (October 13) –TP> This unique night time experience at Mount Wilson Observatory will allow guests access to the 100-inch telescope, along with artist talks and a tour of the exhibition Of Sea and Sky, a two-person exhibition that examines human-to-nature relationships by artists Rebeca Méndez and Stephen Nowlin. Guests will view an immersive video work by Méndez projected within the dome and large-scale print works by Nowlin displayed along the dome floor encircling the massive telescope. Tickets cost $200 per person and the event takes place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.

CicLAvia Heart of LA (October 13) – M FA> CicLAvia – Heart of LA brings the city’s biggest open streets event to Downtown Los Angeles for a route that connects Boyle Heights, Chinatown, Downtown, Echo Park, and Little Tokyo. You can access the event by public transit via multiple Metro stations, including the A Line to Chinatown Station, the E to Mariachi Plaza, the A or E to Historic Broadway Station, or the A, B or D to Union Station. And yes, you can bring your bike on the Metro! More info here.

Pasadena’s biannual ArtNight (October 18) – M FA TP-> The fall edition of Pasadena’s biannual ArtNight includes free activations at myriad partner locations, including the Gamble House, Armory Center for the Arts, and the USC Pacific Asia Museum.

Salsa Night at Ivy Station (October 18) – FA > Ivy Station in Culver City concludes their salsa night series with a Halloween-themed Salsaween party featuring an into lesson by dance instructor Pepe Gonzalez (6:30 to 7 p.m.) followed by a live set from Fermin Fusion Salsa from 7 to 8:45 p.m. Costumes are encouraged. The event is free and takes place outdoors. More info here.

Grand Ave Arts: All-Access (October 19) – M FA TP > Dive into L.A.’s arts and culture scene when Grand Ave Arts: All Access returns to Downtown Los Angeles. Now in its eighth year, this free community event invites Angelenos to explore DTLA’s cultural corridor and enjoy performances, workshops, and activities provided by 10 iconic L.A. cultural institutions. The event is free to attend, but visitors are encouraged to RSVP here

L.A. Archives Bazaar (October 19) – M FA > Attention SoCal history hounds! Come to L.A. as Subject’s Los Angeles Archives Bazaar to peruse a trove of historical treasures and interact with experts from dozens of institutions and archives. The event takes place at Doheny Memorial Library on the campus of USC and is free and open to the public. More info here.

Downtown Día de los Muertos (October 19 to November 2) – M FA > Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos welcomes parkgoers to contribute to a community altar, enjoy family-friendly activities, a free film screening, and the first Downtown Día de Muertos parade. Free to visit any time of day. Get more info here.

The P-22 Day Festival (October 19) – FA > The P-22 Day Festival honors L.A.’s most famous big cat (may he rest in peace!) with a one day, family-friendly celebration in Griffith Park. Expect exhibits and educational activities for big cat lovers of all-ages. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and is free to attend. More info here.

Taste of Soul (October 19) – M FA > Experience the flavors and culture of South Los Angeles at Taste of Soul. This free family festival on Crenshaw Blvd. between Barack Obama Blvd. and Stocker Avenue draws over 350,000 attendees, showcasing the neighborhood’s best with 150+ vendors. Enjoy soulful cuisine, live performances, and community all in one day. More info here.

Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market (October 19-20) FAM – Fall Festival at the Original Farmers Market offers two days of a petting zoo, pumpkin patch, fall-themed games, live music, kids crafts, and photo opps.

Beverly Hills Art Show (October 19-20) – FA > The fall edition of the bi-annual Beverly Hills Art Show comes to Beverly Gardens Park with over 200 artists expected to participate. 

Sherman Oaks Street Fair (October 20) – M FA >The Sherman Oaks Street Fair brings a day of live performance, carnival games, and vendors to a half-mile stretch of Venture Blvd from Van Nuys to Kester.

Boo At The Zoo (October 19-20 & 26-27)-> On back-to-back weekends heading into Halloween, swing over to the Los Angeles Zoo for Boo at the Zoo, a family-friendly assortment of seasonal activities, including animal pumpkin feedings, themed photo ops, trick-or-treating stations, story readings, and an extinct animal graveyard. Entry is included with zoo admission, which starts at $22 for adults. More info here.

7th Annual Redondo Beach Pier Halloween (October 25) – FA>The 7th Annual Redondo Beach Pier Halloween offers a costume contest, DJ, Halloween-themed photos, giveaways, prizes for best costumes and Trick-or-Treating on the Pier and Boardwalk at participating businesses.

Day of the Dead at El Pueblo (October 25 – November 2) – FA > In celebration of Día de Muertos, the Olvera Street Plaza will be decorated with altars for the public to view, along with nightly processions and live entertainment on select days. More info here.

Fall Fun Festival (October 25)- FA > The City of San Gabriel’s annual Fall Fun Festival pops up in the Mission District offering a range of family-friendly Halloween activities for all ages. More info here.

Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever (October 26) – TP > The 25th Annual Día de los Muertos festival at Hollywood Forever returns featuring unique daytime and evening events. Programming varies for the day/night events, but for both expect altars, traditional dance, art exhibits, culinary vendors, and a ceremonial procession. GA tix start at $53.60. More info here.

Terrifying True Stories by Candlelight in an Abandoned Church (October 26-27) -> Sit in on true scary stories told by candlelight inside an abandoned church and four other haunted structures at Heritage Square. Experience the stories come to life all around you where evil spirits and otherworldly creatures are definitely in the room. Tickets cost $42.97. More info here.

Haunted Little Tokyo Block Party (October 26) – M FA> One of Los Angeles’ most historic neighborhoods is throwing a 21+ block party for spooky season. Free to attend, the party will feature live music, a full bar, costume contest, and food. More info here.

14th Annual El Velorio Cultural Celebration (October 26) – TP > One of L.A. County’s largest Día de los Muertos celebrations returns to Plaza de la Raza for an evening of one-of-a-kind art pieces from over 150 artists plus live performances, Aztec Dancers, a Day of the Dead inspired puppet show by the Bob Baker Marionette Theater Company, face painting, food, and craft vendors. GA tickets start at $25. More info here.

Downey Día de Los Muertos Art Festival (October 27) – FA > The City of Downey is hosting a free Día de Los Muertos Art Festival at the Downey Theater. This year’s festival will feature three entertainment stages, a dance floor, a beer and wine garden, art displays, altars, children’s entertainment, and craft activities. Additionally, there will be over 30 vendors and food trucks. The event is free to attend, and it is expected to draw around 25,000 visitors. More info here.

6th Annual Disability Pride Parade & Festival (October 27) – FA > The 6th Annual Disability Pride Parade & Festival returns to the East L.A. Civic Center. This event is open to the general public welcoming allies and supporters for a day of solidarity. The details are TBA, but is probably similar to last year which had free food, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, resources and more. More info here.

Black Comics Festival (October 27)- M FA > California African American Museum hosts a Black Comics Festival featuring a marketplace of Black-owned comic vendors, special panels, and food trucks. Free to attend. More info here.

Barks & Boos (October 27) -> The L.A. Arboretum hosts a day of fun for dogs, craft beers and food trucks for humans and pet adoption education for those considering rescuing a dog in need of a home. Coordinate costumes with your pup, and participate in a dog costume contest at 2:30 p.m. Admission for dogs cost $10 and will benefit the Pasadena Humane Society and LA Arboretum Foundation. Human admission to the arboretum cost $15. More info here.

Día de los Muertos at Forest Lawn (October 27) – FA > Forest Lawn’s is hosting Día de los Muertos events at three locations through L.A. County on October 27. Each includes special altars plus traditional folklórico and mariachi music. All are free to attend. Get more info here.

17th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids (October 31) – TP > The 17th Annual DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids returns to Grand Hope Park, offering a family-friendly environment with trick-or-treating, live puppet and magic shows, crafts, and free hot dogs from Shake Shack DTLA and cookies from Capital One Café. GA tickets cost $15, kids under 3 are free.

Urban Death at Zombie Joe’s Underground Theatre (now through November 1) –TP> Zombie Joe’s annual tradition of Urban Death is back with a brand new series of terrifying vignettes, bookended by walks through a creepy maze. Runs on Fridays and Saturdays, plus a few more select dates during the show’s final week at the end of October. Advance tickets are $23 online, or it’s $28 at door. Get more info here.

Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular! (now through November 10)- TP > In Bob Baker’s Halloween Spooktacular!, over a hundred spirited puppets come to life, delivering an hour-long, family-friendly captivating Halloween revue. Highlights include Frankenstein’s toe-tapping debut and a cabaret of glow-in-the-dark skeletons. Tickets cost $25 a person. More info here.

Reign of Terror Haunted House (now through November 2) -> This award-winning haunted house and walkthrough experience located in Thousand Oaks is now in its 24th season. The 2024 edition features 142 rooms in 11 different, inter-connected sections within 32,000 square feet of floor space. Standards tickets start at $42. More info here.

Spider Pavilion at NHM (now through November 24) -> Explore the secret lives of spiders at the Natural History Museum’s Spider Pavilion, a unique seasonal attraction happening from September 15 to November 24. Walk among hundreds of orb weavers and their intricate webs, then peek into enclosed habitats showcasing a variety of spider species, including tarantulas and jumping spiders. Admission is just $10 with a timed ticket (required in addition to museum admission) or free for members.

Halloween Horror Nights (now through November 3) – M > Universal Studios’ fall horror takeover features the signature Terror Tram, plus a litany of scare zones, lives shows, and a bevy of different haunted houses, including The Weekend themed haunted house, A Quite Place and Insidious The Further. GA tickets start at $77. Get more info here.

The Queen Mary’s Dark Harbor (now through November 2) -> After a four-year hiatus, Dark Harbor makes its return to the iconic Queen Mary in Long Beach with terrifying characters, haunted mazes, live entertainment, ghostly experiences, sinister eats and secret speakeasies hidden inside and around Dark Harbor’s mazes and attractions. More info here.

Los Angeles Haunted Hayride (now through November 2) -> The signature Halloween experience held in Griffith Park is back for 2024. The whole thing takes place in Midnight Falls, a fictional horror-town filled with roaming monsters. Check out the haunted mortuary and hop on the signature Hayride, this year the wagons get an update with built-in comfy seats. Tickets start at $36.99. More info here.

Knott’s Scary Farm (now through November 2) -> Knott’s Scary Farm returns with their signature lineup of haunted attractions, mazes and thousands of monsters ready to scare the living daylight out of you and your crew. Tickets start at $59.99. More info here. 

Nights of the Jack (now through November 2) -> The annual 1-mile trail of Halloween lights and jack o’lanterns at King Gillette Ranch continues on select dates through October 31. In addition to the signature walk, expect live pumpkin carving demos, face painting, a souvenir shop, and a “spookeasy” offering adult beverages for sale. Admission runs $34.99-$44.99 depending on which day of the week you attend. More info here.

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