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Every October 2017 Event To Know About In Orange County

The scariest time of the year has arrived, bringing with it a bunch of monsters, mazes, scare zones and screams. October is filled with terrifying haunts, spooky family-oriented activities and fun fall pumpkin patches that make it a memorable month each year. But there is plenty to do outside of the Halloween realm. Whether you take in a ballet, go for a hike, learn to make soup or sip some brews during Oktoberfest, October is bound to hold plenty of excitement for everyone in your crew.
October 7, 2017
beer festival
(credit: GEOFFROY VAN DER HASSELT/AFP/Getty Images)

BrewBQ
Cismontane Brewing Company
1409 East Warner Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(949) 888-2739
cismontanebrewing.com

Stop by the tasting room at Cismontane Brewing Company for the very first BrewBQ. The brewery in partnering with Helberg Ranch will be offering a full day of beers, BBQ food, live music and dancing. Four of the brand's unique craft brews will be offered up to complement the ranch's delicious barbecue dishes.

October 7, 2017
meet-artists- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Aldo Luongo)

Meet Artist Aldo Luongo
Lahaina Galleries
1173 Newport Center Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 721-9117
lahainagalleries.com

With works that are often referred to as romance on canvas, Aldo Luongo's acrylic paintings and fine art prints feature a bold, impressionist style that has won him international acclaim. See Luongo, who will be unveiling a new collection of artwork as well as a limited edition giclée print called "Amethyst Afternoon," which will be on sale during the event.

October 12 - 15, 2017
Mariinsky Ballet & Orchestra-- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Natasha Razina)

Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra
Segerstrom Center for the Arts
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

With six performances over the course of four days, the Mariinsky Ballet and Orchestra will present a special show honoring famous Russian choreographer Michel Fokine. Popular in the early 20th century, four of his ballets will be included in the show: "Chopiniana," "Le Spectre de la Rose," "The Swan" and "Schéhérazade."

October 13, 2017
Loop Hike-Limestone Canyon 1-Irvine Ranch Conservancy - VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Irvine Ranch Conservancy)

Go Hiking: Loop Hike: Limestone Canyon
Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve
Hicks Haul Road
Silverado, CA 92676
(714) 508-4757
www.letsgooutside.org

For a great experience, head out to Limestone Canyon to explore the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks with this incredible loop hike. The 10 mile trek features plenty of steep climbs and descents and visitors will get a great workout while experiencing stunning views of Orange County, the nearby mountains and landmarks like the Sinks. The tour is free but register online for this guided hike, as it's the only way you can reach this area.

October 13 - 15, 2017
O.C. Japan Fair
(credit: Silvia G./yelp)

O.C. Japan Fair
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(310) 809-5479
www.oc-japanfair.com

One of the largest Japanese festivals in Southern California comes to the fairgrounds, bringing with it a slew of culture and tradition. Visitors can stop by to enjoy traditional Japanese food, games, as well as sake tasting on site and a cosplay show. Don't forget to check out the entertainment schedule to see Che'Nelle and Layla Lane live.

October 13 - 29, 2017
Boot Hill- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Boot Hill)

Boot Hill
16 Goldenrod
Irvine, CA 92614
(818) 633-0300
www.legendofboothill.com

The legend of Boot Hill comes to life at this haunted house and yard display in Irvine on select days in October for its 18th year. Held annually, visitors come from all over to experience the terror that is based on a spooky tale about a man named Jedediah Smith and the old town of Bridgewood. The display transforms the home into the old church and cemetery that are said to have once occupied the land. It is free to attend, but donations are welcomed and part of the proceeds will benefit the Children's Hospital of Orange County.

Through October 15, 2017
Dracula- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Leslie Eisner)

See "Dracula"
Camino Real Playhouse
31776 El Camino Real
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
(949) 489-8082
caminorealplayhouse.org

On weekends for the first half of the month, the Camino Real Playhouse features "Dracula," a beloved tale that is perfect for Halloween-time. The play tells the story of a vampire—Dracula—who attempts to seduce women to get to their blood. This adaptation of the show is great for families, as it's created for those of all ages.

October 15, 2017
Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch-Environmental Nature Center- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Environmental Nature Center)

Fall Faire and Pumpkin Patch
Environmental Nature Center
1601 East 16th Street
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 645-8489
www.encenter.org

For more than 40 years, the Environmental Nature Center has been hosting an annual fall fair, giving locals a great way to celebrate the season. The on-site pumpkin patch gives kids a chance to pick out gourds for carving and a wonderful backdrop for family photos—plus sales benefit the center's educational programs. Story time, a birds of prey presentation, a native plant sale, face painting, henna tattoos, games, arts & crafts and a petting zoo with pony rides will also be on hand.

October 15, 2017 – January 14, 2018
dan-mcleary- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Dan McCleary)

"Dan McCleary: Prints from Oaxaca"
Laguna Art Museum
625 Park Avenue
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
lagunaartmuseum.org

The exhibit on Los Angeles-based artist Dan McCleary at the Laguna Art Museum is filled with etchings, paintings and drawings based on time the artist has spent traveling to the Taller de Grabado in Oaxaca, Mexico to study under Fernando Sandoval, a famous Mexican printer. In addition to seeing McCleary's work—including recent pieces from his latest trip this past spring—visitors will learn about the techniques he has picked up from Grabado.

October 20, 2017 - October 22, 2017
silverado days
(credit: Silverado Days)

Silverado Days
William Peak Park
7225 El Dorado Drive
Buena Park, CA 90620
www.silveradodays.com

Buena Park's Silverado Days features a carnival with more than 30 rides, some suitable for even the smallest of children, as well as nearly 100 vendor booths and additional places to grab a bite to eat. The festival also features plenty of contests for guests to enter—from an amateur horseshoe contest, a chili cook-off and a baby contest to an arm wrestling contest, a men's leg contest and a hog-calling contest. There will also be both car and dog shows.

October 21, 2017
pumpkin-run-for-reading- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: OC United)

Pumpkin Run for Reading
Fullerton Courthouse
1275 North Berkeley Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92832
(657) 217-0901
www.ocpumpkinrun.com

The Pumpkin Run for Reading offers a fun event for the whole family. The 5k run encourages wearing costumes, so kids will love dressing up before Halloween gets here. There will be individual and team prizes for the best costumes, and there will also be chances to paint pumpkins, enter a pie-eating contest and explore the kid's zone at the Fullerton High School stadium. On race day, they will collect children's book donations and all proceeds will benefit educational programs for at-risk kids in Fullerton.

October 21, 2017
Beach Front Cinema Huntington Beach - Verified Ashley
(Credit: Beachfront Cinema)

Beach Screening of "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Huntington State Beach
21601 Coast Highway
Huntington Beach, CA 92646
(888) 496-6070
www.beachfrontcinema.com

While Halloween may not be here quite yet, the 21st marks a fun movie screening that is perfect for the season. "The Nightmare Before Christmas" stars Jack Skellington, the pumpkin king of Halloweentown. After discovering Christmastown, he tries to bring the ho-ho-holiday to his own city, but the ghosts and ghouls don't take to it the way he hopes. This beloved film is one of the best Halloween classics for children, and the weather is just starting to cool off so bring some blankets along and cuddle up on the beach to watch this film favorite.

October 21, 2017
Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull-Randall Slavin- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Randall Slavin)

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull In Concert
Honda Center
2695 East Katella Avenue
Anaheim, CA 92806
(714) 704-2400
www.hondacenter.com

Enrique Iglesias and Pitbull team up and will be making a one-night performance at the Honda Center. These engaging singers have had a variety of hits, like Iglesias' "Be With You" and "Bailando" and Pitbull's "Time of Our Lives" and "Fireball." But, their multi-platinum selling records are nothing compared to their action-packed stage shows.

October 21, 22, 28 and 29, 2017
Boo at the Zoo Santa Ana Zoo Halloween- VERIFIED Ashley
(Credit: Friends of Santa Ana Zoo)

Boo at the Zoo
Santa Ana Zoo
1801 East Chestnut Avenue
Santa Ana, CA 92701
(714) 836-4000
www.santaanazoo.org

Whether you love Halloween, animals or both, this is a fun event for children and teens. The smallest of visitors can dress up in their cute costumes and head for the trick-or-treat trail, which features 10 different stations offering holiday goodies. There will also be storytelling, games, live entertainment and a costume parade each day. For teens, there is a special Teen Scream haunted house to add some flair and scare. In addition, guests can views the regular animal exhibits and special animal demonstrations, making it an ultra-unique Halloween event in O.C.

October 22, 2017
Painted Silk Scarves Workshop-Seaside Gallery and Goods- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Seaside Gallery & Goods)

Create Painted Silk Scarves
Seaside Gallery and Goods
124 Tustin Avenue
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 290-7249
seasidegalleryandgoods.com

Spend your Sunday afternoon creating your own painted silk scarf at Seaside Gallery and Goods. Lisa and Rick Mayer of Newport Art Silk Painting Studio will lead the experience, teaching guests how to use water marbling with acrylic paints to put the designs onto the scarves. The easy-to-follow instructions make it simple to try it yourself and create your own design on a 100% silk scarf.

October 26, 2017
Yappy Howl-o-ween-Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel)

Yappy Howl-O-Ween
Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
1 Ritz-Carlton Drive
Dana Point, CA 92629
(949) 240-2000
www.ritzcarlton.com

Part of the hotel's Yappy Hour series, this happy hour event is the perfect place for both you and your dog to mingle and make new friends. From 4 to 7 p.m., join other locals and hotel guests to celebrate Halloween with your pets in tow. But don't forget costumes for your furry friends! A panel will judge canine attendees in categories like Best Individual Costume, Dynamic Duos, Best Themed Group and Best in Show.

October 28, 2017
HalloWeekend Pub Crawl-Pub Crawls- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Pub Crawls)

HalloWeekend Pub Crawl
Baja Sharkeez
114 McFadden Place
Newport Beach, CA 92663
(949) 673-0292
www.pubcrawls.com

Celebrate Halloween the weekend before with a fun, costume-fueled pub crawl. The pub crawl will start at Baja Sharkeez at 4 p.m., with the bar offering special deals on drinks, including 'buy one, get one for a quarter' pricing. The crawl will continue on to American Junkie, Beach Ball Bar, The Blue Beet and more, with plenty of drinks to be had over the four-hour event. Don't forget to show up in your best group costumes—the more people you bring along, the better the discount.

October 28 and 29, 2017
The Secret Life of Suitcases-Segerstrom Center for the Arts- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Segerstrom Center for the Arts)

"The Secret Life of Suitcases"
Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Samueli Theater
600 Town Center Drive
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 556-2787
www.scfta.org

"The Secret Life of Suitcases" is a family-friendly show created by Scottish puppetry company Ailie Cohen Puppet Maker and the U.K.'s Unicorn Theatre. It features Larry, a man who works in an office and has a monotonous life until a mysterious, magical flying suitcase shows up at his door, ready to take him on an adventure. Each of the three performances will be proceeded by fun activities in the theater's lobby, including a chance for kids to make their own puppets and luggage tags.

Through October 29, 2017
Oktoberfest at The Old World German Restaurant - VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Willy San Juan)

Celebrate Oktoberfest
Old World German Restaurant
7561 Center Avenue
Huntington Beach, CA 92647
(714) 895-8020
www.oldworld.ws

While October is known for its special Halloween celebration, there is another celebration that beer lovers await all year long: Oktoberfest. Inspired by the German tradition, Old World German Restaurant features a fun cultural experience that has been taking place each year since the '70s. From Wednesday through Sunday, stop by and listen to live German music, try some of the best bratwurst in the region and, of course, sip some of the best German beers, from Hofbrau and Spaten to Dunkel, Warsteiner and Paulaner.

October 29, 2017
Cooking with Chef Mead-Rogers Gardens- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Rogers Gardens)

Cooking with Chef Mead: Soups for Dinner
Roger's Gardens
2301 San Joaquin Hills Road
Corona del Mar, CA 92625
(949) 640-5800
www.rogersgardens.com

This free seminar with Chef Rich Mead, who was recently named Chef of the Year at the Golden Foodie Awards, is the best way to learn to make warm, savory soups that are perfect for fall. The workshop will focus on some of the best tips and techniques to make soups flavorful as well as filling, and will discuss the best ingredients to use this fall, with glimpses into some of the best combinations of meats and vegetables to include to create the best flavor. The first 100 attendees will also be able to taste some of Chef Mead's soups.

Through October 31, 2017
Knott's Scary Farm Halloween Knott's Berry Farm Knotts- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Knott's Berry Farm)

Knott's Scary Farm
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Boulevard
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com

For some seriously scary times, head to Knott's Scary Farm. The whole park is transformed at night into a foggy, monster-filled scare zone, and it couldn't be more thrilling. With a tagline of "Where Nightmares Never End," it's no surprise that you'll find everything from clowns and witches to ghosts and zombies. New this year is "Trick or Treat: Lights Out," where you're armed with a flickering flashlight in a spooky house. Old favorites remain, like "Paranormal Inc." and "Voodoo," and this is the last year to catch Elvira's live stage show as well.

Through October 31, 2017
"Halloween Screams-A Villainous Surprise in the  Skies" - Disneyland - VERIFIED Ashley
(Paul Hiffmeyer/Disneyland)

Halloween Time
Disneyland Resort
1313 Disneyland Drive
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
www.disneyland.com

Halloween Time at the Disneyland Resort is filled with fun fall décor and pumpkins galore. In addition, the Haunted Mansion is transformed with its annual "The Nightmare Before Christmas" layout and Mickey is decked out in his fabulous Halloween costume. This year is a little different as Disney's California Adventure is also participating in Halloween Time, with spooky décor and costumed characters in Cars Lands. The new "Guardians of the Galaxy" ride also undergoes a makeover each night, when the Monsters After Dark version takes over. Visit our Guide To Halloween Time for more information.

Through October 31, 2017
The 17th Door- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Jason Siu)

The 17th Door
West Fullerton Shopping Center
1851 West Orangethorpe Avenue
Fullerton, CA 92833
www.the17thdoor.com

The 17th Door is back with a new installment called "Locked Up." This year, the story follows Paula as she is locked up in a prison called Perpetuum Penitentiary. Though it is only one specific maze, it takes nearly 40 minutes to complete, making it one of the longest haunts in the area. However, it offers more scares than others as well—guests must sign waivers before entering the attraction. It aims to entice guests with all five senses, with things like strobe lights, fog, extreme temperatures, loud noises and even electrical shock. It's not for the faint of heart but it's an experience you certainly won't forget.

Through October 31, 2017
Irvine-Park-Railroad-Pumpkin-Patch-2-Irvine-Park-Railroad- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Irvine Park Railroad)

Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
Irvine Regional Park
1 Irvine Park Road
Orange, CA 92869
(714) 997-3968
www.irvineparkrailroad.com

What could be more fun than picking out a pumpkin after taking a train or a hay ride? While the pumpkin weigh-off took place last month, there is plenty more fun to be had at this event, from bounce houses and cookie decorating to face painting and panning for gold. Another unique aspect of this pumpkin patch is the chance to race mini John Deere tractors or to take part in the pumpkin ring toss, in which every child wins a prize.

Through November 1, 2017
Dark Harbor-The Queen Mary- VERIFIED Ashley
(credit: Queen Mary)

Dark Harbor
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Highway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(877) 342-0738
www.queenmary.com

This year's Dark Harbor is even more interesting than the last, with a record number of mazes on board the so-called haunted ship itself. While "Lullaby," "Soulmate" and "B340" are returning favorites, the newest maze is "Feast." As you traipse through the ship, you'll find a haunted ghost crew that is ready to cook up guests in their dishes—try to escape before they catch you and make you a meal. New twists have been added to other mazes as well, with "Intrepid," "Circus" and "Deadrise" also returning. This year, there is also a new ice bar called The Meat Locker, where guests can take part in vodka-tasting sessions in a seven-degree freezer.

Ashley Ryan is an Orange County native that loves traveling, live music and photography. She blogs at Pure Wander and freelances for a variety of publications including Newport Beach Magazine and Laguna Beach Magazine.
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