Top 2016 October Events & Activities In Los Angeles
October is here, which means the (hopeful) beginnings of fall weather, pumpkin spice everything, and Halloween events galore. With outdoor screenings, Oktoberfests, and tons of Halloween-themed activities, there's no shortage of things to do this month in L.A. So whether you're looking for a good scare, or a family-friendly outing, there's sure to be something for you here!
Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival
Underwood Family Farms
3370 Sunset Valley Road
Moorpark, CA 93021
(805) 529-3690
www.underwoodfamilyfarms.com
If there's ever a time of the year to make the trek out to Moorpark, it's during the Underwood Family Farms Fall Harvest Festival. The annual event is the perfect way to spend the day with the family, with lots of great activities for every age. In addition to the usual produce market, visitors can pick pumpkins, walk through an old fashioned corn maze, enjoy live music and animal shows, hop on a wagon ride, see an antique tractor parade, and more. The family-run farm also has plenty of great eats, with classic hot dogs, hamburgers, corn on the cob, and delicious homestyle dessert pies. Each weekend will have a special theme, so be sure to check the website for more details.
Halloween Horror Nights
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
(800) 864-8377
www.halloweenhorrornights.com
Halloween season is here, and with it comes another month of fright courtesy of Universal Studios Hollywood. Some of the most disturbing minds in horror have come together to immerse guests in a living, breathing, three-dimensional world of terror. Mazes and scare zones include "American Horror Story," "The Exorcist: The Possession of Regan MacNeil," "Freddy vs. Jason," "The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Blood Brothers," "Halloween: Hell Comes to Haddonfield," "Krampus: The Christmas Devil," and recently added permanent attraction, "The Walking Dead." A show from hip-hop group Jabbawockeez has also been added to the lineup, as well as a newly revamped Terror Tram, ready to taunt, terrorize, and torment guests in the backlot. Advance ticket purchases are recommended, and several ticketing options are available, so check the website for all the gorey details.
Off The Hook Santa Monica Seafood Festival
350 Santa Monica Pier
Santa Monica, CA 90401
(310) 458-8901
www.offthehookseafoodfest.com
From 3pm to 7pm, enjoy Santa Monica's top seafood festival on the iconic Santa Monica Pier. This is the 2nd annual Off The Hook Seafood Festival on the iconic Santa Monica Pier in honor of National Seafood Month this October, and will benefit the Westside Food Bank. As a community fundraising event, the festival will feature some of the city's best restaurants and chefs with dishes featuring their favorite underwater ingredients such as oysters, shrimp, sushi, fish, mussels and much more. In the inaugural event, there were tastings from restaurants such as Herringbone, The Lobster, Geoffrey's Malibu, Gladstone's, and many others.
Visitors will get to enjoy delicious seafood, unique cocktails, live music, games, and much more.
Noon To Midnight
111 S Grand Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90012
www.laphil.com
Noon To Midnight will feature everything from new music, food trucks and beer for visitors. On Saturday, October 1st, experience a large ensemble of pop-up performances throughout the amazing Walt Disney Concert Hall spaces, including from the LA Phil Bass Quintet, Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, wildUp, Piano Spheres, gnarwhallaby, St. Lawrence String Quartet, wasteLAnd, USC Percussion Ensemble, USC Percussion Ensemble, Los Angeles Percussion Quartet, Four World Premieres, Lucky Dragons and many more. The event will feature an entire day of great performances to enjoy throughout the garden, hall and main auditorium of the legendary Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Barnsdall Outdoor Movie Nights
Barnsdall Art Park & Hollyhock House
Barnsdall Art Park
4800 Hollywood Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 913-4030
www.barnsdall.org
In a partnership with The Cinefamily, Barnsdall Art Park is featuring an outdoor movie night screening Fellini Satyricon at the Hollyhock House on its west lawn. Forget what they say about it being cold. In Southern California, an outdoor movie is almost always great year round. Tickets are $25.
EAT Show
The Reef
1933 S Broadway
Los Angeles
www.the-reef.com
Situated admist Los Angeles's most iconic skyscrapers and artsy enclaves sits LA's The Reef building. The building is a creative space known for holding the LA Mart, Magic Box and many others. On the 1st of October, EAT Show will feature more than 50 of LA's top restaurants under the roof of this cool building. EAT Show is in its inaugural year, and is here to celebrate Los Angeles' culinary talent. From food trucks to fine dining bites, guests will get to dine on food from the likes of Korean street food from Seoul Sausage Co., food from Fogo de Chao, sweet treats from Jeni's Splendid Ice and The Halal Guys. Make sure to come hungry!
Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival
8808 Irvine Center Dr
Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-8095
www.oddballfest.com
When promoters keep putting on comedy festivals, Los Angelenos are not going to complain. After all, it's pretty fun to sit back, be entertained, and laugh your head off, right? The lineup for Funny or Die's Oddball Comedy and Curiosity Festival offers a high caliber of talent, including Dane Cook, Sebastian Maniscalco and Nick Swardson headline. Others like Iliza Shlesinger, Ali Wong, Kumail Nanjiani and more will help keep you laughing.
Rooftop Film Club
1615 Vine St
Los Angeles, CA 90028
(323) 871-2420
www.rooftopfilmclub.com
The experts behind outdoor rooftop film screenings return again this year! On top of The Ricardo Montalbán Theatre rooftop, guests are invited to sit on comfortable and beautiful lounge chairs and enjoy incredible movies. Films include Dr. Strangelove, High Fidelity, The Goonies, Sunset Boulevard, Jurassic Park and many others. For a full schedule, visit www.rooftopcinemaclub.com
Boo At The L.A. Zoo
Los Angeles Zoo
5333 Zoo Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
(323) 644-4200
www.LAZoo.com
Get ready for more fang-tastic festivities with the animals, as Boo at the L.A. Zoo returns. Straying from the traditional haunted house, a spooky cave experience awaits you, filled with shadow projections and sounds of slithering snakes and crawling spiders. Daily weekday activities include a corn stalk maze, complete with haunted barn and "freaky frame" photo op, and "Animals and You" encounters with tarantulas, scorpions, snakes, and more at 10:45am and 11:45am. Additional activities are planned for the weekends, like a "Mad Science Fire and Ice Halloween Show," "Musical Monster Mash-Up" puppet show, costumed dance party, themed crafts, strolling characters, pumpkin carving, and special animal feedings. Costume character meet-and-greets are also planned with PJ Masks and Peppa Pig on select weekends. Activities are free with paid zoo admission. Also while you're there, don't miss the animatronic exhibit Dinosaurs: Unextinct, which closes at the end of this month.
The Queen Mary's Dark Harbor
The Queen Mary
1126 Queens Hwy.
Long Beach, CA 90802
(800) 437-2934
www.queenmary.com
The Queen Mary has always been rumored to be haunted, but this month, there's no doubt about it. The Evil Eight spirits of Dark Harbor descend upon the ship, resurrecting one of the most authentically frightening haunted attractions around. Along with the truly terrifying returning of their classic enhanced mazes, new experiences are also in store. A new "Intrepid Maze" takes you on a journey into the legend of The Iron Master, "Panic" gives you a 4D Virtual Maze Experience, and "Hex" gives you the opportunity to actually fight back in a paintball shooting gallery. If you're parched after all that screaming, head to Voodoo House, serving up potions and tasting flights (with a happy hour from 6pm - 7pm).
Knott's Halloween Haunt
Knott's Berry Farm
8039 Beach Blvd
Buena Park, CA 90620
(714) 220-5200
www.knotts.com
Show up during the evening around Halloween, and Knott's Berry Farm will be transformed into their annual Knott's Scary Farm. With more than 1,000 monsters, scare zones, many mazes, live shows, and other scary Halloween-type entertainment, it's perfect for those that love the after-dark type of scene known for late October!
Mickey's Halloween Party
Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland Dr
Anaheim, CA 92802
(714) 781-4565
www.disneyland.com
Disneyland is the king of attractions, so it should come as no surprise that they'll be returning to their playful Halloween fun this year again. From ghouls, fireworks, a great parade, jack-o-lanterns and more. At night, expect Mickey's Halloween Party to deliver many of the attractions guests have come to love. Trick or treating, fun meet and greets, as well as more Halloween fun is on deck! The main attraction though is their Frightfully Fun Parade, which will come down Main Street USA and into Fantasyland twice per night. The parade will offer many of Disney's favorite villains, as well as the cast of The Nightmare Before Christmas. Make sure to stop by the Haunted Mansion, too! The other big event will be a Screams fireworks show, which occurs just once per night behind the Sleeping Beauty Castle. It's a great way to get into the spirit of Halloween.
Oktoberfest at the Alpine Village
Alpine Village Center
833 W. Torrance Blvd
Torrance, CA 90502
(310) 327-4384
www.alpinevillagecenter.com
There are lots of places holding Oktoberfest celebrations around the city, but only one can say it's the oldest in Southern California. The Alpine Village will host its 48th annual Oktoberfest this month, full of traditional Bavarian fun. Fill your belly with giant pretzels and bratwursts, and quench your thirst with Warsteiner beer, while you bop along to oom pah pah party bands. The venue blends an authentic experience with modern flare, creating a guten tag for everyone. Oktoberfest is open to the 21+ crowd Friday 6pm - midnight & Saturday 5pm - midnight, and for all ages on Sunday 1pm - 6pm.
Eat|See|Hear Outdoor Movies
Various Locations
www.eatseehear.com
Summer is over, but outdoor movie watching is still going strong. Eat|See|Hear offers you lots of chances this month to catch a flick outside, with screenings happening almost every Thursday and Friday in venues across the city. Thursday nights are #TBT films nights at the Laemmle, and include: Under the Cherry Moon (10/6), Rock 'N' Roll High School (10/13), and Quadrophenia & Velvet Goldmine (10/20). Fridays are Front Porch Cinema nights on the Santa Monica Pier, and include: City of Gold (10/7), Star Wars the Force Awakens (10/14), Labyrinth & The Great Indoors (10/21), and Tight, Loose (10/28). In addition to the films, food trucks and live entertainment are also on deck for the perfect night out. Make sure to visit their website times and more information about food vendors and musical acts!
A Chance to Dance Community Day
Los Angeles Ballet
11755 Exposition Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
www.losangelesballet.org
One Sunday each month during Los Angeles Ballet's season, the company's dancers offer free ballet classes, alternative dance/fitness classes, and lectures/demonstrations. Today's theme is Modernists, which is also the theme of the ballet's first program of their new season. Classes start at 10am, with Creative Movement, Pilates, and Adult Intro to Ballet. Other classes include various levels of ballet, youth ballet, and Contemporary dance. A Behind the Ballet talk will also give you an insight into the company's upcoming Season 11, featuring Modernist works by Stravinsky, Aszure Barton, and August Bournonville. The event is totally free and open to the public.
Mr. C Beverly Hills Poolside Cinema
Mr. C Beverly Hills
1224 Beverwil Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90035
(877) 334-5623
www.mrchotels.com
Dive in movies are great, but Mr. C's is taking you out of the water and placing you poolside for three film screenings under the stars. Kick back on chic, comfy loungers, and enjoy your choice of prix-fixe menus featuring Cipriani and hotel classics like the Mr. C Club Sandwich and Pizza Mr. C with burrata. Classic candy and not-so-classic caprese-style popcorn is also available, along with Peroni on tap, mini bottle of champagne, and classic cocktails. The film line-up includes: Catch Me If You Can (October 4), Roman Holiday (October 11), and Practical Magic (October 25), and your purchase of a prix-fixe menu ensures a pre-reserved seat.
Cinema Under the Stars
The Getty Villa
17985 Pacific Coast Hwy.
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 440-7300
www.getty.org
The Getty Villa's Cinema Under The Stars: Monty Python's Life of Brian returns on October 7th at 7:30pm. The film, which will be presented at the Barbara and Lawrence Fleischman Theater, is directed by Terry Jones and features Graham Chapman, John Cleese, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Terry Jones, and Michael Palin. Monty Python's funny British classic approaches Biblical history with a new twist: meet the unlikely Brian, born on the same day as Christ—only a stable over.
The next day, A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum will be screened here at 7:30pm at the same theater, and is directed by Richard Lester. The story, is a hilarious version of the ancient Roman comedy by Plautus about a house slave's twisted plot to gain his freedom.
Into the Night: Pop for the People
Skirball Cultural Center
2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
(877) SCC-4TIX
www.address.org
Tonight the Skirball Cultural Center celebrates the opening of their major new retrospective "Pop for the People: Roy Lichtenstein in L.A." with a party for the people. The eighth installment of the museum's after-dark series, the event mixes live music, pop-up activities, and rare nighttime access to the Skirball's galleries. Tonight's opening night festivities include performances by synth-pop performer Seth Bogart and alt-electro artist Chela. Don your own Pop Art-inspired makeup and costume, sip signature cocktails, and be among the first to check out the largest display of art by Roy Lichtenstein to be mounted in L.A. in more than a decade. Save $5 with an advance ticket, or get one at the door.
Halloween-Themed Film Series
Sweet Rose Creamery
4377 Tujunga Ave.
Studio City, CA 91604
(310) 260-2663
www.sweetrosecreamery.com
An ice cream shop may seem like an unlikely place for a film screening, but Sweet Rose Creamery creates a super sweet spot for movie watching. Located in the family-friendly Tujunga Village neighborhood, the shop is continuing their first annual movie series with a month of Halloween-themed films Mondays from 7pm - 9pm. Parents and kids are invited out to these free screenings that take place in the shop's heated back patio. Sweet Rose Creamery is pairing the films with their signature and seasonal flavors, as well as a new Halloween Sundae with spiced pumpkin ice cream, hot fudge, salty pepitas, brownie bites, caramel, whipped cream, and topped with a meringue ghost. This month's films include: Casper (October 10), Addams Family (October 17), Nightmare Before Christmas (October 24), and Hocus Pocus (October 31).
Farmers Market Fall Festival
The Original Farmers Market
189 The Grove Dr.
Los Angeles, CA 90036
www.farmersmarketla.com
The iconic Farmers Market is celebrating the fall harvest with their annual family-friendly festival. A virtual county fair in the heart of the city, the event will have live music, a petting zoo, arts and crafts for the kids, and of course a pie eating contest. The world famous All-Alaskan racing pigs will make a special appearance, as will kid-sized pedal-powered tractor pull competitions. The Market and its merchants will be decorated for the occasion, and photo cut-outs will be stationed throughout the area, perfect for a Facebook photo-op.
22 Annual Pumpkin Festival
Kidspace Children's Museum
480 N Arroyo Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91103
(626) 449-9144
www.kidspacemuseum.org
For over two decades, the Kidspace Children's Museum has held a Pumpkin Festival, inviting the whole community to come out and play. Festivities will take place at Brookside Park, right outside the museum, and will include tons of fun stuff for the kids. Bounce houses, carnival games, a petting zoo, face painting, and fall crafts are all part of the day, as are live musical performances, food vendors, and of course, pumpkins. Stroll through the patch, and take home not only the perfect pumpkin, but the perfect family photo, sure to make the Holiday Card. Admission to the very family-friendly Pumpkin Festival is free, and the event runs from 9:30am - 5pm.
Vegan Oktoberfest
Los Angeles Center Studios
LA Center Studios
450 S. Bixel Street
Los Angeles, CA 90017
www.veganoktoberfest.com
Vegan Oktoberfest is one of LA's top beer festivals, which also offers tasty food, and a traditional Oktoberfest celebration all rolled into one! This year the event will feature unlimited pours of over 50 different incredible beers and ciders, tasty German themed vegan food, and live entertainment and contests. Tickets are only available through the website and there are a limited number available so buy now for great times on October 15th!
Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic
1501 Will Rogers State Park Rd
Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
(310) 454-8212
www.veuveclicquot.tumblr.com
Every year in October, The Will Rogers State Park comes alive for an event that just cannot be missed. Girls come prepared with wide-brimmed hats and their best dress for this event, while guys come prepared in their greatest east coast preppy clothing. The point of the classic is for an actual polo match, but Angelenos usually come just to be seen with friends and throw back a few bottles of Veuve Clicquot. Celebs are always on hand, including Alessandra Ambrosio, Lauren Conrad, Rose McGowan, Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O'Connell, Ali Larter, Ellen Pompeo, Minnie Driver, and many others. Make sure to arrive early to avoid the lines for the shuttles, which take you from the parking lots at nearby schools to the Will Rogers State Historic Park. Champagne bars and delicious food trucks open at 11am. General admission tickets are just $75, but they are offering different options this year: there is a fast pass for $135 which allows guests priority boarding to and from event grounds, or the Rose Garden option for $400 which offers an exclusive experience that includes access to the Veuve Clicquot Rose Garden, a bottle of Veuve Clicquot, a delicious lunch box and more. Don't enjoy polo? Come to be seen and drink!
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns
Los Angeles Convention Center (October 13-16)
1201 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Fairplex (October 27-30)
1101 W. McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
www.therise.org
RISE of the Jack O'Lanterns is something you must see to believe. Thousands of hand-carved, illuminated jack o'lanterns are arranged along a scenic walking path with scored music. The event is the only one of its kind in North America that comes close to carving 5,000 real pumpkins each weekend. This year they're doubling the number of carved pumpkins, with classic favorites like life-sized dinosaurs, dragons, and safari animals, along with new structures featuring characters from some of your favorite films. Live carving stations are also set up, giving you a chance to catch the artists in action as they create their pumpkin works of art.
CicLAvia - Heart of LA
Downtown Los Angeles
www.ciclavia.org
From 9am to 4pm, join CicLAvia - Heart of LA as they celebrate what has become a Los Angeles institution. Now in its 5th year, CicLAvia began as an idea with an uncertain outcome when it first removed cars from the streets of downtown Los Angeles on October 10, 2010. Five years later, fourteen events and hundreds of thousands of participants later, CicLAvia is the largest open streets event in North America. The event will offer six miles for participants to explore downtown LA by bike, foot, skateboard, wheelchair and other non-motorized traffic as they take over the area. The route takes participants through Boyle Heights, the Arts District, Little Tokyo, Civic Center, Chinatown, Historic Core and as far west as Macarthur Park. The event is free and you don't need a bike to participate. You can walk or skate.
Amy Schumer
The Forum
3900 W Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90305
www.address.com
Amy Schumer has become a worldwide phenomenon in the world of comedy as of late. So, it should come as no surprise that she can now sell out the large sized Forum. Grab a seat, sit back with friends and laugh the night away to Schumers brand of no topic is out of bounds humor.
Kanye West: The Saint Pablo Tour
The Forum
3900 W Manchester Blvd
Inglewood, CA 90305
www.ticketmaster.com
Kanye West might be known these days for his marriage to Kim Kardashian, but don't forget he is one of the most important and influential figures in rap music of today. In support of his latest hits, West will be selling out the Forum to play hits from his newest album, as well as classics, too.
Screamfest Horror Film Festival
TCL Chinese 6 Theatre
6925 Hollywood Blvd.
Hollywood, CA 90028
(323) 461-3331
www.screamfestla.com
Get ready to have a screaming good time at the movies, as the Screamfest Horror Film Festival is back for its 16th year. The largest and longest running horror film festival in the United States, the event is a real favorite of Angelinos. The festival showcases works created both domestically and abroad, many of which gain national distribution after their Screamfest premiere. They'll also be adding special screenings of classic horror films to the mix, themed with beer drinking games, horror themed prizes, and perhaps a few special guests.
M83
The Greek Theatre
2700 N Vermont Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90027
www.greektheatrela.com
French electronic band M83 are back in town and ready to light up the Greek Theatre in support of their newest album "Junk." You're invited to dance along with the rest of the audience to this band that became famous for songs like "Midnight City" and "Wait."
Tim Burton's the Nightmare Before Christmas Live with Danny Elfman
2301 Highland Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90068
www.hollywoodbowl.com
The Hollywood Bowl will be putting on a special performance of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas live with Danny Elfman. Come prepared with your favorite costume as they will be allowed for this unique event. Dany Elfman will step into the big shoes of Jack Skellington for a live performance and screening of the iconic film.
Stan Lee's Comikaze
Los Angeles Convention Center
1201 S Figueroa St
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(213) 741-1151
www.stanleeslacomiccon.com
The legendary Stan Lee will be putting on his own L.A. Comic Con at the L.A. Convention Center for three days featuring everything you can geek out to. Pop culture will be everywhere, and the icon Stan Lee will be hosting this three day expo with comic book panels, celeb appearances and screenings.
Dia de los Muertos Festival
Hollywood Forever Cemetery
6000 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90038
(323) 469-1181
www.ladayofthedead.com
The Hollywood Forever Cemetery is hosting the 17th annual Dia de los Muertos Festival, a time honored tradition in Los Angeles. Come dressed in your finest Calaca apparel (Day of the Dead skeleton attire), and spend the day and evening taking in all the colorful festivities. A traditional Aztec blessing processional will take place, along with music, dance, and theater performances, and plenty of delicious Mexican food. In addition to various arts and crafts vendors, there will be a children's art project area for kids to create something of their own. Altars are the centerpiece of the event, with over 100 on display created by community members to honor their ancestors and loved ones, with prizes going for the top three as chosen by judges. Advance ticket purchases are strongly recommended.
Los Angeles Oktoberfest
1600 Rosecrans Avenue Building
Manhattan Beach, CA 90266
(213) 915-8003
www.laoktoberfest.com
Put on your Lederhosen and get ready for the Los Angeles' annual Oktoberfest. With traditional foods, tasty beers, and their beer maidens serving brews, as well as lively tunes and leading sing-along's of old time drinking songs, it's a sight you won't want to miss! The LA Oktoberfest offers an assorted selection of tickets for you to enjoy the event however you like to participate. You can choose a 3 or 4 hour pass that includes a Glass Stein and unlimited refills for the whole event. If you like to do it in style then get either a 3 or 4 hour pass, along with a souvenir glass stein and unlimited refills! General admission tickets includes a glass stein and just 1 fill, so if you want refills they are available for $10 per stein. The location also offers food available for sale including German sausages, hot dogs, and pretzels.
