October is one of the best months to be in Los Angeles. The summer crowds thin out, the days stay warm, and the city goes all in on Halloween. The hard part is sorting through everything happening at once, from haunted attractions to street festivals to food and beer events.
Here is the short answer. The best things to do in Los Angeles, California in October include Oktoberfest celebrations, haunted mazes and ghost tours, fall film and cultural events, and outdoor days at the beach, where highs often reach the 70s and 80s. Plenty of options are free, and several suit adults-only nights out.
Below you’ll find 15 fall events and activities, with notes on who each one suits and how to fit it into your trip. We’ve led more than 1 million tours across Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and Venice, so we know which spots are worth your time and which ones you can skip. Pick a few, then build your October itinerary around them.
1. Haunted Hollywood tour with Another Side Tours
What to expect
This is a guided haunted Hollywood tour led by a local expert who tells the real stories behind the neighborhood’s spookiest corners. Think tragic stars, unsolved mysteries, and the legends that old theaters, hotels, and cemeteries still carry. You get history first, scares second, which is why it works for people who have already seen the Walk of Fame and want a different angle on Hollywood.
A good ghost tour is really a history lesson with the lights turned down.
Our guides are certified and fully licensed, and the experience follows the same unhurried approach as our other Hollywood outings. It is atmospheric storytelling, not a jump-scare show. You hear each story in order, with time for photos along the way. October evenings in LA are mild, so wear comfortable shoes and bring a light layer for after dark.
Who it’s for
Anyone who likes Hollywood lore will get something out of it, especially if you want a Halloween night out that doesn’t involve a two-hour line. It also suits visitors who prefer a guide over a map and an app.
- Couples and friends looking for an adult-friendly October evening
- First-time visitors who want context, not just landmarks
- Film and true-crime fans who know the old Hollywood stories
- Small groups and families with older kids (confirm age suitability when you book)
Cost and booking details
Our tours range from $75 to $1,996, depending on the tour type and group size, and parties of 3 or more get group pricing. Exact haunted tour rates, start times, and meeting or pickup details are listed on the Another Side Tours website, so check there for current availability.
Booking tips for October:
- Reserve early, because weekends close to Halloween fill up first.
- Ask about private or semi-private options if you’re traveling with a group.
- Confirm the pickup location and the transportation format when you book.
- Pair it with a daytime tour if you want to cover more of the city in one trip.
2. Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood
What to expect
Halloween Horror Nights turns the Universal lot into a full-scale haunted event. You get multiple mazes built around horror films, TV franchises, and original concepts. Between them, actors roam scare zones on the streets, and a few live shows fill the gaps. Expect fog, loud effects, and performers who get very close. It is one of the biggest things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, so plan for lines.
Horror Nights rewards planning, because your ticket type and arrival time matter more than your nerve.
Who it’s for
This one suits people who actually enjoy being scared. Universal recommends it for guests 13 and older, and the intensity is real, so it is not a gentle family outing. It works best as an adults’ night out with friends or a date.
- Horror fans who want mazes with film-quality sets
- Groups celebrating a birthday or a Halloween weekend
- Teens who handle gore and sudden scares well
If you’d rather have atmosphere than adrenaline, the haunted Hollywood tour above is the calmer choice.
Cost and booking details
Tickets are dated, and prices move with demand. As a rough guide, general admission starts around $70 on quiet weeknights and climbs well past $100 on peak weekends. Express passes cost more, but they cut a two-hour wait down to a short one at the most popular mazes. Confirm current dates and prices on Universal’s official site, since the event runs only on select nights.
- Buy your date in advance, because Fridays and Saturdays sell out.
- Choose a weeknight if you want shorter lines.
- Arrive at opening and hit the busiest mazes first.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and leave bulky bags at your hotel.
3. Dark Harbor on the Queen Mary
What to expect
Dark Harbor takes over the 1936 ocean liner docked in Long Beach and turns its decks, tunnels, and engine spaces into several haunted mazes. Scare zones, live shows, and themed bars spread across the ship and the dock. The setting is the real draw. The Queen Mary has a long reputation as one of the most haunted places in Southern California, so the scares feel tied to the actual ship.
Dark Harbor works because the ship itself is already the spookiest set in town.
Long Beach sits about 25 miles south of Hollywood, so treat this as a full evening trip. Allow extra time for traffic on the 110 and 405, and expect lines at the mazes on weekends. It is a good pick among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October if you want something beyond the usual Hollywood circuit.
Who it’s for
Fans of ghost stories and maritime history get the most from it, and it makes a strong adults’ night out. The intensity is high, so check the official age guidance before you bring teens or kids.
- Couples and friends who want a cocktail with their scares
- Ghost-story fans who like a real, historic location
- Horror-night regulars looking for something different from Universal
Cost and booking details
Tickets are dated and prices vary by night. Expect general admission of roughly $40 to $70, with VIP and fast-entry upgrades costing more, plus parking on top. Confirm current dates and prices on the official Queen Mary site, since the event runs only on select nights.
- Pick a weeknight for shorter lines.
- Buy online ahead of time, because peak weekends sell out.
- Budget for parking and drinks.
- Wear flat shoes, since the ship has steep stairs and uneven decks.
4. Carved at Descanso Gardens
What to expect
Carved turns Descanso Gardens in La Cañada Flintridge into an after-dark pumpkin trail. Thousands of hand-carved, lit pumpkins line the garden paths in glowing scenes and tunnels, and the layout changes from year to year. There are no actors and no jump scares, just lights, music, and a slow evening walk under the trees.
Carved is the gentlest Halloween night out in LA, and one of the prettiest.
Descanso sits roughly 15 miles northeast of Hollywood, so it fits an easy evening among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October. Plan on 60 to 90 minutes to walk the route, plus time to browse any food and drink options near the entrance.
Who it’s for
Families with young kids will like it most, because the mood is festive rather than frightening. It also works as a relaxed date night or an outing with friends who want Halloween without the screaming.
- Families with small children or strollers
- Couples who want a quiet, romantic October evening
- Photographers who like glowing, low-light scenes
- Anyone who finds Horror Nights too intense
Cost and booking details
Entry is by timed ticket, and prices vary by night and by member status. Expect adult tickets in the range of a typical evening event, with lower child rates, and confirm current dates and prices on Descanso’s official site. Weekends near Halloween go first.
- Book your time slot online before you go.
- Pick a weeknight for thinner crowds.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes, since the paths can be uneven in the dark.
- Bring a light jacket, because the foothills cool off after sunset.
5. Oktoberfest at Santa Anita Park
What to expect
Santa Anita Park in Arcadia trades its usual racing crowd for a Bavarian-style beer garden. You get German lagers, bratwurst, pretzels, and live oompah bands, with long communal tables and stein-hoisting contests for the brave. Plenty of guests show up in lederhosen and dirndls. The 1934 grounds, with their Art Deco touches and the San Gabriel Mountains behind the track, make this one of the more scenic things to do in Los Angeles, California in October.
Santa Anita turns a historic racetrack into the prettiest beer hall in the San Gabriel Valley.
Arcadia sits about 20 miles northeast of Hollywood. Allow extra drive time on the 210 on weekends.
Who it’s for
Beer fans and friend groups get the most out of it. It is a loud, social afternoon, not a quiet one, so it works best as a daytime outing before the evening haunted events.
- Craft beer drinkers who like German styles
- Groups celebrating a birthday or reunion
- Couples who want a lively, low-pressure date
- Visitors who prefer open-air events to indoor crowds
Check the event’s age policy before you bring kids.
Cost and booking details
Prices and dates change each year, so confirm current details on the official Santa Anita Park website before you plan around it. Expect a general entry fee, with drink tickets, food, and parking often costing extra.
- Buy tickets online ahead of time to skip the gate line.
- Use a rideshare if you plan to drink.
- Go early for a table, since seating fills up.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen, because shade is limited.
6. Oktoberfest at Fairplex in Pomona
What to expect
Fairplex, the fairgrounds in Pomona, hosts a big Bavarian-style Oktoberfest with German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, live bands, and dancing. It feels more like a fairground party than the racetrack setting at Santa Anita. Expect large tents, open space, and a festival crowd in lederhosen and dirndls.
Fairplex is the Oktoberfest to pick when you want scale, volume, and room to move.
Pomona sits about 30 miles east of Hollywood, so it is a good eastside option among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October. Give yourself extra drive time on the 10 and 60 on weekends, and plan for a long afternoon rather than a quick stop.
Who it’s for
Large groups get the most out of it, because the layout handles crowds better than smaller beer gardens. It is a loud, social day, so skip it if you want a quiet drink.
- Friend groups and office outings
- Beer fans who want a wide German lineup
- Dancers and live-music lovers
- Visitors staying in the eastern suburbs or Inland Empire
Check the event’s age policy before you bring kids.
Cost and booking details
Dates, hours, and prices change every year, and the event usually runs on only a few days, so check the official Fairplex website now. Today is already October 9, and the best days may be close to selling out. Expect an entry fee, with food, drink tickets, and parking costing extra.
- Buy tickets online to skip the gate line.
- Take a rideshare if you plan to drink.
- Arrive early to claim a table.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen for the sunny stretches.
7. Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden
What to expect
Dogtoberfest gives you an Oktoberfest afternoon with your dog invited along. It takes place at South Coast Botanic Garden on the Palos Verdes Peninsula, where German-style beer, pretzels, and sausages share the lawns with pet vendors and costumed pups. Lineups change from year to year, so treat the details on the garden’s site as the final word.
Dogtoberfest is the easiest Oktoberfest to enjoy when your best friend has four legs.
The garden sits about 25 miles south of Hollywood, which makes it a calm, scenic pick among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October. Plan on a relaxed afternoon rather than a quick stop, and leave extra drive time for the 405 and 110.
Who it’s for
Dog owners get the most out of it, since the whole event is built around pets. It is a daytime, low-key outing, so it suits people who want a beer and a stroll without the crowds of a big festival.
- Dog lovers looking for an outing they can share with their pet
- Couples and friends who want a gentle, outdoor October day
- Garden fans who like green space with their beer
No dog? You can still go, but check the event’s pet and age policies first.
Cost and booking details
Dates, hours, and prices change every year, so confirm current details on the South Coast Botanic Garden website. Today is already October 9, and the event may have a short window. Expect an entry fee, with food and drinks costing extra.
- Buy tickets online ahead of time if the garden offers them.
- Bring water and a bowl for your dog.
- Keep your dog leashed and up to date on vaccinations.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the grounds involve a lot of walking.
8. Off the Hook Santa Monica Seafood Festival
What to expect
Off the Hook brings a seafood festival to the Santa Monica coast. Local restaurants and vendors serve fish tacos, oysters, chowder, and grilled catch of the day, with live music and ocean views to match. It is one of the more relaxed things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, and a good fit if you want a sunny coastal day instead of another haunted night.
Off the Hook is the easy way to swap fright night for a fresh-catch afternoon by the ocean.
Santa Monica sits about 15 miles west of Hollywood. Parking near the pier fills fast, so take the Metro E Line or a rideshare if you can.
Who it’s for
Seafood fans and casual foodies get the most out of it. It is a daytime, low-pressure outing, so it pairs well with an evening event later on.
- Food lovers who like trying small plates from several vendors
- Couples and friends who want a beach-side afternoon
- Visitors who prefer a festival without a Halloween theme
- Families who want a mellow outing (vendors vary, so check the lineup)
Cost and booking details
Dates, hours, and vendors change every year, so confirm the current details on the official event page. Today is October 9, and the festival may already be over or close to it. Entry to this type of street festival is often free, with food and drinks paid for as you go, but verify that before you plan around it.
- Arrive early to beat the lunch rush.
- Bring cash and a card, since small vendors vary.
- Skip driving and use transit or a rideshare.
- Wear sunscreen and a light layer, because ocean breezes cool things off.
9. CicLAvia Heart of L.A. open streets
What to expect
CicLAvia closes miles of city streets to cars and opens them to people on bikes, skates, scooters, and foot. The Heart of L.A. route usually links downtown with nearby neighborhoods, so you pass murals, historic buildings, and food stalls at your own pace. It is one of the best free things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, and you see downtown without a windshield.
CicLAvia proves Los Angeles is a walkable city once the cars go away.
Routes, hours, and the exact date change each year. Today is October 9, so check the official CicLAvia site to see whether this year’s event is still ahead of you.
Who it’s for
This one suits anyone who wants an active, social day outdoors. You set your own speed, so a casual stroller and a serious cyclist can share the same route.
- Families with kids on bikes or scooters
- Couples and friends who like exploring on wheels
- Budget travelers who want a full day for little money
- Visitors curious about neighborhoods beyond the tourist core
Cost and booking details
Participation is free, and you don’t need a ticket or registration. Your only costs are food, drinks, and any bike or scooter rental if you didn’t bring wheels.
- Take the Metro to the route, since nearby parking is limited.
- Start early, before the midday crowds build.
- Bring water, sunscreen, and a helmet.
- Pick a stretch of the route to ride, not the whole thing.
10. Explore JPL open house
What to expect
Explore JPL opens the gates of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the center that designs and operates robotic spacecraft like the Mars rovers. Past open houses have included facility tours, talks with engineers, and hands-on displays. Lineups change, so check JPL’s official site for what is planned this year.
Few places in LA let you stand where Mars missions are actually built.
The lab sits in the foothills near Pasadena, about 15 miles northeast of Hollywood. It is a rare find among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, because the campus is normally closed to the public. Today is October 9, so confirm the date before you plan around it.
Who it’s for
Space and science fans get the most out of it, and curious kids often leave inspired. It is a daytime, mostly outdoor outing, so it pairs well with an evening haunted event.
- Families with school-age kids
- Science, engineering, and space fans
- Visitors who want something far from the usual tourist circuit
- Budget travelers, since this kind of event is often free
Cost and booking details
Admission to JPL open houses has been free in the past, but you typically need advance registration and a government-issued photo ID. Spots can disappear quickly, and rules for bags and security vary, so read the official JPL page closely.
- Register early and save your confirmation.
- Bring photo ID for every adult.
- Travel light, since bag restrictions are common.
- Wear comfortable shoes and bring sunscreen for outdoor stretches.
11. Stones Throw 30 music festival
What to expect
Stones Throw 30 celebrates three decades of the Los Angeles indie label that Peanut Butter Wolf founded in 1996. The label built its name on left-field hip-hop, soul, funk, and electronic music, and its catalog includes Madlib, J Dilla, and MF DOOM. An anniversary event like this usually centers on label artists, DJ sets, and deep-cut record culture.
Stones Throw is the rare festival where the record label is the headliner.
Lineup, venue, and dates come from the organizers, and today is October 9. Before you plan around it, check the official Stones Throw website to see what is still ahead. It is a good pick among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October if you want a music night with no haunted theme.
Who it’s for
Music lovers who care about LA’s independent scene get the most out of it. It is a late-day or evening outing, and it works well as a counterpoint to the scarier events on this list.
- Hip-hop and soul fans who know the catalog
- Vinyl collectors and DJs
- Locals and visitors who want an LA music story, not a tourist stop
- Friends planning an adults’ night out (check the age policy)
Cost and booking details
Festival tickets are usually sold online in tiers, and prices rise as the date nears. Confirm current prices, set times, and age rules on the official site, since I can’t promise this year’s details.
- Buy tickets only from the official page to avoid resale markups.
- Check set times before you arrive, since they often shift.
- Plan a rideshare, because venue parking can be tight.
- Bring earplugs if you plan to stay near the speakers.
12. Strange Science at the Huntington
What to expect
Strange Science is a Halloween-season program at The Huntington in San Marino, built around the odd, eerie, and surprising side of science and nature. The estate pairs a research library and art museum with 120 acres of botanical gardens, so the backdrop is hard to beat. Programming changes each year, so treat the Huntington’s website as the final word on activities.
Strange Science is where October curiosity meets one of LA’s most beautiful gardens.
San Marino sits about 20 miles northeast of Hollywood. It is a calm, offbeat pick among the things to do in Los Angeles, California in October. Today is October 9, so confirm the dates before you plan around it.
Who it’s for
Curious adults and school-age kids get the most out of it, because the mood is playful rather than frightening. It is a daytime or early-evening outing, so it pairs well with a scarier night event.
- Families who want Halloween without the screams
- Science and nature fans
- Garden lovers and photographers
- Couples who like a slow, scenic afternoon
Cost and booking details
Admission to The Huntington is normally by timed ticket, and special programs may carry a separate fee. Prices vary by day and by member status, so check the official site rather than relying on an old number.
- Book your time slot online before you go.
- Arrive early, since the grounds take hours to cover.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water.
- Pick a weekday for thinner crowds.
13. Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
What to expect
Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts one of the largest Día de los Muertos celebrations in the city, and the grounds themselves are the stage. You wander past community-built ofrendas, the altars families decorate with photos, marigolds, and favorite foods for the departed. Live music, dance, and craft and food vendors fill the paths between them. It is one of the most meaningful things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, because it honors loved ones instead of chasing scares.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever is a celebration of memory, not a Halloween show.
The cemetery sits on Santa Monica Boulevard, about 2 miles from Hollywood and Highland. Many guests wear skull face paint and traditional dress, and the mood is warm and festive. Lineups change each year, and the event usually runs on a single day. Today is October 9, so confirm the date on the official site before you plan around it.
Who it’s for
Culture and art lovers get the most out of it, along with anyone who wants to see a tradition celebrated by the community that keeps it alive. Treat it with respect, since many of the altars honor real people.
- Families, since the tone is welcoming rather than frightening
- Photographers drawn to altars, costumes, and candlelight
- Visitors who want a local tradition, not a tourist attraction
- Couples and friends planning an evening outdoors
Cost and booking details
Tickets are usually sold online in advance, and prices vary by tier and age, so check the official Hollywood Forever page for current rates. Popular events like this can sell out.
- Buy only from the official page to avoid resale markups.
- Take a rideshare, because nearby parking is limited.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since the grounds are large.
- Bring a light layer for after dark.
14. Downtown Día de los Muertos at Grand Park
What to expect
Grand Park, the long green strip beside City Hall, hosts a free, community-driven Día de los Muertos celebration in the middle of downtown. Expect ofrendas built by local artists and groups, live music, dance, and a procession, plus food and craft vendors. It is one of the most accessible things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, and it feels like a neighborhood gathering rather than a staged show.
Grand Park lets you join Día de los Muertos without a ticket or a cemetery gate.
The park sits steps from the Civic Center/Grand Park Metro station on the B and D Lines. The date usually lands close to November 1, so it may fall just after October ends. Confirm the date and schedule on the official Grand Park site before you plan around it.
Who it’s for
Culture seekers and families get the most out of it, since the tone is warm and welcoming. It also suits anyone who wants a free daytime or early-evening outing downtown. Treat the altars with respect, because many honor real people.
- Families with kids of any age
- Budget travelers who want a meaningful event for little money
- Photographers who like color, costumes, and marigolds
- Visitors pairing it with the Hollywood Forever celebration
Cost and booking details
Entry has been free, with no ticket or registration needed in past years. Your only costs are food, drinks, and transit or parking, so verify the details on the official page.
- Take the Metro, because downtown parking is pricey.
- Arrive early to see the altars before the crowds build.
- Wear comfortable shoes, since you will walk and stand a lot.
- Bring a light layer for the evening.
15. Free Jazz Fridays at LACMA
What to expect
Jazz Fridays bring live jazz to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art on Wilshire Boulevard, usually in the outdoor spaces near Urban Light. You get an early-evening set, a drink in hand, and a field of vintage street lamps as the backdrop. It is one of the easiest free things to do in Los Angeles, California in October, and it closes out this list on a calm note.
The best free night out in LA might be a jazz set under a field of vintage street lamps.
The museum sits about 6 miles south of Hollywood, next to the La Brea Tar Pits. Today is Friday, October 9, so check LACMA’s calendar for tonight’s lineup and start time. Series schedules and venues can change from season to season.
Who it’s for
Music lovers get the most out of it, but so does anyone who wants a low-key evening after a week of haunted mazes and beer tents. It is relaxed enough to drop in on, and the crowd is a mix of locals and visitors.
- Jazz fans who like live, unamplified-feeling sets
- Couples looking for an easy date night
- Budget travelers who want a free evening
- Families, since the mood is mellow (bring a blanket for kids)
Cost and booking details
The concerts have been free to attend, with no ticket needed for the music. Gallery access is a separate matter and may require a paid ticket, so confirm current rules on LACMA’s official site. Food, drinks, and parking are your main costs.
- Arrive early, because the best spots fill first.
- Use a rideshare, since museum parking is paid and busy on Fridays.
- Bring a light layer for after sunset.
- Pair the set with a quick look at Urban Light for photos.
Making the most of your October in LA
The best things to do in Los Angeles, California in October come down to a simple mix. Pair one big night, like Horror Nights or Dark Harbor, with a calmer one, like Carved or Jazz Fridays. Add a free daytime outing such as CicLAvia or Grand Park. Since today is October 9, check dates first, because several events run only a few days.
Daytimes are where a guide helps most. Between evening events, you can cover Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and the coast without fighting traffic or hunting for parking. Our small-group Los Angeles sightseeing tours keep your evenings free for the fall events above, and a local guide handles the route. Pick your favorites and book early for the weekends closest to Halloween.
