Los Angeles in October is pure magic, balancing fall festivities with the city’s characteristic glamour. Whether you’re here for the spine-tingling Halloween experiences, outdoor festivals, or must-try seasonal foods, the city has something for everyone. Here’s a roundup of what not to miss in L.A. this month.
1. Halloween Highlights: Costume Carnaval and Haunted Tours
The West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval on October 31st is iconic, attracting around half a million people dressed to the nines. It’s a raucous party on Santa Monica Boulevard, and even if you’re just spectating, you’ll get an eyeful of impressive costumes, spontaneous dance-offs, and general merriment. For those looking to get a real scare, sign up for a ghost-hunting tour or explore one of L.A.’s haunted locales like the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, reputedly haunted by the ghost of Marilyn Monroe.
2. Art and Culture Extravaganza
Art enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the biannual Pasadena ArtNight (October 18), with free access to multiple museums and galleries throughout Pasadena. For a unique blend of the cosmic and the artistic, Cosmic Art Night at the Mount Wilson Observatory (October 13) offers breathtaking views and artist talks—all while you stargaze through a 100-inch telescope. These events make it easy to dive deep into L.A.’s artistic heart without breaking the bank.
3. Seasonal Food and Drinks: Oktoberfest and More
If you’re into Oktoberfest vibes, check out events like the LA Beer Fest at Los Angeles Center Studios, where a Bavarian village theme complements an array of local brews. There’s also the Halloween Hootenanny Craft Beer Festival, where L.A.’s top breweries gather, bringing local art, music, and seasonal bites.
For a touch of refined dining, check out hot spots like Bread Head in Santa Monica for their famous focaccia, or Udatsu Sushi in Hollywood for a Michelin-level omakase experience. Meanwhile, Bridgetown Roti in East Hollywood now offers a permanent location for its Caribbean-inspired fare, making it a must for foodies this fall.
4. Free Museum Days and Special Exhibits
Several museums are upping their game this October. The Getty Museum hosts an Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration, including live performances and hands-on workshops. Meanwhile, the Grammy Museum debuts a new exhibition dedicated to Latin Grammy stars, while the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures dives into the world of cyberpunk culture.
5. Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and Apple Picking
As L.A. cools down, outdoor excursions become even more appealing. CicLAvia: Heart of L.A. turns the streets car-free on October 13, creating the perfect biking route through downtown neighborhoods like Chinatown, Little Tokyo, and Boyle Heights. For those ready to embrace autumn, apple-picking trips to nearby farms provide that quintessential fall experience (minus the frosty weather).
6. Spooky Entertainment: The Vampire Circus and Haunted Trails
The Vampire Circus at the Montalban Theatre offers a family-friendly yet spine-tingling experience, combining circus acts with a Halloween twist. For a darker thrill, check out Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios Hollywood, where you’ll face scares inspired by horror movie classics and Latin American folklore.
Final Thoughts
October in L.A. offers an impressive range of experiences that blend culture, thrill, and festivity. From major street parties to intimate haunted tours, food events, and art showcases, you’ll find endless ways to dive into the spirit of the season.
