Los Angeles, known for its ever-evolving cultural landscape, is buzzing with excitement this October. From the revival of iconic city projects to vibrant events, fashion trends, and artistic movements, here’s what’s currently shaping LA’s pulse.
1. Events and Festivals: A Cultural Melting Pot
West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval
No event in LA embodies the city’s bold, eccentric personality quite like the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval. Set for October 31, this is one of the world’s largest Halloween street parties, attracting half a million attendees annually. Costumed revelers will flood Santa Monica Boulevard, bringing out LA’s notorious creativity and penchant for extravagant displays. Expect spontaneous costume contests, live music, and a general atmosphere of carefree celebration. This event isn’t just a night out—it’s a tradition where you’ll want to be dressed to the nines (jeans and a T-shirt just won’t cut it).
Day of the Dead at Hollywood Forever
On October 26, Hollywood Forever Cemetery will host one of the most immersive Día de los Muertos celebrations in the country. With a theme focused on “Tonas and Nahuales” (spiritual guides in Mesoamerican cultures), the festival will include elaborate altars, dance rituals, and art displays, honoring the ancestors. The event’s energy intensifies after dark, as flickering candles and vibrant costumes create an unforgettable spectacle. It’s both a spiritual and festive event that captures LA’s multicultural essence.
Grand Ave Arts: All Access
October 19 will see Grand Ave Arts celebrate the cultural institutions of Bunker Hill. With free performances and exhibits from renowned organizations like the LA Opera and Colburn School, it’s a perfect opportunity to experience LA’s high-art scene without the price tag. Activities like sugar skull workshops and live opera recitals make it a family-friendly way to explore the city’s creative core.
Concerts & Iconic Music Venues
This October, Los Angeles will also be swaying to the tunes of some of the biggest names in music. Eric Clapton’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl on October 12 promises to be an iconic event for rock lovers, while Imagine Dragons (October 22-27) will bring their energetic, genre-defying sound to the same venue. Additionally, David Gilmour of Pink Floyd fame will grace the Hollywood Bowl from October 29-31, treating fans to his soul-stirring guitar melodies. These concerts highlight LA’s status as a premier destination for live music.
2. Fashion: Effortlessly Cool
In the world of fashion, LA continues to embrace its laid-back, yet fashion-forward ethos.
Loose Linen Pants
Loose, flowy linen pants are everywhere, marking a shift from structured denim to a more relaxed, pajama-like aesthetic. As spotted in recent street style, these pants are often paired with oversized jackets or sweaters, merging comfort with effortless cool. This style gained traction after being seen during Copenhagen Fashion Week and is now the go-to look for Angelenos looking to stay fashionable without sacrificing comfort.
Colorful Sneakers
LA has moved beyond its white sneaker obsession, with residents now gravitating towards more colorful and bold designs. These new kicks maintain the casual vibe Angelenos love but inject an element of fun and personality. Bright, eye-catching sneakers, from hairy green suede to butter yellow, are the new staples of an LA wardrobe.
Boxy White Tees and Angular Sunglasses
Classic white tees remain a favorite, but this season they’re taking on a boxier, more structured form, perfect for layering under oversized blazers or paired with those loose linen pants. Angular sunglasses—especially rectangular and bold tortoiseshell frames—are also making waves, adding a retro flair to any outfit.
3. The Rise of Public Art and Green Spaces
Destination Crenshaw
October marks significant progress for the Destination Crenshaw project, an ambitious 1.3-mile public art and open space initiative along Crenshaw Boulevard. Set to be a landmark in LA’s cultural and urban development, it will feature works celebrating African-American history and contributions to the area. The first major component, Sankofa Park, will open to the public in 2024, with a lineup of striking installations and open spaces designed to foster community engagement and celebrate local heritage.
LA’s Bus Stop Makeover
After years of complaints about the lack of shelter at bus stops, LA is finally addressing this issue. With a $30-million loan funding the installation of 3,000 new bus shelters, the city is set to make public transit more comfortable for its users. The new shelters are designed not just to offer shade but to incorporate eco-friendly features and advertising space to generate revenue. This marks a significant push towards improving the city’s public transportation infrastructure, particularly ahead of the 2028 Olympics.
4. Sustainability and Food Movements
Chefs United for a Cure
LA’s food scene is also bustling with events like “Chefs United for a Cure,” set for October 29. This event brings together celebrity chefs from the Food Network and local favorites like Antonia Lofaso and Brooke Williamson. The culinary stars will cook for a cause, raising awareness and funds for brain cancer research. Not only does it highlight the city’s gourmet prowess, but it also reflects the growing trend of using food as a platform for activism.
5. Construction Projects: Shaping the Future of LA
LAX People Mover
For frequent flyers, the upcoming LAX Automated People Mover is set to make traveling much smoother. The $5-billion modernization project includes a 2.25-mile elevated system that will connect airport terminals with transportation hubs and a new rental car facility. The People Mover is expected to ease traffic congestion around LAX and improve the overall experience for both visitors and residents. Completion is slated for 2024, just in time for the influx of tourists during the 2028 Olympics.
Hollywood Burbank Airport’s New Terminal
Not to be outdone, the Hollywood Burbank Airport is also undergoing a major facelift. Construction on a new 355,000-square-foot terminal with 14 gates will begin soon, promising to bring some Hollywood glamour to one of LA’s smaller but beloved airports. This project further emphasizes LA’s commitment to upgrading its infrastructure ahead of the Olympics.
Conclusion
October 2024 in Los Angeles showcases the city’s dynamic blend of creativity, sustainability, and community spirit. From high-profile concerts to intimate cultural festivals, from bold fashion trends to major urban developments, LA continues to set trends and break boundaries. As the city prepares for a global spotlight with the upcoming 2028 Olympics, these developments are shaping not just the present but the future of this iconic metropolis.
