All About LA Events Guide to LA

Things to do in LA in October

Fall is finally here and there’s plenty to do this month to get in those fall vibes. You can also check out our favorite Halloween events this year to really get in the spooky spirit.

The Vampire Circus

September 30th-October 31st

Location: The Montalban Theater; 1615 Vine St, Hollywood

Experience a mesmerizing Halloween world at The Vampire Circus! This extraordinary circus blends mystery, terror, and exhilaration. This Tim Burton-inspired universe even features breathtaking acrobatics of Cirque Du Soleil. This transformative, immersive theater experience will leave you both amazed and scared. Join for a phenomenal night of live entertainment, pushing the physical boundaries of human performances. The Vampire Circus offers a blend of fear, joy, laughter, and wonder and takes audiences on an immersive ride through the Underworld and Vampires. Buy your tickets here.

Disney Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas

October 27-29th

Location: Hollywood Bowl, 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles

Get in the Halloween spirit with this fantastic family friendly concert. Hear festive tunes from The Nightmare Before Christmas, featuring Danny Elfman, Catherine O’Hara, Halsey, Fred Armisen, Riki Lindhome, Ken Page, and a live orchestra. Don’t forget to dress up in your costumes for a fun festive costume contest. Make sure to arrive early for trick-or-treating throughout the decked out spooky Hollywood Bowl. Reserve your tickets here.

Fright Dive at The Aquarium of the Pacific

October 27th, 7:30 PM-11 PM

Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach

Kick off your Halloween weekend with Fright Dive! This will be a spook-tacular evening with a live performance by Tom Kenny & The Hi-Seas, DJs spinning in the Aquarium’s galleries, cocktails and drinks, and food trucks on the front plaza. Halloween costumes are encouraged. All exhibits and galleries will be open with the exception of a few. We recommend advanced ticket purchases as Night Dive tends to sell out.

MAXIM Halloween Party

October 27th, 10 PM – 2 AM

Location:  Nightingale Plaza, 643 N La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles

MAXIM is partnering with VIP Nightlife top host the hottest Halloween party in LA. Costume is required at this star-studded event. The EC Twins and special guests will be DJing all night. You can expect a premium open bar, light-up party favors, and a state-of-the-art sound system and LED wall. This is a 21+ event and ID’s will be checked at the door. You won’t want to miss out on this exclusive party.

Fifth Annual Thulalloween

October 27th, 9 PM

Location: Candela La Brea; 831 South La Brea Ave, Los Angeles

Get ready to unleash your inner creature as Thulalloween returns for its fifth spine-chilling year. Become someone—or something—else and strut your stuff in the fan-favorite costume contest with multiple competitive categories. There will also be a DJ and playlist curated by Gianni, Movee On, Daniel D’Artiste, and the birthday boy himself, Thulani. VIP tickets are available too.

24th Annual Day of the Dead Celebration

October 28th, 9 AM – 3 PM & 5 PM – 12 AM

Location: Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Boulevard, Los Angeles

The 24th Annual Día de los Muertos celebration will be a full day of fun for the whole fam bam. Día de los Muertos is a daytime event with a kids plaza and cultural performances including exhibits, Aztecs, traditional dances, and crafts vendors. Noche de los Muertos is the night time event with musical artists like electrifying beats of Bomba Estereo igniting the night with their sensational tunes. You can reserve your tickets for one or both events to celebrate the entire day.

Anaheim Fall Fest & Halloween Parade

October 28th, Festival 11 AM-6 PM; Parade at 7 PM

Just outside of the city, there’s one of the longest-running civic celebrations of Halloween. The festival celebrates its centennial this October (established in 1923) and is a good old fashioned Halloween carnival. There will be local artists, live music, magic shows, costume contests, food, and crafts! Stick around after for a Halloween Parade with ghouls, ghosts, and witches stretching across a mile and a half through the Anaheim streets. The event is FREE, but donations are welcome.

Haunted Gatsby

October 28th, 8 PM-2 AM

Location: 7174 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles

Step into the 1920’s at this glamorous haunted Gatsby party. This Halloween fest will feature DJs, burlesque performances, photo opps, and lots of fun surprises! Don’t forget to bring out your stylish flapper dresses, headpieces, and suits for a 1920’s costume contest with prizes. Finish off the night with signature cocktails and the fabulous dance floor. Reserve your tickets here for a spectacular spooky night.

The Haunted Beach House

October 28th, 10PM-2AM

Location: 1541 Ocean Avenue, Suite 150, Santa Monica

Get spooky at this exclusive beachside Halloween party at the Sony Music Beach House. Dance the night away and enjoy a lineup of international DJs and live performances by Sony artists. Don’t forget your costumes for a costume contest with surprise prizes and make sure to capture your looks at the festive photobooth. End the night with delicious treats and a stocked bar. Reserve your ticket here.

Boonion Station

October 28th, 11AM-5PM

Location: Los Angeles Union Station, 800 N. Alameda St., Los Angeles

LA’s Union Station is hosting its fifth annual family friendly Halloween event. The station will be transformed into a haunted wonderland with dancing, crafts, face painting, and trick-or-treating. Don’t forget your costumes because there will be prizes for Most Original, Funniest, Spookiest, and Best Group/Family costumes. The best part—this event is FREE all day to the public! Reserve a spot here.

Lou’Mar Beverly Hills Halloween Party

October 28th, 9PM-2AM

Location: 9960 South Santa Monica Blvd, Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills’s hottest new restaurant Lou’Mar is hosting a thrilling Halloween event. The restaurant will be open until 9pm and then will switch to a limited menu with special Halloween cocktails and their most popular bites. Make sure to wear your costumes for a spooky costume contest with special prizes. Walk-ins will be welcome!

Dead Man’s Luau Halloween Music Festival

October 28th, 5:30-9:30pm

Location: Canary Club, 1301 5th Street, Santa Monica

Just because summer’s over doesn’t mean we have to completely ditch the beach vibes! This music festival experience includes an interactive night of live music, art, tattooing, limbo, and a silent charity auction. The theme is Nautical Nightmare, so wear your best mermaid, pirate, crab, or tourist costume. Plus, this event is for a great cause! A portion of proceeds will go towards Surfer’s Healing, which hosts free surf camps for kids with autism, and the Maui First Responders Fire Relief. Get your tickets here.

Marina Riviera Hotel Ruffin’ It Retreat

October 30th-November 1st

Location: 40770 Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear Lake

Ready for a staycation with your furry friend? Hotel Marina Riviera, a boutique hotel in Big Bear CA, is hosting the perfect three day experience for you and your pet. Stay in lakeside guest rooms with beautiful views, indulge in delicious daily breakfast and bites, and participate in a host of activities. You can choose from an eventful itinerary of events like a dog themed movie night under the stars, nature hike, puppy and parent yoga, and a Halloween costume contest with prizes. There will also be a massage therapist (at an additional cost) on hand to put you in the ultimate relaxation mood.This retreat is sure to be the perfect getaway! Book your stay by emails [email protected]. More Info here.

French For Fashion with Sézane

October 5th

Location: The Los Angeles Appartement, Brentwood Country Mart 225 26th Street, Suite 52 Santa Monica

Coucou teacher and former haute-couture artisan will explore the essence of ‘la mode française’ in a partnership with Sézane on Thursday, October 5th from 6-7:30pm PT – defining essential vocabulary and examining the difference between French and US fashion. The event will  be accompanied by refreshments and surprises that will teach you how to embody your inner Parisienne. Get tickets here.

Lagree Fitness x VersaClimber Fit Fun in the Sun on the Santa Monica Pier

October 1st

Location: Santa Monica Pier, 200 Santa Monica Pier Santa Monica

Get moving and grooving at the beach to join in on the fun with Sebastien Lagree, the creator of Lagree Fitness, and the rest of the Lagree & VersaClimber team. You will get a 20-minute Microformer workout, combined with a 20-minute VersaClimber workout. There will also be a DJ, vendors, recovery lounge, swag bags and so much more! All participants will be gifted limited edition event tote bags. You don’t want to miss it! Alto will be offering attendees free rides to and from the event. See the class schedule here.

Bubbles & Blooms

October 1st, 12 PM – 3 PM

Location: Studio 127, 5354 Denny Ave, North Hollywood

Add this one to date night or girls night. Combining a captivating flower arrangement workshop with an exquisite brunch spread and bottomless mimosas, you’re sure to find something to love. The flowers sourced for this occasion are among the most beautiful in season, ensuring a visually stunning experience. Get your tickets here.

$10 Brow Wax at Benefit for National Brow Day

October 2nd

Location: All Benefit Boutiques

Benefit Cosmetics is celebrating National Brow Day with its best brow service deal yet, for 24-hours only! They’re offering brow waxes for just $10.02 (regularly priced at $30) at all Benefit boutiques nationwide. Celebrate National Brow Day with arch experts and rest assured your brows are in good hands (literally!). Booking are open now for one day only.

Boy Smells Sample Sale

September 30th-October 1st

Location: 4510 W. Washington Blvd, Los Angeles

There’s no better time for a new candle than autumn! Fragrance brand Boy Smells will be holding a sample sale for you to snag a few items to add to your ambiance. Tons of scented candles in 8.5oz, 3oz, and even 27oz Magnum candles from past (and present) limited edition collections will be available ( and for up to 80% off). FYI: Kacey Musgraves collab could be up for grabs, just saying.

Tokyo City Cup & Japan Family Day

September 30th & October 1st

Location: Santa Anita Park, 285 W Huntington Dr, Arcadia

Japan Family Day is back to bring a day of family fun and give you taste of  Japanese culture. Through the years, it has become one of the most popular Japanese family festivals in southern California. Featuring cultural events, demonstrations, and yummy food, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to indulge in the good eats, learn a few traditions, and have some fun. Tickets are only $5.

Universal Studios: Halloween Horror Nights

Now-October 31st

Location: 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City

Universal Studios: Halloween Horror Nights has a major scare factor. With the company being a movie making production company, you can only imagine they do NOT skimp on the costumes or makeup. This year they even have a Stranger Things themed maze AND a maze for The Exorcist: Believer. Get your tickets early, they sell out quickly!

Sushi by Scratch: Michelin-Starred Pop-Up

Now-October 4th

Location: 9500 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills

Get here before it’ gone. For all you sushi lovers try a 17-course Nigiri tasting at the Michelin-starred group Sushi by Scratch. This event is open to both hotel guests and the public. Reservations can be made here.

Taste of Pasadena 2023

October 6th, 7 PM-9:30 PM

Location: Pasadena Convention Center; 300 East Green Street Pasadena

Pasadena magazine presents the 1st Annual Taste of Pasadena, a strolling culinary festival featuring unlimited tastings by Best of Pasadena restaurants and favorites from around the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. With cocktails, music, and special experiences courtesy of Aqua Panna, Corbin Cash whiskey, Casa Azul tequila, Frey Spirits, and so much more. Get your tickets for this tasty event now.

OC Auto Show

October 5th-October 8th

Location: Anaheim Convention Center, 800 W Katella Ave, Anaheim

In collaboration with National Drive Electric Week, this convention promises to be a thrilling showcase of the automotive industry’s latest innovations and technologies. There will be hundreds of new cars, trucks, electric vehicles, and even exotics. It’s fun for the whole family with driving simulators, a scavenger hunt, photo opportunities, and more for the little ones. Tickets are only $12!

Haunted Soiree: The Macabre Cocktail Party

October 6th – October 31st

Location: The Nocturne Theatre, 324 North Orange Street, Glendale

This is the Halloween party for Grown-Ups! Enter the 90,000 square foot haunted mansion and enjoy spirits of every kind, tarot readings, and secret games. Learn about the legend of Vaughan Hall, and enjoy sinister stories that will leave you wanting to sleep with your lights on at least until Thanksgiving. The soiree is inside the historically haunted venue and includes themed mini-cocktails, music, magic, and more!

Dine LA

October 6th-20th

Location: Over 60 neighborhood across Los Angeles

This one’s going to have you hungry. The 15th Annual Dine LA event is here! This premier dining destination will highlight all the diversity of culinary experiences in and around LA. With hundreds of restaurants in Los Angeles offering special lunch and dinner dine-in menus, you can experience all the amazing flavor LA has to offer. One of our new favorite LA spots, Lou’Mar, is even extending their days and will be open from Tuesday-Saturday for this particular Dine LA week! You can see the rest of the extensive list of restaurants from over 60 neighborhoods here.

Ordinary People at Long Beach Museum Of Art

October 6th-January 12th; Opening Reception: October 6, 7 PM-9 PM

Location: Long Beach Museum Of Art, 2300 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach

Long Beach Museum of Art proudly presents “Ordinary People.” It involves Los Angeles-based community-first organizations to serve as guest curators, each showcasing their art practices that extend beyond traditional studio settings. Get your tickets to the opening reception and gallery here.

Carved at Descano Gardens

October 6-29th

Location: Descano Gardens, 1418 Descant Dr, La Canada Flintridge

Stop by this mesmerizing pumpkin wonderland for an outdoor Halloween festivity. This year, Carved features a new route, luminous jack-o-lanterns, a “Rhizome” installation, and carved pumpkins. Make sure to stop by the hay maze and tasty fall treats to find something for the whole family to do. Get in the Halloween spirit and reserve your tickets here.

Halloween Festivals

Now-October 31st

Various locations across LA

If you’ve been waiting for Halloween since November 1st of last year, it’s time to get in the Halloween Spirit. LA has pop-up markets with spooky treats, fall fashion, themed games, and fun decor to really get you in the mood. You can hit up the Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Garden, Salem’s Market, Oddities Flea Market, and many more. Check out all the locations here.

Bake Camp LA

October 7th, 14th, and 22nd

Locations: 7th @ Hollywood Presbyterian Church; 14th @ Pacific Palisades Woman’s Club ; 22nd @ Valley Relics Museum

L.A.’s best cookie bakers will unite to celebrate National Cookie Month at three BakeCamp LA cookie-tasting festivals spread across the city. Each BakeCamp event will feature more than 50 local pro and amateur cookie bakers under one roof competing to be crowned “LA’s Favorite Cookie Baker.” The events will help support Paw Works – the Thousand Oaks-based nonprofit rescue that works with local shelters to give abandoned animals a second chance at life. You can see all the dates and deets here.

Family Style Food Festival

October 8th, 12 PM-8 PM

Location: Television City, 130 N Fairfax Ave, Los Angeles

Buchanan’s Scotch Whisky and Family Style are pairing up to bring a  family-oriented food festival that believes in bringing people together through the collective love of food. Known for mixing food and fashion– they connect the best brands and the tastiest restaurants to create limited one-of-a-kind collaborative food and merchandise items exclusively available here. You can look forward to a delicious food line-up from over 30 restaurants, cool merch, some amazing DJs, plus have the little ones run wild in the Kid’s Area (Kids age 12 and under are free). They offer General Admission, or if you want that VIP treatment you can opt for a VIP ticket.

Espresso Martini Fest

October 9th-15th

Location: Various bars across LA

Mr Black Cold Brew Coffee Liqueur is having their second annual Espresso Martini Fest this year and its bigger and better than ever – and it’s coming to Los Angeles this year. Coffee and cocktail lovers alike can indulge in some of the most innovative Espresso Martini creations at their local bars whether during happy hour or a night out on the town. Hand-picked by the Mr. Black team, over 220 bars across 14 cities in the US will take part in the week-long celebration showcasing exemplary classic coffee cocktails and innovative cold-brewed creations. Be sure to check out the list of participating venues in Los Angeles.

Candlelight Concerts: Your Favorite Halloween Themes

October 13th

Location: Historic Woman’s Club; 1210 4th St, Santa Monica

There is nothing more peaceful than sitting in a candlelit room listening to live musicians. At the Candlelight Concert, enjoy themes and genres of music in one magical multi-sensory musical experience while under the gentle glow of a candlelight setting. Enjoy a Friday the 13th special with all of your favorite Halloween classics. Listen to the Orchid Quartet play your favorite classics including Beetlejuice, Ghostbusters, and The Addams Family, and many more beloved songs. Reserve your tickets before they’re gone.

Club Rewire Pop-Ups

October 15th & October 22nd

Location: Various Locations

Club Rewire is hosting two pop-ups this month with expert guest speakers and workshops to help members identify self-improvement opportunities from a researched perspective in fun, unique settings. On October 15th, at the Speakeasy Garden Loft in Hollywood (1617 Cosmo St, Los Angeles, CA 90028)  listen to a licensed therapist speak on relationships, attachment, connection and communication. Following the talk, create a custom resin coaster or tray to take home with you. On the 22nd, join a Halloween Dinner Party with a mashed potato martini bar, dinner, and drinks while listening to their licensed therapists speak on actionable ways to manage anxiety. More info here.

The Art of French Perfumery x Diptyque

October 18th

Location: Diptyque at The Grove, 189 The Grove Dr Space Q-03, Los Angeles

Coucou is partnering with the iconic French fragrance house Diptyque, renowned for its signature candles and exceptional fragrances. Join them for an exclusive workshop at the Diptyque flagship boutique at the Grove on Wednesday, October 18th from 7-9pm PT. Your hosts, Coucou teacher Ghislain and Diptyque ambassador Bobi Donlon will take you on an olfactory journey deep into the savoir faire of French perfumery. Smell, the sense most closely linked to memory and emotions, has captivated humankind throughout our history.  More info to to reserve a ticket here.

Co-Star Vending Machine

October 15-21st

Location: Beverly Grove, 189 The Grove Dr, Los Angeles

If you love all things astrology, stop by the Grove Farmers Market! The famous Co-Star Astrology vending machine has touched down to LA for a limited time. Ask the machine any question and receive an answer based on your astrological chart. More information here.

EmpowerCon 2023

October 21st

Location: Los Angeles Convention Center, 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles

Step into your best self at this event to inspire, grow, and connect. EmpowerCon is a movement to transform lives and empower individuals to reach a brighter future. This year’s theme is Empower Your Mind, Transform Your Life and will address issues like coping with anxiety, mental wellness, and connecting with community. The day features inspiring keynote speakers, Q&A panels, workshops, and an afterparty at the Bike Shed Moto Company Restaurant. More info to reserve your tickets here.

Favorite Daughter Sample Sale

October 21st, 10AM-3PM

Location: 1580 Jesse Street, Los Angeles

This LA based clothing brand, Favorite Daughter, is hosting its first ever sample sale. Created by sister duo Erin and Sara Foster, Favorite Daughter brings denims, basics, and almost every wardrobe essential you could dream of. The event will also feature embroidery, birth chart readings, yummy pizza, beverages from Saint James Iced Tea, and sweet treats by Beignet Box. Don’t miss out on your chance to grab all the pieces you’d want out of your sister’s closet. More details here.

Open Main Street Santa Monica

October 21st-22nd, 12-7 PM

Location: Main Street, Santa Monica

Get ready for the last festival of the 2023 Festival Series in Santa Monica. This street bash will feature a beer garden, live music, and local vendors. Stop by Saturday for a fright night movie in the street and Sunday for open play pickle ball. And don’t forget to bring the whole family to experience the free kids corner and a Halloween kickoff celebration. As the weather gets cooler, stop by this FREE outdoor event.

In-N-Out Burger 75th Anniversary Festival

October 22nd

Location: In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, 2780 Fairplex Drive, Pomona

The beloved fast-food chain is having a 75 year anniversary celebration. There will be drag races, carnival rides, a cool car show, and as expected – amazing food brought by In-N-Out itself! There will also be a rock concert with ZZ Top on site that gives you access to the entire festival. To finish off this family-friendly night, there will be fireworks over the stadium. Buy tickets before they’re gone.

PCH Creative Communal

October 22nd, 11:00 am-4:00 pm

Location: 6400 Pacific Coast HWY, Long Beach

2nd and PCH is back again with free events such as their Creative Communal. Shop small at this outdoor market offering visitors (and pets!) products from 30+ local makers, kids entertainment, live music, and photo opportunities for all. Be sure to also check out the PCH Movies & Moonlight for the Halloween edition with Hocus Pocus showing this month.

The Madeira Wine Experience

October 24th, 6-9 PM

Location: The Maybourne Beverly Hills, 225 North Canon Drive Beverly Hills

Enjoy a walk-around tasting featuring five Madeira producers with yummy appetizers. Sip Madeira-based cocktails from bartender Camron Robertson, General Manager of Thunderbolt LA. Thunderbolt has one of the most extensive Madeira collections in Los Angeles and is one of the top 10 bars on North America’s 50 Best Bars list. Learn about different styles of Madeira in 15-minute speed-tastings with sommelier and Wines of Portugal’s brand ambassador Eugénio Jardim. Indulge in a wine night you won’t want to miss out on. Tickets are only $55!

Yoga & Cocktails at The Hollywood Roosevelt

Now-December 17th, 11:00 PM – 12:00 PM

Location: 7000 Hollywood Boulevard, Los Angeles

Ladies, spend your Sunday morning on the rooftop of one of the most iconic hotels in Los Angeles working out with a 360 degree view of the city! Fit Girl Club partnered with The Hollywood Roosevelt to create an event where women can get together, connect, and create friendships through fitness. Mats, water, and towels are provided. Cocktails are also included. Tickets and information can be found here.

Dreamscape Immersive

Now-December 31st

Location: Westfield Century City, 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica

Immerse yourself in the beauty of a new storytelling medium. Think VR but better. Dreamscape is giving people the opportunity to step into a story and watch it unfold around them as they explore cinematic worlds, characters, and creatures never before thought possible. You can choose your adventure from an Alien ZooThe Clockwork ForestCurse of the Lost Pearl: A Magic Projector Adventure, or Dreamworks Dragon: Flight Academy. Dreamscape is taking place at Westfield Century City until the end of the year. Book your adventure here.

Featured image courtesy of Shawn’s Pumpkin Patch, Espresso Martini Fest, and Family Style Food Festival.