Spookier times are upon us at October arrives this weekend. Get into the fall spirit with our weekly round-up of fun happenings arfound town. Read on below for the top events happening September 29 through October 1
Los Angeles Weekend Events | September 29 – October 1
Melrose Hill Block Party
When: September 30
Where: Hollywood
What: The recently designated East Hollywood district will burst with energy during its upcoming second annual block party situated at the intersection of Melrose and Western. Supported by Ggiata, an artisan sandwich shop, alongside Postmates and South L.A.’s Bricks & Wood, the Melrose Hill Block Party for this year promises an array of attractions, including live musical performances, local streetwear merchants, and a tantalizing selection of cuisine and beverages from renowned establishments like Kuya Lord, La Morra Pizzeria, Bridgetown Roti, Amboy, and many others.
Autry 35th Anniversary Celebration
When: September 30
Where: Griffith Park
What: Join in the festivities commemorating the Autry’s 35th anniversary with a carnival taking place on the museum’s scenic Griffith Park lawn. Enjoy a vibrant market, engaging games, informative tours, an enticing trunk show, impressive trick ropers, and captivating performances by Native Voices and WildHorse singers and dancers. Perhaps the most exciting aspect is that all of this is accessible at the same prices as in 1988.
Watts Towers Day of the Drum and Simon Rodia Jazz Festival
When: September 30 – October 1
Where: Watts
What: Get ready to groove at this yearly pair of pan-African and jazz festivals. For more than four decades, Day of the Drum has transformed Watts Towers into an afternoon of rhythmic music, dance, and poetry. Following that, the enduring Jazz Festival starts the next day with an afternoon filled with jazz performances and heartfelt tributes.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | September 29 – October 1
Made in L.A.
When: September 30 – December 31
Where: Westwood
What: The Hammer Museum’s impressive series of biennial exhibitions continually raises the bar by shining a spotlight on emerging and often overlooked Los Angeles artists, and the sixth installment appears to be no different. Titled “Acts of Living,” this year’s exhibition centers around the idea that art is an integral part of our everyday lives. It presents a diverse collection of works, blending new commissions with historical pieces from 39 talented and prolific artists such as Marcel Alcalá, Sula Bermúdez-Silverman, Jibz Cameron, and many more.
Ohana Festival
When: September 29 – October 1
Where: Orange County
What: Eddie Vedder’s Ohana Festival returns to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, featuring top acts like The Killers, HAIM, the Chicks, Foo Fighters, and Pretenders from September 29 to October 1. The festival, inspired by the Hawaiian idea of family, supports its community by donating proceeds to organizations like the San Onofre Parks Foundation and the Doheny State Beach Foundation, among others.
Oogie Boogie Bash
When: Until October 31
Where: Anaheim
What: Look who’s back! The “Nightmare Before Christmas” infamous bug-filled sack is reprising its role for the Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland. Join this exclusive after-hours event with special tickets at Disney California Adventure Park this Halloween season.
San Fernando Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | September 29 – October 1
Halloween Horror Nights
When: September 7 – October 31
Where: Universal Studios
What: Spooky season is creeping in, whether we’re ready for it or not. The most evident indicator? Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights has arrived, featuring haunted houses inspired by titles like The Last of Us, Stranger Things, Evil Dead Rise, The Purge, The Exorcist: Believer, and beyond.
CicLAmini: North Hollywood
When: September 17 – December 3
Where: North Hollywood
What: Cycle through a mile of Lankershim Boulevard during this compact version of the vehicle-free, bicycle-centric festival.
VALLEY RELICS MUSEUM EXPERIENCE
When: Every Saturday and Sunday
Where: 16781 Stagg Street Hangar C3 & C4 | Van Nuys
What: Visit the Valley’s beloved Museum of Pop Culture this weekend! The Valley Relics Museum invites you to join them for a day full of nostalgia and fun. Their one-of-a-kind museum.
Conejo Valley Los Angeles Weekend Events | September 29 – October 1
Nights of the Jack
When: September 29 – October 31
Where: Santa Monica Mountains
What: Stroll through the picturesque King Gillette Ranch as this hidden gem in the Santa Monica Mountains comes alive with the warm glow of thousands of intricately hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns. Nights of the Jack is back for another year, offering a one-mile walking trail experience, complete with delicious food trucks and a “Spookeasy” for added excitement. In 2023, Nights of the Jack has introduced new features to enhance the experience, including an augmented reality scavenger hunt along the trail, a captivating Día de Los Muertos display, stunning lantern art, and a special section known as “the Enchanted Forest.”
Reign of Terror Haunted House
When: September 29 – November 4
Where: Janss Marketplace
What: Janss Marketplace has revealed the dates and ticket sales launch for the 17-night Reign of Terror Haunted House, a highly acclaimed immersive haunt experience in the U.S. Celebrating its 24th season, Reign of Terror opens its doors on September 24th at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, offering 138 unique rooms and 10 interconnected, spine-chilling attractions, spanning over 28,000 sq ft of floor space, all revamped and improved for 2023.
30th Annual California Lemon Festival
When: September 30
Where: Girsh Park | Goleta
What: Mark your calendars for September 30 and October 1, 2023, and head to Girsh Park in Goleta for the 30th Annual California Lemon Festival. It’s a weekend of lemon-themed delights with free admission and parking, running from 10 am to 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Enjoy over 80 booths, a mouthwatering array of lemon-inspired cuisine and beverages, live entertainment, a dedicated kid’s zone, a Classic Car Show on Saturday, ExxonMobil Safety Street, and much more.