Spooky season is almost over! Don’t miss out on all the October activities happening locally around town. Check out our weekend round-up of fall-approved fun happening from October 25 through October 27!
Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 25 – 27
AFI Fest
When: Until October 27
Where: Hollywood
What: Catch future box-office hits and discover unique indie gems at the annual AFI Fest in Hollywood. Each day features a curated selection of films screened at the iconic TCL Chinese Theatre and the Chinese 6 Theatres. The full schedule is available online, showcasing red-carpet premieres and exclusive screenings with Q&A sessions featuring renowned filmmakers and stars like Tom Hanks, Amy Adams, and Glenn Close. The festival also includes Oscar-worthy international films, documentaries, and shorts, plus a “Luminaries” section highlighting new works from celebrated directors such as Mike Leigh, Julie Delpy, and David Cronenberg.
KCRW Masquerade Ball
When: October 25
Where: South Park
What: Get your costume ready—L.A.’s beloved public radio station, KCRW, is reviving its legendary Halloween masquerade ball for the first time since 2018. This year, the 21-and-over party takes over the Mayan, featuring DJ sets from fan-favorite on-air hosts like Novena Carmel, SiLVA, and Travis Holcombe, along with special performances by Remi Wolf and Say She She.
Día de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever
When: October 26
Where: Hollywood
What: Hollywood Forever Cemetery hosts California’s largest Day of the Dead celebration, featuring vibrant altars, dance rituals, musical performances, and traditional crafts. This year’s theme, “Tonas and Nahuales,” honors indigenous Mesoamerican spiritual guides, with the event returning to an all-day format and staggered admission times. As always, the illuminated altars are stunning after dark, but expect the biggest crowds then.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | October 25 – 27
“Trick or Drink” Bar Crawl
When: October 26 – October 31
Where: West Hollywood
What: Explore nine of the Sunset Strip’s top spots in one night with this Halloween bar crawl. Start at the Den on Sunset to pick up your wristband, unlocking special prices and themed drinks at West Hollywood favorites like Andaz, Hotel Ziggy, Skybar, and more. For an extra thrill on October 26 or 31, hop on the free Afterlife Transfer Trolley, a haunted ride between bars.
Cirque du Soleil: Kooza
When: October 19 – December 1
Where: Downtown Santa Monica
What: Cirque du Soleil brings its high-flying show KOOZA to the beach, leaving DTLA for Santa Monica. This marks the troupe’s first performance under the big top by the Santa Monica Pier since 2014.
South Coast Botanic Garden’s Dogtoberfest
When: Until October 27
Where: Rancho Palos Verdes
What: South Coast Botanic Garden’s popular dog-walking hours expand to every weekend in October for the new Dogtoberfest. Along with dog-friendly walking paths, the event features an Oktoberfest-inspired pub crawl for humans, offering free beer samples at four stations (with full pours, pretzels, and bratwurst available for purchase). The fun continues for pups with a “dance pawty,” obstacle course, and a marketplace.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | October 25 – 27
Vegan-Friendly Kids Halloween Party!
When: October 26
Where: Love Always Sanctuary | 9841 La Tuna Canyon Road Los Angeles, CA 91352
What: Join us for a family-friendly, all-vegan Halloween event benefiting Love Always Sanctuary, in partnership with Plant Based Treaty! Enjoy trick-or-treating with rescued animals, a kids’ costume contest, games, a dance party, and vegan treats. Space is limited, so reserve your spot for a fun, compassionate celebration with goats, donkeys, and more!
House of Spirits: A Haunted Cocktail Soirée
When: Until November 2
Where: Glendale
What: Step into a Glendale theater (324 N Orange St, Glendale) for a supernatural soirée filled with magic, hauntings, and mystery that will send shivers down your spine. House of Spirits offers a two-hour immersive experience where you can explore eerie performances and macabre pop-ups, all while sipping on themed drinks. Each ticket includes four mini cocktails to accompany your chilling adventure.
Encino Outdoor Movie Night Presents “ The Nightmare Before Christmas”
When: October 26
Where: Los Angeles Equestrian Center | 480 Riverside Drive Burbank
What: Get ready for a magical night under the stars with Encino Outdoor Movie Night featuring “The Nightmare Before Christmas”! Bring your chairs and blankets for a fun, family-friendly Halloween movie night at an enclosed field. Gates open at 6pm, with a spirited costume contest at 6:30pm before the movie starts at 7pm. Enjoy your own picnic or grab treats from the food truck on site—don’t forget to register for free tickets to secure your spot!
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | October 25 – 27
City of Malibu Bu Bash Halloween Carnival
When: October 25, 2pm – 7pm
Where: Malibu Bluffs Park
What: Join the City of Malibu Community Services Department for the Bu Bash Halloween Carnival Spooktacular on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 2 PM to sunset at Malibu Bluffs Park! Designed for kids ages 2-10, the event includes arts and crafts, carnival games, a costume catwalk, bounce houses, food trucks, and a “Trick or Treat Street.”
Peace Pumpkin Fest in Camarillo
When: October 26, 10am – 3pm
Where: 71 Loma Dr, Camarillo
What: Celebrate the 14th Annual Peace Pumpkin Fest at Peace Lutheran Church, 71 Loma Drive, Camarillo, on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Enjoy free admission, with tickets available for attractions like hay rides, face painting, carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, and more. Don’t miss out on family-friendly fun, including tasty hot dogs!
10th Annual Dia de los Muertos Festival at Strathearn Park
When: October 27, 11am – 5pm
Where: Strathearn Historical Park, 137 Strathearn Pl, Simi Valley, CA 93065
What: Join the Simi Valley Historical Society for the 10th Annual Día de los Muertos festival on Sunday, October 27, 2024, from 11 AM to 5 PM at Strathearn Historical Park & Museum. Enjoy music, crafts, face painting, food, and traditional altars honoring loved ones. Costumes are encouraged for this family-friendly celebration of remembrance and culture.