Jump into fall fun with this weekend’s local events. From art pop-ups to fall festivals and more, there is plenty to do in the month of October. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood and enjoy all the weekend fun happening October 2 through October 4.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 2 – October 4
Rare Books L.A.
When: October 3 – October 4
Where: Downtown LA
What: Browse literary treasures from around the world at this biannual rare book fair, held inside historic Los Angeles Union Station. More than 50 exhibitors will showcase first editions, rare books, vintage photographs, maps, prints, and other collectible finds alongside literary talks and special programming. This Halloween-season edition also marks the 50th anniversary of Interview with the Vampire with an exhibition of vampire-themed books and memorabilia, with proceeds benefiting the Library Foundation of Los Angeles.
The Horror Show
When: Until July 27, 2027
Where: Academy Museum | Miracle Mile
What: Explore the enduring appeal of scary movies with a new immersive horror exhibition at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. Arriving just in time for Halloween season, the exhibition explores six corners of the genre, from gothic and psychological horror to slashers, ghosts, science, and religion. Visitors can step inside recreations of iconic settings, encounter memorable creatures and props, and discover the filmmaking techniques behind classics and contemporary favorites, including Frankenstein, The Shining, and Get Out.
The Outsiders
When: Until October 18
Where: Hollywood
What: Experience S.E. Hinton’s classic coming-of-age story in a new way when The Outsiders arrives at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre as part of its national tour. The Tony Award-winning musical brings the unforgettable rivalry between the Greasers and Socs to the stage with a powerful mix of music, movement, and storytelling. Following its acclaimed Broadway run, the production offers a fresh take on the beloved novel and its enduring themes of friendship, identity, and belonging.
Westside & Beach Communities Weekend Events | October 2 – October 4
Montana Avenue Art Walk
When: October 3
Where: Santa Monica
What: Spend the day exploring Montana Avenue Art Walk, when the Santa Monica neighborhood transforms into a car-free celebration of art, music, shopping, and community. More than 150 vendors will line the avenue alongside live performances, local boutiques, restaurants, and a new Wellness Pavilion. This year’s event also celebrates the centennial of Route 66 with themed artwork, immersive installations, and a classic car showcase.
Dark Harbor
When: Until November 1
Where: Long Beach
What: Brave one of Southern California’s most atmospheric Halloween attractions when Dark Harbor returns to the historic RMS Queen Mary for its 13th anniversary. The haunted experience transforms the ship and surrounding grounds with eerie mazes, roaming monsters, fog-filled corridors, carnival rides, secret speakeasies, and live entertainment. New this year is the “Shipwrecked: Brace for Impact” maze, joining reimagined attractions inspired by the ocean liner’s storied past.
Thomas Dambo’s Trolls: A Field Study
When: Until October 4
Where: Rancho Palos Verdes
What: Discover a whimsical world of larger-than-life trolls at South Coast Botanic Garden. Danish artist Thomas Dambo has transformed reclaimed wood into 12 towering “Twelvelings” hidden throughout the garden’s 87 acres, inviting visitors to explore nature while searching for each gentle giant. Guests can encounter the sculptures with general admission or join a guided walking tour for a closer look at the imaginative installation.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | October 2 – October 4
Halloween Horror Nights
When: Until November 1
Where: Universal City
What: Spooky season officially arrives at Universal Studios Hollywood with the return of Halloween Horror Nights. This year’s after-dark event features terrifying haunted houses inspired by Stranger Things 5, Hellraiser, Evil Dead Burn, Ozzy Osbourne, and Sinners, plus sinister scare zones and the park’s infamous Terror Tram. Running on select nights from September 3 through November 1, it’s a fright-filled kickoff to Halloween season for horror fans.
The Brady Experience
When: Until December 30
Where: Studio City
What: Step inside a piece of television history as the iconic Brady Bunch House in Studio City opens its doors for an immersive fan experience. Meticulously restored to recreate the beloved sitcom’s interiors, the home invites visitors to explore everything from the groovy green-and-orange kitchen and carpeted staircase to the kids’ bedrooms, wood-paneled study, and Alice’s room. Intimate self-guided tours are limited to small groups, with ticket proceeds benefiting local dog rescue organization Wags & Walks.
Open Studios of Topanga 2026
When: Until September 26
Where: Topanga Home Grown | 120 S Topanga Canyon Blvd Ste 102
What: Explore the creative heart of Topanga Canyon during Open Studios of Topanga, returning October 3 and 4 with more than 50 participating artists. A self-guided tour leads visitors along the canyon’s winding roads and into working studios, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the artists and spaces that continue to shape Topanga’s celebrated creative community. Along the way, browse one-of-a-kind artwork available for purchase while enjoying the distinctive character of this longtime Southern California artists’ enclave.
Conejo Valley | October 2 – October 4
Night of the Jack
When: October 3 – October 4
Where: Santa Monica Mountains
What: Stroll through a glowing wonderland of thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns as Night of the Jack returns to King Gillette Ranch. The family-friendly Halloween experience features a reimagined mile-long illuminated trail filled with elaborate pumpkin displays, lantern art, projection mapping, and seasonal photo opportunities. New for 2026, Jack’s Carnival adds kid-friendly rides and games, while food trucks and the Spookeasy offer plenty of treats along the way.
California Avocado Festival
When: October 2 – October 4
Where: Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue
What: Celebrate one of California’s favorite crops at the 40th Annual California Avocado Festival, taking over downtown Carpinteria October 2–4. This free three-day celebration fills Linden Avenue with more than 60 musical acts across three stages, along with dozens of arts and crafts vendors, local organizations, and plenty of food. With live entertainment and a lively coastal setting, it’s a festive way to spend a fall weekend on the Central Coast.
Fall Harvest Festival | Farm Country Weekend
When: October 3 – October 4
Where: Underwood Farms | 3370 Sunset Valley Rd, Moorpark
What: Celebrate the season at the 29th Annual Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Family Farms, running September 26 through October 31. The farm transforms into a sprawling fall destination with a pumpkin patch, pick-your-own experiences, games, rides, seasonal photo opportunities, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Weekends bring even more festivities with themed celebrations, live entertainment, and music throughout the farm.