Your weekend round-up of fall local fun has arrived! From fall festivals to Oktoberfest celebrations and more, we have you covered. Check out what’s happening in your neighborhood from October 3 through October 5.
Los Angeles Weekend Events | October 3 – October 5
Barktoberfest
When: Until October 17
Where: Common Space Brewing | Hawthorne
What: The spcaLA is teaming up with local breweries for a series of dog-friendly Oktoberfest celebrations—because what’s better than pups and pints? The fun kicks off at Common Space Brewing in Hawthorne with pet vendors, caricature artists, and a wiener dog race at 2pm (entry fees benefit spcaLA), plus a pottery stein-making class for humans at 4pm. The party continues with adoptable dogs at Los Angeles Ale Works in Culver City on September 26, followed by another round at the Hawthorne Ale Works location on October 17.
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride
When: Until November 2
Where: Griffith Park
What: Ditch the kid-friendly pumpkin patches—Griffith Park’s Haunted Hayride is back to terrify. Now in its 17th year, the infamous attraction once again drops guests into the eerie mid-’80s town of Midnight Falls, where a witch’s summoning spell has unleashed lurking monsters hiding among the Halloween decor. This year, the Mistress of the Dark herself—Elvira—joins the chaos, bringing her campy charm to new takes on fan favorites like the Scary-Go-Round and Trick or Treat. Brave souls can expect a lengthy hayride packed with sinister surprises, plus a cozy cider-and-doughnut lounge for a breather between scares.
‘West Side Story’ by LA Opera
When: Until October 12
Where: Downtown L.A.
What: LA Opera reimagines Leonard Bernstein’s West Side Story the way the composer once dreamed it: as an opera. This grand new production at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion elevates the star-crossed lovers’ tale with a maximalist, operatic treatment, while still honoring Jerome Robbins’s iconic choreography and Stephen Sondheim’s unforgettable lyrics.
Westside and Beach Communities Weekend Events | October 3 – October 5
Dark Harbor
When: Until November 2
Where: Long Beach
What: Step aboard the Queen Mary for Dark Harbor: Summoned by the Seas, a haunted attraction that uses the ship’s own eerie history as its backdrop. Explore new and reimagined mazes in the vessel’s pool, kitchen, and staterooms, all while navigating fog, monsters, and narrow staircases. Between scares, you can sip cocktails in hidden speakeasies, catch live entertainment, or take a spin on the carnival rides.
Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns
When: Until November 2
Where: Rancho Palos Verdes
What: This fall, Pumpkins at Night returns to L.A. with a glowing display of thousands of hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns in a brand-new location: the scenic South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes. Originally from Denver, this immersive Halloween experience features themed pumpkin light shows, bounce pads, inflatables, and festive eats—perfect for families looking for a fun, not-too-frightening seasonal outing.
The Old World Oktoberfest
When: Until November 9
Where: Huntington Beach
What: Billing itself as Orange County’s biggest party since 1977, the Old World Oktoberfest serves up beers, brats, and Bavarian bands with a side of coastal views. From September 7 through November 9, the re-created German village buzzes Wednesday–Sunday with oompah music, dancing, and a hearty sausage-filled menu. Families are welcome on Saturday afternoons and select evenings, while Friday and Saturday nights are 21+ with a cover. Of course, entry is free on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Sundays, and Saturday afternoons with advance booking.
San Fernando Valley Weekend Events | October 3 – October 5
Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones – Halloween Bash
When: October 4
Where: Main Kitchen Cafe | 8901 De Soto Avenue
What: Downtown Disney favorites Aaron Jacobs & The Swing Tones bring their high-energy, jazz-infused Halloween Bash to Main Kitchen Bar & Grill. Backed by a 13-piece vocal jazz big band, the group delivers “swingafied” takes on everything from Thriller and Monster Mash to Bee Gees, Madonna, and Dua Lipa hits. Tickets include the show plus a three-course meal and beverages, making this a festive night of music, food, and spooky fun.
4th Annual Business for Artists Conference
When: October 4
Where: Canyon Country Community Center | 18410 Sierra Highway, Santa Clarita
What: The 4th Annual Business for Artists Conference returns on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Canyon Country Community Center in Santa Clarita. This free, daylong event brings together creatives of all kinds for expert-led workshops, inspiring keynotes, networking, and one-on-one ArtBoost consultations covering grants, marketing, AI, and more. Attendees can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and a social hour while learning practical strategies to grow their creative careers and nonprofits. Open to artists, performers, writers, makers, and entrepreneurs at every stage, the conference is designed to help you turn inspiration into action.
Halloween Horror Nights
When: Until November 2, 2025
Where: Universal Studios | Universal City
What: Universal Studios Hollywood kicks off Halloween Horror Nights on September 4, transforming the park into a scream-filled spectacle with themed haunted houses and mazes. Highlights include a Fallout-inspired post-apocalyptic wasteland, the chilling Jason Universe celebrating 45 years of Friday the 13th, and a terrifying Five Nights at Freddy’s maze. Plus, the Terror Tram returns with creepy encounters featuring Blumhouse villains like M3GAN.
Conejo Valley Weekend Events | October 3 – October 5
Fall Harvest Festival at Underwood Farms
When: Until October 31
Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd | Moorpark
What: Celebrate the season at Underwood’s 28th Annual Fall Harvest Festival, featuring a massive pumpkin patch, live entertainment, games, rides, themed weekends, and tons of photo ops. Your admission includes access to attractions like wagon rides, a corn maze, a pumpkin house, an animal center, giant spiders, slides, and weekend-only events like pig races and live music. Weekday tickets are $16 at the gate; weekend tickets range from $25–$36 and must be purchased online (kids under 2 and parking are free).
California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria
When: October 4
Where: Downtown Carpinteria on Linden Avenue
What: The 39th Annual California Avocado Festival returns to downtown Carpinteria October 4–5, 2025, transforming Linden Avenue into a lively celebration of all things avocado. One of California’s largest free festivals, it features over 60 live music acts across three stages. Head to the AvoEXPO Tent with agricultural exhibits and contests, and plenty of avocado-inspired dishes to sample. Visitors can also enjoy local vendors, carnival rides, a guacamole contest, and more family-friendly fun all weekend long.
Reyes Adobe Days Festival in Agoura Hills
When: October 5
Where: 30400 Rainbow Crest Dr, Agoura Hills
What: The City of Agoura Hills presents the 21st Annual Reyes Adobe Days, October 3–5, 2025, at Reyes Adobe Park & Historical Site. Festivities kick off Friday evening with Night at the Adobe. The 21+ event features artisan vendors, drinks, hors d’oeuvres, live music, and tours of the historic site. Over the weekend, enjoy the lively Reyes Adobe Days Festival with food trucks, kids’ activities, and more! Plus, check out artisan vendors, and entertainment, plus the RAD Parade on Saturday morning and the RAD 5K. On Sunday, cyclists of all levels can join the Reyes Adobe Days Ride with routes from 4 to 40 miles.