October in Los Angeles is one of the most exciting times of the year! The city provides a mix of spooky fun, cultural celebrations, and plenty of seasonal treats. Get your costumes ready to wear at many events all month long. Go out and check out the decorations at restaurants and bars, and enjoy theme food and drinks.
If Halloween is not your thing, don’t you worry because LA’s calendar is packed with special events, and the weather remains beautiful—perfect for enjoying time outdoors or planning a quick getaway. If you’re in the mood for a little escape, check out our guide to the Best Hotels with Water Parks, because the weather stays warm in October and this is a fun option for families or anyone who wants to mix relaxation with a splash of adventure.
So for all of you Angelenos ready for October fun, here is your favorite post that will guide you to the most fun activities this month.
1 – Best Pumpkin Display Events in LA
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One of the most dazzling pumpkin artistry this October is Carved at Descanso Gardens. All guests will be enchanted by hand-carved giant pumpkins and the extraordinary “Rhizome” light installations created by Belgian artists Tom and Lien Dekyvere. From October 3 to 30th, entry times are staggered every half hour from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., helping to keep crowds manageable.
Parking is available on-site, but it’s best to arrive early as lots can fill quickly on weekends. Guests often find that weeknight visits are less crowded and easier to navigate, especially when bringing little ones.
For a truly immersive experience, head to Night of the Jack in Calabasas, a Halloween spectacle that has become a family favorite. This event takes guests on a mile-long walking trail filled with massive jack-o’-lantern installations, pumpkins carved with beloved characters, and stunning light technology that transforms the space into a glowing Halloween fantasy.
Kids especially love spotting their favorite superheroes and cartoon icons carved into pumpkins along the trail.
Parking (and pumpkins) are plentiful at King Gillette Ranch, but plan to come a bit early since lines can form at the entrance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, and strollers are welcome, making it convenient for families with younger children.
Another standout is the Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns at the South Coast Botanic Garden in Palos Verdes, presented by the Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group. Running through November 2, this family-friendly event blends breathtaking jack-o’-lantern artistry with interactive fun.
Beyond the glowing displays, families can enhance the experience with add-ons like 3D Jack O’Lantern glasses, s’mores packages, and a fun zone for kids with pumpkin shaped bounce pads and theme slides.
Parking is free but limited, carpool is recommended, especially on peak nights. Magic of the Jack O’Lanterns is a perfect way to wrap up the Halloween season by the coast.
Location:various
Pic Credit: @localanchor
2 – The Most Fun and Free Halloween Carnivals in LA
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It’s time to join the Halloween celebrations across the city, with these awesome carnival events featuring glamorous parades and elaborate costumes. Our first recommendation is West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval.
Known as the world’s largest Halloween street party, this event transforms Santa Monica Boulevard into a massive celebration filled with music, live entertainment, dazzling costumes, and festive energy.
Tens of thousands of people gather each year to show off creative, spooky, and over-the-top outfits, making it as much a costume showcase as it is a carnival. The lively atmosphere, free admission, and central location make it a must-see for anyone looking to experience Halloween in LA on a grand scale.
For a family friendly carnival, the La Palma Annual Halloween Carnival is a local favorite. This community-centered event offers games, food booths, costume contests, and safe trick-or-treating for children of all ages.
This family favorite event hosted by the city of La Palma, is free for all and it features trick or treating booths, costume contests, giveaways and prizes, and fun carnival games. You can purchase food, drinks, and treats on site.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @cityoflapalma
3 – Dia de Los Muertos Celebrations
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Los Angeles, home to the largest Mexican- American communities in the country, gets ready to celebrate a very special celebration that is Dia de los Muertos. These events are held in several historic areas in the city, and they display vibrant altars, decorated with flowers, candles, pictures and other special objects, to honor loved ones who had passed away.
One of the marquee celebrations is Día de Los Muertos at Olvera Street, running October 25 through November 2. This event organized by the Olvera Street Merchants Association, blends Indigenous, Aztec, Maya, and Catholic rituals into nightly processions, traditional Mayan blessings, “living muertos” costuming, outdoor altars (ofrendas), and rich performances. Festivities run from about 10:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, culminating in special theatrical presentations such as La Danza de la Muerte.
Visit the water front city of San Pedro! The city celebrates its 14th Annual San Pedro Día de los Muertos Festival. Held in historic downtown San Pedro on Sunday, October 26, this free, family-friendly event includes live music and folkloric performances, a beer garden, delicious food vendors, a kids’ craft area, and an altar contest. Locals and visitors are encouraged to dress in Día de los Muertos themes and soak in the sense of community and remembrance that fills the waterfront atmosphere.
Lastly, Downtown LA’s heart will also pulse with remembrance and art at Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Downtown Día de los Muertos, which officially opens on Saturday, October 25 with a ceremony from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Expect poetry, dance, music, and community altars against the backdrop of the park’s civic spaces, honoring the late Gloria Molina’s legacy of civic service and arts engagement. The event runs through November 2, inviting people to reflect, celebrate and remember in a shared urban green space.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @youtube
4 – The Most Kid-Friendly Halloween Events in LA
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Boo at the LA Zoo is happening October 18–19 and October 25–26. This annual favorite transforms the zoo into a festive trick-or-treat adventure, with candy stations throughout the grounds offering “wild-friendly” treats, no bags will be distributed so remember to bring your own bag to collect candy.
Kids can also enjoy Halloween-themed story time, interactive craft activities, and even bird shows that tie in spooky fun with educational moments. Bring your favorite animal costume and enjoy all the zoo fun.
Another highlight for families is Boonion Station at Union Station, a free event that lets kids explore one of LA’s most historic landmarks in costume. This celebration includes trick-or-treat booths, a lively costume parade at 5 p.m., and mini train rides that children adore.
The event kicks off at 4:30 p.m., giving families a chance to enjoy the beautiful architecture of Union Station while taking part in Halloween festivities.
Finally, there’s the DTLA Halloween Festival for Kids, a ticketed event designed especially for younger children, ages 2 to 8. The festival offers a trick-or-treat trail, dance parties, puppet shows, appearances from popular characters, and even hot dog snacks to keep little tummies happy.
Kids under 3 get in free. This great event invites parents and kids to dress up and have fun, at Grand Hope Park on October 31st.
Location:various
PIC Credit: @lazoo
5 – Restaurants and Bars with the Best Halloween Displays
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It is time to visit your favorite restaurants as they dress up for Halloween! Here are our picks for the most impressive Halloween displays and theme food. First up is The Morrison in Atwater Village, a neighborhood favorite that takes its seasonal décor seriously.
Glowing jack-o’-lanterns, hanging witches, cobweb-covered corners, and whimsical Halloween touches that make the space come alive at night. It’s the perfect spot for comfort food and cocktails while soaking in a family-friendly Halloween atmosphere.
Over in the San Fernando Valley, The Obscure Distillery creates a darker, moodier vibe with gothic elements and eerie lighting—ideal for guests who prefer their October outings with a touch of the macabre.
For an even more immersive experience, head to The Cauldron Spirits & Brews in Buena Park. This witch-themed pub transports diners straight into a haunted library with glowing potion bottles, spell books, and enchanted details throughout the space. Hidden nooks, specialty brews, and mystical décor make it one of the most enchanting Halloween venues.
Of course, Halloween dining isn’t just about spooky décor; it’s also about the treats. This October, you can indulge in Spooktacular Ice Cream flavors at Salt & Straw, whimsical Halloween desserts at Pitchoun! Bakery, and the irresistible Pumpkin Coffee-Cake at Milk Bar.
And for adults who want a night out with extra chills, don’t miss the Haunted Soiree in Glendale, a 21+ pop-up blending immersive theater, creepy décor, and haunting cocktails. Enjoy all these fantastic events and have fun this October!
Location:various
PIC Credit: @HOLLYWOODGOTHIQUE
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