Fall 2026 Orange County + Coachella Valley Guide

Fall in Southern California may look a little different from autumn elsewhere, but that is precisely part of its appeal. Instead of packing away the patio furniture, Orange County and the Coachella Valley move into one of the most enjoyable seasons of the year—when festivals fill the calendar, coastal afternoons remain inviting, desert evenings cool down, and communities come together for everything from pumpkin patches and Halloween celebrations to art, architecture, film, food, and world-class sports.

Whether your ideal fall weekend involves exploring Tustin with the kids, watching artists paint the coastline in Laguna Beach, catching a film in Newport Beach, or heading east for a desert escape near Palm Desert, fall 2026 offers plenty of reasons to get out and explore.

Best Fall Events + Activities in Orange County and the Coachella Valley for 2026

This year’s calendar blends classic autumn traditions with experiences that feel distinctly Southern Californian. Think pumpkin fields under blue skies, seaside art festivals, outdoor film and cultural events, midcentury architecture tours, desert street fairs, championship tennis, and Halloween celebrations that do not require a winter coat.

Here are some of the standout fall activities to put on your 2026 calendar.

Fall Events at The District at Tustin Legacy

The District at Tustin Legacy has built its fall calendar around family, community, wellness, and seasonal fun. September opened with the Learn & Grow Family Fair and Glow Festival, while October brings two additional events designed for families at different stages of life.

Bump to Baby Expo | October 18

New and expecting parents can spend the morning discovering pregnancy, postpartum, baby, and family resources at the Bump to Baby Expo on Sunday, October 18, from 10 a.m. to noon.

The event brings together more than 40 prenatal and postpartum service providers along with baby products, local resources, giveaways, and opportunities to connect with professionals serving Orange County families. VIP programming begins earlier in the morning and includes yoga experiences and additional perks.

For young families—or anyone preparing to welcome a new addition—it is a practical way to gather information and explore services in one place.

Halloween Boo Bash | October 24

Costumes take over The District on Saturday, October 24, from noon to 2 p.m. for the annual Halloween Boo Bash.

The free family event combines trick-or-treating with music, character appearances, crafts, face painting, balloon art, and plenty of opportunities for kids to show off their Halloween costumes. With restaurants, shopping, and entertainment already surrounding the event, families can easily turn the afternoon into a longer outing in Tustin.

More Fall Events in Orange County

The District is only the beginning. From Tustin and Irvine to Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, Huntington Beach, Anaheim, and Dana Point, Orange County’s fall calendar stretches well beyond Halloween.

Tustin Tiller Days | October 2–4

One of Tustin’s longest-running community traditions returns to Columbus Tustin Park for three days of classic hometown fun. Tustin Tiller Days celebrates the city’s agricultural roots with carnival rides, food, entertainment, and community activities.

The festival runs Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4, making it an easy opening weekend for Orange County’s October event season.

Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational | October 3–11

Fall and fine art come together during the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, running October 3–11.

Thirty accomplished plein air artists will paint on location throughout Laguna Beach, capturing its coves, cliffs, streets, canyons, and distinctive coastal light. Events throughout the week include paint-outs, artist programs, competitions, and the culminating art festival.

It is an especially fitting fall experience in a city whose identity has been intertwined with art for generations—and a compelling reason to spend a day exploring Laguna Beach.

Irvine Global Village Festival | October 10

Irvine Global Village Festival marks its 25th anniversary on Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Great Park.

The City of Irvine’s signature multicultural event fills the day with international food, live music and dance, art, cultural exhibits, hands-on experiences, and a marketplace of makers and vendors.

For families exploring Irvine, the festival provides a particularly vivid snapshot of the cultural diversity that defines the community.

Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch | Through Early November

A Southern California fall guide would hardly be complete without pumpkins. The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch in Irvine brings the season to life with wagon rides, farm experiences, pumpkins, games, and family-friendly activities.

The 2026 patch opened September 12 and continues into early November, offering plenty of time to plan a visit before Halloween or squeeze in one final autumn outing afterward.

Old World Oktoberfest | Through November 8

For a decidedly different version of fall, head to Old World Oktoberfest in Huntington Beach.

Running Wednesdays through Sundays through November 8, the annual celebration brings German food, live entertainment, festivities, and special events to Old World Village. Programming and age requirements vary by day, so checking the schedule before heading out is recommended.

Newport Beach Film Festival | October 15–22

Movie lovers can trade pumpkin patches for premieres during the Newport Beach Film Festival, taking place October 15–22.

Now in its 27th year, the festival brings an international slate of feature films, documentaries, shorts, filmmaker conversations, cultural showcases, and social events to venues around the Newport Beach area.

Pair a screening with dinner near the coast and it becomes an ideal autumn evening in Newport Beach.

Doheny Woodie Car Show | October 17

Vintage cars meet classic California beach culture during the 28th Annual Doheny Woodie Car Show at Doheny State Beach on Saturday, October 17.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., spectators can admire classic wood-bodied automobiles and beach cruisers in one of Dana Point’s most recognizable coastal settings.

Anaheim Fall Festival + Halloween Parade | October 24

Downtown Anaheim leans fully into the season on Saturday, October 24 with the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade.

The daytime festival runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with local vendors, artists, live entertainment, costume contests, children’s activities, and a classic car show. The evening culminates with Anaheim’s longstanding Halloween Parade at 7 p.m.

For anyone looking for a traditional community-style Halloween celebration, this is one of Orange County’s signature options.

Best Fall Activities in the Coachella Valley

Once temperatures begin to ease, fall becomes one of the most appealing times to rediscover the desert. Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, and the surrounding Coachella Valley communities shift into a busy season of architecture, art, sports, outdoor dining, festivals, and cooler evenings.

Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway | Scheduled to Reopen October 5

One of the region’s defining experiences returns just as the fall season gets underway. The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is scheduled to reopen Monday, October 5 following its annual maintenance closure.

The rotating tram climbs from the desert floor toward the San Jacinto Mountains, delivering dramatically different scenery and temperatures in minutes. Fall can be an especially appealing time to make the trip, whether the goal is hiking, sightseeing, lunch with a view, or simply escaping the desert floor for an afternoon.

Because the reopening date is listed as tentative, visitors should confirm operations before making the drive.

Spend a Thursday Evening at Palm Springs VillageFest

As autumn arrives, downtown Palm Springs’ weekly VillageFest moves into its fall schedule from 6 to 10 p.m. every Thursday.

Palm Canyon Drive closes to vehicle traffic and becomes a pedestrian-friendly street fair filled with artisans, food vendors, entertainment, local businesses, galleries, and restaurants. It is one of the simplest ways to experience downtown Palm Springs on a comfortable fall evening.

See current seasonal information from the City of Palm Springs.

Modernism Week – October | October 15–18

Architecture is part of the fabric of Palm Springs, and Modernism Week – October provides four days to experience it up close.

From October 15–18, more than 50 activities celebrate midcentury architecture, interior design, landscape design, art, and vintage style. Programming includes home tours, architectural bus and walking tours, films, presentations, social gatherings, and specialty experiences.

For real estate and design enthusiasts in particular, few fall events connect the area’s architecture, homes, history, and lifestyle quite as directly.

Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert | October 31

Families can spend Halloween morning among wildlife at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens’ Howl-O-Ween celebration in Palm Desert.

The October 31 event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and includes trick-or-treat stations, keeper experiences, face painting, fall photo opportunities, activities, and encounters with the zoo’s more than 600 animals. Seasonal programming is included with paid zoo admission or membership.

WTA Finals at Indian Wells | November 8–15

Fall 2026 brings an especially significant sporting event to the Coachella Valley. The WTA Finals will be played November 8–15 at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

The season-ending championship brings together the year’s top eight singles players and top doubles teams for round-robin and knockout competition. For tennis fans, it is an opportunity to watch the sport’s elite players at one of Southern California’s premier tennis venues.

La Quinta Art Celebration | November 12–15

Art takes center stage at the La Quinta Art Celebration, November 12–15 at the La Quinta Civic Center Campus.

The four-day outdoor event features approximately 185 juried artists working across a wide range of media, along with live entertainment, food, and beverage experiences. The setting makes it easy to linger, meet artists, and turn an art-shopping afternoon into a full desert outing.

Hot Air Balloon Festival + Food Truck Fiesta | November 20–22

Late fall brings one of the Coachella Valley’s most photogenic events: the annual Hot Air Balloon Festival and Food Truck Fiesta in Cathedral City, scheduled for November 20–22.

Colorful balloons, food trucks, entertainment, and desert skies create a fitting transition from fall into the holiday season. Find updated information through Visit Greater Palm Springs.

Fall 2026 Events at a Glance

Why Fall Is Such a Good Time to Explore Southern California

The appeal of fall here is less about changing leaves and more about changing pace. Summer crowds begin to thin along the coast, while the desert starts settling into more comfortable weather. Outdoor dining becomes easier, cultural calendars pick up, and weekends offer a mix of festivals, arts, sports, family events, and outdoor experiences.

That lifestyle is also part of what makes living in Orange County and the Coachella Valley distinctive. In many communities, restaurants, beaches, trails, galleries, community events, and destination experiences are not reserved for vacation—they are simply part of everyday life.

Whether you spend October wandering an Irvine pumpkin patch, watching artists work beside the Laguna coastline, catching a Newport Beach film premiere, touring a Palm Springs midcentury home, or enjoying a cool November evening in Palm Desert, fall offers a reminder of just how much there is to experience close to home.

Event schedules, admission requirements, and programming can change. Confirm current details with individual event organizers before attending.

Sources include Locale Magazine, The District at Tustin Legacy, City of Tustin, City of Irvine, Laguna Plein Air Painters Association, Newport Beach Film Festival, Tanaka Farms, Old World Huntington Beach, Anaheim Fall Festival, Doheny State Beach Foundation, Modernism Week, City of Palm Springs, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Pride, WTA, and Visit Greater Palm Springs.