It’s spooky season! Here are this month’s can’t-miss events.
October has arrived in all its autumnal splendor! From howling Halloween fun to outdoor adventures, this month offers something for everyone. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, foodie, or art enthusiast, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season.
Central Orange County
Surf City Arts Fest 2023
When: Saturday, October 7 · 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Huntington Central Park, 18002 Goldenwest Street, Huntington Beach
Get ready to dive into a world of creativity and culture at Surf City Arts Fest 2023. Explore a day filled with art, music, performances, and more. From amazing artist booths to live music by Rosewood, delicious bites from food trucks, and fun family activities, there’s something for everyone!
Newport Beach Film Festival
When: Thursday, October 12 – Thursday, October 19 · Times Vary
Where: Various Theaters Throughout Newport Beach
The Newport Beach Film Festival is back, and it’s not just about movies—it’s a feast for your senses! Celebrate the best in cinema and cuisine with over 100 films, 30 short film programs, and a mouthwatering lineup of culinary delights from 60+ partners. Get ready for a reel-y delicious experience.
Scarecrow Festival
When: Saturday, October 14 · 2 – 6 pm
Where: Lions Park Event Lawn, 1845 Park Avenue, Costa Mesa
This event is sure to be a boo-last! Discover a kids costume contest, trick or treat stations, pumpkin decorating, games, and more. Food trucks will be on-site for delectable bites, and live music will set the spooky scene.
Barktoberfest
When: Saturday, October 21 · 11 am – 2 pm
Where: Tewinkle Park, 970 Arlington Drive, Costa Mesa
Why should humans get all the fun this Halloween? Bring your furry friends to this Barktoberfest spectacular. There will be pet adoptions, vendors, live music, photo op areas, and more. But the highlight of the day? Of course, the pet costume contest and paw-rade!
OC Japan Fair 2023
When: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29 · Times vary
Where: OC Fair & Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Get ready for the ultimate Japanese cultural extravaganza! From mouthwatering cuisine to captivating traditions, the heart of Japan is coming right to Southern California. With over 180 booths, you’ll have endless opportunities to dive into Japanese entertainment, culture, and more.
6th Annual Halloween Spooktacular
When: Saturday, October 28 · 3 – 6 pm
Where: Mariners Park & VJ Community Center, 1300 Irvine Avenue, Newport Beach
Get ready to be spooky at Mariners Park! The 6th Annual Halloween Spooktacular will be a scream. Enjoy live music, trunk-or-treating, haunted thrills, carnival games, bounce houses, costume contests, and more. Plus, satisfy your cravings with delicious bites from TK Burger and Baja Surfing Taco.
Oogie Boogie Bash
When: Saturday, October 28 · 12 – 4 pm
Where: Hangar 24, 17877 Von Karman Avenue, 110, Irvine
Get ready for frightful fun! Dress in your boo-tiful costume and enjoy trick-or-treating, a bounce house, and more! Plus, there’s a character meet and greet with Sally from The Nightmare Before Christmas from 3 – 4 pm.
Huntington Beach Spooktacular
When: Saturday, October 28 · 9 am – 6 pm
Where: Huntington Central Park Equestrian Center, 6956 Ellis Avenue, Huntington Beach
Saddle up for a spook-tacular time! This will be an unforgettable day filled with horses, a costume parade, pumpkin patch adventures, and live music. Also enjoy thrilling games, mouthwatering food, and even some adult beverages! Here, there’s excitement around every corner.
South Orange County
Tricks & Treats Halloween Market
When: Saturday, October 7 · 12 – 5 pm
Where: Capistrano Business Center, 27130 Paseo Espada, San Juan Capistrano
Get ready for the ultimate Halloween craft market! Join the fun and discover a haunted maze, bounce house, family photo shoots, face painting, and more. There will also be delicious food, refreshing drinks, and a live DJ.
Modern Makers Mart Fall Crafts Faire
When: Saturday, October 7 · 9 am – 2 pm
Where: Crown Valley Community Center, 29751 Crown Valley Parkway, Laguna Niguel
Don’t miss this fall craft extravaganza! Visit trick or treat stations, snap photos at themed setups, and get creative with Halloween crafts. With 65+ vendors, live music, and delicious food, this event is a must.
Halloween Festival on Amber Lantern
When: Saturday, October 7 · 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Amber Lantern Street, Dana Point
Don your best Halloween costume at this family-friendly event. This FREE block party event features local small businesses, happy hour crawl, live music, costume contest, and pumpkin patch! It’s will be a hauntingly good time.
Spooky Seas
When: Saturday, October 21 · 5 – 1o pm
Where: Ocean Institute, 24200 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Dive into the Spooky Seas! Experience a night of unforgettable adventures in Dana Point Harbor. Battle in bioluminescence laser tag and unleash your inner scientist at the Mad Scientists Laboratory. Plus, enjoy live music, delicious food, a costume contest, and the trick or treating trail. It’s a unique blend of fun, education, and Halloween spirit by the ocean. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17.50 for children.
Pageant of the Monsters
When: Friday, October 27 – Sunday, October 29 & Tuesday, October 31 · Times Vary
Where: Festival of Arts, Pageant of the Masters, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Get ready to scream with delight! The spine-tingling Pageant of the Monsters is back! This event for ages 5 and up features a bone-chilling haunted house. There is also face painting, animals from The Reptile Zoo, photo ops, selfie stations, art projects, and much more!
Desert Cities
Coachella Valley Filipino Festival 2023
When: Sunday, October 8 · 11 am – 5 pm
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Enjoy a day of Filipino fun in the Coachella Valley! Taste delicious cuisine, enjoy live performances, get your shop on, and immerse yourself in Filipino culture. It’s a FREE family-friendly event you won’t want to miss!
ALOHANA – A Palm Springs Celebration of Tiki Culture
When: Sunday, October 15 · 12 – 4 pm
Where: Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Road, Palm Springs
Sip on classic tropical cocktails, shop for Tiki treasures, and groove to the sounds of Hawaiian music. Don’t miss out on this celebration of Tiki culture that includes hula performances, ukulele displays, and more.
Modernism Week – October
When: Thursday, October 19 – Sunday, October 22 · Times Vary
Where: Locations throughout Palm Springs
Explore midcentury modern marvels, iconic residences, and architectural wonders during the October edition of Modernism Week! Check out inspiring tours, talks, and parties celebrating the best of modern design.
Of course, there are too many amazing events throughout Orange County and the desert this October to list! That’s one of the many reasons Southern California is one of the best places in the world to live. If you’re ready to live the ultimate Orange County or desert lifestyle, contact our real estate specialists today at SurterreProperties.com.
