The Best October Festivities Around LA
October is here, with a riot of fall colors, the sweet scent of autumn, and a cornucopia of fun festivities all around LA. Oktoberfest is in full swing, so get your gemütlich game on. Ready for some apple picking and leaf peeping? Some of the most scenic spots in Southern California are just a day trip away from The Pearl. We’ve also rounded up some hair-raising Halloween celebrations, guaranteed to fire up your fright factor.
The Pearl Halloween Spooktacular Extravaganza
Mark your calendar for October 21. Something Scary Is Happening At The Pearl. Join us in The Pearl Clubroom 7PM – 9PM for our Spooktacular Extravaganza….If You Dare. Enjoy light bites, an open bar, sweet treats, and special guests featuring a Tarot Card Reader and strolling magician. Wear your favorite Halloween costume for our Costume Contest. Categories include Scariest, Funniest, and Most Original.
206 N Western Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90004
Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit. “A toast to cheer and good times.” Biergarten LA was founded in 2010 inspired by a trip to Germany’s Oktoberfest. The welcoming spirit, hand in hand with sharing experiences, company, and culture has now become the fabric of the restaurant. Every weekend this Oktober Biergarten LA celebrates that spirit of Oktoberfest with outdoor dining, a special menu, and games.
1101 W McKinley Ave.
Pomona, CA 91768
Oktoberfest brings a taste of Germany to Los Angeles at Fairplex, home of the L.A. County Fair. In celebration of Bavarian culture and a nod to the world’s largest beer festival, Oktoberfest at Fairplex provides all the excitement and German tradition that Los Angeles can offer. Guests will be “transported” to Bavaria as they walk through the gates and into an Oktoberfest full of oom pah pah music, games, prizes. authentic German food, and gallons upon gallons of beer.
Big Bear Lake Convention Center
42900 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
For 52 years in the mountains of Southern California, an extended family has come together to celebrate Oktoberfest. At 6,750 feet, the crisp Fall air creates an atmosphere of “Getmütlichkeit” and well-being. Surrounded by pine trees, the aroma of Brats grilling, and German Polkas, the hassles of everyday life melt away. The 2022 Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest runs for nine consecutive weekends through Nov. 5, every Saturday and Sunday, plus Fridays in October.
40824 Big Bear Blvd.
Big Bear Lake, CA 92315
Autumn in Big Bear Lake – the self-proclaimed Falltacular Season – is a truly magical time in the grassy expanse known as Bear Valley. The breathtaking fall foliage is the highlight of the season, with aspens, maples, oaks, and elms proudly displaying their crimson, yellow, and orange hues against the evergreen forest. Discover numerous ways to take it all in, from guided Segway tours to horseback riding, mountain biking, and even a simple walk through the neighborhood.
Oak Glen is nestled in the heart of Apple Country, located in the foothills of the San Bernardino Mountains. Fall harvest is underway and many orchards are open for you to pick your own mountain tree fresh apples, raspberries and pumpkins. Explore and hike the vast and beautiful offerings of nature at The Wildlands Conservancy and marvel at fall colors as brilliant as those of New England. Afterwards, enjoy homemade cider, hot apple pie, and other fresh baked apple treats at one of the family restaurants. Picture: Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
1418 Descanso Dr.
La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Descanso Gardens is aglow with festive pumpkins this fall. For three weeks in October, hundreds of carved pumpkins line the Camellia Forest. This year’s event is bigger and better than before, with all kinds of new activities. Along with the pumpkins, the ever-popular pumpkin house, hay maze, and holiday-themed food and beverages return. Guests can also enjoy UV “black light” experiences, artists sculpting pumpkins, and a special Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) installation at the Amphitheater.
King Gillette Ranch
26800 Mulholland Hwy.
Calabasas, CA 91302
Thirty miles northwest of Hollywood, tucked in the Santa Monica Mountains, there’s a strange and shadowy wonderland that everyone’s been whispering about. This season, Nights of the Jack is back and brighter than ever. You’ll discover Jack o’ lanterns from every mystical sphere and a spook-tacular illuminated light show under the autumn sky. It’s not just an illusion, it’s an experience. Brace yourself with a hot cider or seasonal cocktail from the Spookeasy bar, and fortify yourself with some festive fall treats. Follow the 2/3 mile trail at King Gillette Ranch, glimmering at every turn with blazing gourds around every corner. Be sure to have your cameras ready and enjoy!
Universal Studios Hollywood
100 Universal City Plaza
Universal City, CA 91608
Summon your scream squad to Universal Studios Hollywood’s Halloween Horror Nights with 8 haunted houses, the Terror Tram, scare zones, a live show, and exhilarating attractions. Enter haunted houses inspired by the biggest names in fear. You’re never quite sure if your spine is tingling with dread or sheer excitement. Whether you’re a superfan, here for the snacks or selfies, scared of everything, or skeptical of everyone, remember, Never Go Alone.
Frankenstein with Live Orchestra
The Theatre at Ace Hotel
929 S Broadway
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Oct 28 & 29 LA Opera is back for their hugely popular annual Halloween mash-up of film and opera at the Theatre at Ace Hotel. This time you’ll see the Boris Karloff shocker Frankenstein on the big screen, complete with mad scientist, bumbling henchman, and mob of torch-bearing villagers. This 1931 masterpiece of horror was originally released without a musical score, which inspired composer Michael Shapiro to fill in the void by creating an original new soundtrack. As the classic film plays on the big screen, he’ll conduct his gorgeous and atmospheric score, performed live by the LA Opera Orchestra, making this the ultimate audience experience for a truly iconic film.
Photo credits:
Photo #1: Descanso Gardens
Photo #2: The Pearl on Wilshire
Photo #3: Biergarten LA
Photo #4: Oktoberfest at Fairplex
Photo #5: Big Bear Lake Oktoberfest
Photo #6: Visit Big Bear
Photo #7: Stone Soup Farm & Heritage Orchard
Photo #8: Descanso Gardens
Photo #9: Nights of the Jack
Photo #10: Universal Studios Hollywood
Photo #11: LA Opera