Whether you’re looking to celebrate the fall season with pumpkin patches and harvest festivals, explore local art at open-air galleries, or indulge in wine tastings under the stars, this month is packed with can’t-miss events. Keep reading, because these events are sure to add a little extra autumn magic to your calendar!
Central Orange County
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch
When: September 28 – October 31 · Times Vary
Where: OC Fair + Event Center – Lot C, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Come down for a day of family fun at our pumpkin patch! Bounce on the inflatable slides, ride the kiddie train, and get up close with adorable animals at our petting zoo. Find the perfect pumpkin to decorate or explore our farmers market for fresh squash and gourds. It’s the perfect fall adventure for the whole family!
Pacific Airshow
When: Friday, October 4 – Sunday, October 6 · 10 am – 4:30 pm
Where: Huntington City Beach, 400 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach
Experience three full days of thrilling aerial performances over one of California’s most iconic beaches. Expect nonstop action with the USAF Thunderbirds, A-10 Demo Team, and F-22 Raptor Demo Team among the standout performers. For the best experience, grab tickets in the exclusive viewing areas, which range from general admission to premium VIP options, ensuring prime views with live expert commentary. You’ll feel every high-powered move as the planes roar above. Chill at the beach bars, get autographs from performers, and explore exciting exhibits on the ground. This adrenaline-packed event promises to keep you on the edge of your seat with jaw-dropping aerial stunts and heart-pounding excitement.
Opera at the Coliseum
When: Saturday, October 5 · 3:30 – 6:30 pm
Where: The Resort at Pelican Hill, 22701 Pelican Hill Road South, Newport Beach
Family Art Day
When: Saturday, October 12 · 11 am – 4 pm
Where: Triangle Park, 521 Main Street, Huntington Beach
Join the celebration of art, culture, and community at Family Arts Day in Triangle Park! This FREE, family-friendly event offers hands-on art projects led by professional artists, providing a fun and creative day for all ages. For over two decades, this beloved community event has brought hundreds of participants together to explore art in the Art Center’s galleries, studios, and outdoor spaces. This year, it moves to Triangle Park, outside the Main Street Branch Library. Don’t miss out on this multigenerational day of creativity and fun!
9th Annual ENC Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch
When: Sunday, October 13 · 10 am – 3 pm
Where: Environmental Nature Center, 1601 East 16th Street, Newport Beach
Spend a day outdoors at the Fall Faire, support the ENC’s mission, and have a blast! Enjoy crafting, games, live performances, delicious food, and pumpkin picking. Want to get involved? Sponsor the event, volunteer, or be eco-friendly by bringing your own reusable items.
StyleWeek OC
When: Wednesday, October 16 – Sunday, October 20 · Times Vary
Where: Venues throughout Newport Beach
Fashion Island® brings together StyleWeekOC and the Newport Beach Film Festival for a week of fashion and film. Celebrating StyleWeekOC’s 13th year and the film festival’s 25th anniversary, the event will feature screenings, red carpets, and celebrity panels. Oscar-winning designer Colleen Atwood and Stassi Schroeder of Vanderpump Rules will headline. Expect over 100 feature films, 30 short film programs, shopping events, and the Newport Beach Film Festival Gala.
Newport Beach Film Fest
When: Thursday, October 17 – Thursday, October 24 · Times Vary
Where: Venues throughout Newport Beach
It’s time for a cinematic extravaganza! The Newport Beach Film Festival is back, celebrating its 25th anniversary with a dazzling showcase of international films and cultural events, including StyleWeek OC. Discover a diverse array of films, from documentaries and dramas to comedies and foreign language features. Engage in thought-provoking conversations with filmmakers, explore interactive exhibits, and immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of the Southern California coast. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of cinema and celebrate 25 years of storytelling excellence.
OC Home & Holiday Expo
When: Saturday, October 19 – Sunday, October 20 · Saturday: 10 am – 6 pm; Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm
Where: OC Fair + Event Center – The Hangar, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, our home improvement experts are here to help you turn your remodeling or building plans into reality. Join us for FREE DIY classes, hourly prizes, community giveback activities, and fun for the whole family. Don’t miss your chance to win a season pass for 4 to Wild Rivers! Discover new vendors, classes, and activities at this year’s show. =
Newport Beach Classic-Exotic Car Show + Music Festival 2024
When: Friday, October 25 – Saturday, October 26 · 8 am – 9 pm
Where: Balboa Pier, 1 Balboa Pier, Newport Beach
Discover this Halloween-themed event on the weekend before Halloween at the Balboa Pier. Enjoy a day filled with exotic cars, live regional bands, a costume contest, food trucks, a kids’ area, and craft vendors. Don’t miss the Golf Cart Halloween Parade and Silent Auction benefiting local charities. On Friday, the fun kicks off at the Fun Zone in Balboa Village. On Saturday, live music, a car exhibit, and BBQ will run from 10 am to 3 pm. The event is free and open to the public, with shuttles available.
SoCal VegFest 2024
When: Saturday, October 26 – Sunday, October 27 · 11 am – 6 pm
Where: OC Fair + Event Center – OC Promenade, Parking Lot I, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa
Come to SoCal VegFest, the biggest vegan festival in Southern California, for a transformative event that celebrates a healthier, greener, and more compassionate lifestyle. Enjoy free plant-based food samples, live music, insightful talks, and engaging activities for all ages. Engage in interactive booths, cooking demos, and children’s activities.
South Orange County
Taste of Laguna 2024 Food + Music Festival
When: Thursday, October 3 · 6 – 9:30 pm
Where: Festival of Arts, 650 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach
Get ready for an unforgettable evening as the Taste of Laguna Food + Music Festival brings together the best of two worlds: a mouth-watering food tasting event and an electrifying live concert! This highly anticipated festival is expected to sell out fast. Top local restaurants and award-winning chefs will be serving up their most popular dishes, signature recipes, and specialty creations for guests to savor. On stage, live music will keep the energy going, featuring a rocking performance from the crowd-favorite band, The Mighty Untouchables. Whether you plan to come early or party late, this year’s event promises a night of incredible food and great music that you won’t want to miss.
Harvest Festival
When: Friday, October 4 · 10 am – 12 pm
Where: Tierra Grande Park, 399 Camino Tierra Grande, San Clemente
Get ready for a morning of seasonal fun and creativity! This fun, family-friendly event will feature games, crafts, a Treat Trot, pumpkin decorating, and more! Costumes are highly encouraged to add to the festive atmosphere. The cost to attend is $18 for residents and $21 for non-residents. You can register online at san-clement.org.
Palm Tree Music Festival
When: Saturday, October 5 – Sunday, October 6 · Times Vary
Where: Doheny State Beach, 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point
Laguna Beach Car Show
When: Sunday, October 6 · 9:30 am – 3 pm
Where: Forest/Laguna Canyon Road Lot, 551 Forest Avenue (across from Festival of Arts), Laguna Beach
Enjoy a day filled with classic cars and festive Oktoberfest entertainment at the Laguna Beach Classic Car Show. Indulge in delicious food, plus a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase throughout the event. With plenty of games and activities for kids, this family-friendly event guarantees fun for everyone. Purchase your tickets online today or grab them at the event!
Dana Point ArtFest
When: Sunday, October 13 · Times Vary
Where: Del Prado Avenue, Dana Point
Halloween Spooktacular & Trunk or Treat
When: Saturday, October 26 · 2 – 6 pm
Where: Dana Point Community Center, 34052 Del Obispo Street, Dana Point
Get into the Halloween spirit at the Dana Point Community Center at this family-friendly event filled with fun and excitement! The City’s Recreation Division is partnering with Dana Point Police Services to bring you a spook-tacular time. Enjoy a variety of activities, including games, crafts, and live entertainment, along with the thrilling Trunk or Treat display. Kids will have a blast meeting the bloodhounds, bomb squad, K-9 unit, mounted patrol, and the amazing police staff who keep Dana Point safe. Don’t miss the costume parade at 5:00 pm on the baseball field, with prizes for the best costumes! Refreshments and food will be available for purchase, so bring the whole family for a festive Halloween evening.
Desert Cities
Palm Springs Car Show + Festival
When: Saturday, October 5 · 10 am – 7 pm
Where: Downtown Palm Springs
Get ready for a car lover’s dream as Palm Springs hosts its first annual Car Show + Festival on October 5th. Classic car collectors from across the state will bring an impressive array of muscle cars, street rods, sports cars, and trucks to Downtown Palm Springs. This event is perfect for car enthusiasts of all ages. Beyond the stunning vehicles, the festival will feature a variety of vendors and performers, offering a fun mix of shopping, food, and entertainment as you stroll past the impressive displays. It’s sure to be a highlight in greater Palm Springs this fall!
Joshua Tree Music Festival
When: Thursday, October 10 – Sunday, October 13 · Times Vary
Where: 2780 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree
Modernism Week – October
When: Thursday, October 25 – Sunday, October 27 · Times Vary
Where: Various locations throughout Palm Springs
Modernism Week – October is here, and with it comes the excitement of midcentury modern enthusiasts! Known for its iconic architecture, Palm Springs draws visitors from across the globe to experience its unique design style. This four-day event will showcase an array of activities, including home tours, exclusive parties, and engaging events, all centered around the world of architecture and design. Tickets are now available for purchase.
Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade
When: Sunday, October 27 · 8 am
Where: El Paseo between Highway 74 and Sage Lane, Palm Desert
Of course, there are too many amazing events throughout Orange County and the desert 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, visit SurterreProperties.com today! You can also explore our exclusive listings now.
