October, for most Angelenos, means two things: Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. As you’d expect there are a ton of events connected with those holidays this month in Los Angeles. However, not everyone wants to go to yet another Halloween themed event, or at least they probably want to do something else too, so I’ve included a range of different activities and experiences in this list of the best things to do in LA in October.

From street parties, to outdoor film screenings (which you can still do here in October), via Cirque du Soleil and a true crime and ghost tour (with cocktail opportunities), we’ve got it all for you right here.

Events & Activities in Los Angeles This Month

1. CELEBRATE HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH (SEPTEMBER 15-OCTOBER 15)

Latinos, and the Spanish themselves, have had a huge impact on Los Angeles, so why not use October to learn a little more about Hispanic history. You could visit La Plaza, near Union Station, where the city started, or many other spots such as the Mission San Fernando and Pio Pico State Historic Park.

A good place to start is our article Legendary Los Angeles Latinos, which tells the fascinating stories of two latinos who left their mark on LA.

2. DTLA MURDER MYSTERY GHOST TOUR (EVERY SATURDAY)

This tour could very easily be titled ‘Crime and Cocktails’. We go on a noir exploration of the dark underbelly of the city of Angels and try and answer the big questions, such as: why do these horrible crimes happen? What do they tell us about the pointlessness of human existence? What’s up with the Hotel Cecil? And exactly which spirits go into a Black Dahlia cocktail? 

Join us every Saturday night in the Historic Core of DTLA and learn the answers. More information here.

Every Friday night we organize a special event: The Sunset Strip: True Crime & Ghost Tour. This trip down the strip is the best way to see the storied neighborhood, as expert guide Chris takes guests on a true crime investigation of mafia hits, serial killer murders and untimely celebrity demises. It’s fascinating.

More information here.

3. BEVERLY HILLS ART SHOW (OCTOBER 18-19)

You’ve probably heard of Beverly Hills, there have been quite a few TV shows that have taken its name. Here’s an idea: instead of joining the throngs of tourists on Rodeo Drive visit this free art show (which has been going for nearly fifty years) and snap up some art as a memento of your trip – it’s much more original than buying a plastic Oscar at one of the tourist traps on Hollywood Boulevard!

More information here.

If you visit we have a free self-guided tour of the neighborhood which you can use to further explore the area while you’re there.

4. GO TO A CONCERT at Hollywood Forever CEMETARY (VARIOUS DATES)

Hollywood Forever Cemetery claims to host the largest Day of the Dead celebration in California (which is November 2), and it can certainly get quite busy.

However, in October, in addition to the usual Halloween themed events it’s also hosting a series of concerts and comedy shows. It’s quite the location, so why not? Finneas & Ashe Present: The Favors, Halsey, Josh Ritter and JASMINE.4.T are all performing at the cemetery during the month.

More information here.

5. (HALLOWEEN) ROOFTOP MOVIES (VARIOUS DATES)

Rooftop movies are like rooftop pools in Los Angeles, you see them in some unlikely spots – as well as some lovely locations too, like on the roof of the Montalbán Theatre in Hollywood. It is a great place for movie screenings and even in October, as long as you put on a warm jacket and bring a blanket, the weather’s more than forgiving enough.

This month the films being screened include The Addams Family, Beetlejuice, The Lost Boys and Death Becomes Her amongst others.

More information here.

6. SEE THE HALLOWEEN LIGHTS (ALL MONTH)

Americans have always loved Halloween and Dia de los Muertos has become very popular too over the last couple of decades. A lot of people dress up their front windows and yards with lights, skeletons, graves and all the other elements of the season.

Some of the residents of the properties on the Venice Canals seem to move out, so that whole houses essentially become Halloween sets. 

Altadena is another good area for touring the Halloween houses, as well as for trick-or-treating. 

Finally, Grand Park in downtown has a section devoted to ofrendas and is well-worth visiting.

7. TASTE OF SOUL (OCTOBER 18)

This is a fantastic free annual street-party (founded in 2005) that’s based on Crenshaw Boulevard, in West Los Angeles. Up to half a million people usually attend, so it’s pretty big, and the one-day event celebrates all things “soulful”, including food, music and live entertainment. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in LA in October.

More information here.

8. CICLAVIA: HEART OF LA (OCTOBER 12)

CicLAvia is without doubt one of the best things to happen to Los Angeles in the last decade. When whole neighborhoods, which had been lost to pedestrians and cyclists and taken over by cars, are periodically reclaimed by banning said cars, it’s amazing what can happen. People walking, cycling and having fun – suddenly Los Angeles feels like a very different place and we can realize that actually it wasn’t actually designed around the car.

This is probably CicLAvia’s biggest event, stretching from Boyle Heights, over the Los Angeles River, and all the way to Echo Park to the west and Chinatown to the north.

More information here.

9. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA (OCTOBER 30-31)

LA Opera are screening the 1925 Lon Chaney classic at The United Theater, on Broadway in downtown.

It’s your favorite Halloween tradition: LA Opera is bringing another beloved movie monster back to the big screen. The Phantom of the Opera had filmgoers fainting in their seats when it premiered in 1925, and a whole century later, it’s still delivering plenty of chills and thrills. Lon Chaney’s unforgettable screen performance in the title role  is celebrated as one of the most iconic of all movie monsters.

Experience this silent film masterpiece with a thrilling performance of Roy Budd’s gloriously spooktacular soundtrack score, created decades after the film’s premiere, performed live by the LA Opera Orchestra at the United Theatre on Broadway.

LA Opera

It’s the perfect time to see this rediscovered classic on the big screen, in this gorgeous theater. Live music is so beautiful to listen to as well.

More information here.

10. OKTOBERFEST (ALL MONTH)

That other thing October is famous for – the annual Bavarian beer festival. Oktoberfest has spread around the globe and of course we have our own editions here in Los Angeles. Quite a few venues are organizing Oktoberfest events this year, including Ovation Hollywood, on the intersection of Hollywood and Highland, and Grand Central Market in DTLA.

More information, and a list of event, here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in LA in October please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw (Twitter)