Los Angeles may not be known for frosty seasons, but it certainly does autumn and spooky season like nowhere else. We're talking immersive Hollywood escape rooms, glittering botanical gardens, and authentic Oktoberfest celebrations all in the heart of LA. Plus, haunted thrills that only the epicenter of the entertainment industry could conjure up.

As the hot SoCal summer fades and the leaves begin to change, we’ve rounded up 16 of the best fall activities around Los Angeles.

23 Things to Do in LA This Fall

Pick Out a Fall Pumpkin

Trust us, SoCal brings pizzazz to gourd picking. You'll find gigantic u-pick patches open every day of October, carnival games for all ages, duck races and a famous pumpkin canon, super Instagrammable pumpkin houses, delciious fall goodies, and much more throughout the Los Angeles area all fall long. Check our our guide to the best farms, pumpkin patches, and fall festivals for our faves.

Where: 3370 Sunset Valley Rd., Moorpark
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Play a Round of Mini Golf at the Family Guy Experience

Family Guy fanatics: now's your chance! Guests to this special experience will be able to enter a real-life Drunken Clam, fully equipped with an immersive indoor/outdoor 9-hole mini golf course inspired wholly by the Griffins and Quahog, Rhode Island. You can also order from Peter’s “Eat My Junk” food truck and grab a drink from the Family Guy-themed cocktail menu. GIGGITY GIGGITY!

Where: 613 Imperial St, Los Angeles, CA
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Hike to the Norco Pumpkin Rock

Did you know that a giant jack-o-lantern painted rock sits 1.7 miles above the hills of Riverside and Norco? Check it out for yourself, along with metal horses displayed on the way up, and the sweeping view of the city at the top.

Where: Vandermolen Drive, Crestview Dr., Norco, CA
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Attend the 2023 LA Auto Show in November

All Roads Lead to the 2023 LA Auto Show, a festival where thousands of passionate car enthusiasts and eventgoers gather over ten exciting days at the LA Convention Center. It is a 116-year celebration of automotive excellence and a hub for discovering the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

This year, they will be showcasing numerous international and domestic automakers, indoor and outdoor test drives, rides, and thrill rides, as well as celebrity car showcases featuring vehicles from their personal collections, and dozens of food trucks all within the expansive 1 million square feet of exhibition space! All of this and more is happening from November 17 through November 26.

Where: 1201 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA
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Dress Up for the Great Gatsby Party

Dress to the nines and celebrate the roaring 20s at the decadent Great Gatsby Party in the Majestic Downtown. There will be live music, aerialists, theatrical acts, showgirls, elegant decor, and flowing drinks—don’t be the one thing missing.

Where: 650 S Spring St., Los Angeles, CA
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See "44: The unOfficial, unSanctioned Obama Musical"

Narrated through Joe Biden's hazy recollections, this hilarious musical recounts memorable moments from Obama's presidency and will run at The Bourbon Room Hollywood from October 11 to November 18, 2023. The satirical production, featuring music, lyrics, and a book by former Obama campaign organizer Eli Bauman, offers a humorous take on Obama's history-making election and presents a unique perspective on his presidency, making it a must-see for those who appreciate live music and freedom.

Where: Bourbon Room Hollywood: 6356 Hollywood Blvd 2nd floor, Los Angeles, CA
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Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte

It's not fall until you've had the first sip of a PSL. Mariachi Bakery in Norwalk is here with all the fall coffee flavors we crave this time of year. Grab a Pumpkin Spice Latte (hot or iced), or try a Pumpkin Pie Cream Cold Brew or Pumpkin Cream Matcha. Make sure to pair it with a Pumpkin Spice Concha, available only for the season!

Where: 11042 Rosecrans Ave., Norwalk, CA
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Welcome Autumn at the Descanso Gardens

Get your dose of golden leaves and autumnal beauty just minutes away from DTLA. The colors of Descanso Gardens are changing, and special seasonal events are back for 2023! Check out "Carved," open from October 6 through October 29, boasting a newly enhanced route through the Camellia Forest and picturesque Rose Garden, displaying luminous jack-o-lanterns, a glow-in-the-dark installation, giant carved pumpkins, and the stunning Dia de los Muertos altar.

Where: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge
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Attend En Memoria

En Memoria is a Dia de los Muertos event that brings together visual artists and lowrider culture to celebrate art, music, and great food. The vision of En Memoria combines the Dia de los Muertos tradition of altar-making with the contemporary artistic representation of lowrider car culture.

Where: Fairplex: 1101 West McKinley Avenue, Pomona, CA
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Find Your Way Out of a Haunted Hotel

For the truly fearless, there’s Escape Hotel, the world’s largest escape room attraction in the heart of Hollywood. Find your way through an entire hotel, where each room is a different, haunting trap. This year’s Halloween edition is called “Hide & Seek: A Silent Death,” which is an intense *full contact* horror survival game across the entire hotel. Luckily there's an impressive cocktail lounge and restaurant to calm your nerves and celebrate your brave escape afterward.

Where: 6633 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA
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Stroll Through the Lavender Fields at 123 Farm

Throughout September and October, 123 Farm illuminates their lavender fields and century-old olive grove with half a million twinkling lights. Stroll through and then enjoy a sit-down dinner in their scenic grounds. A full dinner menu is available, along with lavender sweets and drinks.

Note: Parking passes must be purchased online in advance. 123 Farm will no longer be selling parking passes on a walk-in basis due to high demand.

Where: 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Cherry Valley
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Attend a Costume Parade for Pups

Don't miss what will arguably be the cutest event of the season. The 22nd Annual Haute Dog Howl'oween Parade will take place on October 29 at 2:30pm. Come see over 400 pups dressed in costume at the beachfront grassy park and path in front of the former Belmont Pool. Spectating is completely free, and awards will be given to dogs with the most creative costumes. There will also be a pet adoption fair, vendors, food trucks, and more!

Where: 4000 E. Olympic Plaza, 90803 (just west of Rosie's Dog Beach)
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Experience Escape Halloween

Your darkest desires come to life on October 27 and 28! 95+ terrifyingly talented artists, including Zedd, Three 6 Mafia, Kaskade, and more, drag you to the depths of night across five freaky stages and interactive zones. Costumes encouraged! ☠️ 

Where: 689 S E Street, San Bernardino, CA
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Get a Goth Cone at Little Damage

Treat yourself to a black ice cream cone from Little Damage this fall. This unique soft-serve spot has a roster of rotating seasonal flavors featured throughout the year. During spooky season, you can even get your cone made in monster or bat form!

Where: 700 S Spring St, Los Angeles, CA
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Attend a Haunted Soiree

For a grown-up take on Spooky Season, dress up and attend Haunted Soiree: A Macabre Cocktail Party. More than just drinks and costumes, this experience pulls you into a story filled with intrigue and mystery.  Immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere with mini-cocktail tastings, captivating live performances, and wandering entertainers. You get to decide just how deep into the story you want to get as you engage with unique spectral characters, each holding a piece of the original ghost story inspired by historical hauntings and regional folklore.

Where: Nocturne Theatre: 324 N Orange St, Glendale, CA
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Sip Wine at the Westside Food, Wine and Spirits Festival

The annual festival benefiting the Westside Food Bank is back on October 22, and taking place in the stunning Automobile Driving Museum! Guests can enjoy unlimited food and drink samples from SoCal’s best culinary talents as they explore the museum of classic autos, plus a variety of other special activities like prize giveaways, a complimentary photo booth, and strolling magic by Paul the Psychic Magician.

Where: The Zimmerman Automobile Driving Museum: 610 Lairport Street, El Segundo
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Catch a Fall Concert

Living in LA means there's almost always a variety of concerts and live shows to check out. This fall, you can see Maisie Peters, The All-American Rejects, Trippie Redd, and Neon Trees, just to name a few. No matter your musical tastes, there's something for you. And seeing your favorite band perform songs live is a true bucket list experience.

Where: Various locations.
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Celebrate Dia de los Muertos at Hollywood Forever

A famous final resting place for hundreds of Hollywood legends, HFC also hosts events, movie screenings, and the largest Dia de Los Muertos celebration outside of Mexico. On Saturday, October 28, celebrate the Day of the Dead with their daylong festival that features gorgeous altars, Aztec dancers, five stages of music and dance, arts and crafts, a ritual procession, and much more!

Where: 600 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood, CA
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Drive Through a Tunnel of Terror Haunted Carwash

Sure, you’ve heard of a haunted house, but what about a haunted carwash? Experience the thrills and chills of a spooky walkthrough — without ever having to leave the comfort of your own car! There are two locations for this unusual haunt — one in Fontana and one in Anaheim. For just $30, your car full of friends gets to experience this spooky attraction. 

Where: Big Wave Express Carwash, 2219 Lincoln Ave., Anaheim, CA | Raceway Express Carwash, 7460 Cherry Ave, Fontana, CA
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Trick or Drink Your Way Through LA

Kick your Halloweekend up a notch with a good old-fashioned bar crawl! Gather your friends, put on your craziest costume, and get ready to party at some of LA's most iconic bars. Happening in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, and Orange County, no matter where you are, you won't have to go far to have a good time.

Where: Multiple locations
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Watch Halloween Movies Under the Stars

Street Food Cinema hosts LA’s largest outdoor movie series with cult favorite fall films like Hocus Pocus, Halloween, and Harry Potter. Combined with gourmet street food, games, and live music, SFC is an entire experience. Available in multiple locations, with food trucks in each spot, it's the perfect spot for an elevated fall picnic date.

Where: Locations vary, check the screening schedule.
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Sample Drinks at Whisky X

Indulge in one of the finer things in life, with this premier whiskey tasting and music festival. There are over 60 brands and cocktails available, plus a chic cigar lounge, food trucks, and complimentary hair-and-beard trims.

Where: Skylight Rio Street: 651 S Rio Street
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Attend a Gothic Masquerade

A theatrical, dazzling, gothic masked party is coming to The Globe Theare on October 1. The Raven Societea extends an invitation to all those daring enough to join them for a Macabre Masquerade. The music will be haunting, the cocktails potent, and the entertainment a feast for the senses!

Where: Globe Theatre: 740 South Broadway, Los Angeles, CA
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EXPLORE MORE:
The Best Ways to Celebrate Halloween in LA
The Best Farms, Pumpkin Patches, and Fall Festivals in LA