Your Ultimate Weekend Guide: What’s Poppin’ in South L.A. & Long Beach — Oct 17–19, 2025
Fall is in full swing, and the South L.A. / Long Beach area is buzzing with events that bring food, art, culture, speed, and good vibes. Whether you want a spooky night out, a drifting showdown, or a laid-back picnic in the park, here’s your curated guide to making the most of October 17, 18 & 19. (Psst — don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for weekly event drops, insider tips, and last-minute finds!)
📅 Friday, October 17, 2025
Long Beach — Formula DRIFT Round 8: Shoreline Showdown (Seeding Day)
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Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
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Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (qualifying/seeding)
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Tickets: Available via Formula Drift website — “Seeding Day” general admission.
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Why go: Catch drivers putting down their best laps to earn a top position before the head-to-head battles begin.
Long Beach — Scarium Family Night at Aquarium of the Pacific
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Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach
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Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM
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Tickets: $28.95 for general / $18.95 for members; children under 3 free. Get tickets now.
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Why go: A Halloween-friendly evening in the aquarium — with a self-guided scavenger hunt, DJ beats, photo booths, and sea creature touches.
Long Beach — Long Beach Night Market: Spooky Boogie Night
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Location: 456 Elm Avenue, Long Beach
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Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
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Tickets: Free (vendors, eats, seasonal vibes)
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Why go: Shop local makers, munch on treats, get spooky with costume-friendly fun.
Long Beach — Sinners Trivia Night: Halloween Costume Edition
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Location: 2332 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach
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Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
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Tickets: ~$12.51. Get tickets now.
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Why go: Horror + trivia + costumes = the perfect mix for a Friday night. Best dressed wins!
Long Beach — Dark Harbor (ongoing through Nov 1)
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Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach
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Time: All day, with evening haunted experiences
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Tickets: Purchase in advance (haunted mazes, themed zones)
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Why go: One of SoCal’s biggest Halloween festivals — mazes, shows, scares and more.
📅 Saturday, October 18, 2025
Long Beach — Formula DRIFT Round 8: Shoreline Showdown (Main Event Day)
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Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center
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Time: Gates open early (main competition throughout day)
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Tickets: Full event passes (single day or multi-day) available now; Friday add-on also offered.
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Why go: Watch drivers duke it out in tandem drift battles in front of the beach backdrop — a high-octane spectacle you won’t forget.
Pomona — Oktoberfest at Fairplex
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Location: Fairplex, Pomona (accessible from South L.A.)
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Time: All day, Fridays & Saturdays through Oct 18
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Tickets: $16–$19 (21+ event.) Get tickets now.
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Why go: German brews (if 21+), live music, food, fun — a classic fall fest.
📅 Sunday, October 19, 2025
Long Beach — The Black Joy Picnic (with Black Everywhere)
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Location: Alamitos Park, E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach
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Time: 10:00 AM onward
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Tickets / Admission: RSVP (free) via Eventbrite
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Why go: A relaxed community gathering celebrating Black culture, food, music, fun in the sun.
🔍 Heads-Up: Explore More of South L.A.
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Dogtoberfest at South Coast Botanic Garden
Location: Palos Verdes Estates (South L.A./LA County)
Day/Time: Weekends throughout October with dog-centric fun
Tickets: Up to ~$18 for non-members (VIP combos available) Get tickets now.
Why go: Live polka music, pup races, beer garden (for humans), and autumn vibes.
✅ Tips for the Weekend
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Plan ahead — some events may sell out (especially Formula DRIFT).
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Mix & match your vibe — you can catch a brake between drifting and haunted houses.
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Know your commute — traffic around Long Beach can pick up late afternoons.
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Stay in the loop — subscribing means you’ll get early alerts, ticket drops, exclusive offers, and weekend roundups delivered straight to your inbox.
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