12 Things to Do in Los Angeles This Weekend (October 23–25, 2026): Halloween Fun, Festivals & Local Favorites

Your Weekend Starts Here: Halloween Magic, Local Culture & Coastal Adventures

October is showing off across Los Angeles County, and this weekend is packed with reasons to get out and explore. From thrilling nighttime motorsports and spooky waterfront adventures to neighborhood celebrations, live entertainment, and family-friendly fall festivals, there's something for every kind of weekend.

Whether you're staying close to home in Long Beach, exploring Torrance and the South Bay, or looking for a memorable outing with friends or family, our October 23–25 weekend guide brings together local experiences worth adding to your calendar.

Grab your favorite fall outfit, make some plans, and discover what's happening around our neighborhoods!

Friday, October 23: Live Music, Halloween Fun & Local Festivals

1. Scarium Family Night — Aquarium of the Pacific | Long Beach

Location: 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach, CA 90802

Date & Time: Friday, October 23 | 6:30 PM–9 PM

Tickets: $30.95 general admission; $20.95 members; children under 3 free.

Why You Should Go:

The Aquarium of the Pacific is getting spooky! Explore the aquarium after dark with trick-or-treating, a Halloween scavenger hunt, a vampire magician, dancing, and encounters with fascinating marine life. It's the perfect combination of education and Halloween entertainment for families with young children.

Event Details: Aquarium of the Pacific

2. Formula DRIFT: Shoreline Showdown | Long Beach

Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center, 300 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802

Date & Time: Friday, October 23–Saturday, October 24 | Evening competition; check the official schedule.

Tickets: Paid admission; prices vary by ticket type.

Why You Should Go:

Get ready for roaring engines, smoking tires, and adrenaline-pumping competition! Formula DRIFT brings its season finale to Long Beach, with professional drivers battling under the lights. Whether you're a motorsports enthusiast or simply looking for something exciting and different, this is an unforgettable weekend experience.

Event Details: Visit Long Beach

3. St. James School Annual Harvest Festival | Torrance

Location: 4625 Garnet St, Torrance, CA 90503

Date & Time:

• Friday, October 23 | 5 PM–11 PM

• Saturday, October 24 | 12 PM–11 PM

• Sunday, October 25 | 11 AM–10 PM

Tickets: Free admission; rides, games, food, and other activities may cost extra.

Why You Should Go:

There's something special about a classic neighborhood harvest festival. Enjoy carnival rides, games, live bands, food vendors, bingo, and a vintage store. It's a fun, affordable way to spend time with family while supporting a beloved Torrance community tradition.

Event Details: City of Torrance

4. Jay-Z Live at SoFi Stadium | Inglewood

Location: SoFi Stadium, 1001 Stadium Dr, Inglewood, CA 90301

Date & Time: Friday, October 23–Saturday, October 24 | Confirm performance times.

Tickets: Paid admission; prices and availability vary.

Why You Should Go:

One of hip-hop's most influential artists takes center stage in Inglewood. Jay-Z celebrates 30 years since the release of his landmark album Reasonable Doubt with career-spanning performances. For music lovers, this is a major entertainment event right in the heart of the South Bay-adjacent community.

Event Details: SoFi Stadium

Saturday, October 24: Art, Halloween Celebrations & Neighborhood Discoveries

5. Downtown Long Beach Fright Fest on Pine | Long Beach

Location: Pine Avenue, Downtown Long Beach, CA

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | 4 PM–10 PM

Tickets: Free admission; food and beverages available for purchase.

Why You Should Go:

Downtown Long Beach transforms into a Halloween celebration with DJs, live music, a horror-themed pop-up market, delicious food, and immersive entertainment. Put together your best costume, gather your friends, and enjoy an energetic evening exploring the city's nightlife and local businesses. This event is designed for adults, with alcoholic beverage service restricted to ages 21 and older.

Event Details: Downtown Long Beach

6. Halloween Movie in the Park | Torrance

Location: Wilson Park, 2200 Crenshaw Blvd, Torrance, CA 90501

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | Activities begin at 4 PM; movie at 6:30 PM.

Tickets: Free admission.

Why You Should Go:

Pack your favorite blankets and lawn chairs for a family-friendly movie night under the stars. Enjoy a costume parade, children's activities, DJ entertainment, food vendors, and pumpkin decorating displays before a screening of Toy Story 5. It's an easy, budget-friendly way to celebrate Halloween with the kids.

Event Details: City of Torrance

7. Belmont Shore Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest | Long Beach

Location: Belmont Shore, Long Beach, CA

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24 | Check the organizer for exact hours.

Tickets: Public sidewalk viewing; confirm participation details.

Why You Should Go:

Watch talented local artists turn ordinary sidewalks into colorful masterpieces. More than 50 emerging and experienced artists are expected to showcase their creativity throughout Belmont Shore. Make an afternoon of it by exploring Second Street's boutiques, cafés, and restaurants while enjoying the neighborhood's artistic energy.

Event Details: Visit Long Beach

8. Long Beach Open Studio Tour | Long Beach

Location: Participating artist studios across Long Beach's Eastside neighborhoods.

Date & Time: Saturday, October 24–Sunday, October 25 | Individual studio hours vary.

Tickets: Free self-guided tour.

Why You Should Go:

Step behind the scenes of Long Beach's thriving creative community. Visit local artists in their working studios, discover original paintings and sculptures, and meet the creative minds behind the artwork. This free self-guided experience is ideal for art collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates local culture.

Event Details: Long Beach Open Studio Tour

Sunday, October 25: Cultural Celebrations, Local Markets & Coastal Escapes

9. Día de los Muertos Festival at MOLAA | Long Beach

Location: Museum of Latin American Art, 628 Alamitos Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802

Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 11 AM–5 PM

Tickets: Free admission; no reservation required. On-site parking is $15.

Why You Should Go:

Celebrate life, culture, and remembrance at the Museum of Latin American Art's Día de los Muertos Festival. Enjoy ballet folklórico, music, cultural performances, and a Catrina/Catrín contest. This year's celebration also honors the museum's 30th anniversary, making it an especially meaningful opportunity to experience Latin American art and traditions in Long Beach.

Event Details: More Día de los Muertos Events

10. Belmont Shore Book Fair | Long Beach

Location: 5200 E 2nd St (Chase Bank Parking lot), Long Beach, CA 90803

Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 11 AM – 4 PM

Tickets: Check event listing but it should be FREE; books available for purchase.

Why You Should Go:

Calling all book lovers! Spend a relaxing Sunday discovering local authors, independent publishers, poetry, and stories inspired by Long Beach. Whether you're searching for your next favorite read or simply want to support local creatives, this neighborhood book fair offers a refreshing alternative to the usual weekend routine.

Event Details: Visit Long Beach Events

11. Haunted Heights Trunk or Treat | Long Beach

Location: Roxanne's, 1115 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807

Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 12 PM – 4 PM

Tickets: Free but you can reserve a spot.

Why You Should Go:

Halloween meets classic car culture at this playful neighborhood celebration. Enjoy vintage Volkswagen Beetles, creatively decorated vehicles, and trunk-or-treat festivities. It's a fun opportunity to experience the personality of Long Beach's local community while getting into the Halloween spirit.

Event Details: Visit Long Beach Events

12. Harvest Festival at Terranea Resort | Rancho Palos Verdes

Location: Terranea Resort, 100 Terranea Way, Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275

Date & Time: Sunday, October 25 | 5 PM–9 PM

Tickets: Tickets required; confirm current pricing with the resort.

Why You Should Go:

Experience autumn with a coastal twist at Terranea Resort. Enjoy live music, seasonal crafts, a cider bar, and fall-inspired food against the beautiful backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. It's an inviting choice for a date night, an evening with friends, or anyone looking to combine seasonal festivities with breathtaking coastal scenery.

Event Details: Terranea Resort

Make the Most of Your Los Angeles Weekend

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles County is the variety of experiences available right in our own neighborhoods. You don't have to travel far to enjoy incredible art, food, music, cultural traditions, and family-friendly entertainment.

Whether you're exploring Downtown Long Beach, discovering local artists, attending a concert in Inglewood, or enjoying a fall festival in Torrance, there's always something new to experience.

A local tip: Many Halloween events and fall festivals become especially popular during the final weekends of October. Check official event websites before heading out for the latest schedules, ticket availability, and parking information.

Event details are based on available listings as of October 19, 2026 and are subject to change. Events with unconfirmed hours, prices, or programming should be verified directly with organizers.

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