Things to Do This Weekend in South LA County: October 2–4, 2026

The first weekend of October is giving us options: a stadium concert in Inglewood, open artist studios in Long Beach, jazz and nature in Carson, and the start of Halloween festivities in Torrance. Whether you’re planning a date night, taking the kids out, or looking for a reason to explore a nearby neighborhood, here’s where to go Friday, October 2, through Sunday, October 4.

Friday, October 2

First Fridays: An Arts Month Night in Bixby Knolls

• Location: Atlantic Avenue in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach
• Day and time: Friday, 6:30–9:30 p.m.
• Tickets: No ticket listed; check participating businesses for individual purchases.
• Why go: Start the weekend with live music, art and performances, then wander into the restaurants and shops staying open late. October’s First Fridays celebrates Long Beach Arts Month.

Bruno Mars at SoFi Stadium

• Location: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood
• Day and time: Friday, 7 p.m. The tour also has a Saturday, October 3 show at 7 p.m.
• Tickets: Paid; check availability through SoFi Stadium.
• Why go: Make it a full Inglewood night out. The Romantic Tour brings Bruno Mars to SoFi with Anderson .Paak as DJ Pee .Wee and RAYE. 

Whispers in the Walls at Bembridge House

• Location: Bembridge House, 953 N. Park Circle, Long Beach
• Day and time: Friday and Saturday, tours begin at 7 p.m.; last entry at 10 p.m.
• Tickets: $25 general admission; $20 for Long Beach Heritage members; $10 for children under 13. Book a tour.
• Why go: Tour a historic Victorian mansion after dark as theatrical storytelling turns its rooms and staircases into a Halloween experience. The Bembridge House

Saturday, October 3

A Quiet Morning at Bixby Marshland

• Location: Bixby Marshland, Carson
• Day and time: Saturday, 8 a.m.–noon
• Tickets: No ticket information listed; check the organizer’s event page.
• Why go: Explore a restored habitat and learn about the plants, wildlife and conservation work tucked into the heart of Carson. It’s a slower start before an event-filled afternoon. Clean Water Works Education Foundation

Carson Jazz Festival

• Location: Anderson Park, 19101 Wilmington Avenue, Carson
• Day and time: Saturday, beginning at 11 a.m.; the current local listing gives a 6 p.m. end time.
• Tickets: General admission is free; VIP seating and reserved tent options are listed for purchase. Check event details.
• Why go: Bring a blanket for live jazz, food and craft vendors, and a family fun zone. Confirm the closing time before heading over, as the listing notes that it should be reconfirmed. 

Oktoberfest at Absolution Brewery

• Location: Absolution Brewery, Torrance
• Day and time: Saturday, doors open at noon
• Tickets: Free entry; food and drinks are available for purchase. Event details.
• Why go: Come hungry for bratwurst, currywurst and schnitzel, and stay for the stein-holding contest. All ages are welcome. Discover Torrance

Long Beach Open Studio Tour

• Location: Participating studios in the Belmont area of Long Beach
• Day and time: Saturday and Sunday, 1–5 p.m.
• Tickets: Free, self-guided. Find the studio map.
• Why go: Meet artists where they work and see a creative side of the neighborhood you might miss on an ordinary walk. The Belmont studios open the first of four October tour weekends. Long Beach Open Studio Tour

Scaredown in Downtown Torrance

• Location: Old Torrance
• Day and time: Saturday, 4–9 p.m.
• Tickets: Check the event page for current admission details.
• Why go: Historic downtown gets a Halloween makeover with games, contests, live bands, a DJ, trunk-or-treat and a marketplace. Discover Torrance

International Street Fair & Diversity Festival

• Location: Pioneer Boulevard between 183rd and 187th streets, Artesia
• Day and time: Saturday, 3–10 p.m.
• Tickets: Free admission. Festival details.
• Why go: Eat your way through a celebration of Artesia’s cultures while enjoying performances, vendors and family activities. Hometown pop group The Two Lips is scheduled to perform at 9 p.m. Artesia, CA - Official Website

Sunday, October 4

Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live: Glow-N-Fire

• Location: Long Beach Arena, 300 E. Ocean Boulevard
• Day and time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. Saturday shows are at 11:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
• Tickets: Paid; get tickets through the venue.
• Why go: This is the big, loud family outing of the weekend, with monster trucks, FMX stunts and a fire-breathing robot dinosaur. Visit Long Beach

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