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)

• Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

• Time: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (qualifying/seeding) 

• Tickets: Available via Formula Drift website — “Seeding Day” general admission. 

• 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

• Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach

• Time: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM

• Tickets: $28.95 for general / $18.95 for members; children under 3 free. Get tickets now.

• 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

• Location: 456 Elm Avenue, Long Beach

• Time: 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 

• Tickets: Free (vendors, eats, seasonal vibes) 

• Why go: Shop local makers, munch on treats, get spooky with costume-friendly fun.

Long Beach — Sinners Trivia Night: Halloween Costume Edition

• Location: 2332 Pacific Avenue, Long Beach

• Time: 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM 

• Tickets: ~$12.51. Get tickets now. 

• Why go: Horror + trivia + costumes = the perfect mix for a Friday night. Best dressed wins!

Long Beach — Dark Harbor (ongoing through Nov 1)

• Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach

• Time: All day, with evening haunted experiences 

• Tickets: Purchase in advance (haunted mazes, themed zones) 

• 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)

• Location: Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center

• Time: Gates open early (main competition throughout day) 

• Tickets: Full event passes (single day or multi-day) available now; Friday add-on also offered.

• 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

• Location: Fairplex, Pomona (accessible from South L.A.)

• Time: All day, Fridays & Saturdays through Oct 18 

• Tickets: $16–$19 (21+ event.) Get tickets now. 

• 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)

• Location: Alamitos Park, E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach

• Time: 10:00 AM onward 

• Tickets / Admission: RSVP (free) via Eventbrite 

• Why go: A relaxed community gathering celebrating Black culture, food, music, fun in the sun.

🔍 Heads-Up: Explore More of South L.A.

• 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

• Plan ahead — some events may sell out (especially Formula DRIFT).

• Mix & match your vibe — you can catch a brake between drifting and haunted houses.

• Know your commute — traffic around Long Beach can pick up late afternoons.

• Stay in the loop — subscribing means you’ll get early alerts, ticket drops, exclusive offers, and weekend roundups delivered straight to your inbox.