Spooky Fun Halloween Things to Do in LA

October in California has a bit of an identity crisis in the best possible way. You can spend one weekend listening to metal in Sacramento, the next watching jets fly over the Pacific, and another surrounded by enormous pumpkins on the coast. The October events in California calendar for 2026 has plenty of reasons to turn an ordinary weekend into a road trip. Families can take advantage of monthlong offers in San Diego, music fans have festivals in Sacramento and Joshua Tree, and fall lovers can finish the month with a classic pumpkin-filled day in Half Moon Bay. Here are eight California events worth putting on your October calendar, along with the dates, locations, and planning details you’ll want before heading out.

Kids Free San Diego: Family Offers All October

October 1–31 - San Diego County

October may be one of the smartest months for families to plan a San Diego getaway. Kids Free San Diego runs throughout the month, bringing together more than 100 special offers from participating attractions, museums, hotels, restaurants, and other businesses across the county. The offers are not identical, so this is one event where reading the fine print can actually save you money.

Age limits, accompanying-adult requirements, and other conditions vary depending on the participating business. One standout is the San Diego Zoo. Children 11 and younger receive free admission from October 1 through 31, with each ticketed or member adult able to bring up to six eligible children. That makes Kids Free San Diego less of a single event and more of a choose-your-own-family-adventure. Build a weekend around the zoo, museums, attractions, or a combination of several offers rather than trying to squeeze everything into one day.

Aftershock Festival 2026 in Sacramento

October 1–4 - Discovery Park, Sacramento

If your ideal October soundtrack involves considerably more guitar than falling leaves, Sacramento has you covered. Aftershock Festival 2026 takes over Discovery Park for four days of rock, punk, and metal. Instead of choosing a ticket first and figuring out the music later, check the lineup and decide which day or days have the artists you most want to see. The festival notes that lineup details and set times can change, so give the schedule another look before leaving home.

Transportation deserves some planning too. Aftershock takes place at Discovery Park, not Cal Expo. However, festivalgoers can purchase a park-and-ride shuttle pass that includes parking at Cal Expo and transportation to and from the festival site. In other words, save your energy for the festival rather than spending it circling Sacramento looking for somewhere to leave the car. Once you’ve picked your must-see artists, check Aftershock passes to find the ticket option that fits your plans.

Mill Valley Film Festival in Marin County

October 1–11 - Mill Valley, San Rafael, Larkspur, and Berkeley

For an October outing with fewer amplifiers and considerably more movie credits, there is the Mill Valley Film Festival. The 49th festival runs October 1–11, with screenings and festival programming spread across several Bay Area venues. Confirmed locations include the Sequoia Cinema in Mill Valley, Christopher B. Smith Rafael Film Center in San Rafael, Lark Theater in Larkspur, and BAMPFA in Berkeley. That geographic spread makes a little advance planning important. Find the movie or filmmaker event that interests you first, then check the venue before arranging dinner, parking, or the rest of your day. “Mill Valley Film Festival” does not necessarily mean your screening is actually in Mill Valley. It can also work well as the centerpiece of a larger Marin or Bay Area day trip: one good film, somewhere good to eat afterward, and no obligation to spend the entire day following a festival schedule.

Pacific Airshow in Huntington Beach

October 2–4 - Huntington Beach oceanfront

There are air shows, and then there are air shows where the Pacific Ocean is basically part of the stage. The Pacific Airshow returns to Huntington Beach from October 2–4 for its 10th anniversary. The three-day event combines aerobatic demonstrations and high-speed flyovers with activities on the beach, including family entertainment, STEM experiences, commentary, and performer appearances. Gates are scheduled to open at 9 a.m., with aerial action expected from approximately 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; final times remain subject to change. The official event precinct is along the Huntington Beach oceanfront near Pacific Coast Highway and 1st Street. If you want access to the designated event area, look through the ticket choices and viewing options before buying rather than assuming every spot along the beach offers the same experience.

And yes, spending several hours staring into the California sky is one of the rare situations where being told to “look up” is genuinely useful advice.

San Francisco Fleet Week and Air Show

Fleet Week: October 4–12 - Air show: October 9–11 | San Francisco

October brings another major aviation event to the California coast, but San Francisco adds Navy ships, waterfront activities, and the Golden Gate Bridge to the background. San Francisco Fleet Week runs October 4–12, while its air show takes place October 9–11 over the San Francisco waterfront. The 2026 program also includes ship tours, the Parade of Ships, Fleet Fest, neighborhood concerts, and events at several locations around the city. The air show runs Friday through Sunday and is scheduled for noon to 4 p.m. Marina Green serves as its main festival center, where general admission is free. Ticketed premium viewing experiences are also available. The 2026 air show lineup includes the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, among other performers. Don't treat Fleet Week as one event happening in one place. Check the official calendar first, decide whether ships, planes, concerts, or waterfront activities are your priority, and build your day around those locations.

Joshua Tree Music Festival in the Mojave Desert

October 8–11 - 2601 Sunfair Road, Joshua Tree

Some festivals give you a stage and a crowd. Joshua Tree Music Festival adds desert skies, camping, and the feeling that you temporarily moved into a very musical little community. Running October 8–11, the fall festival is built around live music and a broader festival experience in the Mojave Desert. It makes particular sense for travelers who want the event itself to become the weekend rather than simply attending a concert and heading home afterward.

There is one geographic detail first-time visitors should know: the festival is held at 2601 Sunfair Road, outside Joshua Tree National Park. If visiting the national park is also on your list, treat it as a separate part of your itinerary rather than assuming the festival takes place inside the park. Camping can be part of the experience, so check admission and camping arrangements together when planning the trip. Desert travel also rewards preparation October may sound comfortably autumnal elsewhere, but this is still the Mojave.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair Awards Gala

October 10, 6–9 p.m. - Grace Pavilion, Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa

Sonoma County in October already has a pretty convincing argument for a road trip. Add award-winning wine and local food, and the argument gets stronger. The Sonoma County Harvest Fair is doing things differently in 2026. Rather than a traditional multiday public fair, the confirmed public celebration is a one-night ticketed gala on October 10, running from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sonoma County Fairgrounds. The evening celebrates the region's wine, food, and agricultural community, with medal-winning wines and locally produced bites. Guests will also get to see the announcement of the top Sweepstakes Wine winners. Think cocktail-party evening rather than county-fair afternoon. This one is better suited to a planned night out, especially if you want to pair it with a weekend elsewhere in Sonoma County.

Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival for Halloween Season

October 17–18, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. - Main Street, Half Moon Bay

If California had to nominate one town to go completely overboard for pumpkins, Half Moon Bay would have a strong résumé. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival returns to historic Main Street on October 17–18. Admission is free, and the weekend brings giant pumpkins, pumpkin carving, arts and crafts, live entertainment, food, a costume contest, and the Great Pumpkin Parade. It's the kind of Halloween-season outing that works even if haunted houses are not your thing.

Come for the pumpkins, stay for the coast, and accept that at some point you will probably photograph a pumpkin considerably larger than anything a pumpkin has a reasonable excuse to be. One date is easy to confuse with the festival weekend. The World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off happens separately on Monday, October 12, at the IDES Grounds. The main Art & Pumpkin Festival follows on October 17–18. If you're driving, an early start is sensible. The festival's official travel information warns that Highway 92 can become congested early during the weekend.

Which California October Event Fits Your Trip?

The best thing about October events in California is that “fall trip” can mean almost anything. For families who want flexibility, Kids Free San Diego gives you the entire month to build an itinerary. Aftershock turns Sacramento into the choice for a louder music weekend, while Joshua Tree pairs live performances with a desert getaway. Film fans can build a Bay Area day around the Mill Valley Film Festival, and aviation fans have two very different coastal options in Huntington Beach and San Francisco.

Then there is Half Moon Bay, where October means pumpkins, costumes, coastal scenery, and a perfectly reasonable excuse to spend your day admiring vegetables that weigh more than cars. Whichever event makes the calendar, check the official website again before leaving. Confirm the exact venue, admission rules, ticket availability, schedule, and transportation details then get the group together and make a California weekend out of it.

Southern California has a slightly unfair share of theme parks. You can spend the morning exploring a galaxy far, far away, scream your way through a collection of roller coasters in the afternoon, or ride a Ferris wheel above the Pacific Ocean at sunset. For a group of adults, however, choosing where to go involves more than asking which park has the biggest rides. Ticket options, location, food, parking, operating hours, and the general mood of the park can completely change the experience.

This guide highlights several popular theme parks in Southern California without ranking them. Each offers a different experience, from immersive storytelling and classic attractions to high-speed coasters, oceanfront rides, and family-friendly entertainment. Here is what adult groups should know before choosing the right park for their visit.

Disneyland Park

Disneyland Park in Anaheim is the original Disney theme park and still one of California's most recognizable attractions. Its lands range from Main Street, U.S.A. and Adventureland to Tomorrowland, Frontierland, Mickey's Toontown, and Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. And no, you don't have to borrow somebody's child to justify going.

Plenty of Disneyland Park rides and experiences work particularly well for adults. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Matterhorn Bobsleds, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run, Pirates of the Caribbean, and the park's nighttime entertainment can easily fill a day. Add restaurants, seasonal celebrations, detailed environments, and the nostalgia factor, and Disneyland becomes considerably more than a collection of children's rides.

A Disneyland Park ticket can be purchased as a 1 Park Per Day ticket or with Park Hopper privileges. One-day prices vary according to the date and ticket tier, while multi-day tickets follow a different pricing structure. Disney currently requires guests age three and older to have both valid admission and a theme park reservation for the same park and date. Because reservations are capacity-controlled, booking ahead is important, particularly when a large group wants to visit together.

Park Hopper tickets allow guests to visit Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure on the same day. Disney currently permits hopping beginning at 11:00 a.m., subject to availability and operational restrictions. Before the trip, check the day's operating calendar and attraction status as well. Attractions, entertainment, and experiences can close or change, so building a minute-by-minute itinerary around one ride is an excellent way to make your group chat unnecessarily dramatic. For adults, Disneyland works particularly well when the group wants an immersive, full-day experience rather than nonstop high-intensity rides. It combines attractions with dining, entertainment, atmosphere, and enough detail that wandering around without riding anything for an hour somehow still feels productive.

Disney California Adventure Park

Directly across from Disneyland Park sits Disney California Adventure Park, the other half of the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim. The difference becomes apparent fairly quickly. California Adventure mixes Pixar, Marvel, and California-inspired environments with some of the resort's more intense attractions. Current highlights include Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!, Incredicoaster, Grizzly River Run, Radiator Springs Racers, and attractions throughout Avengers Campus and Pixar Pier. That combination can make California Adventure particularly appealing to groups of adults. You still get Disney's elaborate theming, but the day can revolve around bigger rides, food, drinks, seasonal festivals, and evening entertainment rather than traditional Disney attractions alone.

Ticketing follows the Disneyland Resort system. Groups can choose a one-park ticket and spend the day at California Adventure or buy Park Hopper admission and move between both parks. One-day ticket prices vary by date, and valid admission plus the required park reservation are necessary for entry. If your group has Park Hopper tickets, the two parks are close enough that switching between them doesn't require another drive across Anaheim. Current rules allow guests to begin crossing between the parks at 11:00 a.m., subject to availability. That flexibility is especially useful when a group can't agree on what it wants which, statistically speaking, is most groups. Someone can get their classic Disneyland fix while the rest of the itinerary includes Guardians of the Galaxy, Pixar Pier, dinner, and an evening back at whichever park has the entertainment everyone wants to see. For an adult group interested in Disney but looking for more thrill rides and a slightly different atmosphere, California Adventure deserves serious consideration.

Universal Studios Hollywood

Universal Studios Hollywood occupies a particularly unusual corner of the theme-park world. Located in Universal City, northwest of central Los Angeles, it combines a working movie-studio environment with a traditional theme park. The Studio Tour is the obvious example. Instead of simply entering another themed ride building, visitors get a behind-the-scenes look at the studio property. Elsewhere, the park includes attractions connected to major film and entertainment franchises, along with shows, immersive areas, and access to Universal CityWalk. For adults who grew up watching the movies represented inside the park, that can be a significant part of the appeal.

Ticket choices range from regular General Admission to Universal Express and the VIP Experience. Universal Express combines park admission with one-time express access to participating rides, attractions, and seated shows, while the VIP option adds a more exclusive guided experience and additional benefits. Prices vary by date and season, so groups should check the official ticket calendar rather than budgeting around a single advertised price. Large groups have another option. Universal currently accepts group-ticket inquiries for groups of 10 or more, with the visit date, group type, and number of guests included in the request.

Security is worth planning for, too. Universal requires visitors to pass through metal detection, and bags, backpacks, and purses may be screened. Universal is an especially strong match for adults interested in movies, television, faster-paced attractions, and behind-the-scenes Hollywood experiences. CityWalk also makes it easy to extend the day with restaurants, shopping, or entertainment rather than immediately heading home when the rides stop. It is essentially the park for the friend who says, "I'm not really a theme-park person," and then becomes suspiciously enthusiastic once movies are involved.

Six Flags Magic Mountain

If your group's definition of quality entertainment involves voluntarily being dropped, flipped, twisted, and launched at considerable speed, Six Flags Magic Mountain probably requires little introduction. Located in Valencia, north of Los Angeles, Magic Mountain puts roller coasters and high-intensity attractions at the center of the experience. Compared with parks that emphasize immersive lands and elaborate storytelling, the reason for visiting here is wonderfully uncomplicated: rides.Current ticket options include dated daily admission and season passes, while Fast Lane products can reduce waits at participating rides. Six Flags also offers group admission options for groups of 15–99, with separate arrangements available for larger corporate groups.

Parking should be part of the group's budget. Current online options include general, preferred, and front-gate parking, with prices varying by type. Buying in advance can also save the group from sorting it out at the entrance.

The park operates cashless. Guests carrying cash can use Cash-to-Card kiosks and convert it to a prepaid debit card. Ride restrictions and park policies also apply, and operating schedules can change during the year. For adult groups, Magic Mountain makes the most sense when the rides themselves are the main event. College friends, coaster enthusiasts, birthday groups, and anyone who considers "How many inversions does it have?" a reasonable first question will find plenty to work with. Anyone who hates roller coasters may have a somewhat different day.

Knott's Berry Farm

Just down the road from Anaheim in Buena Park, Knott's Berry Farm offers an interesting middle ground. There are serious roller coasters, but the park isn't exclusively about thrills. Ghost Town brings California history and Old West atmosphere into the experience, while live entertainment, seasonal festivals, food, and other attractions give groups something to do between the bigger rides. That variety is useful when you're planning for adults with different tolerances for being turned upside down. Admission tickets or a valid season pass are required to enter the park. Knott's also works with groups and offers group sales for eligible visits. The park operates cashless, with Cash-to-Card kiosks available for visitors who arrive with cash.

Parking is another consideration. Standard automobile parking is available, with separate arrangements and pricing for buses and RVs. Parking policies and prices can differ for special events, so groups visiting during a major seasonal celebration should check the current details before leaving. That seasonal calendar is one of the reasons adults may find Knott's particularly interesting. Events, live entertainment, food offerings, and experiences such as Knott's Scary Farm can turn repeat visits into very different outings. Some special events may require separate admission, so don't assume a standard daytime ticket includes everything happening that evening. Knott's works particularly well for groups that can't agree on one definition of fun. Thrill seekers get their coasters. Others can explore Ghost Town, catch entertainment, eat, or enjoy seasonal activities. Democracy survives another group outing.

Belmont Park

Located on Mission Beach in San Diego, Belmont Park combines beachfront views with the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, thrill rides, arcade games, attractions, restaurants, and easy access to the beach.

Belmont Park Tickets and Prices

Visitors can choose between individual ride tickets and the Ride & Play Pass. For September 8, 2026, the Ride & Play Pass is listed at $48.95 online, compared with $68.95 at the gate, and includes unlimited rides and attractions plus two zipline rides. For groups of 12 or more, the Group Ride & Play Wristband costs $54.95 per person and provides all-day unlimited rides and attractions. Arcade games, Escapology, and premium attractions are not included. Groups that prefer individual rides can purchase ticket bundles: 16 tickets for $16, 30 tickets for $30, or 70 tickets for $60. Arcade Powercards are sold separately, with options ranging from $20 to $100. For adults, Belmont Park works particularly well when the group wants more than a traditional amusement park day. You can ride the Giant Dipper, play a few games, grab food and drinks, and finish the day at Mission Beach all without leaving the neighborhood.

Pacific Park

Set directly on the Santa Monica Pier, Pacific Park combines amusement rides with ocean views, beach access, restaurants, and the energy of Santa Monica. Unlike most theme parks in Southern California, admission is free. Visitors only pay for the rides they want, with individual attractions generally costing $6–$20. Current online prices include $14 for the Pacific Wheel, West Coaster, and Sea Dragon, while other rides start at $8.

Groups planning to ride throughout the day can choose an Unlimited Ride Wristband, currently $40 online for ages 8+ and $20 for ages 7 and under. It includes unlimited access to all 12 operational rides for one day, but does not include the Funhouse. Annual passes are also available at $199 for the Premium Pass and $149 for the Weekday Pass. Operating hours can change because of weather or special events, so check the Pacific Park operating calendar before visiting. For adults, Pacific Park works particularly well as part of a larger Santa Monica day. Ride the Pacific Wheel, explore the pier, grab dinner, spend time at the beach, and stay for sunset all without committing to a full-day theme park ticket.

SkyPark at Santa's Village

Theme parks do not necessarily require enormous roller coasters. Sometimes a mountain, a bike trail, and a few thousand pine trees can do the job.

SkyPark at Santa’s Village is located in Skyforest near Lake Arrowhead in the San Bernardino Mountains. Unlike the ride-focused parks elsewhere on this list, SkyPark combines outdoor recreation, mountain biking, seasonal activities, entertainment, food, and family attractions in a forest setting.

SkyPark Tickets and Admission Prices

A day ticket is currently listed at $59 per adult ages 18–64. Admission is $49 for children ages 4–17 and $49 for seniors ages 65–74. Children age 3 and younger enter free when accompanied by a parent or guardian, while seniors age 75 and older also receive free admission. Parking costs an additional $15 per vehicle.

SkyPark notes that these prices can vary throughout the year depending on the experiences and events being offered. Groups should therefore check the official SkyPark ticket page for the latest price for their specific visit date before purchasing. Paid admission is required to enter SkyPark, although Annual Passholders can enter with a valid wristband. Every guest must also complete a waiver before entering, even if they do not plan to participate in any activities.

A day ticket covers many of the park's available attractions and activities, but visitors should budget for extras. Food and drinks, parking, bike and protective-equipment rentals, lockers, professional photos, certain crafts, and some other experiences may cost extra.

For adult groups, SkyPark makes the most sense when the goal is less theme-park marathon and more day in the mountains. You can mix outdoor activities with food, drinks, entertainment, and seasonal experiences without spending the entire visit moving from one roller-coaster line to another.Just remember that this is the mountains, not downtown Los Angeles. Check the weather and road conditions before leaving, wear appropriate clothing, and bring closed-toe shoes if you plan to participate in the park's more active attractions.

Which Southern California Theme Park Fits Your Adult Group?

The best theme parks in Southern California depend much more on the group than on any universal ranking. Disneyland Park is a natural choice for adults who want immersive environments, classic attractions, nostalgia, dining, and nighttime entertainment. Disney California Adventure adds stronger thrill rides and a different dining and entertainment atmosphere while still offering Disney-level theming. Movie and television fans may feel more at home at Universal Studios Hollywood, especially if the Studio Tour and Hollywood setting are part of the appeal. Serious coaster enthusiasts have a much easier decision: Six Flags Magic Mountain puts thrill rides front and center.

Knott's Berry Farm offers a useful balance of coasters, history, entertainment, food, and seasonal events. Belmont Park and Pacific Park make more sense when the amusement park is only one part of a coastal day. SkyPark is the outlier in a good way for groups that would rather spend their time outdoors in the mountains. The useful question, then, isn't "Which park is number one?" It's what kind of day does your group actually want? Once everyone answers that question and the group chat finally reaches a decision the right park becomes considerably easier to identify.

How to Plan Group Transportation to Southern California Theme Parks

Getting ten people excited about Disneyland is easy. Getting those same ten people to leave home on time, take the same freeway, find parking, locate each other at the entrance, and agree on when to leave is where the real thrill ride begins. Southern California makes transportation worth planning in advance. These parks stretch from San Diego and the Orange County area to Los Angeles, Valencia, Santa Monica, and the San Bernardino Mountains. Distance is only part of the equation; traffic, parking, special events, and late-night departures can all affect the trip.

Start with the basics: passenger count, pickup location, planned arrival time, and the amount of luggage or personal gear coming along. A group heading directly from a hotel to Disneyland needs a different setup from one traveling to SkyPark with outdoor equipment.

Build a traffic buffer into the schedule as well. Arriving 30 minutes later than expected is annoying when you're traveling alone. When twelve people have tickets, reservations, and plans for the first attraction, it becomes a committee meeting. Parking deserves similar attention. Some parks charge per vehicle, while destinations such as Santa Monica can require more planning simply because of their busy urban or beachfront locations. Multiple cars also mean multiple parking spaces and multiple drivers who need to navigate separately.

For larger parties, private group transportation can simplify the logistics. Traveling together in a passenger van means the group can coordinate one pickup, one arrival, and one return rather than trying to keep several vehicles synchronized across Southern California traffic. Whatever transportation you choose, confirm the park's current loading, drop-off, and parking arrangements before departure. Set a return time and meeting location before everyone disappears into the park, and leave enough flexibility for traffic and a few inevitable last-minute changes. Because after a full day of roller coasters, walking, food, and California sunshine, the best final attraction may simply be getting into a seat and letting somebody else handle the drive home.