ALONG COMES MARY

Its Halloween time in LA! While our temperatures may be anything but “Fall” (more like middle of Summer still), I wanted to round up some of my picks of events to check out in October. Enjoy!

81st Annual Fall Festival, The Original Farmers Market— From Du Par’s pie eating contest, to over 10 bands performing, this annual free event at 3rd & Fairfax’s Farmers Market is such a great opportunity to take your family out to one of the greatest landmarks in Los Angeles. 2 days to celebrate FALL happening October 17 & 18th.

The Rise of the Jack o’Lanterns— An event I have yet to check out, The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns has been an iconic yearly event in New York, San Diego & LA & rightly so; happening at Descano Gardens in La Canada, over 5,000 carved pumpkins come to life at once, making for an incredible walk through the gardens. If you have little ones (under 2), they’re free.

Front Porch Cinema– Unwind on the ultimate front porch of California after a long week on The Santa Monica Pier. Front Porch Cinema happens from October 9th-30th. They have FILMS, FOOD, DRINKS & FUN each Friday night this Fall. Oh, and the movies are really good too, and free! There are even old-timey lawn chairs for rent that melt away the stress of the week while you relax and enjoy the ocean breeze. The final installment will be perfect to get in the Halloween spirit when they screen Ghostbusters. Who you gonna call?! 🙂

The Theatricum’s BOO-tanicum– One of my most favorite outdoor theatre venues in LA, this Spooktacular Halloween Event Returns! Bring your spouse, your date, the kids, the grandparents, your aunts and uncles – it’s frighfully fun for all ages! Starting at 4 pm, you’ll thrill to chilling game booths. At 7 pm – just as the sun is setting – the doors to our Haunted House creak open to admit you to blood curdling world of ghouls and goblins. (Medical professionals will be available for the faint of heart.) At 10 pm, when Off the Grid, the resident improv troupe, gathers to tickle Halloween funny bones. You’ll be dying for more! It all awaits Theatricum’s Boo-tanicm 🙂

Eek! At The Greek!– Having covered this beautiful event in the past, this is a wonderful Halloween event with just enough spook for everyone to enjoy & hear live, classical music with an eerie twist. This year, Eek will welcome The Gay Mens Choir of LA to the line up. Costumes encouraged!

ALONE– Events & haunted houses usually are not up my alley, but this one sounds pretty awesome: This tour is a “site-specific exploration of fear, loneliness, and self-preservation.” In other words, a haunted house. The thirty-minute walk is just you, alone, in the dark with whatever else happens to come your way. The precise location isn’t revealed until you purchase your ticket. Check it out & tell me where you go!

West Hollywood Halloween Carnival– This event will always be VERY close to my heart as it is where I had my very first date with my now-boyfriend, Michael! Santa Monica Boulevard is closed off & hundreds of thousands of people gather in their 10-31 best to flaunt their stuff & jump in & out of bars & shops. Word to the wise: everywhere surrounding the area is packed! Parking can prove difficult, too. I suggest parking at The Beverly Center a few blocks from the fun, & getting a drink & dinner back at the mall when you’re done….which is what I did with that date 2 years ago!

Boney Island– One of the most impressive DIY haunted houses in Los Angeles. Created and put together by former Simpsons producer Rick Polizzi in his front yard, Boney Island is a skeleton-themed wonderland where visitors are exposed to the realm of magic. It includes a water show, a treehouse, and all sorts of surprises that are suitable for the little ones.

ScreamFest LA– We all know I am slowly trying to watch more horror movies. I get scared very easily, but, I survived The Exorcist & Nightmare on Elm Street so yay me! This annual event is HUGE in LA as one of the best horror film festivals around. Great opportunity to see classic theatres like The Chinese, too.

 Halloween Spooktacular–  I love South Pasadena, and this small city does so many fun events for their community, like the Spooktacular! Happening on October 23rd, this is an adorable free event for families to show off their costumes, trick or treat & more.

Hammer of the Witches– The Loft Ensemble of LA’s signature piece has been a fall horror show and this year is no exception.  When a coven of witches pierces the veil between the world of the living and the dead… something is awakened.  When their prey become a predator, the world will never be the same. Perfect for adults who love creepy performances & witches.

Tapia Brothers Pumpkin Patch– Apparently, this is one of the pumpkin patches to visit in LA. You literally have the potential to get lost in their corn maze, there’s a farmers market, giveaways & pony rides. Kicks off October 4th.

Brick or Treat at LegoLand– I love Legoland! Not only do I get to nerd out with everything LEGO, but, they also have delicious gluten-free food! For their annual Halloween soiree, 5 evenings at the Carlsbad park offers “Brick or Treating” and more fun for kids. I am not beyond going as a big kid, just sayin’ 😉

What are your must-do’s this time of the year? xo