The air is filled with a hint of pumpkin spice and the countdown to Halloween has officially begun. That can only mean one thing: October is upon us, and it's time to embrace the magic of fall. October in Anaheim and Orange County is full of festive events, thrilling experiences, and family-friendly fun. From pumpkin patches and harvest festivals to unique cultural celebrations and sporting events, check out our guide for the top things to do this October!
Halloween Festivals in Anaheim and the OC
Anaheim's Fall Festival & Halloween Parade
October 25, 2025
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade, one of the city’s oldest and most cherished traditions, returns for its 102nd year celebrating over a century of community, creativity, and Halloween spirit in Anaheim. This beloved community tradition promises a day of festive fun. Enjoy a lively parade with hand-built floats, costumed characters, and marching bands, along with food vendors, artist booths, and family-friendly activities. The Anaheim Fall Festival starts at 11 a.m., followed by the Anaheim Halloween Parade kicking off at Center Greens in Anaheim. For the first time since 1957, the Classic Car Show returns, featuring a stunning lineup of American-made automobiles spanning 1923 to 1975. Be sure to join in on this cherished hometown tradition, especially as the centennial celebration promises plenty of treats and surprises!
🕚 Fall Festival: 11 AM
🚗 Classic Car Show: 10 AM–3 PM
🎃 Halloween Parade: 7 PM
Thrills and Spooks at the Theme Parks
Halloween Magic at the Amusement Parks
The theme parks go all-in on spooky season. Disneyland® Resort transforms into a Halloween wonderland with themed rides and festive treats, while over at Knott’s Scary Farm, things get a little scarier, with an iconic haunt that has been terrifying locals for over 50 years!
If you’re willing to hop down to San Diego, SeaWorld offers two contrasting Halloween events. Howl-O-Scream (for the older kids and adults) and Halloween Spooktacular (a kid-friendly celebration) with trick-or-treating and dance parties.
Pumpkin Patches, Flower Fields and Family Fun!
Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch
Open until October 31
Embrace the magic of autumn at the Seasonal Adventures Pumpkin Patch taking place at the OC Fair and Events Center in Costa Mesa. This family-fun pumpkin patch is packed with fall activities such as inflatable slides, kiddie rides, and a petting zoo. Enjoy a train ride through the park and pick out your perfect pumpkin to take home. Also, take a stroll down to the farmers market to pick up some fresh seasonal produce and gourds.
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
Open until October 31st
Discover the wonders of Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch in Irvine, spanning over 30 acres of exploration. Experience a vibrant pumpkin patch and wagon rides, a barnyard educational exhibit, a U-pick veggie patch, corn mazes, U-pick pumpkin fields, festival games, farmer’s golf, and more! Aside from the pumpkin patch, their farm-fresh produce market stand will remain open featuring many fall décor, seasonal produce, and lots more.
Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch
Open until October 31st
The Irvine Park Railroad's Pumpkin Patch is an enduring Orange County tradition. Irvine Regional Park transforms into a beautiful fall wonderland filled with many fun family-friendly fall activities. Come and enjoy a not-so-spooky haunted house, a delightful hay maze, picturesque photo spots, harvest-themed carnival games, relaxing hayrides, thrilling train rides, and much more. Please plan your trip accordingly as the park entrance may be impacted. Visit the OC Parks page for any updates before your trip.
Pumpkin City's Pumpkin Farm and Oktoberfest
Open until October 31
Visit Pumpkin City in Laguna Hills to marvel at thousands of pumpkins, amusement rides, game booths, and fun activities in a picturesque farm setting. Carnival activities include a petting zoo, boat rides, inflatable axe throwing, and ball tossing games. Afterward, grab dinner right at the pumpkin patch for your carnival favorites such as hot dogs, churros, and ice cream. Experience Pumpkin City’s new Oktoberfest Beer Garden in Laguna Hills complete with live music, local craft brews, and entertainment.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
Halloween Treat Street at the Anaheim Plaza
October 25
Stop by the Anaheim Plaza's Halloween Treat Street from 11 am – 1 pm for some trick-or-treating fun. This free, family-friendly event is filled with Halloween excitement from trick-or-treating throughout the center, plenty of photo opportunities, a DJ, raffle prizes, face painting, and more! Plus, the first 100 kids in costume will receive a special goodie bag.
Oktoberfest and Craft Beer Festivals in Orange County
Oktoberfest at Old World Village
Open until November 9
Celebrate Oktoberfest at The Biergarten in Huntington Beach’s Old World Village, one of Orange County’s biggest Oktoberfest celebrations. Experience the authentic taste, smells, and sights of the German culture with German food, voted “Best Bratwurst” in California, imported German beers and traditional dances, and live entertainment from Germany for everyone to enjoy. Whether you're a beer aficionado, a foodie seeking new flavors, or simply looking for a memorable cultural experience, Orange County's Oktoberfest offers it all.
Catch a Hockey Game
Cheer on the Anaheim Ducks
Feel the energy as the Anaheim Ducks take the ice for the 2025-2026 NHL season. With a roster brimming with young talent and exciting new additions, the Ducks are ready to make their mark! Be there for the first puck drop of the season and catch the home opener against the new Pittsburgh Penguins on October 14th then followed by the Carolina Hurricanes on October 16th at the Honda Center. On October 31st, catch the last thrilling matchup of the month as the Ducks go up against the Red Wings.
Live Music in Anaheim and OC
Grove of Anaheim Concerts
Mild fall nights + live music = the perfect combo. Blues-rock legend Robin Trower brings his soulful guitar riffs to the Grove of Anaheim in a night that’s sure to feel intimate and epic, all at once. Meanwhile, Journey USA, one of the top Journey tribute bands in the country, will be playing all the irresistible sing-along hits!
Theatre Highlights
For some drama this October, make time for one of the standout performances hitting local stages. “What the Constitution Means to Me” at the Chance Theater is powerful, funny, and deeply relevant—a must-see for anyone who likes their theatre with a side of seriousness. Or, head to Segerstrom Center for the Arts, where the San Francisco Ballet’s “Frankenstein” brings Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece to life in a visually stunning performance.
Laughs & Illusions
October isn’t all spooks and scares. Lighten things up with “Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue,” which delivers a hilarious new story featuring your favorite Miami ladies in drag! Or, check out the Ehrlich Brothers, who mix big-stage illusions with German flair and humor. Think: levitating motorcycles and fiery tricks—not your uncle’s card tricks.
For the Car Lovers this October
If chrome and custom rides are your thing, Anaheim has your weekend plans sorted. Cars and Coffee Classics is a laid-back Sunday morning tradition where you can sip coffee and admire beautifully restored classics in Old Towne Orange. Or, if you want something with more lowrider flair, head to Lowriders After Hours, a sleek evening event at MUZEO that celebrates Chicano car culture while raising funds for arts education in the area.
Orange County Festivals and Annual Events
Irvine Global Village Festival
October 11
Celebrate Irvine's cultural diversity at the Irvine Global Village Festival at Great Park. Enjoy music and dance performances from around the world, sample global cuisine, shop for unique handmade crafts, and engage in interactive cultural exhibits. From traditional artworks to international food stalls, this festival promises unique experiences that celebrate the heritage of Orange County's multicultural community.
Newport Beach Film Festival
Dive into international cinema at the annual Newport Beach Film Festival, running from October 16th to 23rd at select locations throughout Newport Beach. This prestigious festival will present a curated collection of new films from emerging and established filmmakers and stands as one of the most renowned cultural gatherings in Southern California. Discover the next generation of directors, engage in thought-provoking discussions and presentations, and experience the magic of storytelling on the big screen!
Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival
October 11-12
Step back in time at the Silverado Country Fair & Folk Festival, taking place on in Silverado, CA. This Wild West-themed event transports you to the 19th century, featuring live performances from bluegrass, folk, blues, and jam bands. Enjoy mouthwatering food, browse the arts and crafts fair, and sip on craft beer and wine at the on-site saloon. Get into the Old West spirit and wear your best old-timey garb!
More in Orange County
- First Thursdays Art Walk (October 2nd): Head to Laguna Beach, where galleries open their doors after hours for a self-guided art tour through one of Orange County’s most iconic coastal towns.
- Fall Hikes: Cooler temps make October a great time to explore the trails around Orange County. Look out for seasonal foliage, wildlife, and golden-hour views!
Events Calendar
Whether you are a local or a visitor, the best of what the region has to offer is awaiting you this amazing month. We hope this list gets you feeling all the fall vibes. These traditional Halloween activities and some scarier ones thrown into the mix will help you include everyone in the spirit of the season! Visit our events calendar to see more events in Anaheim and Orange County!
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