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 in the enchanting Orange County region. There's more to Anaheim and Orange County than just theme parks. We've listed all the top things to do this October.
With its mix of captivating attractions, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures, October is a month that promises to dazzle and delight. So, grab your sweater, a warm cup of cider, and let's embark on a journey through October in Anaheim and beyond.
Thrills and Spooks at the Theme Parks
Image credit: ©Disney
Disneyland® Resort
There’s nothing like Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort. We’ve prepared a comprehensive list of all the thrills and chills.
Explore Halloween Time at Disneyland® Resort.
Knott’s Scary Farm
Another beloved Halloween tradition in the region is Knott's Scary Farm. Through October 31, the park is transformed into a spooky haunt with mazes, scare zones, and Halloween-themed entertainment.
Pumpkin Patches in Orange County
Get into the fall spirit this October by visiting local pumpkin patches in Orange County. From thousands of pumpkins to choose from to carnival games and hay rides, this is sure to be a fun fall activity for the whole family. We've gathered just a few of our favorites. Pick one nearby or explore a new-to-you patch every weekend this fall.
Pumpkin City
Open until October 31
Visit Pumpkin City in Anaheim or 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. Afterwards, 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.
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.
Hana Field Pumpkin Patch & Flower Fields
Open until October 29th
Explore Tanaka Farm’s Hana Field Pumpkin Patch in Costa Mesa, where sunflowers bloom, and pumpkins await your picking. Dive into the excitement with activities like Cow Train, arts and crafts, Root Shoot (turnip shooting), Pumpkin Cannon, and a challenging corn maze. Hana Fields Pumpkin Patch is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
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, 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.
Family-Friendly Halloween Events
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is back again on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Marking the 100th anniversary of the Anaheim Fall Festival, this is a celebration for the whole family. We curated a special page of all the festivities taking place. Learn more about what's happening and the top things to do while you're there.
Cops N’ Goblins Spooktacular
Oct 31, 2023
Taking place at the Buena Park Civic Center, the free and family-friendly, Cops N’ Goblins Spooktacular Halloween event will be full of candy and fun Halloween activities. Make sure you have your costumes ready to participate in the Kids Constume Contest.
Anaheim Plaza Trick or Treat Event
Oct 28, 2023
Stop by the Anaheim Plaza Trick or Treat Halloween Event from 11am – 1pm for some trick-o-treating fun.
Brea Costume Swap
October 9-12, 2023
Join the Halloween costume exchange at the Brea Resource Center to "shop" costumes and donate this Halloween.
Oktoberfest and Craft Beer Festivals in Orange County
Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival
October 7
Come out to Firkenstein Craft Beer Festival taking place at the Center Street Promenade in Anaheim, the only beer festival where not only you can get dressed up, but your beer can too! Sample unlimited craft beers from 30 of California’s most popular breweries bringing one-of-a-kind beers made just for this event. Taste special brews from some of the best breweries in SoCal, such as Monkish Brewing, Villains Brewing, Bottle Logic Brewing, Unsung Brewing, The Bruery, Long Beach Beer Lab, El Segundo, Lost Winds and many more!
Oktoberfest at Old World Village
Open until November 5
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
Be there for the first puck drop of the season on October 15 then follow along as the Ducks play their 30th season. Anaheim will have 26 home weekend dates, including 10 Friday games, two Saturday evening games and 14 Sunday contests.
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!
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