Top Southern California Community Events in October

October is here, which means the fall festivities are just beginning! This month, you can spend some family time in the pumpkin patch, participate in fun Halloween activities on the beach, and enjoy the fair weather at many of our local outdoor festivals.

Check out our picks for the top October events in Southern California here:

Donut Fest Orange County

When: October 20th, 2019
Where: Golden Road Brewing Anaheim (2210 East Orangewood Avenue, Anaheim, CA)
Cost: $20-$50

Looking for a way to satisfy your sweet tooth? The Donut Fest is the perfect weekend destination. You’ll get to sample different kinds of donuts from a variety of booths, taste coffee and tea samples, have some beer from Golden Road Brewing, and vote on the official OC Favorite Donut. You’ll also have the opportunity to participate in a donut eating contest, jam out to a live DJ, and take pictures in one of the photobooths. And if you like what you eat, you can take it home with you by stopping by one of the areas with donuts available for purchase. 

Savor Santa Ana

When: October 12^th, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Where: Downtown Santa Ana Historic District (N. Spurgeon and 4th St., Santa Ana, CA)
Cost: $10

Gather your friends and enjoy a night of fun! For just ten dollars, you can get five tickets to tastings for a wide variety of food throughout the festival. There are over 50 restaurants in the area participating, so you’ll get to experiment and try something new. All locations are within walking distance. Live music will be playing throughout the area, and there will be a free historic trolley available to take people between destinations.

44th Annual Fall Faire & Pumpkin Patch

When: October 13th, 2019 from 10 am – 3 pm
Where: 1601 E. 16th Street, Newport Beach, CA
Cost: Free

Kick of the fall season at this fun, family-friendly fair. Pick out the perfect pumpkin to carve this Halloween from a patch with all shapes and sizes. Aside from the pumpkins, there are games and crafts for the kids, restaurants featured on a showcase, face painting stations. Guests can also enjoy live entertainment from the Sweetwater Creek band, along with pony rides and a petting zoo. For even more of a deal, bring your own reusable cup to receive free lemonade and water throughout the faire. Proceeds go towards environmental education programs.

Irvine Global Village Festival

When: October 12^th- 13^th, 2019
Where: The Great Park (8000 Great Park Blvd. Irvine, CA)
Cost: S5/person per day, $20/family up to six per day

For the past 18 years, the Irvine Global Village Festival has been bringing fun to the community with cultural activities from around the world. Families can immerse themselves in history, food, art, and music in a weekend at the Great Park. There will be a Kids Village full of activities for younger members of the family, which includes interactive activities and a petting zoo.

Beach, Brews and BBQ 2019

When: October 19^th, 2019
Where: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort (1131 Back Bay Dr, Newport Beach, CA)
Cost: Starting at $50/ticket

Enjoy unlimited samples of the best handcrafted beers, delicious BBQ from local restaurants, and live entertainment all while supporting a great cause. For the past five years, BJ’s Restaurants have hosted this event to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Orange County Chapter. You can have fun partying while knowing your money is going to help find a cure for people who need it.

Community STEM Night

When: October 25^th, 2019 from 5:30 to 9:30
Where: Orange Coast College (Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA)
Cost: Free

The Orange Coast College is hosting a free night for families to explore science together. Younger kids (and parents too!) will love seeing battling robots, undersea creatures, out-of-this-world cosmic scenes, and volcanic eruptions. Guests will get to attend open houses in each science department and learn more about what they do. Families can also enjoy a free hot dog barbecue as part of the experience.

OC Japan Fair

When: October 18^th-20^th, 2019
Where: OC Fair & Event Center (88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA)
Cost: $6

Learn about Japanese culture with authentic food, entertainment, and traditions. You’ll get to visit cultural exhibition booths exploring things like calligraphy, kimono, Origami, and Awa Odori traditional dance. See famous Japanese musical artists perform live and enjoy lots of Anime cosplays at the “Cosplay Show Live.” If you’re looking for something a little more active, you can participate in the Japanese Esports Tournament. Entry costs just $5.

Doheny State Beach Halloween Haunt

When: October 19^th, 2019 from 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Where: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive (Dana Point, CA)
Cost: Free with donation of food item

Pull out the Halloween costumes and come out to Doheny State Beach for an evening of spooky fun. There will be craft booths, face painting, treats, and prizes. Guests are encouraged to bring a canned or non-perishable food good to receive free admission.

Looking for more fun activities? Stay up to date on the blog.

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