We’ve found the best pumpkin patches and trick-or-treating spots this spooky season. For nights without the kiddos, enjoy beer and brats at the Bungalow’s Oktoberfest or party at the Pier’s first two-day music festival.
Here is what is happening, when, and how to get in.
FEATURED: Oktoberfest at the Fairmont Miramar
When: Thursday, Oct. 8 to Saturday, Oct. 10, 5 to 10 p.m. Where: The Bungalow, Fairmont Miramar, 101 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica Cost: Free entry, all ages. RSVP through Eventbrite. Food and drinks sold separately.
The Miramar turns the front drive at The Bungalow into a three-night Oktoberfest, with German beer and food a block from the ocean.
More info: fairmont-miramar.com
Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch in Culver City
When: Oct. 2 to 31. Hours vary by date; most weekdays run 10 a.m. to 9 p.m Where: 10100 Jefferson Blvd., Culver City Cost: $10 to $25 depending on date and time slot. Kids under 3 are free.
The Westside's biggest pumpkin patch opens Oct. 2 and runs through Halloween. Tickets are sold by time slot, and prices peak on the weekends of Oct. 17 to 18 and 24 to 25. Book ahead for those dates.
More info: mrbonespumpkinpatch.com
Montana Avenue Art Walk
When: Saturday, Oct. 3, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: Montana Avenue, Santa Monica Cost: Free, all ages, no RSVP required
Montana Avenue closes to cars for an art walk celebrating 100 years of Route 66. The event is an official Route 66 Centennial celebration, organized by The Venice Fest.
More info: montanaave.com
Pier Play Festival at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Saturday, Oct. 3 and Sunday, Oct. 4, 2:30 to 10:30 p.m Where: Santa Monica Pier Cost: Ticketed, 21+. General admission and VIP tables available. No refunds.
After four sold-out single-day editions, the RASA dance music festival expands to two days on an oceanside stage at the Pier. The lineup includes Monolink, Claptone, MEDUZA, Mind Against, Kaz James and LP Giobbi.
More info: Eventbrite
Continuum at Historic Belmar Park
When: Sunday, Oct. 11, noon to 5 p.m. Where: Historic Belmar Park, 1840 4th St., Santa Monica Cost: Free, all ages. Optional RSVP on Eventbrite.
Continuum honors the history of Belmar, the Black neighborhood that stood where the Civic Center is today, and Black Santa Monica. The afternoon includes conversations with Sam Sanders, a set from KCRW's DJ Tyler "Boogie" Boudreaux, and live music from Katalyst Collective, Songs With Strings and Cure For Paranoia. There's also a vendor village from Black Market Flea, work by artist April Banks, and hands-on art-making. The City of Santa Monica and GV Black present the event.
More info: continuumfest.com
Locals' Night at the Santa Monica Pier
When: Thursday, Oct. 15 Where: Santa Monica Pier Cost: Free
Locals' Night returns on the third Thursday of every month from September through May. Santa Monica residents get deals from Pier businesses and Pacific Park.
More info: santamonicapier.org
Main Street Block Party + Day of the Dog
When: Sunday, Oct. 18, noon to 6 p.m Where: Main Street, Santa Monica Cost: Free. The $10 "Tito's Paws for a Cause" pet photo booth is optional.
Main Street goes car-free for a block party built around dogs. Expect live music and DJs, drinks to-go, local vendors, a Halloween pet photo booth, and a Kids Corner with pumpkin decorating and face painting. Eight dollars from every photo booth ticket goes to the Santa Monica Animal Shelter Foundation.
More info: Eventbrite
Eric Idle and "Weird Al" Yankovic at John Adams Middle School
When: Thursday, Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. Where: John Adams Middle School Performing Arts Center, 2425 16th St., Santa Monica Cost: Ticketed, with book bundles available. No refunds or exchanges.
Monty Python co-founder Eric Idle and "Weird Al" Yankovic sit down for a conversation, then play together with their band. Idle will discuss his new book, "Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme." Writers Bloc Presents hosts the event and asks buyers to avoid resale sites.
More info: Eventbrite
LA Times Food Bowl at Barker Hangar
When: Friday, Oct. 23, 7 to 10 p.m. (VIP from 6 p.m.) and Saturday, Oct. 24, 6 to 9 p.m. (VIP from 5 p.m.) Where: Barker Hangar, 3021 Airport Ave., Santa Monica Cost: Ticketed, 21+. All food and drinks included. Parking sold separately.
The Los Angeles Times brings its Food Bowl to Santa Monica Airport for two nights with more than 40 restaurants. Friday is a live countdown of the paper's 101 Best Restaurants list. Saturday is "Saturday Night Flavor," with chef demos and book signings.
More info: Tixr
Walter Mosley at Miles Playhouse
When: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 6 to 8 p.m. Where: Miles Playhouse, 1130 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica Cost: Free
Walter Mosley discusses "Hanging & Burning," the fourth novel in his King Oliver series, with former NFL player Andre Hardy, whose debut crime novel is "Tear the City Down." A book sale and signing follow.
More info: smpl.org
Halloween on Montana Avenue and in Downtown Santa Monica
When: Saturday, Oct. 31 Where: Montana Avenue and Downtown Santa Monica Cost: Free
Montana Avenue's Halloween Hop and Downtown Santa Monica's Trick-or-Treat have both run every Halloween afternoon, traditionally from 3 to 6 p.m., with shops handing out candy to kids in costume.
More info: montanaave.com and downtownsm.com
Want your event featured? Reach out to ads@smdp.com