Add These Festive Happenings to Your Fall Calendar
Just because school’s back in session doesn’t mean the fun has to end. With an abundance of festive events in Orange County this fall, your problem might be choosing which ones to miss. And with that perfect SoCal weather here to stay, we have all the more reason to embrace fall as if it’s still summer. From beer festivals to Halloween festivities, OC is teeming with quality entertainment that is sure to please people of all ages. So, if you’re a fan of pumpkin picking, authentic Bavarian pretzels or fair festivities, check out our lineup of eight must-attend events in Orange County this fall!
Halloween Happenings at Bella Terra
When: Oct. 20-21, 27-30
At first glance, Bella Terra is simply a buzzy place to shop, dine and enjoy. Located off the 405 freeway and Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach, this lifestyle center boasts a chic collection of boutiques, restaurants, theaters and more. But as Halloween creeps into season, Bella Terra transforms into a ghoulishly delightful funhouse of entertainment on top of its normal fanfare. On Oct. 20-21 and 27-28, from 5-8 p.m., greet the “Scarolers” who will be singing haunted Halloween songs and frightful scarols as they lurk around the center.
On Sunday, Oct. 29, from 3-5 p.m., bring your costume best to Bella Terra, where all littles (and adults, too!) can show off their scary goblin or darling princess attire while enjoying a safe space to trick-or-treat. Dance to a kid-friendly DJ on The Green while joining in on the fun, which includes balloon twisters, face painting and photo ops with some of your favorite spooky characters. The first 500 kids will receive a goodie bag! On Monday, Oct. 30, from 10:30-11:30 a.m., join the monthly Kids Club for a Halloween celebration on The Green. You can expect themed crafts, story time and fun performances at this monthly event. There’s always a reason to visit Bella Terra!
Oktoberfest at Old World in Huntington Beach
When: Sept. 17-Nov. 5
With summer wrapping up, it might be a little late for a vacation to Europe, but thanks to Huntington Beach’s Old World, a quick trip to “Germany” without leaving SoCal is possible! Starting Sept. 17, Old World will be hosting its 45th annual Oktoberfest every Wednesday to Sunday through the first week of November. Here, you and your friends can enjoy an array of select imported beer, authentic Bavarian pretzels and traditional German festivities.
Oktoberfest at Old World is a crowd-pleaser for everyone since it includes their 10,000-square-foot outdoor Biergarten and 5,500-square-foot concert venue, an award-winning bratwurst selection, German bands and fun competitions. And if you’re a sucker for parades, you’re in luck: on Sept. 24, Old World will be hosting its annual Oktoberfest Parade where you and your family can gather to witness traditional German music, attire and folklore.
Location: Huntington Beach
10/26
Ohana Fest 2023 in Dana Point
When: Sept. 29-Oct. 1
If you love live tunes by the ocean, you’ll want to check out this year’s Ohana Fest in Dana Point. Ohana Fest is a three-day event jam-packed with over 35 performances throughout three stages at Doheny State Beach. A local favorite, Ohana Fest showcases some of the best in the music business with this year’s lineup that includes legends like Pretenders, Eddie Vedder, Foo Fighters and so many more. This event goes from Friday, Sept. 29, through Sunday, Oct. 1, so be sure to snatch your tickets while you still can.
Location: Dana Point
11.28
Newport Beach Film Festival
When: Oct. 12-19
Calling all film fanatics! This October marks Newport Beach’s 24th annual Newport Beach Film Festival. The massive festival attracts over 50,000 fans yearly to enjoy any of the 100 films, 30 short films and 60 restaurants and chefs serving their signature dishes. This weeklong event runs Oct. 12-19, so grab a glass of wine, a movie snack and your seat because this year’s Newport Beach Film Festival is going to be one for the books.
Location: Newport Beach
Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch
When: Sept. 16-Oct. 31
To really fall into the spirit of pumpkin season, checking out Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch this September and October is a must. Starting on Sept. 16, Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch opens to the community. One of Orange County’s only producing farms, this local farm has retained its sterling reputation for being among the most authentic pumpkin patches in all of SoCal. Take a wagon ride, explore mazes, see barnyard exhibits and, of course, pick your very own pumpkin!
Location: Irvine
The Witching Hour Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
When: Open daily, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
Everybody needs one good scare this Halloween season, and we know where to find it! At Newport Beach’s Roger’s Gardens, you can walk through their annual Halloween Boutique, “The Witching Hour,” to discover cabinets upon cabinets of eerie and unusual goods guaranteed to give you goosebumps. With free admission and a never-ending collection of creepy goodies available for purchase, this boutique is a must-visit this season. Roger’s Gardens will surely spark your spooky season spirit.
Location: Newport Beach
2023 Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival
When: Oct. 5
If your passion lies in music or food, you’ll want to snag a ticket to this year’s Taste of Laguna Food & Music Festival, where delish bites and smashing sounds are on the menu. At Taste of Laguna & Music Festival, you can indulge in decadent bites and signature dishes from over 30 of OC’s most reputable restaurants and chefs paired with music by The Mighty Untouchables. This event occurs on Oct. 5, and tickets are sure to sell out (VIP tickets already have!).
Location: Laguna Beach
10/28
66th Annual Tustin Tiller Days
When: Oct. 6-8
Just because the fair is over doesn’t mean you can’t experience summer fun this fall! Running from Oct. 6-8, the Tustin Tiller Days Festival and Parade will feature food trucks, carnival rides, live music and a slew of vendors. This event is free to attend and is entertaining for all ages, whether you’re in need of a family day or you’re embarking on a first date. Only three days long, make sure to put Tustin Tiller Days on your schedule for a day of unbeatable fun.
Location: Tustin
