Events In Orange County October 2016
From Halloween parties, events and festivals to Oktoberfest, food fests and more, this October 2016 has TONS of events in Orange County for you to enjoy. Check out the list of haunted houses, special Halloween events, and more community fun going on all around OC this month. Time to make some room on your calendar for fun this month.
MICKEY’S HALLOWEEN PARTY
Now – Monday, October 31st
Select nights; 6PM-12AM
disneyland.disney.go.com
Disneyland will be hosting Mickey’s Halloween Parties for a whole new haunting twist on the happiest place on earth. Your ticket to the party includes 5 hours of themed fun from trick-or-treating around the park to villainous character meetings, a special fireworks show, special Halloween themed attractions and the all-new Headless Horseman ride. Costumes are welcome and encouraged for kids and adults alike!
THE 17TH DOOR HAUNTED HOUSE
Now – Sunday, October 23rd
7PM-12AM (times vary depending on the day)
the17thdoor.com
This haunted house takes the experience to a whole new level. Your endurance will be tested as you progress throughout twenty-one unsettling rooms for 34 minutes of psychological terror. There’s even a safe word (Mercy!) if you need to be escorted out of the maze. But don’t worry, they go over all of that in the liability waiver you need to sign before going in the maze. Can you make it through the 17th Door?
OLD WORLD OKTOBERFEST
Now – Sunday, October 30th
Wed. & Thurs. 6:30-10PM; Fri. & Sat. 6:30PM-1AM; Sun. 2-7:30PM
oldworld.ws
German bands, food trucks, beer and more fun is going on for nearly two months at the Huntington Beach Old World Oktoberfest celebrations. Sundays are Kinderfest family days with Dachshund wiener dog races, Wednesdays and Thursdays are free admission and every day is good food and good fun.
PHOENIX CLUB OKTOBERFEST
Now – Sunday, October 23rd
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
thephoenixclub.com
Get your Lederhosen on, there plenty more weekends of Oktoberfest to enjoy! Festivities include authentic German Polka Party music and live bands plus tons of beer of course. General admission is $10. Sunday Oktoberfest Brunch will be open from 10AM-2PM. The last weekend of Oktoberfest will be a special mash up Hauntoberfest for the whole family.
HAUNTED WALKING TOURS AT FULLERTON MUSEUM
Now – November 10th
Wednesdays & Thursdays at 6PM; Mon-Fri Oct. 17th-28th
cityoffullerton.com
Take a two and a half hour walking tour of ghostly sites around the Fullerton Museum to get in the ghoulish mood this Halloween season. Locations to be visited can vary and may include the landmark Plummer Auditorium, where the spirits of Louis E. Plummer and one known only as the angry woman are said to watch the shows presented there. For any ghost hunters, there will also be a meet and greet with members of the North OC Paranormal Society in the museum classroom an hour before each tour where you can learn more about advances in paranormal research and how researchers debunk or confirm paranormal activity.
KNOTT’S SCARY FARM
Now – Monday, October 31st
Select Thursdays & Sundays 7PM-1AM
Select Fridays & Saturdays 7PM-2AM
knotts.com/scaryfarm
13 Haunted Attractions and 1,000 monsters come out to play this year at Knott’s Scary Farm. Mazes, shows, thrill rides and scare zones create a creepy experience to get you in the spirits of Halloween. This year’s mazes include Black Ops: Infected, Fright Lane with Skeleton Key, Paranormal Inc, Tooth Fairy, Trick or Treat and Voodoo – Order of the Serpent. Whatever you’re imagining, it’s here…
IRVINE PARK RAILROAD’S PUMPKIN PATCH
Now – Monday, October 31st
Weekdays 10AM-5PM; Weekends 10AM-6PM
irvineparkrailroad.com
The perfect place for the kids to enjoy some seasonal fun, the Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin patch has tons of activities including face painting, carnival games, mini train ride, pony rides, bike rentals, paddle boat rentals, hay rides, hay maze, panning for hold, John Deere racers, a small haunted house and cookie decorating. Stop by for the fun!
NEWPORT BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL
Friday, September 30th – Sunday, October 2nd
newportwineandfood.com
The Daytime Festival runs Saturday and Sunday 2PM-6PM in the Grand Tasting Pavilions with food, drinks, and live demonstrations and lessons. Indulge in the best OC cuisine from restaurant executive chefs serving up bites. There will also be world-class wines to sip while sommeliers educate on-site. Specialty cocktails and craft beer served throughout the grounds as well. What’s new about this year’s event is the Taste Around Town Events going on Thursday and Friday. During this time guests can join the chefs and masters at special VIP events taking place around Newport Beach restaurants for intimate settings, fine wine tastings, and more. For tickets and full details, check out the website.
TUSTIN TILLER DAYS FESTIVAL & PARADE
Friday, September 30th – Sunday, October 2nd
tustinca.org
An annual event since 1957, the three-day festival celebrates Orange County’s agricultural heritage and allows non-profits to raise much needed funds. Enjoy carnival rides and games, food, Tiny Tiller contest, baking contest, live entertainment and more fun all weekend long. Admission is free and carnival ride and game tickets can be purchased at the event.
TATER TOTS & BEER FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 1st
11AM-2PM; 3PM-6PM
tatertotfestival.com
Come and sample dozens of craft beers and unlimited gourmet tater tot creations designed by creative chefs for your guilty dining pleasure. Held at the Orange County Fair Grounds, there will be two rounds of tastings; 11AM-2PM and 3-6PM. To round out the delicious day, there will be live music as well to keep the party going. General admission tickets are $40, designated driver tickets for unlimited tots only are $25.
FAMILY SUNDAY MATINEES AT FRIDA CINEMA
Sundays in October
11AM
thefridacinema.org
To celebrate the spooky season, the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana will be showing Halloween themed family Sunday matinees. Check out the schedule and get your tickets. Adult tickets are just $5, kids $1.
October 2nd: The Witches
October 9th: Hocus Pocus
October 16th: Beetlejuice
October 23rd: Corpse Bride
October 30th: The Monster Squad
SAN CLEMENTE SEAFEST
Sunday, October 2nd
9:30AM-3PM
scchamber.com
The 29th Annual San Clemente Seafest at the pier will include a Chowder cook-off, arts and crafts show, surf contest, live entertainment, family fun contests and more. Enter the cook-off an individual, team or restaurant or just come by for the chowder tastings and judging. Contests (with prizes for first, second and third) include a hula hoop contest, Costco diaper derby, Rocket Fizz soda pop and candy shop bubble gum blowing contest, jump rope and tortilla toss contest.
MOTEL 6 FEET UNDER
Friday, October 7th – Saturday, November 5th
Wednesdays through Sundays
motel6feetunder.org
The award-winning haunted attraction “MOTEL 6 Feet Under” returns for a second year, kicking off with a catered opening on Friday, October 7. The popular maze returns with so many confusing twists and turns, baffling illusions, and animatronics, live and undead characters that there are too many surprises to see in just one pass through. Admission is $15 or $25 for the fast pass.
DIRTYBIRD CAMPOUT
Friday, October 7th – Sunday, October 9th
dirtybirdcampout.com
Hosted by various members of the beloved Dirtybird record label, this crazy festival brings music fans three days of nonstop partying in a hilariously authentic summer camp environment. Held in Silverado Canyon, the Campout offers ‘campers’ traditional camp activities like archery, tug-of-war, Slip’N Slide and more. Dance into the wee hours of the night at the most epic summer camp experience you’ll ever encounter!
AUTUMN HARVEST FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 8th
4PM-9PM
ocparks.com
Fun for the kids, the Autumn Harvest Festival at Heritage Hill Historic Park in Lake Forest will be bringing fun-filled adventure for the Halloween festival. Enjoy the Indiana Jones Trick or Treat Stations, experience the Under the Sea Adventure Maze, and dare to visit the Haunted School House. Children of all ages can participate in ghoulish games, costume contests and the pumpkin decorating zone. Don’t forget to come in costume and bring your trick-or-treat bags!
DANA POINT STATE CHAMPIONSHIP BBQ
Saturday, October 8th
10AM-5PM
danapointbbqchampionships.com
Enjoy delicious samples from participating BBQ teams at the Dana Point State Championship. Tasting tickets are $2 each and proceeds benefit the Dana Point Veterans of Foreign Wars. Enjoy the live music, selection of cold beers and the excitement of delicious competition. Don’t forget to take advantage of the free parking and shuttle service from Dana Hills High School starting at 9AM and ending at 6PM.
THE VINTAGE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 8th
6PM-10PM
vintagesjc.com
Held in the beautiful historic Mission San Juan Capistrano, the campus with 200-year-old adobe buildings will be lit up for a night of delicious cuisine. Featuring 20+ local restaurants, bakeries, wineries and breweries, your ticket to the event gets you all you can eat and taste for the whole night. Rain or shine the party will be going with live music and fun all night long.
OC FILM FIESTA
Thursday, October 13th – Saturday, October 29th
masamedia.org
Launched in 2010, the OC Film Fiesta in Santa Ana is a cinematic celebration of Orange County’s Latino and multicultural heritage. Each year, the Film Fiesta presents an award-winning selection of feature films, documentaries, short films and activities for a diverse audience of families, students, artists, professionals and lovers of cinema from throughout the county.
HAUNT AT HERITAGE HILL HISTORICAL PARK
Friday, October 14th – Saturday, October 15th
6PM-10:30PM
ocgov.com
The Heritage Hill Historical Park in Lake Forest will transform for a Halloween teen/adult friendly event including scream zones, The Haunted School House Fright Maze, dance floor and DJ, screenings of horror movies and more. Dress up and join in the fun. Entrance is $8 per person, event is suggested for those 12 years+.
ANNUAL SILVERADO DAYS
Friday, October 14th – Sunday, October 16th
Fri: 5PM-12AM; Sat: 10AM-12AM; Sun: 8AM-10PM
buenapark.com
The 60th annual Buena Park Silverado Days are here celebrating hometown family fun. Events include the Annual Baby Classic, pie eating contest, Mutt show and contest, Hog Calling Contest, live music, games, crafts, rides and more. Check out the website for a calendar of all the events.
OOZEFEST
Saturday, October 15th – Sunday, October 16th
12PM-10PM
oozefestival.com
Foodbeast presents the second annual Oozefest, a festival dedicated to everyone’s favorite ooey gooey treat – cheeeeese. Come for the Marketplace of deliciously decadent cheesy themed foods to buy as you grub or purchase a VIP all you can eat ticket from 5-9PM. Held in Downtown Santa Ana, VIP all you can eat tickets are $50 (including beer as well) and $5 for entrance to the Marketplace. While you aren’t stuffing your face with delicious cheese bites and local brews, you can partake in a handful of unique interactive activities like a game of Pizza Roulette with the Jinny’s Pizzeria crew or a cheese pizza-slice eating contest.
ANAHEIM MARIACHI FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 15th
10AM-5PM free admission; 6PM Concerts begin
anaheimmariachi.com
The festival presents and features one of the most revered expressions of Mexican artistry and tradition, the legendary music of the Mariachis. The event will include free admission during the day to food, crafts and other local vendors as well as a showcase Mariachi concert at 6PM – tickets $25.
GLITTERFEST
Saturday, October 15th
10AM-3PM
glitterfest.com
Featuring a collection of mixed media art, Glitterfest includes jewelry, sculpture, dolls, paper whimsy, sparkling home décor and more. Admission is $7 and the event will be held at the Business Expo of Anaheim. The enchanting one-day engagement showcases works by regional artists as well as pieces from antique dealers
THE MAGIC & MUSIC OF HARRY POTTER
Saturday, October 22nd
10AM & 11:30AM concerts
pacificsymphony.org
Grab your brooms and fly away with us as Pacific Symphony performs selections from the Harry Potter films and more, complete with presentations by a professional magician. Dress as your favorite wizard, sorcerer or other Halloween character for this special Hogwarts Halloween. The fun also includes an interactive Music Carnival an hour before each concert where kids can test drive a musical instrument, meet the performers and enjoy Harry Potter themed arts and crafts before the show.
HAUNTOBERFEST
Friday, October 28th – Sunday, October 30th
thephoenixclub.com
Come in costume to the annual Hauntoberfest at Phoenix Club in Anaheim. The German Band is still in the house for the Halloween, Oktoberfest mash up event you’ve been waiting for. The Oktoberfest season is ending with the craziest costume party around. Beer and sausage eating finalists will be competing for the grand prize on Saturday Oct 29th at 7PM. IT’s fun for the whole family with a balloon man, free choo-choo or fire engine rides, bounce house and more.
THE HAUNTED ENVY OC HALLOWEEN PARTY
Saturday, October 29th
7PM-12AM
orangecountynightlife.com
From the Creators of Midnight Kiss NYE, get your thrill on this Halloween at the magnificent Haunted Hotel! This amazing Halloween bash will be the best Orange County Halloween costume party this year. Fun includes top DJs and top 40 hits, VIP bottle service packages, areas to mingle and dance, contest, party favors and more.
ANAHEIM FALL FESTIVAL AND HALLOWEEN PARADE
Saturday, October 29th
anaheimfallfestival.org
The Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is a nearly 100-year-old tradition attracting 50,000 attendees each year. Put together thanks to volunteer efforts, the community fun also includes the Miss Anaheim scholarship program. Through the combined support of local businesses, schools, organizations and residents, the Parade provides a platform, like no other, for artists, “makers”, and performers of all kinds to showcase their creativity.
MURDER MYSTERY SCAVENGER HUNT LAGUNA BEACH
Saturday, October 29th
11AM
murdermysteryscavengerhunt.com
Put your detective skills to the test to solve a murder in Laguna Beach. Your team will compete against up to ten other teams scattered throughout Downtown Laguna Beach, each leading their own separate investigation. The team that solves for the murderer needing the least help from headquarters wins! The game lasts about four hours and will require traveling about 3-4 miles on foot. Murder Mystery scavenger hunts also available in San Clemente and Old Town San Diego.
SOCAL VEGFEST
Saturday, October 29th – Sunday, October 30th
10MA-6PM
socalvegfest.org
SoCal Vegfest is a free vegan festival designed to inspire consciousness in people of all ages and learn more about healthy eating. Festival fun includes guest speakers and celebrities, food sampling, live music, cooking contests and demos, yoga and meditation workshops, cruelty-free vendors, fun for kids and a Halloween Contest. The conscious fun will all be happening at Orange Coast College so you can learn more about the lifestyle.
KIDZ BLOCK PARTY IN BREA
Monday, October 31st
5PM-9PM
kidzblockparty.com
Kidz Block Party is the largest and safest, totally free Halloween Night family event in North Orange County. Kidz Block Party is so huge it requires a full closure of Brea Downtown and 550+ volunteers to make it possible. Over 200,000 pieces of candy will be given out in 4 hours plus tons of carnival fun. There will be inflatable fun rides, games, face painting, pony rides, and so much more. It’s safe, seriously fun, and a great way to celebrate Halloween with the family.
Thank you for reading. I hope you found this information useful.
Jeff Pittman, Realtor in Ladera Ranch – Orange County, California