Can you believe it’s practically Halloween? Although if you’ve been visiting big box stores like Costco, it’s been Halloween since July. But there are lots of other things to do in October, and plenty of them are free. Here’s our list, so get out there and have some fun.
Oct. 4 — Granada Hills: Enjoy a concert by INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble at the Granada Hills library. This group was formed in 1981 to research and preserve the rich musical history of Peru and the Andes. 3:30-4:30 p.m. 10640 Petit Ave., Granada Hills. lapl.org/whats-on/events/inca-peruvian-ensemble-2
Oct. 5 — Santa Ana: The family-friendly Asian Mid-Autumn Festival at the Bowers Museum will feature live performances, art making, face painting and complimentary treats. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 2002 North Main St. Santa Ana. bowers.org/index.php/programs/festivals/asian-mid-autumn-festival
Oct 9 — Woodland Hills: Celebrate Latino Heritage Month with live music and dance by INCA, the Peruvian Ensemble. Attendees will learn about various special instruments and will have a chance to play with the band! 3:30-4:30 p.m. Woodland Hills library, 22200 Ventura Blvd. Woodland Hills. lapl.org/whats-on/events/inca-peruvian-music-dance-ensemble-0
Oct. 11 — Riverside: Free Fall Festival with live entertainment, a petting zoo, critter show, train and more. 4-8 p.m. Villegas Park, 3091 Esperanza St., Riverside. riversideca.gov/localvibes
Oct. 11 — Silverado/Modjeska Canyon: Celebrate famed actress Helena Modjeska’s birthday at her historic home, Arden, now a museum. Explore the home, sample Polish food and see Polish folk dancers. 10 a.m. to noon, or noon to 2 p.m. Must register in advance: ocparks.com/events/modjeskas-birthday-celebration-10-am-12-pm Parking at Santiago Canyon Road and Modjeska Canyon Road.
Oct. 12 — Newport Beach: Concert at Marina Park featuring 805 Social Club: The History of Pop. This musical journey traverses seven decades of pop music, from the 1960s to today. Includes an audio montage of news and pop culture sound clips. 4-5:30 p.m. 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. newportbeachca.gov/government/departments/library-services/cultural-arts/concerts-on-the-green
Oct. 12 — Los Angeles: Depot Day at Travel Town Train Museum in Griffith Park will include high school jazz bands, docent tours, g-scale train displays, a Halloween Costume Parade (for members only) and contest along with train play area and more. Starts at 10 a.m. 5200 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, Los Angeles. traveltown.org/visit/calendar/
October 18 — Simi Valley: Junk in the Trunk sale will boast more than 46 vendors with treasures, trinkets and more. Rain cancels. 8 a.m. to noon. Rancho Santa Susana Community Center Parking Lot, 5005-C Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley. rsrpd.org/recreation/events/fall_(september_-_november)/junk_in_the_trunk.php
Oct. 21 — Van Nuys: Make a decorated picture fram for Día de los Muertos. Learn how to create and embellish your own handmade photo frame, to reflect the journeys of a loved one. 4:30 p.m. at the Van Nuys library, 6250 Sylmar Ave., Van Nuys lapl.org/whats-on/events/dia-de-los-muertos-decorated-picture-frames-self-help-graphics-art
Oct. 30 — Los Angeles: Take part in a community celebration of Día de los Muertos where kids, teens, and adults can come together. Hands-on activities for all ages include sugar skull decorating, crafts and other crafts. 4 p.m., Exposition Park Bethune Regional Branch Library, 3900 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles. lapl.org/whats-on/events/celebrate-dia-de-los-muertos
Oct. 31 — Costa Mesa: Take a self-guided tour of a demonstration farm at Centennial Farm Discovery Day. 9 a.m.-noon at Orange County Fairgrounds (arrive by 11 a.m.) Free admission and parking. On Discovery days, “farmers” are available to answer questions and help. Kids can pet a chick and plant a radish seed, but no feeding of the animals allowed. Bring a picnic lunch if desired. ocfair.com/centennial-farm/tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/