It’s fall and the weather is getting coooler, so let’s get out and enjoy some free yet fun things to do, and maybe meet new people, too.
Oct. 2 — South Pasadena: Head to the South Pasadena Library to enjoy the Janus Film Club, which features monthly Friday night screenings of art house classics. This month’s selection is the 1960 French horror classic film “Eyes Without A Face.” The movie starts at 7 p.m. in the library’s community room, followed by a brief discussion. No reservations needed. 1115 El Centro St., South Pasadena. southpasadenaca.gov/Events-Director/Janm-yus-FilClub
Oct. 2-4 — Huntington Beach: It’s time for the huge annual Pacific Airshow that brings historic and unique aircraft, acrobatic demonstrations and aviation displays. The best way to see the show is to buy tickets and listen to the commentary, but tickets are pricey. You can watch overhead for free from many areas, even Seal Beach. But make sure to be there by 7-8 a.m. or get stuck in traffic. Good free viewing areas include the beach north or south of the ticketed festival area, near or even under the pier, nearby parks, hilly areas or open space. Bring chairs or a towel, sunscreen, snacks and drinks. The official center is on Pacific Coast Highway between Twin Dolphin Street and Beach Boulevard in Huntington Beach. pacificairshowusa.com
Oct. 3 — Montclair: The 2026 Waterwise Garden & Pumpkin Fest, from 9 a.m. to noon, will feature free kids’ activities, including crafts and face painting, a plant sale, a pumpkin patch and pumpkin decorating. The event, hosted by the Chino Basin Water Conservation District, is completely free with no tickets required. Waterwise Community Center, 4594 San Bernardino St., Montclair sbcountystormwater.org/event/2026-waterwise-garden-pumpkin-fest
Oct. 4 — Santa Ana: Enjoy the free family Mehregan Festival in the courtyard of the Bowers Museum from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an ancient fall festival from Iran celebrating love and the harvest. Live performances, arts and crafts, face painting and treats. 2002 North Main St., Santa Ana. bowers.org
Oct. 6 — Cypress: Enjoy learning about and sampling snacks from around the world at the Cypress Library. This month’s unique snacks come from the Netherlands. This monthly program is for adults over 18. Location: 5331 Orange Ave., Cypress ocpl.libcal.com/event/16398781
Oct. 8 — Burbank: Come and explore the new replacement passenger terminal before it opens to the public at the Hollywood Burbank Airport Community Day. Timed tickets are free but must be registered in advance. Time slots from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 2827 N. Hollywood Way, Burbank. eventbrite.com/e/hollywood-burbank-airport-community-day-thursday-october-8-2026-tickets-1998286635118
Oct. 8 — Costa Mesa: Do you love chocolate? Well, then this is for you. This “Passport to Flavor: Chocolate” event, from 1 to 2 p.m., will let you sample chocolates from various countries and learn about the traditions and ingredients that make them special. You’ll also learn about the history of chocolate around the world. This is at the Donald Dungan Branch Library, 1855 Park Ave., Costa Mesa. ocpl.libcal.com/event/17169478
Oct. 9 — Pasadena: Put on your walking shoes for ArtNight Pasadena, which includes free entry to museums, dance, music and theater performances. You can grab free shuttles to the participating venues and there are also accessible buses. This event runs Friday night only, from 6 to 10 p.m. Venues include the Gamble House, the USC Pacific Asia Museum, the Pasadena Playhouse and more. Learn more: cityofpasadena.net/artnight/
Oct. 10 — Calabasas: Celebrate National Fossil Day at the King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn about fossils, participate in activities and even earn your Jr. Paleontologist Badge. Location: Santa Monica Mountains Interagency Visitor Center – King Gillette Ranch, 26876 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas. Free admission and parking. All ages. eventbrite.com/e/national-fossil-day-tickets-1998927544094
Oct. 10 — San Juan Capistrano: Explore the night sky at Caspers Wilderness Park, which is a designated “Star Park” in California. This outdoor Starr Party includes telescopes and expert guidance, family activities and more. Bring your own binoculars, telescopes or cameras if desired. Held at the nature center from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Event is free, but parking costs $5. 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. Bad weather cancels. Call 949-923-2210. Register here (or just show up): letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/10/10/starr-party-9/
Oct. 11 — Downtown Los Angeles: This year’s CicLAvia Heart of LA open streets biking and people-powered event is even bigger than ever. Get out your bike, skates, walk or jog and find 6.5 miles of car-free streets to cruise around on from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The four hubs will be in Echo Park, Chinatown, Little Tokyo and Boyle Heights. Hubs offer restrooms, water refilling stations, basic bike repair, bike parking and seating. Only people-powered vehicles are allowed. Learn more: ciclavia.org
Oct. 11 — Montebello: It’s a day of fun and community at Montebello’s 2026 Heritage Festival, which goes from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Montebello City Park. It starts with a fun run that’s not free (except for kids 10 and under). Then, the Heritage Festival Parade starts on Whittier Boulevard at 10:30 a.m. with floats, marching bands and more, followed by family activities from noon to 9 p.m. Enjoy family-friendly live music and cultural performances, kids crafts, food vendors and a carnival (not free). Montebello City Park, 1301 W. Whittier Blvd., Montebello. eventbrite.com/e/montebellos-2026-heritage-festival-tickets-1996511239863
Oct. 11 — Newport Beach: It’s time for the Sunday Musicale at the Newport Beach Library, and this time it’s a solo piano concert by pianist Marina Grozdanovic from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Witte Lecture Hall. She will be playing “Sounds of France,” exploring different periods of French music history, from the baroque to the impressionist era. Seats are first come, first served. Witte Lecture Hall, 998 Avocado Ave., Newport Beach. newportbeachlibrary.org/calendar/-curm-10/-cury-2026
Oct. 11 — Newport Beach: Head to the outdoor concert at Marina Park and enjoy ’90s tribute band Diego’s Garage from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Marina Park Community Center, 1600 W. Balboa Blvd., Newport Beach. Free parking newportbeachlibrary.org
Oct. 14 — Fullerton: Considered by some to be the best movie ever made, Orson Welles‘ “Citizen Kane” (1941) will screen at 4 p.m. indoors on the 184-inch screen with surround sound in the Fullerton Library’s Conference Center. 353 W. Commonwealth Ave., Fullerton. fullertonlibrary.org/movie-program
Oct. 16 — Los Angeles: Enjoy hearing and learning about baroque music from 4 to 5 p.m. with members of Los Angeles Baroque ensemble who perform with period instruments. Afterward, people are invited to hold the instruments and talk to the musicians about them. Instruments may include violin, viola, cello, viola da gamba, recorder, and Baroque flute. El Sereno branch library, 5226 Huntington Drive So., Los Angeles. lapl.org/events/9/la-made-los-angeles-baroque-and-huntington-library-presents
Oct. 16-18 — Redlands: Enjoy a three-day art festival on the grounds and gardens of the Redlands United Church of Christ. The festival, held since 1979, supports the arts and local community. It features more than 70 artists and artisans showing their work in ceramics, fiber arts, acrylics, photography, watercolor, oils, stained glass, jewelry, pottery, and metal sculpture. There’s also live music daily. 168 Bellevue Ave., Redlands. artforheavenssake.or
Oct. 17 — Ladera Ranch: Do you want to learn to play mahjong but don’t know where to start? Check out this new Beginning Mahjong Program from 2 to 4 p.m. for adults and teens. No prior knowledge is necessary. For more information, call 949-234-5940. Ladera Ranch Library, 29551 Sienna Parkway, Ladera Ranch. ocpl.libcal.com/event/17660324
Oct. 17-18 — Lake Elsinore: It’s time for the Asian Glow Fest, a water lantern and kite festival. General admission is free and there’s lots of family fun from 2 to 10 p.m. at Elm Grove Beach. All ages. Colorful kites are expected to fill the air during the day. Asian food will be available for sale. Live music and entertainment. People do not need to purchase a floating water lantern to enjoy the festival, but they will be available to buy. Then, the illuminated lanterns will be set afloat on the lake, creating a magical environment. (Later, crews will clean them up.) Elm Grove Beach, 500 W. Lakeshore Drive, Lake Elsinore. eventbrite.com/e/asian-glow-fest-water-lanterns-kite-festival-free-event-family-fun-tickets-1999057612131
Oct. 17 — Riverside: If you like motorcycles and dogs, head to Dogtoberfest, billed as “a celebration of community, pups and motorcyles,” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Canine attendees can enjoy free Pup Cups and pose with their humans in a Doggy Photobooth. There also will be a dog costume contest, vendors and rescue groups with adoptable pets, free food and drinks for people and free grooming for dogs. Riverside Harley-Davidson, 7688 Indiana Ave., Riverside. www.facebook.com/events/7688-indiana-ave-riverside-ca-united-states-california-92504/dogtoberfest/1075182125367930/
Oct. 19 — San Bernardino: Make your own Halloween-themed lantern at a fun family craft session from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Feldheym Central Library. 555 W 6th St., San Bernardino. sbpl.org
Oct. 24 — Costa Mesa: Enjoy the 6th Annual All Abilities Celebration at the Segerstrom Center’s Argyros Plaza. This promises to be a fun day for the whole family with live shows, activities, workshops and resources, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and accessible to all. An ASL interpreter will be available. Learn more about the Studio D arts school for all abilities. Parking is paid. 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa scfta.org/events/2026/all-abilities-celebration
Oct. 24 — Eastvale: Enjoy a family drive-in movie for free at the Eastvale Sunset Cinema Drive-In movie series. This week it’s a double feature: “Toy Story 5” and “Pirates of the Caribbean The Curse of the Black Pearl.” Gates open at 6 p.m. Movies start at sunset. Eastvale residents can get one free ticket per car by signing up online. Visitors pay $10. 13200 Citrus St., Eastvale. Get your free ticket here: eventbrite.com/e/city-of-eastvale-sunset-cinema-2026-1-ticket-per-vehicle-tickets-1989422674774
Oct. 24 — North Hollywood: Why spend money on an afternoon of beginner painting? Join the co-founder of Viridian Art Academy from 2 to 3 p.m. for a free afternoon for adults, learning social-emotional art techniques, how to calm the mind through art, and have fun being creative with their peers. At the Valley Plaza branch library, 12311 Vanowen St., North Hollywood. lapl.org/events/9/la-made-painting-afternoon-viridian-art
Oct. 25 — Silverado: Take a family walk in beautiful Limestone Canyon with a docent and … miniature donkeys! All ages. From 9 to 11:30 a.m. Hear stories about the landscape around the Irvine Ranch and enjoy the donkeys, who walk along (no riding.) Donkeys provided by the Back Bay Therapeutic Riding Club. Do not bring your own animals. Note that you must register in advance; no walkups. Registration opens Oct. 10 at 8 a.m. and all spots will go quickly. At the Limestone Canyon Nature Preserve, Augustine staging area. Directions will be sent upon registration. Sign up here: letsgooutside.org/activities/2026/10/25/hoofprints-and-horizons-donkey-tales-11/
Oct 26 — Costa Mesa: Got a baby? Like art? Want to get out of the house? If so, come to the UCI Orange County Museum of Art for the 11 a.m. Bring Your Own Baby Tour & Tea. This is a half-hour stroller tour for parents of infants ages one year and under to connect with each other and explore exhibitions. Afterward, enjoy a free cup of tea from the onsite cafe. This event is held the first Wednesday of the month. Tickets are free, required, and available online. First come, first served. Paid parking, or plan to walk for awhile. Orange County Museum of Art, 3333 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa. langson.uci.edu/calendar/bring-your-own-baby-tour-tea-october-26/
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