12 Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In October (2023)

Want to know all the best things to do in Anaheim in October? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!

Things To Do In Anaheim In October

Anaheim is best known for it’s theme parks, but there are plenty of other things to do in Anaheim in October.

Below are some of our favorite festivals, special events, seasonal offerings, and more!

Planning A Trip? Use Our Favorite Resources Below!

👉🏼 Accommodations
👉🏼 Tours/Experiences (this one is also great for finding local things to do!)
👉🏼 Flights
👉🏼 Car Rentals

1. 100th Anaheim Fall Festival & Halloween Parade

The annual Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade is a must-visit event Saturday, October 28th from 11am to 6pm on Center Street.

This festival brings together local food vendors offering a variety of treats.

This festival not only offers delicious food but also provides a festive atmosphere that celebrates Halloween.

The parade will start at 7 pm at City Hall and proceed west via Center Street and Broadway.

Hammer, from AFunCouple.com shared his experience from previous years.

“My visit to the Anaheim Fall Festival was like stepping into the heart of autumn itself.

The air was filled with the delicious smell of kettle corn and freshly baked treats, making it feel cozy and inviting.

What made it even more special was the strong sense of community, with families, friends, and local folks all coming together, creating a lively atmosphere filled with laughter and smiles.

The sight of colorful pumpkin displays was a joy, especially watching kids excitedly pick their favorites.

But the festival had even more to offer, with fun activities like face painting for kids and craft booths where people of all ages could make their own fall-themed creations.

Live music added a nice touch, and local artists showcased their handmade goods.

It was a complete celebration of fall, where every corner had something fun to explore, and the feeling of togetherness made it a truly unforgettable experience.”

2. Oogie Boogie Bash At Disneyland

Yulia Saf, the CEO of Miss Tourist shares that this annual event transforms Disneyland into a giant Halloween party, where visitors can enjoy costume parades, trick or treating, and meet Halloween-themed Disney characters.

The night ends with fireworks that color the Disneyland skies.

3. Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit At Downtown Disney

Gwen, from CaliforniaFamilyTravel.com shares her experience with this fun event.

“Here is something great you can do at the Disneyland Resort in October that does not require a park ticket!

Visitors can play Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit at Downtown Disney.

Through November 1, Disney character-themed pumpkins will be hidden around the Downtown Disney District for Pluto’s Pumpkin Pursuit.

Simply pick up a game board and stickers for $9.99 and have fun searching for hidden pumpkins.

When you find them, place the corresponding stickers on your game board.

Return the completed game board for a fun Disney prize.

This is a fun scavenger hunt activity if you’ve got little kids, or if you are a local visiting the Disneyland Resort to get a taste of Disneyland Halloween fun without having to pay for a park ticket!

Downtown Disney will be colorfully decorated for Halloween and fall during this time, making this Halloween activity extra festive!”

4. Oak Canyon Nature Center Night Hikes

On the 3rd Saturday of the month, you can experience the park at night on a guided hike.

Jens shares his experience with this event from previous years.

“This evening guided nature hike offers an immersive experience.

Amidst the rustling leaves and soft glow of twilight, the intertwining of local folklore creates a serene yet enlightening atmosphere.

I’ve participated in this hike before, and the ambiance is both refreshing and reflective.

It feels like somewhere out of a Tim Burton movie honestly.”

5. Seasonal Food Offerings At Anaheim Packing District

Jens also shared his experience trying seasonal offerings at the Anaheim Packing District.

“A renowned spot throughout the year, its character in October is notably different.

Several vendors introduce seasonal offerings.

Last year, I had the pleasure of tasting a pumpkin-spiced churro, a delightful treat that genuinely captured the spirit of the season.

The district also embraces an autumn-themed decor, enhancing the overall experience.”

6. Adventure City’s Boo-Tastic Halloween Party

This party takes place on select nights in October: 6th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th, and 31st from 5:30 pm – 9:30 pm.

At this event you can enjoy 11 rides, walk through their “Trick-or-Treat Street” for free candy and trinkets, try to make it through the Cosmic Vortex Tunnel, and more.

There’s a Halloween themed Express Train, a Halloween themed scavenger hunt that has even more candy, free glow accessories to wear throughout the night, and a Spooktacular Dance Party.

Now this part is optional, but you can come in your favorite Halloween costume too!

7. The Hide At Escape Room Era In Anaheim

This is an INTENSE escape room.

The premise here is that you’re in a serial killer’s basement while he’s away from home and you need to collect evidence before he returns.

Like it says in the name, hiding is required throughout the experience to not get caught.

You’ll also have a night vision camera on you to record your entire experience, which will be emailed to you after.

It’s easily the scariest experience I’ve ever had in my life.

8. 13th Basement Escape Room At The Exit Game In Anaheim

This escape room is a little different from the one mentioned above.

13th Basement is more of a parody of horror themed escape rooms.

You’ll be blindfolded to begin your experience and the rest of your time here will feel like you’re living in the movie Saw.

It’s meant to be spooky and scary, but in a fun way.

9. The Haunted Car Wash Tunnel Of Terror

Visit Big Wave Car Wash at 2219 Lincoln Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801.

On select nights from October 6th – October 31st, the haunted carwashes will be running for $30 per vehicle.

10. OC Auto Show At The Anaheim Convention Center

October 5th – 8th is the OC Auto Show at the Convention Center.

Romiro of GearAficionado.com shares that The Orange County International Auto Show displays the most recent advancements in the automotive industry.

11. Hilton Anaheim Halloween Activities

“The Hilton Anaheim is hosting exciting opportunities for children (and ‘big kid’ adults!) at the hotel throughout October.

Every Friday evening from 5-8pm, guests can snap pictures and enjoy balloon twisting with Minnie and Mickey in their Halloween costumes before embarking to the festivities at the park.

On Saturdays from 4-7pm, the lobby is filled with spooktacular face painting and photo ops with Jack and Sally!

Hilton Anaheim is also offering Disneyland® Resort Magic Key Holders a limited time Parks and Parking offer of 5% off Disneyland® Resort Park Hopper® Tickets with hotel parking included, available on select night until the end of 2023.”

👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Hilton Anaheim Stay Today!

12. Calaca Mamas Cantina

“Día de los Muertos (November 1-2), also known as Day of the Dead, is a lively and joyful Mexican celebration that helps families honor their loved ones by gathering and enjoying their favorite things (like books, musical instruments, etc.), and, of course, food!

Although the holiday only comes once a year, Anaheim’s Day of The Dead-themed Mexican restaurant, Calaca Mamas Cantina, celebrates all year round through thoughtful decor and menu items.

Ramping up the celebrations this season, they have created an authentic, limited-time ‘Mes de los Muertos’ menu that will last from 10/5 to 11/2!

The limited-time menu features items prepared with fresh and traditional ingredients that include:

• Small Bites like Mango Habanero Guacamole, Tuetano Corn Esquite, Ceviche and more.
• Platillos like the Chicken en Salsa Verde featuring organic chicken breast, green tomatillo salsa, refried pinto beans, and cotija cheese
• Tacos served in organic blue tortillas like the Pork al Pastor and Chicken Rajas Con Crema
• For Dessert, guests can enjoy Deconstructed Chocoflan made with seasonal berries, pastel de chocolate, and flan de la abuela.

More Fun Things To Do In The Fall In Southern California

If you’re looking for more places to explore throughout the Halloween season, there is plenty to do in Southern California!

These are our favorite Fall events that we like to go to year after year.

🎃 Nights of the Jack Halloween Event in Calabasas, CA

This night time event at King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas is fun for everyone.

It’s got a pumpkin trail, which is the highlight of the event, plus food trucks and a “spookeasy”.

This is also a popular place to spot celebrities throughout the Fall season.

👉🏼 Click Here To Book Your Nights Of The Jack Tickets Today!

🎃 Carved at Descanso Gardens

This family friendly night time event is hosted in La Canada Flintridge, in the area surrounding Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank.

Descanso Gardens is most known for their Christmas lights, though they are now delving in to the spooky season too.

🎃 Roger’s Gardens Witching Hour Halloween Boutique

This plant nursery in Corona Del Mar, near Newport Beach, has been transforming it’s Halloween boutique for several years now.

In the boutique you’ll find tons of Halloween decor and props.

Each year it gets a new theme and the theme for 2023 is The Witching Hour.

Some previous themes include The Nightmare Before Christmas, Cabinet of Curiosities, A Pirates Life For Me, and my personal favorite, Malice In Wonderland.

🎃 Fearplex Presents LIGHTS OUT At Pomona Fairplex

This all new event is located at the LA County Fairgrounds and is for anyone 13+ years old.

There’s haunted mazes, zombie paintball, scare zones, food, drinks, and more.

🎃 Oktoberfest At Pomona Fairplex

On select weekends in October, enjoy this 21+ event filled with all the best German beers, German foods, and German bands.

Each night Oktoberfest runs from 6 pm – 11 pm.

🎃 Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch In Irvine

The best and most popular pumpkin patch in all of Orange County is easily Tanaka Farms.

They’ve even been featured in shows like The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Enjoy fun Fall activities like wagon rides, pumpkin picking, arts and crafts, and more.

🎃 The Best Things To Do In Southern California This Fall

For even more ideas, check out our list of all the best things to do in Southern California this Fall.

We’ve got events, festivals, Oktoberfests, Fall foliage towns, and more.

Where To Eat In Anaheim In October

Anaheim is home to a wide variety of restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.

Here are a few of the best restaurants in Anaheim.

✅ Best Burgers In Anaheim

The best burgers in Anaheim are made with fresh, high-quality ingredients and are cooked to perfection.

Some of the best burger places are mom and pop shops and some local and regional chains.

✅ Best Chinese Restaurants In Anaheim

The best Chinese restaurants in Anaheim offer a wide variety of traditional and modern Chinese dishes.

There are so many great family owned businesses here that it was hard to narrow it down.

✅ Best Bars In Anaheim

Anaheim has a great variety of rooftop bars, speakeasies, and immersive bars with a variety of themes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Anaheim In October

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions we get about things to do in Anaheim in October.

✓ How Warm Is Anaheim In October?

Anaheim in October typically experiences warm weather with average high temperatures ranging from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C) and cooler evenings with lows around 58°F (14°C) to 63°F (17°C).

✓ What Is The Weather Like In Disneyland In October?

In Disneyland, October generally brings warm and pleasant weather.

Average daytime temperatures range from 75°F (24°C) to 85°F (29°C), with cooler evenings around 58°F (14°C) to 63°F (17°C).

✓ Can You Swim In Anaheim In October?

Swimming in Anaheim in October is generally possible but may not be as comfortable as during the summer months.

The average water temperature in local pools or recreational areas is typically around 70°F (21°C) to 74°F (23°C).

It can feel chilly to some swimmers, so personal preference and tolerance to cooler water should be considered.

Conclusion: Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In October

October is a great time to visit Anaheim with it’s variety of Fall, Harvest, and Halloween themed events all throughout the month.

Which one of these fun things to do in Anaheim in October are you looking forward to the most?