20 Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October (2023)
Want to know all the best things to do in Orange County in October? We’ve got you covered with everything you need to know!
Orange County hosts a variety of special events all throughout October like haunted houses, theme park Halloween events, and plenty of family friendly events.
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Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October
Below are our most recommended things to do in Orange County in October.
1. Fall Harvest Festival In Aliso Viejo
Melanie, from I Very Much Love It Here shares about the, “Fall Harvest Festival event, happening 10/21 from 10am-12pm at Grand Park in Aliso Viejo.
This event is perfect for families and includes a costume parade with trick or treating.
There’s also carnival games, booths, and pony rides.
We love this event because people are encouraged to donate/bring canned goods for local organizations.”
2. Taste Of Laguna: Food & Music Festival
Christopher, from EcoMotionCentral.com shares, “the Taste of Laguna is a must-attend.
It’s a food and music festival where you can sample dishes from some of the best restaurants in Laguna Beach.”
3. Halloween Pet Fashion Show In Costa Mesa
Dr. Sabrina Kong of WeLoveDoodles.com shares, “one event worth noting, especially for pet lovers, is the “Halloween Pet Fashion Show” in Costa Mesa.
Scheduled for October 14th, this event promises a delightful display of pets dressed in their Halloween best.
It’s a fun-filled occasion where pets take center stage, showcasing their adorable costumes.
Apollo and I attended a similar event last year, and it was a heartwarming experience to see the creativity and bond between pets and their owners.”
4. The Witching Hour Halloween Boutique at Roger’s Gardens
This plant nursery in Corona Del Mar, near Newport Beach, has been transforming it’s Halloween boutique for several years now.
Each year it gets a new theme and the theme for 2023 is The Witching Hour.
When you walk through the boutique you’ll find lots of Halloween decor that is available for purchase, plus even more decor that just sets the scene of “The Witching Hour”.
5. Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch in Irvine
The Tanaka Farms Pumpkin Patch is open daily from September 16th – October 31st.
Parking passes are required in advance on weekends and they are $10.
Admission is $20 Monday – Friday morning and $22 on weekends and Fridays after 12 pm.
Active military, veterans, and retired military all get free admission with a valid ID.
Admission includes unlimited wagon rides, the barnyard educational exhibit, and more.
6. Irvine Park Railroad Pumpkin Patch
This event runs from September 16th – October 31st.
It’s a great activity to bring the whole family.
Admission is free, but there is a parking fee.
On week days you can visit from 10 am – 5 pm and on weekends you can visit from 8 am – 6 pm.
There are activities you can enjoy while you’re there that come with additional fees.
You can book activity ticket books to do more for less.
There are train rides, hay rides, a moon bounce, face painting, panning for gold, John Deere races (kids sized), cookie decorating, carnival games, and more.
7. Disneyland Resort Oogie Boogie Bash
Disneyland and California Adventure get all decked out for Halloween all season long.
Visit the parks at any time in September and October to experience the Fall decor, special Halloween treats, and special Halloween events.
8. Knott’s Scary Farm at Knott’s Berry Farm
Also on select nights is Knott’s Scary Farm.
This is another event that is not recommended for young children.
There is also a new curfew in place that anyone under the age of 18 needs to be with someone 21+.
During the day there are plenty of non-scary Halloween and Fall things to at Knott’s Berry Farm, then on select nights it transforms into Knott’s Scary Farm.
9. Oktoberfest at Old World Village In Huntington Beach
Oktoberfest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach takes place on Wednesdays through Sundays from September 17th – November 5th.
On Wednesdays and Thursdays admission is free and all ages are welcome to attend from 6 pm – 10 pm, though if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone that is at least 21 years old.
On Fridays they are open 6 pm – 1 am and admission is $10-$30 per ticket, but you must be 21+ years old.
Saturdays from 11 am – 4 pm, admission is free and all ages are welcome, but again if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone that is 21+.
Saturdays from 6 pm – 1 am, admission is $15-$40 per ticket and is 21+ only.
Sundays, from 12 pm – 7 pm, all ages are welcome and tickets are $10-$12 per person, and again if you’re under 21 you must be attending with someone 21+.
10. Zoe Escape Room in Fullerton
This escape room is wild.
You must be at least 16 years old to experience this escape room due to the high intensity of the experience.
It’s a 100 minute escape room, with live actors, and it’s FULL CONTACT.
Many quit before it’s over.
Do you think you have what it takes?
11. The Hide At Escape Room Era In Anaheim
This is another INTENSE escape room, but this one is no contact, so it’s not quite as terrifying.
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.
12. 13th Basement Escape Room At The Exit Game In Anaheim
This escape room is a little different from the two 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.
13. The Initiation At Nerdy By Nature In Mission Viejo
This escape room is perfect during spooky season.
The theme is the Illuminati and your goal is solve all the puzzles to become initiated before time runs out.
14. Shop At Halloween Bootique In Costa Mesa
Halloween Bootique is a year round shop at The Triangle in Costa Mesa.
They have over 8,000 square feet and just about every costume or accessory you could ever need for anything.
15. The Haunted Car Wash Tunnel Of Terror
If you’re in Orange County, 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.
16. Pirates Dinner Adventure Halloween Show – Vampirates
“On select nights Sept. 16 through Oct. 31, Pirates Dinner Adventure in Buena Park will host Vampirates: Undead Men Tell No Tales, a Halloween-themed dinner show suitable for ghouls and goblins of all ages.
Every Halloween night, Captain Sebastian, the Vampirate King, rises from Davey Jones’ locker to unleash terror on the seven seas.
This year, he will attempt a spell that will free himself from the locker for good and only the world’s greatest monster hunter Kate, who has a personal score to settle with Sebastian, can stop him.
Pirates Dinner Adventure’s general admission includes a three-course dinner with unlimited soft drinks.
Ticket prices for the Halloween special are $68.95 for adults and $41.95 for children 11 and under.
Children ages two and under are free.”
17. Boo At The Zoo: Santa Ana Zoo
The Santa Ana Zoo hosts “Boo at the Zoo” on October 21st, 22nd, 28th, and 29th from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
Stephanie from seesight-tours.com shares that this family-friendly event includes trick-or-treating, animal presentations, a costume parade, and entertainment.
18. Haunt Of Halloween At Kaleidoscope Mall In Mission Viejo
Aaron from marketing-reel.com shares “Haunt of Halloween is a Halloween maze that’s assembled once a year in the an empty suite in the Kaleidoscope Mall in Mission Viejo, California — just in time for Halloween.
It takes about 10-12 minutes to go through the entire haunted maze.
Every 30 minutes, guests may also visit other attractions including a souvenir photo booth, face-your-fears attraction, and other Halloween shows and acts.
Haunt of Halloween is the perfect place to experience the magic, terror, and fright of the Halloween holiday, because it includes gifts, gags, and scary attractions that are fit for the whole family at a price that’s tough to beat.
Plus, the entire experience is safe (actors aren’t allowed to scare you by touching you in any way), family-friendly (it’s built for children as young as age 5), and accessible for people of all different needs and abilities.”
19. 17th Door Haunted House
Located at the Buena Park Mall, 17th Door is a prison themed haunted house experience.
There is also an add-on experience called “The Field Trip”.
This is a 50 minute add-on experience where you have been selected as a good inmate that is seeking rehabilitation care.
“You are in for a wild ride that includes chasing, hiding, drops, sparks, music, dancing, and a bunch of cool cars.
Part drive through, part walk through, all fun, this intense experience is like nothing ever done before.”
20. Newport Beach Film Festival
Chris from Elemental Spot shares, “the Newport Beach Film Festival is an annual film festival held in Newport Beach, California.
It is one of the largest and most prestigious film festivals in Southern California.
This year’s festival will take place from October 13-20.
The lineup of films is extremely large, and you can check it here: https://nbff23.eventive.org/films
This festival is open to everyone, but if you’re a movie lover, fashion and design expert, or anyone interested in the art of film, you shouldn’t miss this one.
My experience last year was excellent, and I met a lot of people who also work or have interests in the movie and fashion niche, and I made some friends as well.
If I ever get another chance to go there again, I will for sure.”
More Fun Things To Do In Southern California In The Fall
Below are more fun things to do in Southern California this Fall.
🎃 Fun Things To Do In Anaheim In October
Anaheim has a variety of things to do in October from spooky escape rooms to Dia de los Muertos festivals, theme park special events, and more!
🎃 Fun Things To Do In Los Angeles In October
October is a great time of year to visit LA.
There are festivals for just about anything you could imagine.
Plus so many Halloween events like haunted hayrides, pumpkin trails, and more.
🎃 Fun Things To Do In San Diego In October
San Diego is a great place to visit in October.
From haunted trails in Balboa Park to Oktoberfests all throughout the area, there is something for everybody here.
🎃 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Orange County In October
Below are some of our most frequently asked questions we see about things to do in Orange County in October.
✓ What Is The Weather Like In Orange County In October?
In October, Orange County typically experiences mild and pleasant weather.
Daytime temperatures range from the mid-60s to low 70s Fahrenheit, with cool evenings.
Rainfall is minimal, and the skies are generally clear with plenty of sunshine.
It’s a comfortable time to visit, with the summer heat receding but still offering favorable conditions for outdoor activities and beach visits.
✓ Are There Free Things To Do In Orange County In October?
Yes, there are free things to do in Orange County in October.
You can explore the county’s beautiful beaches like Laguna Beach or Huntington Beach, which offer free access and a chance to enjoy the ocean and scenic views.
Additionally, many parks in the area provide free opportunities for picnics, hiking, and outdoor recreation.
You can also find free community events and festivals happening throughout the month, offering entertainment and cultural experiences without a cost.
✓ Are There Kid Friendly Things To Do In Orange County In October?
Orange County offers numerous kid-friendly activities in October.
Families can visit attractions like the Santa Ana Zoo or Pretend City Children’s Museum, both of which provide engaging and educational experiences for children.
You can also explore pumpkin patches and Halloween-themed events, such as Boo at the Zoo or haunted hayrides, which are popular with kids during this season.
Moreover, the region’s scenic parks and beaches offer opportunities for outdoor play and enjoyment in the pleasant October weather, making it a great destination for family fun.
Conclusion: Fun Things To Do In Orange County In October
Orange County is a great place to be in October.
Our theme parks host special seasonal events, he have a variety of pumpkin patches and Fall festivals, and there are so many Halloween activities from kid friendly to adults only events.
