October Happenings in the South Bay: 2026 Events Guide
October is one of the best months to get out and enjoy the South Bay. From longtime community traditions and outdoor events to pumpkin races, fall festivals, and Halloween celebrations, there is something happening almost every weekend. Whether you live in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, Torrance, or you're visiting for the weekend, here are some South Bay events to have on your calendar this October.
Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair
October 3–4 | Manhattan Beach
A South Bay tradition, the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair returns for a weekend filled with local vendors, food, live entertainment, games, community booths, and activities for the entire family. For decades, the Hometown Fair has brought neighbors together and remains one of the most anticipated community events of the year. Spend the day exploring the fair, then head Downtown for dinner or a walk to the beach.
Pumpkins in the Park
October 10 | 11 AM–1 PM
Edith Rodaway Friendship Park | Hermosa Beach
Get into the fall spirit at Pumpkins in the Park in Hermosa Beach. This annual community event offers a fun way for local families to kick off the Halloween season and enjoy an October afternoon outdoors. It's also a great excuse to spend the rest of the day exploring Downtown Hermosa Beach and the Pier.
Rancho Palos Verdes Trunk or Treat
October 17 | 11 AM–2 PM
Ken Dyda Civic Center | Rancho Palos Verdes
Rancho Palos Verdes brings Halloween fun to the Peninsula with its annual Trunk or Treat.
Expect decorated vehicles, candy, kids entertainment, inflatables, games, face painting, giveaways, food vendors, and a costume parade. Admission is free, making this a great family friendly event leading up to Halloween.
SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk
October 18 | Manhattan Beach
Thousands of participants come together each year for the SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk, one of the South Bay's largest community events. Beginning near the Manhattan Beach Pier, the walk brings together local families, businesses, schools, and community organizations while raising support for children with special needs and public education.
World Famous Pumpkin Race
October 18 | 12 PM
Manhattan Beach Pier
One of the most uniquely Manhattan Beach events of the year returns this October. The World Famous Pumpkin Race invites participants to transform pumpkins into racers and send them flying down Manhattan Beach Boulevard toward the Pier. Between the creative pumpkin designs, costumes, and crowds lining the course, this is one October tradition worth seeing at least once.
Family Halloween Carnival
October 24 | 1–5 PM
Manhattan Heights Park | Manhattan Beach
The annual Family Halloween Carnival returns to Manhattan Heights Park with an afternoon of Halloween activities for kids and families. The celebration traditionally includes carnival games, costumes, a parade, a haunted house, refreshments, and other Halloween activities. Come dressed up and ready for an afternoon of fun.
Halloween Movie in the Park
October 24 | Activities Begin at 4 PM
Wilson Park | Torrance
Bring your blankets and lawn chairs for an evening at Wilson Park. Torrance's Halloween Movie in the Park combines Halloween activities with an outdoor movie night. Festivities include a costume parade, kids activities, DJ, food vendors, and a pumpkin carving contest display before the movie begins at 6:30 PM.
Manhattan Beach Trunk or Treat
October 29 | 5–7 PM
Manhattan Beach Civic Center
The City of Manhattan Beach and Manhattan Beach Police Department bring the Halloween festivities Downtown with Trunk or Treat. Kids can dress in costume and collect candy from decorated Police, Fire, and City vehicles while families enjoy an evening together in the Civic Center.
Halloween on the Redondo Beach Pier
October 30 | 6–9 PM
Redondo Beach Pier
Celebrate Halloween by the water at the Redondo Beach Pier. The annual Halloween celebration brings trick or treating to the Pier and Boardwalk along with costumes, music, photo opportunities, giveaways, and family friendly entertainment. Make an evening of it by grabbing dinner nearby and enjoying the waterfront after the festivities.
Riviera Village Halloween Trick or Treat
October 31 | 3–8 PM
Riviera Village | Redondo Beach
Halloween night in Riviera Village has become a favorite tradition for South Bay families. Catalina Avenue closes to vehicle traffic for a pedestrian friendly celebration as participating businesses hand out candy to trick or treaters. Costumes fill the streets, local businesses join the fun, and restaurants throughout the Village make it easy to stay for dinner afterward.
Howl-O-Ween Dog Paw-Rade
October 31 | 10 AM–12 PM
Eastview Park | Rancho Palos Verdes
South Bay dogs get their own Halloween celebration at the Howl-O-Ween Dog Paw-Rade. Dress up your four legged family members and head to Eastview Park for a fun Halloween morning before the evening's trick or treating begins.
Pumpkin Patches Around the South Bay
No October is complete without a trip to the pumpkin patch. Several seasonal pumpkin patches pop up around the South Bay throughout the month, offering everything from classic pumpkins and photo opportunities to games and family activities. Mr. Jack O' Lanterns Pumpkins in Torrance returns for the season with pumpkins in a variety of sizes and colors along with activities and fall photo opportunities. South Bay families can also check out Acostas Pumpkin Patch and Christmas Trees in Redondo Beach and Debbie and Jeff's on Pacific Coast Highway for convenient local options.
Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns
South Coast Botanic Garden | Palos Verdes Peninsula
For something a little different after dark, Magic of the Jack O'Lanterns transforms South Coast Botanic Garden into an illuminated Halloween experience on select nights during the fall season. Visitors can walk through elaborate displays featuring glowing jack o'lanterns and Halloween themed installations throughout the Garden.
Enjoy October in the South Bay
From the Hometown Fair and Pier to Pier Friendship Walk to pumpkin races and Halloween night in Riviera Village, October is packed with events that showcase what makes the South Bay such a special place to live. These community traditions are part of what we love about calling the South Bay home. We hope this guide gives you a few reasons to get outside, support local businesses, and enjoy everything happening around our neighborhoods this month.
