Things to Do in Orange County This October 2026: Your Complete Events Guide
October brings Orange County's biggest stretch of fall festivals: an oceanfront air show, surf and music celebrations, film festivals, Halloween happenings all over the county, and pumpkin patches galore. Here's everything worth putting on your calendar this month.
Heads up – heat wave on Oct. 4: Orange County is seeing a heat wave today. If you're heading out, stick near the coast where the ocean breeze helps – the Pacific Airshow wraps up its final day right on the sand in Huntington Beach – or duck into air-conditioned indoor spots. Evening events are also a good call once the sun goes down and temperatures drop.
Scheduled Events
Pacific Airshow – Oct. 2–4
Huntington Beach
Experience world-class aviation, thrilling aerobatics, military demonstrations, exhibits, food vendors, and family activities.
🔗 pacificairshowusa.com
🔗 Watch: KTLA's local news overview of the air show
Tustin Tiller Days – Oct. 2–4
Tustin
Celebrate Tustin's agricultural heritage with carnival rides, entertainment, food, contests, and a parade.
🔗 tustinca.org
Rhythm & Resin Festival – Oct. 3
San Clemente
The 4th annual celebration of local surf culture at Bonito Canyon Park, featuring the Boardbuilders Hall of Fame, live music, food, drinks, and a vendor village.
🔗 rhythmandresin-festival.com
Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational – Oct. 3–11
Laguna Beach
Award-winning artists paint throughout Laguna Beach. Enjoy demonstrations, exhibitions, auctions, and a free public art festival.
🔗 lpapa.org
Irvine Global Village Festival – Oct. 10
Irvine
Global performances, cuisine, exhibits, shops, and activities from around the world.
🔗 cityofirvine.org
Placentia Heritage Festival – Oct. 10
Placentia
Features a parade, classic cars, food, crafts, entertainment, and family activities.
🔗 placentiaheritagefestival.org
Newport Beach Film Festival – Oct. 15–22
Newport Beach
Films, documentaries, animation, and short films from around the world.
🔗 newportbeachfilmfest.com
Silverado Days – Oct. 16–18
Buena Park
Rides, games, food, arts and crafts, entertainment, contests, and family fun. Free parking and admission.
🔗 silveradodays.com
OC Japan Fair – Oct. 16–18
Costa Mesa
Japanese culture, food, shopping, live performances, cosplay, games, and cultural demonstrations.
🔗 oc-japanfair.com
Coast Film & Music Festival – Oct. 16–25
Laguna Beach
Documentary and adventure films, concerts, workshops, panels, and outdoor experiences.
🔗 coastfilmfestival.com
Taste of Santa Ana: Frights & Bites – Oct. 17
Santa Ana
Sample signature dishes, craft beer, wine, and spirits at a lively Halloween street party.
🔗 tasteofsantaana.net
BOO at the Zoo – Oct. 17, 18, 24 & 25
Santa Ana
Trick-or-treating, decorations, nocturnal animal presentations, rides, and a Halloween scavenger hunt.
🔗 santaanazoo.org
Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade – Oct. 24
Anaheim
Live entertainment, crafts, food, costume contests, activities, a classic car show, and a Halloween parade. Admission is free.
🔗 anaheimfallfestival.org
Treats in the Streets – Oct. 29
Old Towne Orange
Wear your favorite costume and enjoy an evening of trick-or-treating, entertainment, and family activities.
🔗 optevents.org
Local Favorites
Pumpkin Patches – Through Nov. 1
Orange and Irvine
Pick the perfect pumpkin and enjoy train or wagon rides, games, seasonal treats, and family activities.
🔗 irvineparkrailroad.com, tanakafarms.com, pumpkincity.com
Halloween Time at Disneyland – Through Oct. 31
Anaheim
Halloween decorations, attractions, food, and Disney characters dressed for the occasion.
🔗 disneyland.com
Oktoberfest – Through Nov. 8
Huntington Beach
Enjoy German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, strudel, live entertainment, and dancing at Old World Huntington Beach.
🔗 oldworldhb.com
Knott's Scary Farm – Through Oct. 31
Buena Park
Family fun at Knott's Spooky Farm during the day, or haunted mazes and scare zones at Knott's Scary Farm after dark.
🔗 knotts.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest event in Orange County in October 2026?
The Pacific Airshow is the headliner, running Oct. 2–4 right on the sand in Huntington Beach, with world-class aerobatics, military demonstrations, exhibits, and family activities.
Are there Halloween events for kids in Orange County this October?
Yes. BOO at the Zoo at the Santa Ana Zoo runs Oct. 17, 18, 24, and 25 with trick-or-treating and a Halloween scavenger hunt, the Anaheim Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on Oct. 24 is free to attend, and Treats in the Streets fills Old Towne Orange with trick-or-treating on Oct. 29. Halloween Time at Disneyland also runs through Oct. 31.
Where can I find pumpkin patches in Orange County?
Irvine Park Railroad and Tanaka Farms in Irvine, and Pumpkin City in Orange, are all open through Nov. 1 with pumpkin picking, train and wagon rides, and seasonal activities.
When is Oktoberfest at Old World Huntington Beach?
Oktoberfest at Old World Village in Huntington Beach runs through Nov. 8, with German beer, bratwurst, pretzels, strudel, live entertainment, and dancing.
What should I do in Orange County during the October 2026 heat wave?
Stick near the coast, where the ocean breeze helps – the Pacific Airshow's final day on Oct. 4 is right on the Huntington Beach sand – or head indoors to air-conditioned venues, and save outdoor plans for evening events once temperatures drop.
Event dates, times, and details are subject to change — please confirm with each event's website before you head out.
