Whether you’re looking for a spooky Halloween celebration or an opportunity to explore the city on a budget this weekend, there is something for you. An abundance of events will be taking place this weekend not only on LMU’s campus, but in the surrounding neighborhoods and greater Los Angeles area. Here are five suggestions to incorporate some frightful and fall-inspired fun into your weekend.
Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Paw-rade
Down the hill from LMU, Runway Playa Vista will be hosting its 4th annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest and Paw-rade. From 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, dogs of all ages and sizes will be strutting down the Runway sporting their spooky Halloween costumes. Entry for the event is free and contest registration is $15, with a percentage of the proceeds supporting Baja Paws Rescue, a non-profit rescue from San Diego. To learn more about this paw-some event, visit Eventbrite.
LMU Fitwell & Over the Hump Oktoberfest
Didn’t get a chance to celebrate Oktoberfest? It’s not too late! LMU will be holding its very own Oktoberfest this Saturday, Oct. 21 from 3-6 p.m. on Lawton Plaza. The festival will be hosted by Fitwell and Over the Hump, a student organization that aims to spread positivity, mental health awareness, and a safe space for students who need it. Jacques Pelletier, President of Over the Hump Initiative, is bringing Oktoberfest to LMU in an effort to embrace joy on campus and provide an opportunity to unify the student body.
Admission for Oktoberfest is free and guests can expect to enjoy traditional German food and music, non-alcoholic beer and spirits, wellness booths, and several activities such as stein holding contests, potato sack races, and more.
The Original Farmers Market Fall Festival
The Original Farmers Market in the Fairfax District will be holding its annual Fall Festival on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aside from the market’s specialty, multicultural cuisine pop-ups, the free two-day event will also feature a number of live bands, a pumpkin patch, petting zoo, and games throughout the weekend. For updates and more information, visit farmersmarketla.com or follow @FarmersMarketLA on Instagram.
Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Día de los Muertos
Opening day of Gloria Molina Grand Park’s 12th Annual Día de los Muertos will also take place this Saturday at 11 a.m., however if you are not able to attend opening day, the celebration will run through Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. Throughout the park, 19 altars designed by professional artists will be on display, where passersby can honor the lost lives of those they may or may not know. A twentieth altar will also be on display as a communal altar, permitting visitors to contribute their personal offerings, and will honor those who lost their lives to gun violence in Monterey Park and the Maui wildfires.
The free of charge commemoration will also include performances by live mariachi bands and musicians, as well as a creation station for mini altars and sugar cookie skulls. For more information regarding Gloria Molina Grand Park’s Día de los Muertos, visit grandparkla.org.
Rooftop Cinema Club in El Segundo
Just a 15 minute drive from campus, the Rooftop Cinema Club in El Segundo will be screening a variety of Halloween classics this weekend, including Hocus Pocus, Scream, and Ghostbusters. For a $25 ticket, you can enjoy a sunset view, lounge chair seating, and a bucket of popcorn while making memories with your friends. Doors for the movies open one hour before the screening, allowing guests to dine, relax, and enjoy the rooftop venue. Prior to purchasing tickets, be sure to check the age restrictions online as some movies at the Rooftop Cinema Club have an 18+ age requirement. Tickets for this weekend’s screenings can be found here.
Regardless of where in the city you find yourself this weekend, there is likely a nearby opportunity for you and your friends to make some thrilling memories and have some wicked fun!
