An Alfred Hitchcock film series and a celebration of Italian food and wine are just two of the highly anticipated events poised to take over L.A. this October. The city has no shortage of thrilling, insightful, and delicious experiences this month, so if you’re torn about what to attend, this list will help you decide.
L.A.’s creepiest Halloween tradition returns with a reimagined theme and new, terrifying attractions at the Los Angeles Haunted Hayride. This year, Griffith Park transforms into the fictional town of Midnight Falls, so good luck making it through the haunted mazes, mysterious ranch, and Midnight Mortuary without shrieking at least once. Tickets from $35.
If eating were a sport, the Lexus All-Star Chef Classic would be the championship. Diners get close to the fire when they attend one of the Master Dinners in Restaurant Stadium at L.A. Live, but if you fancy a laid-back experience, the Classic’s tasting events are a great way to sample several restaurants under one roof. Tickets from $135.
Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum pays tribute to Alfred Hitchcock by screening three of the Master of Suspense’s most revered films. See the movies Lifeboat, Strangers on a Train, and North by Northwest on Fridays this month for free when you pay for general admission to the museum. Tickets are $15.
The Instagram-worthy Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic celebrates a decade in Los Angeles with endless bottles of bubbly, eye-catching outfits, celebrity appearances, and a polo match lead by Argentine player Nacho Figueras. Spring for the La Grande Dame Garden package for lunch and champagne bottle service with the best views of the field. Tickets from $90.
DTLA’s Italian American Museum of Los Angeles proves that SoCal has a world-class Italian food scene during Taste of Italy, a celebration of entertainment, traditional cuisine, and culture. The general admission tickets get you six food and six wine tastings from restaurants like Drago Centro and Osteria Cal Mare, but go VIP for 10 food and 10 wine tastings plus a swag bag. Tickets from $65.
Secret Project electronic music fest, held on Naud Street in Chinatown, celebrates its second year with two days of performances from local and international acts like Ben UFO and Jayda G. Jam to underground bands and DJs, sip cocktails from Apotheke, and grab a bite next door at David Chang’s restaurant Majordōmo in between sets. Tickets from $139.
Black Panther director Ryan Coogler sits down with journalist and bestselling author Ta-Nehisi Coates for an intimate discussion on Coates’s first work of fiction, “The Water Dancer.” Hear firsthand how the award-winning writer brought his debut novel to life at West Angeles Cathedral in the Historic Crenshaw District. All tickets include a copy of the book. Tickets from $35.
We’re continually inspired by the creative energy of Downtown Los Angeles. For local recommendations—and to hear from the diverse individuals who make DTLA what it is today—head to our Meet You Downtown blog.
