You’ve made plans to go apple picking and picked up haunted house tickets, but there are far more free things to do in October before Halloween arrives. From an Oktoberfest market to a free museum night, these are the best ways to make the most of your month without breaking into your wallet.
Through Mar 3
“Ai Weiwei: Life Cycle”; Marciano Art Foundation
The acclaimed Chinese artist takes over the Marciano’s massive theater gallery, including an inflatable boat inspired by the refugee crisis as well as Ai’s floor-covering “Sunflower Seeds” and “Spouts” pieces.
Through Jan 5
“Ai Weiwei: Zodiac”; Jeffrey Deitch
Distinguished art dealer Jeffrey Deitch inaugurates his new L.A. gallery with LEGO zodiac portraits and 6,000 wooden Ming and Qing dynasty stools from Ai Weiwei.
Oct 3, 7
Twilight on the Pier; Santa Monica Pier
Wrap up the return of this free oceanfront concert series with Afrobeat and South Asian-themed evenings.
Oct 4
“Ai Weiwei: Cao/Humanity”; UTA Artist Space
The Beverly Hills gallery, which received an architectural overhaul from Ai Weiwei, hosts a solo show that includes the artist’s hundreds of the artist’s interlocking, marble grass-like works.
Oct 7
COAST Open Streets Festival; Santa Monica
Bike, bus, train or walk your way to a free and fun means of exploring the beautiful city of Santa Monica.
Oct 12
ArtNight Pasadena; Pasadena
Explore Pasadena’s underrated bounty of museums and cultural spaces with pop-up performances across the city as well as free shuttle buses and admission to local institutions.
Oct 13, 14
Fall Festival; The Original Farmers Market
Celebrate the harvest season with carnival games, tractor pulls and a petting zoo.
Oct 13–Jan 13
“Photo Ark”; Annenberg Space for Photography
See 100 large-format photos of species from all over the world at this exhibition from seasoned photographer Joel Sartore.
Oct 14
Octubrefest at Smorgasburg; ROW DTLA
Trade bratwurst for chorizo and steins of beer for Tajin-rimmed micheladas at Smorgasburg’s Mexican take on Oktoberfest.
Oct 18–21
Front Porch Cinema; Santa Monica Pier
Get your outdoor film fix by the ocean with four nights of free screenings.
Oct 27
P-22 Day Festival; Shane’s Inspiration in Griffith Park
Trace the steps of Griffith Park’s resident mountain lion during ranger walks, wildlife camera workshops and a VR river crossing.
Oct 27, 28
Pumpkin Festival; Brookside Park
Explore a petting zoo, pony rides, bounce castles, carnival games and seasonal crafts at this Pasadena pumpkin patch and costume parade.
Oct 31
West Hollywood Halloween Costume Carnaval; West Hollywood
Dance and drink your way through West Hollywood with thousands of other (sometimes scantily) costumed revelers.
Ongoing
Free museum days; Various locations
Make the most of free days at LACMA, the Natural History Museum and more, plus always-free museums like the Hammer, Getty and Broad.