Los Angeles is brimming with dynamic events this October, ranging from theater performances to music concerts and community activities. As the city prepares for a busy month, local residents and visitors alike have a myriad of activities to choose from.
Theater enthusiasts can look forward to the iconic musical, “West Side Story,” running through October 12. This opening of the L.A. Opera’s 40th anniversary season features a brilliant rendition of the beloved classic conducted by James Conlon.
Art lovers can immerse themselves in the hauntingly beautiful exhibition, “Matthew Rolston: Vanitas,” open until November 9. Hosted at the Fahey/Klein gallery and three other venues, it explores human mortality through photographs of mummified individuals from Sicily’s burial catacombs.
Meanwhile, music fans are buzzing over Taylor Swift’s new album, “The Life of a Showgirl,” released on October 3. This highly anticipated collection, produced in partnership with renowned collaborators Max Martin and Shellback, marks a pivotal moment in Swift’s career.
For those looking to enjoy live music, the Rise Festival from October 3-5 is an unmissable experience. Located just south of Las Vegas, this festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with headlining acts like Rüfüs Du Sol, Calvin Harris, John Mayer, and Disclosure.
In support of community initiatives, the L.A. Loves Alex’s Lemonade cookout returns on October 4 at UCLA’s Royce Quad. Hosted by notable chefs and mixologists, this charity event features a gathering of culinary talent aiming to raise funds for childhood cancer research.
Dua Lipa will take center stage on October 4-5 and 7-8 during her highly anticipated Radical Optimism Tour at the Kia Forum. The British-Albanian star is set to deliver exhilarating performances, captivating her fans with her upbeat hits.
Another unique offering is “Dogtoberfest” at the South Coast Botanic Garden, running from October 4-26. This Bavarian-style festival invites dogs and their owners to enjoy festive decor, live music, and canine-friendly activities on the weekends.
The Hammer Museum will host its biennial exhibition, “Made in L.A. 2025,” from October 5 through March 1, 2026. Featuring contemporary works by 28 artists from the greater Los Angeles area, the exhibit showcases a variety of forms—from painting and choreography to sculpture.
Gastronomy enthusiasts have much to savor this month, starting with the L.A. Chef Conference on October 6. This culinary gathering will offer panels, tastings, and a range of discussions led by prominent figures in the hospitality industry.
Sports fans are also in for a treat as the Los Angeles Kings celebrate their opening night on October 7 against the Colorado Avalanche at Crypto.com Arena. The event promises an energetic atmosphere, with all attendees receiving a pom pom to cheer on their team.
The highly esteemed musical “Les Misérables” will underline the theater scene from October 7-19. This captivating production allows the audience to delve into a deeply moving narrative steeped in themes of love and redemption amid 19th-century France.
Maroon 5 will launch their “Love Is Like U.S. Fall Tour” with a concert on October 10 at the Kia Forum, promising an evening of popular hits delivered by frontman Adam Levine.
Pop sensation Chappell Roan is set to present a pair of pop-up shows at Brookside at The Rose Bowl on October 10-11, as a send-off to her “The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess” era.
A focus on women in entertainment comes with Hello Sunshine’s “Shine Away” event on October 11-12. Taking over the Universal Studios Lot, this gathering will feature workshops, panels, and networking opportunities designed to empower women in various fields.
For musical theater fans, Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp will share their stories and music at the Samueli Theater in Costa Mesa from October 16-18. The event celebrates the rich friendship of these original stars of “Rent.”
Cinephiles will not want to miss the Newport Beach Film Festival, offering a curated selection of films from October 16-23. This luxury lifestyle festival is known for its high-profile screenings in Orange County.
The glitz and glam of the Academy Museum Gala will shine on October 18, bringing Hollywood’s A-list together to celebrate cinema’s heritage, with honorees such as Penélope Cruz and Bruce Springsteen.
Also on October 18, the Chrysalis Butterfly Ball will fundraising event featuring Academy Award winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph, as prominent figures from various sectors come together to support workforce development programs in Southern California.
The Off the Hook Santa Monica Seafood Festival takes place on October 19, inviting attendees to indulge in seafood tastings while supporting the environmental nonprofit, Heal the Bay.
On October 20, the Chef Assembly will provide aspiring culinarians a chance to learn from influential hospitality professionals through insightful panel discussions at ChowNow headquarters.
Sports enthusiasts should mark their calendars for the Los Angeles Lakers’ opening night on October 21, when they face the Golden State Warriors in an eagerly awaited NBA showdown at Crypto.com Arena.
The Tony- and Grammy-winning musical “Hadestown” will return to Los Angeles from October 21 to November 2, bringing its take on the Orpheus and Eurydice myth back to the Pantages Theatre stage.
Film lovers can partake in the annual AFI Fest from October 22-26, featuring an array of premieres and screenings at the TCL Chinese Theatre, commencing with the documentary “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere.”
The Netflix romantic comedy series “Nobody Wants This” premieres its second season on October 23, poised to explore the intertwining lives of its lead characters amidst the complexities of love and career.
Finally, dancers can expect an exquisite performance of “Gems” by the LA Dance Project from October 23-25, merging dance, music, and visual art under the creative vision of choreographer Benjamin Millepied.
Rounding out the month, Twenty-One Pilots will take the stage for concerts on October 25-26, marking an exhilarating conclusion to a vibrant month of events in Los Angeles.
As October unfolds, the City of Angels promises something for everyone, ensuring an exciting array of cultural, artistic, and recreational experiences.
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