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Let the Fun Begin500+ Pages of Things to DoYour Ultimate Guide to Los Angeles!
Last Updated: October 02, 2026
There's something magical about living in Los Angeles, where in a single day you can spend the morning skiing the mountains in winter—or hiking their scenic trails during the rest of the year—then head to the beach in time to watch the sun melt into the Pacific. From the sun-bleached beaches of Santa Monica and Malibu to the palm-lined streets of Hollywood and Beverly Hills, this city is layered with unforgettable experiences: restaurants buzzing with energy and the more than occasional celebrity sighting, live music spilling out of intimate venues, scenic waterfall hikes tucked into quiet canyons, oceanfront bike paths carrying the sound of crashing waves at your side, world-class museums filled with inspiration, and hidden gems that have been here all along, just waiting to be discovered.
WestsideLosAngeles.com was created to open your eyes to all of it—to remind you that life isn’t meant to rush past in a blur. These 500+ pages are an invitation to explore more deeply, to slow down and savor each moment, to try something new, and to truly live in the city so many people only dream about. Don’t let it pass you by. The best of Los Angeles is here—go experience it. - Cheryl Travis
October is one of the most exciting times to experience Los Angeles, with a packed calendar of music, sports, Halloween celebrations, outdoor adventures, and cultural entertainment. Visitors can experience the return of the Sunset Strip Music Festival on October 17, cheer on UCLA Bruins football at the Rose Bowl, catch an LA Galaxy match, or enjoy Rams football and Lakers basketball as their seasons get underway. Halloween fans can join the West Hollywood Halloween Carnaval on October 31 or experience the thrills of Universal Studios Hollywood Halloween Horror Nights, while Oktoberfest celebrations throughout the region offer festive food, music, and seasonal fun. For outdoor adventure, tandem paragliding over Malibu provides breathtaking views of the Pacific and Southern California coastline, while music lovers can catch a live performance at the legendary Roxy Theatre on Sunset Boulevard. Culture and entertainment seekers can enjoy opera at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion or attend a concert or live show at the iconic Dolby Theatre in Hollywood. With its combination of major sporting events, legendary music venues, Halloween attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences, Los Angeles offers something for every kind of traveler throughout October.
October 2026 is packed with exciting things to do across Los Angeles and Southern California, from major concerts and Broadway productions to family entertainment, motorsports, sports, and Halloween events. Music fans can see Bruno Mars at SoFi Stadium October 2–7, Roxette at the Greek Theatre on October 5, Kacey Musgraves at Crypto.com Arena October 18–20, Doja Cat at the Kia Forum on October 22, TLC, Salt-N-Pepa, and En Vogue at Intuit Dome on October 10, Ingrid Michaelson at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on October 14, Tom Jones at the Greek Theatre on October 26, and UB40 at House of Blues Anaheim on October 28. Theater highlights include Little Shop of Horrors at La Mirada Theatre through October 11, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Segerstrom Hall through October 11, The Outsiders October 20–November 1, and The Music Man at the Ahmanson Theatre October 27–November 8. Sports fans can catch LA Galaxy soccer, Rams and Chargers football, Lakers basketball, and Formula Drift in Long Beach, while families can enjoy Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live Glow-N-Fire October 3–4. With Comic-Con arriving at the Los Angeles Convention Center October 31–November 1 and an extensive lineup of concerts, live shows, and seasonal entertainment throughout the region, October offers plenty of opportunities to experience the best events happening in Los Angeles and nearby Southern California communities.
October 2026 brings a packed lineup of live music across Los Angeles and surrounding areas, with concerts spanning rock, pop, R&B, country, Latin, and alternative music. Highlights include Al Jardine at the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts on October 11, Jungle at Crypto.com Arena on October 10, Sara Bareilles at the Dolby Theatre October 12–14, and UB40 at the Fred Kavli Theatre on October 25. The Greek Theatre features artists including Roxette, Vulfpeck, Dermot Kennedy, Jessie Ware, Foster the People, Tom Jones, and Shaboozey, while the Hollywood Bowl hosts Hayley Williams, Empire of the Sun, Mac DeMarco, Jack Johnson, Cynthia Erivo, and My Chemical Romance. Major venues such as SoFi Stadium, Kia Forum, Intuit Dome, Honda Center, Toyota Arena, and the Walt Disney Concert Hall also offer an impressive selection throughout the month, featuring Bruno Mars, Jay-Z, Mumford & Sons, Doja Cat, Gorillaz, aespa, TLC and Salt-N-Pepa, Chayanne, Don Omar, Lila Downs, and many more. With concerts taking place throughout Los Angeles, Hollywood, Inglewood, Anaheim, Ontario, Cerritos, and surrounding communities, October is set to be an exciting month for live music fans.
Few cities celebrate creativity like Los Angeles, a place that leads the nation in the number of museums and theaters while fueling a constantly evolving music and gallery scene. Cultural landmarks such as The Broad in Downtown L.A., the hilltop Getty Center in Brentwood, and LACMA along Museum Row anchor the city’s art world, while spaces like the Underground Museum in West Adams push boundaries with innovative film programming. Music lovers can experience the power of the LA Philharmonic inside the architectural marvel of Walt Disney Concert Hall or enjoy open-air performances at the Hollywood Bowl, picnic blanket included. Wander a neighborhood art walk, explore the Arts District’s bold street murals, or stumble upon live painting and performance—whether it’s books, film, opera, or experimental art, Los Angeles expresses creativity with confidence, diversity, and unmistakable flair.
Our curated event listings help you discover everything from family-friendly theater to cutting-edge LGBTQ performances, Latin music festivals, and magic shows that'll leave you wondering how they did it.
Explore: Ballet • Classical Music • Comedy • Concerts • Family Entertainment • Jazz • Latin Events • LGBTQ Events • Magic Shows • Musicals • Opera • Plays
Each LA neighborhood has its own personality, and knowing where to go makes all the difference. Our detailed visitor guides break down what makes each area special—where to eat, what to see, and the hidden spots most tourists miss.
Coastal Communities: Start your morning in Santa Monica with coffee on the pier, spend afternoon browsing Venice's Abbot Kinney Boulevard, then watch the sunset from Malibu's El Matador Beach. The South Bay trio of Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, and Redondo Beach offers a more laid-back beach town vibe with excellent restaurants and bars.
Westside Neighborhoods: Beverly Hills isn't just about Rodeo Drive shopping—though that's worth a visit. Nearby Brentwood offers upscale dining and boutiques without the tourist crowds, while Century City has transformed into a modern urban center. West Hollywood pulses with nightlife and celebrity-frequented restaurants, and Pacific Palisades provides a quieter escape with stunning coastal views.
Iconic LA: Hollywood still delivers the classic LA experience—walk the Walk of Fame, catch a show at the Hollywood Bowl, or hike up to the Hollywood Sign. Westwood, home to UCLA, blends college-town energy with Persian restaurants and the historic Westwood Village.
Explore Guides For: Beverly Hills • Brentwood • Century City • Hollywood • Malibu • Manhattan Beach • Hermosa Beach • Redondo Beach • Marina del Rey • Pacific Palisades • Santa Monica • Venice • West Hollywood • Westwood • Beverly Grove
Los Angeles offers an abundance of stunning outdoor destinations perfect for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. From picturesque beaches like Venice and Malibu, to the city’s most beautiful parks, such as Griffith Park and Runyon Canyon, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Take a scenic hike with breathtaking ocean views on the iconic Los Liones or Point Dume Trails, or explore epic waterfall hikes like the famed Eaton Canyon. For surfing enthusiasts, LA's top surf spots, including Zuma Beach and Huntington Beach, provide world-class waves. Rock formation hikes, such as those at Vasquez Rocks, offer dramatic landscapes, while charming reservoirs like Echo Park Lake provide tranquil spots for picnics and boat rides. Cyclists can enjoy scenic beach bike paths along the coast, while beach volleyball players can find some of the best courts in Santa Monica and Manhattan Beach. With so many outdoor activities to explore, LA’s natural beauty is endless.
