Here is a sampling of things to do in the San Gabriel Valley area.
Oct. 31
Halloween Howl: Duarte Parks and Recreation presents the event with costume contests, trick-or-treating and a fun zone, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31. Free admission. Check the website for costume contest schedule (by ages). Fun zone fee $1 per attraction; $5 wristband for unlimited. Royal Oaks Park, 2627 Royal Oaks Drive, Duarte. accessduarte.com.
Trick or Treat Village – County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation: Loma Alta Park, 5-8 p.m. (3330 N. Lincoln Ave., Altadena; 626-398-5451). Amelia Mayberry Park, 5-8 p.m. Oct. 31 (13201 E. Meyer Road, Whittier; 562-944-9727). For more Halloween programs at county parks, check the website for recreation centers and their programs, Oct. 31. See the Oct. 8 post on Facebook: www.facebook.com/parks.lacounty.gov. Website with details: parks.lacounty.gov/halloween
Los Angeles Haunted Hayride – Midnight Falls: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment Group presents the 17th season of Midnight Falls, a mysterious village where it is always Halloween, through Nov. 2. This year Elvira, Mistress of Darkness (Cassandra Peterson), has a partnership with the event (“Elvira’s Trick or Treat Mayhem”). Scare zones: Haunted Hayride, Hellbilly Halloween, and Monáe Manor (a maze collaboration with Janelle Monáe). Also, the “Monte Revolta Show,” a “theatrical macabre experience,” “Madame Aurora’s Seance Theatre,” “Elvira’s Scary-Go-Round” carnival ride and “Midnight Falls Axe Throwing” ($5 extra to learn how to throw an axe and five tries to hit the bullseye). Minimum recommended age: 13. Hours and ticket prices vary by date. Ticket purchase is online-only ($38.99 and up; depending on date). Parking suggestions on the website (losangeleshauntedhayride.com/location). Location, 4730 Crystal Springs Drive (Griffith Park), Los Angeles. www.losangeleshauntedhayride.com
Universal Studios Halloween Horror Nights: The 2025 event includes the haunted houses: “Fallout,” “Five Nights at Freddy’s,” “The Horrors of the Wyatt Sicks,” Jason Universe,” “Monstruos 3: The Ghosts of Latin America,” “Poltergeist,” “Scarecrow: Music by Slash,” “Terrifier,” and the “Terror Tram – Enter the Blumhouse.” In addition, four “sinister” scare zones: “Carnival of Carnage,” “Chainsaw Clownz,” “Murder of Crowz,” and “Noche de Brujas.” Plus live entertainment shows and selected rides will be open. Hours: 7 p.m. (end time varies) on selected dates through Nov. 2. Minimum age recommended: 13. No costume masks; check the website for costume policy. Halloween Horror Nights is a separately ticketed event. No rain checks, returns or refunds. General admission starts at $77. Check the website for special deals and passes. Universal Studios Hollywood, 100 Universal City Plaza, Universal City. https://www.universalstudioshollywood.com/hhn/en/us
Laugh Factory Covina: Comedy Madness with Joe Eurell, Nick Guerra, Luz Pazos, Michael Quu, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (1975), 9:30 p.m. Oct. 31. Upcoming: Comedy Madness with Adam Hunter, Luz Pazos, Michael Quu, Young Beav, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 1. Laughs for a Cause: A Benefit for the Azusa Raiders Football and Cheer, with G-Money, JT Hernandez, MC Raider, Elias Zepeda, 4 p.m. Nov. 2. Bob Zany, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6. Minimum age: 18. Check the website for ticket prices (regular and VIP). Two-item minimum for all shows. Location, 104 N. Citrus Ave., Covina. 626-339-0093. www.tixr.com/groups/laughfactorycovina
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha: Julia Masli is on an international solo-show tour to solve problems, 8 p.m. Oct. 31. Show also runs 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 1; 2 p.m. Nov. 2; 8 p.m. Nov. 5; 7 p.m. Nov. 6; 8 p.m. Nov. 7; 2 and 8 p.m. Nov. 8; 1 p.m. Nov. 9. Tickets $15 and up. Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., Pasadena. www.pasadenaplayhouse.org/event/ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha/
Saturday
Best Friends Animal Society Super Adoption: More than 20 animal shelters and rescue groups bring adoptable dogs and cats to the two-day event 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Nov. 1-2. Adoption fees will be less than $150. The event also includes exhibitor booths, family-friendly activities, giveaway items and food trucks. Rose Bowl, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. Make a reservation to attend and pick up a Best Friends Animal Society tote bag (while supplies last) at their booth: bestfriends.org/lasuper
Norton Simon Museum: Opening exhibit, “Gold: Enduring Power, Sacred Craft,” through Feb. 16, 2026 (www.nortonsimon.org/exhibitions/2020-2029/gold-enduring-power-sacred-craft). Ongoing special exhibit: “Retrospect: 50 Years at the Norton Simon Museum,” once known as the Pasadena Art Museum the exhibit celebrates its golden anniversary with “significant and lesser-known stories,” through Jan. 12, 2026 (www.nortonsimon.org/exhibitions/current). Hours: noon-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday; noon-5 p.m. Sunday-Monday; closed Tuesday-Wednesday; noon-5 p.m. Thursday. Admission $20; $15 seniors; free for students with ID and ages 18 and younger. Location, 411 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-6840. nortonsimon.org
Hollywood Forever’s Día de los Muertos: The 26th annual event, 1-3:30 p.m. Nov. 1; and 9:30 p.m. Nov. 1 to 1:30 a.m. Nov. 2 (time slots for tickets; the 4:30-9 p.m. time slot is sold out). Event includes altar displays, dance and music performances, a children’s area, arts and crafts and food vendors. Rules include: no pets, chairs, outside food or drink. Hollywood Forever Cemetery, 6000 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood. www.ladayofthedead.com. Details and tickets: www.ladayofthedead.com/event-info/
Vroman’s Bookstore: Howard Brewer discusses and signs “Making Monsters – Inside Stories from the Creators of Hollywood’s Most Iconic Creatures,” 4 p.m. Nov. 1. Upcoming: Julia Ioffe discusses and signs “Motherland – A Feminist History of Modern Russia from Revolution to Autocracy,” 7 p.m. Nov. 4. Tori Atencio McCullough, Kelsey McCullough and Bobbie Lucas discuss and sign “Xavier ‘X’ Atencio – The Legacy of an Artist, Imagineer, and Disney Legend,” 7 p.m. Nov. 5. David Daley discusses and signs “Antidemocratic – Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections,” 7 p.m. Nov. 6 (ticketed event; $24.29 for one admission and 1 book). Location, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-449-5320. vromansbookstore.com
Sunday
Pasadena City College Flea Market: Find antiques, vintage collectibles, new-found treasures or vinyl records, 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 2. Free admission. Upcoming date: Dec. 7 (usually the first Sunday of the month except for January). Use the parking structure #5 on Bonnie Avenue ($2). The market is in outdoor parking lots 1, 3 (on Hill Avenue) and also in parking lot structure #4 (levels 2 and 3; Del Mar Boulevard). Visiting guidelines for the event: tinyurl.com/mvyscp8r. The college is located at 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-585-7906. Email: fleamarket@pasadena.edu. pasadena.edu/community/flea-market
Rubel Castle: The castle is an elaborate folk-art medieval castle in the foothills of Glendora, with 5-story tall towers solidly built out of junk and river rocks by the late Michael Rubel and his friends, 10 a.m. Nov. 2 (by appointment-only). The castle has eight guided tours each month. Admission $20 for adults; $10 ages 8-18; cash-only. No children ages 7 and younger allowed on the property. The property is not Americans with Disabilities Act accessible (see website for details). Location, 844 N. Live Oak Ave., Glendora. Glendora Historical Society voicemail, 626-963-0419. Details on schedule and tours: rubeltours.org
Día de los Muertos – Forest Lawn-Covina Hills: Honoring memories of deceased loved ones at the celebration that includes ofrendas (altars), folklorico dance and mariachi performances, larger-than-life Catrina character and face painting, noon-3 p.m. Nov. 2. Also, Forest Lawn-Glendale (1712 S. Glendale Ave., Glendale). Location, 21300 Via Verde Drive, Covina. www.facebook.com/ForestLawn. Flyer: https://forestlawn.com/events/dia-de-los-muertos/
Noche de los Muertos at Gloria Molina Grand Park: The closing event includes a variety of family activities, DJ and live music, and a mercado, 3-7 p.m. Nov. 2. The 19 ofrendas (altars), created by individual artists and organizations, are on display, 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily through Nov. 2. The Día de los Muertos theme this year: “Let Freedom Ring – Honoring Our Immigrant Ancestors.” Location, 200 N. Grand Ave., Los Angeles. grandparkla.org/event/downtown-dia-de-los-muertos
Tuesday
Tuesday Night Bingo – Duarte Elks Lodge: The Elks Lodge #1427 hosts an every-Tuesday bingo game evening, 6 p.m. Nov. 4. Doors open, 4 p.m. Location, 2436 Huntington Drive, Duarte. 626-905-1191. Duarte Elks Lodge: tinyurl.com/yc3bkf39. www.facebook.com/duarteelks1427
Friday
Día de los Muertos Celebration: The City of San Gabriel present the event that includes a community altar, live performances and refreshments available for purchase, 5:30-8 p.m. Nov. 7. Mission Playhouse, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. Details including how to submit a photo for the altar (altar is inside the playhouse): www.sangabrielcity.com/1413/Dia-de-Los-Muertos
Upcoming
Veterans Day Ceremony and Field of Flags Display: The City of San Gabriel and the San Gabriel Veterans Memorial Coalition present the event, 10 a.m. Nov. 8. Plaza Park, 428 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel. 626-308-2875. Email: CommSrvInfo@sgch.org. Flyer: www.sangabrielcity.com/1759/Veterans-Day-Ceremony
Love Ride 34 – Powered by Harley-Davidson: The fundraiser — riding from Glendale Harley-Davidson to Castaic Lake — includes a bike show, concert by the Gene Simmons band and Chevy Metal, a raffle for a chance to win a 2025 Harley-Davidson CVO Street Glide motorcycle, beer and food vendors, 6 a.m. line-up (10 a.m. start) Nov. 9. Grand marshal: Jay Leno. Honorary grand marshal: Robert Patrick. Funds raised go to Wounded Warrior Project and Adopt the Arts.Tickets $54.62 (includes one raffle ticket; see the website for extra raffle tickets based on donations); $192.43 (VIP experience; other VIP options. Instagram: tinyurl.com/36u667k8. www.facebook.com/theloveride. Location start, 3717 San Fernando Road, Glendale. Details, including route to Castaic Lake, and tickets: loveride.org/
Rose Leaf Ragtime Club: Monthly meeting of ragtime era music, 1 p.m. Nov. 9. Non-members of the club, $5 donation. Food and beverages are cash-only. Barkley Restaurant and Bar, 1400 Huntington Drive, South Pasadena. 818-439-9048. Email: ragtimeron@twc.com. www.facebook.com/RoseLeafRagtimeClub/
Joy of Chamber Music – Third@First Concert Series: Pianist Junko Ueno Garrett and musicians from the Los Angeles Philharmonic perform music by Debussy, Faure and Tansman, 4 p.m. Nov. 15. Free admission/donation. Upcoming concert: Christmas Joy concert, Dec. 20. Parking is on Green Street. First United Methodist Church of Pasadena, 500 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. 626-796-0157. www.thirdatfirst.org
DroneArt Show – Rose Bowl: A “concert in the sky,” 7 p.m. Nov. 15. Doors open, 5 p.m. Check the website for tickets. Location, 1001 Rose Bowl Drive, Pasadena. https://rosebowlstadium.com/events/details/568/droneart-show:-a-music-and-drone-show
Music at Sierra Madre Playhouse: Wild Up L.A. Composer Series: Mia Barcia-Colombo, a Grammy Award winning cellist, performs, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15 ($12; $25; $35). See website for details for these and more upcoming concerts. Location, 87 W. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre. 626-355-4318. www.sierramadreplayhouse.org. www.sierramadreplayhouse.org/music
Purist Group Winter Drive 2025 Car Show: Admire exotic, lowrider, race and vintage cars, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 22. Bring a new unwrapped toy, $10 minimum, as an entry ticket. Toys to be donated to local charitable agencies to be distributed during the holidays. Industry Hills Expo Center, 16200 Temple Ave., City of Industry. https://www.facebook.com/IndustryExpoCenter. Facebook: tinyurl.com/wzk8jbyj
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet: An international professional cast, along with children from Pasadena, perform the story by E.T.A. Hoffmann and with Tchaikovsky’s famous score, 3 and 7 p.m. Nov. 22. Tickets $37.30 and up. Pasadena Civic Auditorium, 300 E. Green St., Pasadena. Details and to purchase tickets: https://nutcracker.com/buy-tickets/pasadena-ca/
Ongoing things to do
Spider Pavilion – Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: Learn about spiders at the museum’s outdoor, open-air structure that houses 10-15 species of spiders (mostly orb spiders), is open through Nov. 30. In addition, there is a display of tarantulas and other large spiders housed inside terrariums before the pavilion entrance. Plan a visit to the Spider Pavilion in advance as admission is by a reserved time slot (and for 30-minutes); $10 (must also purchase a museum admission). Museum hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. www.facebook.com/nhmla. https://nhm.org/experience-nhm/exhibitions-natural-history-museum/spider-pavilion
TOPS weight loss meeting: The first meeting is free for non-members of this Take Off Pounds Sensibly group, 10 a.m. Fridays. Meeting at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, classroom building, 1359 E. Covina Blvd., Covina. For more information, patalmeida44@gmail.com
Farmers Market: Presented by the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley. Held every Saturday on the campus of Mount San Antonio College in Parking Lot B, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. It features fresh produce, artisan goods, and pre-packed food from local growers and vendors. Free parking. Location: 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut. rccsgv.com/farmers-market/
Friends of the Pasadena Public Library Bookstore: The store has used books for sale, especially for children. The bookstore is extending 50% off to any area resident who lost a home in the Eaton fire and a free book with every purchase. Ask about free books for schools that were impacted by the Eaton fire. Proceeds from sales help to fund Pasadena Public Library programs, including One City One Story and Summer Reading. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and Saturday. Closed on Friday and Sunday. In addition, ask about volunteering at the bookstore. Jefferson Branch Library, 1500 E. Villa St., Pasadena. friendsppl.org/
Armory Center for the Arts: “My Hands Are Monsters Who Believe In Magic,” a group exhibition composed of ten artists from the Asian diaspora that explores an artist’s capacity for the radical reimagination of the self, through Dec. 14. (armoryarts.org/exhibitions/2025/monsters). See contemporary art exhibitions and learn about community-based art education. Gallery hours: 2-6 p.m. Friday, and 1-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Free admission. Donations appreciated. Location, 145 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. For more information, 626-792-5101. armoryarts.org
California African American Museum: Ongoing special exhibit: “The Black Interior – Imagining Home in the Permanent Collection,” to April 5, 2026. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday; closed on Monday (caamuseum.org/visit/hours-directions). Free admission. Parking $20 before 5 p.m.; $24 after 5 p.m. (parking lot entrance at West 39th and South Figueroa streets. Museum location, corner of Exposition Boulevard and South Figueroa Street, Los Angeles (in Exposition Park). 213-744-7432. www.facebook.com/CAAMinLA/. www.caamuseum.org
Duarte Historical Museum: Hours: 1-3 p.m. Wednesdays; 1-4 p.m. Saturdays (except closed on Saturday on holiday weekends). Free admission. Location, 777 Encanto Parkway, Duarte. 626-357-9419. ranchodeduarte.org
The Huntington: “Stories from the Library: The Tales Through Time,” the Huntington’s Ellesmere Chaucer, through Dec. 1 (www.huntington.org/exhibitions/stories-library-tales-through-time). More exhibits: www.huntington.org/exhibitions. Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday). Reservations required on Friday-Sunday; holidays. Admission is by timed entry (no walk-ins): $29; $24 ages 65 and older and students ages 12-18 with ID; $13 ages 4-11 (respectively by ages on Friday-Sunday and holidays: $34; $28; $15). Location, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. huntington.org
Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden: Hours: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily (last entry is 4:30 p.m.). Admission $15; $11 ages 62 and older and students with ID; $5 ages 5-12. Admission may be purchased online. Location, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia. 626-821-3222. arboretum.org/visit/hours-and-admission. arboretum.org
Monrovia Historical Museum: Discover Monrovia’s history. Docent-led tours are available. Hours: 1-4 p.m. Thursday and Sunday. Free admission. Location, 742 E. Lemon Ave. For more information, 626-357-9537. monroviahistoricalmuseum.org. Updates: www.facebook.com/monroviahistoricalmuseum
Natural History Museum Los Angeles County: “Fierce! The Story of Cats,” is an international traveling exhibit, from the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle in France, runs through Feb. 18 (this exhibit requires an add-on ticket price to the museum’s general admission; nhm.org/cats). Hours: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Sunday (but closed on the first Tuesday of the month and some holidays). Admission $18; $14 ages 62 and older and ages 13-17; $7 ages 3-12; free for ages 2 and younger, but a ticket is required. Location, 900 Exposition Blvd., Los Angeles. nhmlac.org
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