September 16, 2026
Pumpkin races, Halloween carnivals, trick-or-treating and the best fall events in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes and San Pedro
Fall in the South Bay may look a little different than it does elsewhere. Instead of changing leaves and sweater weather, we get pumpkin races with an ocean view, Halloween celebrations steps from the beach, community carnivals and some of the best local traditions of the year.
If you're looking for things to do in the South Bay this October, consider this your 2026 fall calendar.
From Manhattan Beach's famous Pumpkin Race to Halloween under the sea in San Pedro, here are some of the South Bay fall and Halloween events worth marking your calendar for.
Saturday, October 10, 2026 | 11 AM–1 PM
Edith Rodaway Friendship Park | Hermosa Beach
Start the season with one of Hermosa Beach's favorite family fall events.
Pumpkins in the Park brings an afternoon of classic Halloween fun to Edith Rodaway Friendship Park, including pumpkin picking and decorating, a costume parade, games, crafts, face painting and more.
It's an easy way to get into the fall spirit without leaving the beach cities, especially for families with younger children.
Why go: Pumpkins, costumes and classic fall activities in the heart of Hermosa Beach.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 11 AM–2 PM
Ken Dyda Civic Center | 30940 Hawthorne Boulevard, Rancho Palos Verdes
The City of Rancho Palos Verdes' annual Trunk or Treat returns to the Ken Dyda Civic Center for an afternoon of Halloween festivities.
Kids can trick-or-treat from decorated vehicles while families enjoy inflatables, face painting, games, giveaways, music and Halloween activities.
Come in costume and make an afternoon of it along the Palos Verdes Peninsula.
Why go: A family-friendly Halloween event with plenty to do beyond trick-or-treating.
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 7–10 PM
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium | 3720 Stephen M. White Drive, San Pedro
Halloween under the sea?
Cabrillo Marine Aquarium's annual Sea Scare transforms the aquarium for an after-dark Halloween celebration, and the 2026 theme is Monsters of Myth.
The evening includes trick-or-treating, games, crafts, a DJ, costume contest and a family-friendly haunted house, all with the aquarium's marine setting as the backdrop.
It's one of the more unique Halloween events in the South Bay and a fun alternative to the traditional neighborhood Halloween carnival.
Why go: Halloween + an aquarium after dark makes this one of the most unusual events on the list.
Sunday, October 18, 2026 | 12–5 PM
Races begin at 2 PM
Manhattan Beach Pier
If there's one fall tradition that feels uniquely South Bay, this might be it.
The World Famous Pumpkin Race Festival returns to Manhattan Beach, where creatively decorated pumpkins are mounted on wheels and sent racing down Manhattan Beach Boulevard toward the ocean.
Bring your own pumpkin racer or simply come to watch the competition. Between the costumes, elaborate pumpkin creations and backdrop of the Manhattan Beach Pier, it's one of those local traditions everyone should experience at least once.
The festival begins at noon, with the official races kicking off at 2 PM.
Why go: There aren't many places where you can watch pumpkins race toward the Pacific Ocean.
Saturday, October 24, 2026 | 1–5 PM
Manhattan Heights Park | 1600 Manhattan Beach Boulevard
Manhattan Beach keeps the Halloween celebrations going with its annual Family Halloween Carnival at Manhattan Heights Park.
Expect an afternoon filled with carnival games, a costume contest and parade, haunted house, cupcake walk, treats and activities for kids.
It's an especially good one to add to the calendar for families looking for a daytime Halloween celebration before the big night.
Why go: A classic neighborhood Halloween carnival with plenty of activities in one place.
Sunday, October 25, 2026 | 3–9:30 PM
Historic Downtown San Pedro
One of the most vibrant celebrations of the season takes over Historic Downtown San Pedro for the 15th Annual Día de los Muertos Festival.
The community celebration honors Día de los Muertos traditions through colorful altars and ofrendas, live entertainment, Aztec and folklórico performances, local artists and vendors, food and cultural activities.
The festival also features its popular Catrina contest, while the streets of Downtown San Pedro fill with music, art and elaborate Día de los Muertos displays.
Why go: Come for the beautiful altars and art, stay for the performances, food and atmosphere throughout Downtown San Pedro.
Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 3–8 PM
Riviera Village | Redondo Beach
Halloween afternoon in Riviera Village has become a South Redondo tradition.
Catalina Avenue transforms into a pedestrian-friendly Halloween celebration as families arrive in costume and participating businesses welcome trick-or-treaters throughout the Village.
The location makes this one especially fun. Spend the afternoon trick-or-treating, walk toward the beach and stay in Riviera Village for an early dinner or Halloween night out.
Why go: A walkable neighborhood Halloween celebration just blocks from the ocean.
You don't necessarily need a ticketed event to get into the fall mood.
Pick up pumpkins and mums, grab a seasonal coffee, decorate the front porch, visit a local farmers market, take an afternoon walk along the coast and finish the day at one of the events above.
That's part of what makes fall in the South Bay so good: you can spend the afternoon doing something decidedly autumnal and still catch sunset at the beach.
October 10
Pumpkins in the Park | Hermosa Beach | 11 AM–1 PM
October 17
RPV Trunk or Treat | Rancho Palos Verdes | 11 AM–2 PM
October 17
Sea Scare: Monsters of Myth | San Pedro | 7–10 PM
October 18
World Famous Pumpkin Race Festival | Manhattan Beach | 12–5 PM
October 24
Family Halloween Carnival | Manhattan Beach | 1–5 PM
October 25
Día de los Muertos Festival | San Pedro | 3–9:30 PM
October 31
Halloween Trick or Treat | Riviera Village, Redondo Beach | 3–8 PM
From pumpkin racing in Manhattan Beach and Halloween festivities in Hermosa Beach to trick-or-treating in Redondo Beach and cultural celebrations in San Pedro, October is packed with reasons to get out and explore the South Bay.
Bookmark this guide, send it to someone who's always looking for weekend plans, and check back as we continue to share what's happening around Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, San Pedro and the surrounding South Bay communities.
Looking for more South Bay local guides, neighborhood recommendations and real estate insights? Follow Accardo Real Estate Associates for more of what to know, see and do around the South Bay.
Event information is current as of September 2026 and is subject to change. We recommend confirming details with event organizers before attending.
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