LOS ANGELES — October arrives in Southern California with a packed first weekend of concerts, outdoor events, movies, food, sports and beach activities across Los Angeles and the Westside.
From Bruno Mars at SoFi Stadium and DJs taking over the Santa Monica Pier to an outdoor screening at Hollywood Forever and a major food event in Malibu, there are plenty of options from Friday, October 2 through Sunday, October 4.
Those planning to head toward Malibu should also prepare for unusually hot conditions. The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch beginning Friday, with temperatures potentially reaching the 90s in parts of Malibu over the weekend.
Here are some events and activities to consider.
Pier Play Festival Takes Over Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier will become an electronic music destination Saturday and Sunday with the two-day Pier Play Festival.
The lineup includes Kaz James, LP Giobbi, Mind Against, Claptone and Meduza among the DJs and performers scheduled for the weekend.
For Westside residents, this is one of the largest events happening close to Venice and Santa Monica this weekend.
Visitors should expect heavier-than-normal pedestrian and vehicle traffic around the pier and surrounding Downtown Santa Monica area.
Bruno Mars Plays Two Nights at SoFi Stadium
Bruno Mars brings The Romantic Tour to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on Friday, October 2 and Saturday, October 3.
Anderson .Paak is also scheduled to appear as DJ Pee.Wee.
The two weekend performances are part of a larger Los Angeles run, with additional SoFi Stadium shows scheduled for October 6 and 7.
Watch “Corpse Bride” at Hollywood Forever Cemetery
October also means the beginning of Halloween season in Los Angeles.
Cinespia will screen Tim Burton’s 2005 animated film “Corpse Bride” at Hollywood Forever Cemetery on Saturday, October 3.
Watching the movie outdoors inside one of Hollywood’s most famous cemeteries offers an appropriately seasonal way to begin October.
The Growlers at the Greek Theatre
The Growlers conclude their West Coast tour Saturday night with a performance at the Greek Theatre.
The outdoor venue in Griffith Park can also make the concert part of a larger afternoon in the area, with Griffith Observatory, hiking trails and Los Feliz nearby.
John Carpenter and Kurt Russell at the Academy Museum
Film fans have another unusual opportunity Saturday.
The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures continues its John Carpenter: Prince of Darkness screening series with Carpenter and actor Kurt Russell scheduled to appear for a double feature of “Escape from New York” and “Escape from L.A.”
The event takes place Saturday, October 3.
First Saturdays Returns to Leimert Park Village
Those looking for a free community event can head to Leimert Park Village on Saturday.
First Saturdays features live music, jewelry-making workshops and specials from neighborhood businesses.
The outdoor gathering provides another option for residents who want something less expensive than one of the weekend’s major concerts or ticketed festivals.
Los Angeles Dodgers Begin the NLDS
October baseball arrives at Dodger Stadium this weekend.
The Dodgers are scheduled to host the opening two games of the National League Division Series on Saturday, October 3 and Sunday, October 4.
Fans traveling through Downtown Los Angeles, Echo Park and surrounding neighborhoods should expect increased traffic around game times.
The Food Event Comes to Malibu
One of Malibu’s major weekend events takes place Sunday at Calamigos Ranch.
Los Angeles Magazine’s The Food Event 2026 is scheduled for Sunday, October 4 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The 20th annual culinary event brings together restaurants and beverage producers for an afternoon of tastings at the Malibu property.
The event is listed for guests 21 and older.
Spend a Day at the Beach
You don’t necessarily need a ticket to enjoy the weekend.
Malibu remains one of the easiest places around Los Angeles to turn a few free hours into a full day along the coast.
Surfrider Beach offers the classic Malibu surfing experience next to Malibu Lagoon, while Zuma Beach provides considerably more open sand and room to spread out.
Point Dume is another option for those interested in combining a short coastal walk with panoramic views of the Pacific.
Visitors looking primarily for scenery and photography can continue farther west toward El Matador State Beach, known for its cliffs, rock formations and sea stacks.
Malibu Weather: A Hot Start to October
This may not feel much like fall.
As of September 30, the National Weather Service has an Extreme Heat Watch in effect for Malibu beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, October 2 and continuing into the following week.
The NWS point forecast for Malibu currently calls for:
Friday: Sunny with a high near 90°F. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph.
Saturday: Sunny and potentially very hot, with a high near 94°F.
Sunday: Sunny with a high near 86°F.
Overnight temperatures are expected to remain unusually warm, generally in the mid-70s.
Conditions can vary substantially between Malibu’s immediate coastline, canyon areas and elevated locations, so beachgoers may experience cooler temperatures directly beside the water than forecasts several miles inland.
Anyone spending an extended period outdoors should bring water, sunscreen and sun protection, particularly during the hottest afternoon hours.
Malibu Surf Report
Malibu currently has relatively modest surf around its famous point breaks, with somewhat larger waves at the beaches west of Point Dume.
Recent Surfline observations have put Malibu Third Point around 1–2 feet, while Zuma Beach, Leo Carrillo and County Line have generally been around 2–3 feet or slightly larger.
A mix of southern and southwestern swell has been reaching the coastline. Conditions can change significantly with tide, wind and exposure.
The smaller waves around Malibu’s points can favor longboards and higher-volume boards, while Zuma and the beaches farther west may pick up more swell.
Recent water-temperature readings have been approximately 71–72°F.
Surfers should check updated conditions, tides and lifeguard information immediately before entering the water. Even on smaller-wave days, rip currents, shorebreak and rapidly changing ocean conditions can present hazards.
A Busy First Weekend of October
Los Angeles is moving quickly into its fall event season.
Between concerts, baseball, outdoor movies, electronic music on the Santa Monica Pier and a culinary event in Malibu, the first weekend of October offers options stretching from Downtown Los Angeles all the way up the coast.
For people who would rather skip the crowds, a morning along the Malibu coastline remains one of the simplest alternatives — although with unusually warm temperatures in the forecast, arriving early may be the better option.
Presence News will continue covering events, entertainment and community happenings throughout Los Angeles and Southern California.
