Entertainment
5 Things to Do in Orange County This Weekend: October 23–25, 2026
Make the most of October 23–25 with an Anaheim parade, free fall festivities, Halloween fun at the OC Zoo, and a pumpkin patch worth planning ahead for.
Looking for things to do in Orange County this weekend? October 23–25 brings plenty of reasons to pull out the costumes a week early. You can explore decorated historic grounds in Lake Forest, spend Saturday in downtown Anaheim, or take the kids to a Halloween celebration with animals and hands-on activities.
These five picks focus on local fall fun, with practical details to help you choose. Several are free to attend, and one popular pumpkin patch requires advance weekend reservations.
Event details were checked against official organizer websites on October 19, 2026. All times below are local. Check the linked event pages before leaving for any last-minute changes.
1. Enjoy an evening at Fall-O-Ween in Lake Forest
When: Friday–Sunday, October 23–25, 4:30–8:30 p.m.
Where: Heritage Hill Historical Park, 25151 Serrano Road, Lake Forest
Cost: Free admission and parking
Fall-O-Ween turns Heritage Hill’s historic grounds into a seasonal outing with Halloween photo spots, a straw maze and a scavenger hunt. Costumes are encouraged, so this is a good excuse to give this year’s outfit an early appearance.
The evening schedule makes this an easy option after Friday’s workday or as a Sunday finish to the weekend. Bring your camera and leave time to explore rather than rushing through the displays.
Light refreshments will be available for purchase, and giveaways are offered while supplies last. Leashed pets are welcome; leashes must be no longer than six feet.
2. Make Saturday a downtown Anaheim day
When: Saturday, October 24; festival and classic car show 10 a.m.–4 p.m.; parade 7 p.m.
Where: Center Greens and the surrounding downtown Anaheim area
Cost: Festival and parade admission are free
The Anaheim Fall Festival brings together local artists, live entertainment, costume contests, children’s crafts and a classic car show. Center Greens, beside City Hall and the Downtown Anaheim Community Center, is the starting point for your daytime visit.
The Halloween Parade follows at 7 p.m. There’s a gap between the daytime festivities and the parade, so plan a meal or a break if you want to enjoy both.
Before choosing a parking spot, read the organizer’s road-closure guidance. The City Hall parking area has no entry or exit from 3–9 p.m. during parade closures. That matters if you’re planning to leave after the afternoon festival.
Festival details and parade route and parking
3. Watch the animals celebrate at the OC Zoo
When: Saturday, October 24, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: OC Zoo, Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
Cost: $2 zoo admission; ages 2 and younger free. Parking is $5 per car.
Halloween Zoo-tacular adds a seasonal twist to a zoo visit: animals receive treat-filled pumpkins throughout the day, and children can join Halloween activities.
Trick-or-treating and the scavenger hunt are for ages 12 and younger, with candy and prizes available while supplies last. There are also spooky crafts for kids.
Reservations aren’t needed, and activities are included with paid zoo admission. Zoo coupons and free passes aren’t valid for this event. If you’re also considering the nearby pumpkin patch, check its separate reservation requirements below before promising a two-stop outing.
Official Halloween Zoo-tacular details
4. Try spooky science at Boo at the Bay
When: Saturday, October 24, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: Peter and Mary Muth Interpretive Center, 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach
Cost: Free admission and parking
Boo at the Bay combines Halloween with nature and science. The family celebration includes stories, crafts, experiments, animals and games, plus exhibits from community organizations.
Costumes are encouraged. For families choosing between Saturday activities, this is a particularly good fit for children who enjoy making things and exploring the natural world.
One important detail: rain or inclement weather will cancel the event. Check the official listing before heading out.
Official Boo at the Bay details
5. Plan ahead for Irvine Park Railroad’s Pumpkin Patch
When: Friday, October 23, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, October 24–25, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange
If a pumpkin patch is your weekend priority, book before you go. Online reservations are required on October 24–25 and include patch entry plus a train or wagon ride. Friday does not require a reservation.
Weekend reservations are listed at $16–$22 per person, plus a $5 service fee per reservation. Children 12 months and younger are free. Parking, pumpkins and additional paid activities are separate.
Check available times and the full booking details on the railroad’s website. Choose your ride window first, then build the rest of your day around it.
