It's officially October, and the harvest season is settling in (as is a pumpkin spice haze). This weekend Oktoberfest, a Day of the Dead celebration, Mexican food and more are in store. Let's get started.
FOODIE PICK
La Feria de los Moles
If you love Mexican food, you do not want to miss La Feria de los Moles. If you've never had the Mexican dish mole, you might be the perfect non-partisan foodie to settle a long-debated controversy — which Mexican state makes the best variation of mole: Puebla or Oaxaca? The pressure to make a decision might be a bit much — good thing there'll be live mariachi music and plenty of shopping to distract you.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
WHERE: La Placita Olvera (Olvera Street in DTLA) | MAP
COST: Free admission
CULTURE VULTURE PICK
The 25th Annual Festival of Philippine Arts and Culture
Echo Park Lake is just one of the city's cultural hubs and this weekend it's all about L.A.'s Filipino population and culture. This year, the festival's theme is Samu't Sari, a Tagalog phrase which loosely translates to "diversity." Stroll around the park and absorb just one of the cultures that represents the city through the eyes of its artist, music and food.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Echo Park Lake | MAP
COST: Free admission
NERD-TASTIC PICK
Watch the debate in style
Before you scroll pass this one, it's free and includes an air-conditioned room. And snacks. Head over to any of these theaters, including ones in Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Alhambra and plenty of others to watch the second presidential debate on the big screen. Plus, you can truly feel like a film critic after the 90 minutes are up.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m.
WHERE: Various Regal Cinemas
COST: Free
FAMILY PICK
Aquarium of the Pacific 5K Run/Walk
Jump in the car with the whole family and head to the beach for an early morning walk. You'll receive a t-shirt, medal and a discount on admission to the Aquarium just for participating, taking care of your workout quota for the week. The course will loop through Rainbow Harbor, Queensway Bridge and Catalina Landing for a perfect scenic weekend excursion.
WHEN: Saturday, Oct. 8, 7 - 9 a.m.
WHERE: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach| MAP
COST: Registration is $45 | Register
21+ PICK
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South Bay Oktoberfest
October comes but once a year, and with it — so much beer. Fill up on local brews at this first South Bay Oktoberfest and partake in food samples near the Redondo Beach Marina.
WHEN: Oct. 8, 2 p.m. - 8 p.m.
WHERE: Bay Club, Redondo Beach | MAP
COST: General admission is $40 | Get Tickets
FUR-FRIENDLY PICK
https://twitter.com/BowWowsPetFair/status/781156496830640129
Bow-Wows and Meows
If you've been thinking of getting a furry companion, here's your chance. Whether you're a cat or dog person, each adoption comes with a swag bag filled with goodies for the new addition to the family. Feel free to take your dog so they can sniff out their perfect match or compete in the dog show, get a shiny new tag and so much more paw-friendly activities.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
WHERE: Hart Park, Santa Clarita | MAP
COST: Free
SEASONAL PICK
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLO0tkrjNgq/?taken-by=casitadelpueblo
Uptown Whittier Day of the Dead
We know it's a bit early, but you can never have too many sugar skulls this time of year. Throw on your best brightly-colored garb and shop for a variety of skull-themed knick knacks. You can also enter the traditional altar decorating contest for some early celebrating.
WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 9, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
WHERE: Uptown Whittier | MAP
COST: Free
How are you spending your weekend? Let us know on Twitter @kellie_gal, @lizmoonyoz and @LeoHasACat.
