Fall is in the air! Take a deep breath and inhale the seductive scents of October – from heady pumpkin spice, to crisp apples and the satisfying aroma of hearty autumn meals! Okteberfest is in full swing, so don your Lederhosen and get ready to oom pah pah! Have you ever gone apple picking? Southern California is a major producer, with orchards galore where visitors are welcome to harvest their own fresh fruit. Pumpkin spice is nice – appearing in fragrant seasonal treats from cookies and lattes to ice cream, shakes and confections. So fall in, with tons of fun things to do in October!

Wirtshaus 345 N La Brea Ave. Los Angeles, California 90036

Okterfest is in full swing at Wirtshaus, a traditional German restaurant and biergarten specializing in authentic German food, freshly tapped beer, over 35 imported German beers, and a schmecken selection of German and Austrian wines. Every Friday and Saturday night until the end of October, get your “gemütlich” on with music; Dirndl and Lederhosen, Steinholding contests; and free giveaways. The menu boasts various versions of Schnitzel, Sausages, and of course, Pretzels. The atmosphere at the Wirtshaus is fun and laid back. Hang out at the bar or enjoy yourself on one of the long wooden tables inside or the lush outdoors Biergarten. 

Alpine Village 833 W Torrance Blvd  Torrance, CA 90502 

A little slice of Bavaria in sunny Southern California, Alpine Village was established in 1968 as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, and has been the home of the oldest and biggest Oktoberfest celebration in Southern California for over 50 years. Traditional Bavarian fun is supplied by Oom Pah Pah party bands, your appetite will sated by traditional German fare, and your thirst quenched by frothy German beers brewed by Paulaner. While you're there, be sure to visit the Alpine Village Imports Market, featuring a huge array of German foods and interesting alcoholic beverages like Goldschläger, a Swiss cinnamon schnapps with real gold flakdes floating inside. 

The Red Lion Tavern 2366 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90039

You don't have to wait for Oktoberfest to indulge in great Greman food! For over 55 years, The Red Lion Tavern has been one of Los Angeles’ most beloved neighborhood taverns. This L.A. landmark continues to serve up traditional German food and a wide selection of German beer in a cozy old world atmosphere. Drop in for Happy Hour Monday through Friday 12pm – 6pm, or enjoy a relaxing Sunday Brunch every weekend from 11am to 3 pm.

Riley's Farm 12261 Oak Glen Rd, Yucaipa, CA 92399

Nestled in the apple growing foothills of historic Oak Glen, Riley’s Farm is a working apple orchard and living history farm featuring pick-your-own fruit, living history education, dinner theatre, group banquet facilities and extended, historically-themed overnight stays. In addition to apples, there's a wide selection of fruits and veggies for visitors to take home and enjoy like raspberries, strawberries, pears and pumpkins. Make sure to stop by the bakery for Tea Time, where you can enjoy natural teas and nibble on fresh baked scones and tarts.

Calabasas Pumpkin Festival Juan Bautista de Anza Park 3701 Lost Hills Road, Calabasas, CA 91301

Did you know that Calabasas got its name from the Spanish ​word “Calabaza”​ meaning “pumpkin”​or “gourd?" Local legend has it that in the late 1700's, explorer Juan Bautista de Anza was traveling through the area now known as Calabasas when suddenly, his wagon full of pumpkins ​overturned. A few months later, the area saw its first pumpkin patch!  ​​More than 200 years later, the Calabasas community has made it a tradition to celebrate its namesake with friends, family, fun and of course, pumpkins! Housed along Lost Hills Road and the beautiful Juan Bautista de Anza  Park, The Calabasas Pumpkin Festival is proudly presented by the  City of Calabasas and the Calabasas Chamber of Commerce.  

Milk Jar Cookies 5466 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90036

This cozy shop is nestled along a historic corridor of LA's Miracle Mile. Milk Jar hand-rolls every cookie and bakes them in small batches from morning ’til night. The cookie experts at Milk Jar have whipped up something special for October! They’re serving up pumpkin pie cookies topped with pecans spiced & roasted in-house. Plus, they’ve given their birthday cookies a seasonal makeover, coating them in orange, yellow and brown sprinkles. Drop by, grab a warm cookie and a jar of cold milk, and don't forget to buy a bag to take home!

Miracle Mile Farmers Market 5700 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90036

Looking to put some fresh produce on the table and some color in your home? Miracle Mile Farmers Market is held every Wednesday 11am – 3 pm. at Wilshire Courtyard. You'll find stalls full of bountiful seasonal produce, seeds and nuts, organic honey, delicious grab-and-go meals, jewelery, and other fun things 

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