Fall in Orange County is an absolute treat, with warm, sunny days, crisp-cool evenings, and an impressive lineup of activities that make it the perfect time to explore. Whether you’re into spooky Halloween thrills, classic fall traditions like pumpkin patches and apple picking, the local foodie scene, or simply enjoying the season with your family, OC truly has something for everyone. Here’s a rundown of some must-do fall activities in the area.

Oktoberfest Huntington Beach

Get ready to say “Prost!” (cheers!) at the annual Oktoberfest celebration in Huntington Beach. One of the most anticipated fall events in OC, Oktoberfest brings an authentic taste of Germany to Old World Village with traditional food, live music, contests, and of course, plenty of beer.

Oktoberfest runs Wednesdays through Sundays September 8 to November 3, 2024, and certain days and times are all ages and dog-friendly.

Newport Beach Film Festival

For a very different type of October-fest, head to the Newport Beach Film Festival. If movies (or industry parties or food) are your thing, you won’t want to miss it. This annual event showcases more than 100 films and short film programs from around the world, featuring everything from indie gems to major studio releases.

Occurring from October 17-24, 2024, the film festival takes place across various Newport Beach venues, with dozens of opportunities to catch a screening, attend screening parties, and sample tasty bites from over 60 local restaurants.

Knott’s Scary Farm

For those who love the heart-pounding adrenaline rush of a good fright, Knott’s Scary Farm is the ultimate destination this fall. Highly regarded as one of the scariest Halloween attractions in SoCal, this legendary event transforms Knott’s Berry Farm into a nightmare-inducing dark wonderland of sorts, complete with haunted mazes, scare zones, eerie shows and other entertainment, and over 1,000 live creepy ‘creatures’ lying in wait across the park.

Knott’s Scary Farm runs on select nights from September 19 to November 2, 2024. Note that this genuinely scary attraction is not recommended for children under the age of 13.

Knott’s Spooky Farm

Looking for a less scary Halloween celebration? Check out Knott’s Spooky Farm! This daytime event at Knott’s Berry Farm, a more family-friendly version of Knott’s Scary Farm, offers fun, interactive Halloween activities like trick-or-treating, a costume contest, and live entertainment.

Head to Knott’s Spooky Farm Thursdays through Sundays, September 26 to October 31, 2024, plus Columbus Day Monday (October 14).

Orange County Fall Festivals and Pumpkin Patches

It’s just not fall without a visit to a pumpkin patch or proper harvest festival! Orange County has several fantastic options.

  • Tanaka Farms (Irvine): Experience the old-school tradition of picking your very own pumpkin off the vine at this wildly popular pumpkin patch (there are ready-to-buy pre-picked pumpkins too). There are also wagon rides, a corn maze, pumpkin cannon, petting zoo, and loads of games. Open daily from September 16 to October 31.
  • Pumpkin City (Laguna Hills): Open from October 1-31, this long-running traditional pumpkin patch celebrates its 46th year in 2024. Enjoy kiddie rides, a petting zoo, games, and the popular Oktoberfest Beer Garden.
  • Irvine Park Railroad (Irvine): Another popular pumpkin patch in Irvine, the regional park hosts tons of Halloween events the whole family will love from September 16 to October 31. Enjoy hay rides, tractor rides, face painting, pumpkin decorating, and of course, train rides. Bonus: admission to the patch is totally free!

Planning Your Fall Getaway to Anaheim

There’s no better time to visit Orange County than fall, when you can experience all that this cozy season has to offer. While you’re here, make Camelot Inn & Suites your home away from home. Located just across the street from Disneyland®, our hotel is perfectly positioned for all your autumn adventures. You can even watch the park’s beloved nightly fireworks from the comfort of our pool and sun deck, and walk over to enjoy Halloween in Disneyland®.Rooms book up especially fast during autumn, so be sure to book yours soon. Visit our website or call us at (714) 635-7275 to reserve your stay. See you soon!