From the Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair and pumpkin races to Halloween markets and a sunset half marathon, here’s what’s happening around the South Bay this October.
Fall looks a little different at the beach. We may not have changing leaves or sweater weather just yet, but October still brings some of our favorite South Bay traditions.
This month is packed with community events in Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and El Segundo. Whether you’re running a race, shopping local, getting the kids dressed up for Halloween or just looking for an excuse to spend the weekend outside, here are a few events to put on your calendar.
Hometown Fair weekend starts bright and early with the 49th Annual Manhattan Beach 10K.
More than 4,000 runners take on the 6.2-mile course through Downtown and residential Manhattan Beach before finishing near the Manhattan Beach Pier. The race is sold out for 2026, but there are plenty of spots around town to cheer on the runners before heading over to the Hometown Fair.
October 3 | 7:30 AM | Manhattan Beach
One of our favorite weekends of the year is back!
The 54th Annual Manhattan Beach Hometown Fair takes over Live Oak Park, Dorsey Field and the Joslyn Center for two days of food, games, live music, arts and crafts, local booths and plenty of familiar faces.
It’s one of those weekends that really feels like Manhattan Beach, with local schools, organizations, businesses and neighbors all coming together. Grab some food, wander the booths, listen to live music and make a day of it.
October 3–4 | 10 AM–6 PM | Live Oak Park, Dorsey Field & Joslyn Center, Manhattan Beach
Hermosa Beach is getting into the fall spirit with Pumpkins in the Park.
Head to the park for a Saturday morning of seasonal fun and a little taste of fall at the beach. It’s an easy one to add to the calendar for families looking for something festive to do with the kids.
October 10 | Hermosa Beach
Another longtime South Bay tradition returns on October 18 with the 18th Annual SKECHERS Pier to Pier Friendship Walk.
The walk begins at the Manhattan Beach Pier, heads south along the coast to the Hermosa Beach Pier and then returns to Manhattan Beach. The annual event supports children with special needs, public education and a national college scholarship program.
Check-in begins at 8 AM, followed by the opening ceremony and the walk. And since the Pumpkin Race starts later that day, you can make a full Sunday out of it in Downtown Manhattan Beach.
October 18 | Morning | Manhattan Beach Pier to Hermosa Beach Pier & back
Only in Manhattan Beach do pumpkins get their own race down Manhattan Beach Boulevard.
The 36th Annual World Famous Pumpkin Race returns to the Manhattan Beach Pier on Sunday, October 18. The festival starts at noon, with the pumpkin races kicking off at 2 PM.
Decorate your own pumpkin racer, wear a costume or just head downtown to watch the action. Between the creative racers, costumes and inevitable pumpkin crashes, this is easily one of the most entertaining fall traditions in town.
October 18 | Festival at 12 PM, races at 2 PM | Manhattan Beach Pier
For a little Halloween shopping, head to The Point in El Segundo for the Sun & Sea Collective Halloween Pop Up Market.
Shop local vendors, pick up a few fall treats and make an easy Saturday morning of it at The Point. With Halloween right around the corner, it’s a fun excuse to shop small and get into the spirit of the season.
October 24 | 10 AM–3 PM | The Point, El Segundo
Also happening October 24 is the 38th Annual Family Halloween Carnival at Manhattan Heights Park.
The afternoon event is another fun way for families to get into the Halloween spirit before the big day.
October 24 | 1–5 PM | Manhattan Heights Park, Manhattan Beach
October is ending with a pretty major running event coming right through the South Bay.
The Nike After Dark Tour LA Half Marathon takes place Saturday evening, starting at King Harbor in Redondo Beach. The 13.1-mile course takes runners through Torrance and scenic Hermosa Beach, with coastal views and sunset over the ocean, before finishing back at King Harbor for a post-race celebration.
The race itself is already sold out, but even if you’re not running, keep an eye out for runners and road closures or find a spot along the route to cheer them on.
October 24 | 5 PM | Redondo Beach, Torrance & Hermosa Beach
One of the things we love about October in the South Bay is that you get a little bit of everything. There are fall traditions and Halloween festivities, but there are also plenty of warm afternoons that still feel like summer.
Grab coffee and walk The Strand, spend the afternoon at a farmers market, catch a sunset at the beach or make a day out of one of the community events happening around town.
It’s one of those months that reminds us how lucky we are to call the South Bay home.
And if spending more time here has you thinking about making a move, we’re always happy to be a local resource. Whether you’re exploring Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, El Segundo or somewhere nearby, reach out anytime to talk neighborhoods, homes and what living in the South Bay is really like.
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