It’s nearly sweater weather in Southern California, which means pool parties are out and cozy evening events are in.
Sure, pumpkin spice everything abounds, and Halloween haunts are popping up in every region, but what about an outing that’s just plain cozy? We’ve compiled a list of relaxed happenings that encompass the snuggly spirit of autumn. From stargazing parties, library wine cellars, lavender flower fields, rooftop film showings and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy this season.
Here’s a list of the coziest fall events happening throughout Southern California.
In this Dec. 21, 2020 photo, people watch the planets Jupiter and Saturn, upper left, above a telescope dome, during the great conjunction as seen from the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, on the same day as the winter solstice. The Griffith Observatory will host Star Parties on Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7. (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon, Getty Images)
Stargazing Party
Daylight increasingly fades earlier in the day as fall settles in, which offers the perfect opportunity to see some stars. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles hosts a Star Party in October, November, and December, free and open to all ages. Whether you want to add variety to a date night or bring the family along, the event will have plenty of space for stargazers of all stripes. With the assistance of volunteers from the Los Angeles Astronomical Society, the Los Angeles Sidewalk Astronomers, and The Planetary Society, attendees can expect to see suns, moons, visible planets, and other objects through different telescopes.
Where: 2800 E Observatory Road, Los Angeles.
When: 2 – 9:45 p.m. Oct. 12, Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.
Admission: Free. Visit griffithobservatory.org for more information.
The Gondola Getaway in Long Beach is a local romantic or group experience perfect for those who are not committed to traveling outside the country in the fall. (Photo courtesy of ElegantPhotography1.com)
The Gondola Getaway
Perhaps you missed your chance to take a summer trip to Italy, but don’t fret; you can snuggle up in a gondola here in Southern California. The Gondola Getaway offers several different cruises that offer the charm of an Italian Gondola ride with three different options. If you’re planning this as a romantic fall date, you’ll want to stick with the Traditional Gondola Cruise, which can seat up to six people but could easily make a more intimate experience. If you want to enjoy some Italian flavors on your ride, check out the Pizza Cruise, which seats up to 14 guests and offers an array of Pizzas or Italian antipasti. The Grand Venetian Experience also seats 14, decked with flowers, a custom dining table, and two gondoliers.
Where: 5437 E Ocean Blvd., Long Beach.
When: Trips are offered daily on select times and dates.
Admission: Cruises start at $140 at gondolagetawayinc.com.
The Obscure in Los Angeles serves up spirits and cocktails in a spooky, magical-themed tavern ideal for an Autumn night. (Photo by Liana Bandziulis)
The Obscure Distillery and Cocktail Experience
With fall welcoming the spookiest holiday, this list would be remiss if it didn’t include some magic. Embark on a journey to The Obscure in Los Angeles, where spirits are not just the beverage poured in your glass but what eerily lurks in this dimly lit tavern full of sigils, candles and other supernatural decor. Guests are given a tarot card upon arrival, which guides them on a two-hour soul-searching passage that leads them to a potion master who crafts three house spirits and three cocktails that are out of this dimension. Pro-Tip: Dress in black, look for the entrance to the secret bar and check out The Rising Sun, a southern-inspired al fresco café, to dine before or after the event because the pours from the potion masters are often generous.
Where: 1356 Palmetto St., Los Angeles, CA.
When: On select times, Thursdays – Sundays.
Admission: Tickets start at $64 at experience.theobscure.com.
The Cellar in Pasadena offers an array of wines and finger foods in a rustic, cozy library setting, making it an excellent place to enjoy the fall. (Courtesy of Visit Pasadena)
The Cellar Wine Library
There’s nothing cozier than sipping a pinot noir surrounded by books. The Cellar in Old Pasadena is an intimate speakeasy wine library that boasts a diverse selection of wine. The entrance is located on Colorado Boulevard near the Vans and Lush store and requires an elevator trip one story down. What may look like a couple of wine barrels will actually be your entrance to the quaint, upscale, speakeasy wine library. In addition to the wine, guests can enjoy finger foods such as cheese plates, charcuterie boards and flatbread pizzas that pair with the wine and naturally, there’s soft piano music playing throughout the space.
Where: 26 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena.
When: 6 p.m. – midnight on Thursdays; 6 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays; 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sundays.
Admission: Free entrance. For more information, visit lecellar.com.
Pamela’s Tearoom in Huntington Beach provides a warm cup of tea and several pastries for customers to enjoy during the fall season. (Courtesy of Pamela’s Tearoom)
Pamela’s Tearoom
A nice warm latte is often associated with fall, but don’t forget the tea! Pamela’s Tearoom is one of the most affordable of the handful of remaining tea shops in Orange County that offers late-morning and afternoon tea. This British tea room offers seasonal pastries such as the pumpkin scone and other tea blend favorites such as the Peach Apricot, Pamela’s Special, and a cinnamony Christmas in a cup. Other menu highlights include its tasty sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, bangers and mash, savory pies, homemade soups, traditional tea sandwiches, English Trifle, scones (including gluten-free scones), and English-stuffed pancakes topped with a cheese sauce. You can also pick up British groceries, ingredients, and trinket gifts.
Where: 7561 Center Ave. #19, Huntington Beach.
When: 10:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays.
Admission: Free entrance. For more information, visit pamelastearoombritshop.com.
Cherry Valley’s scenic 123 Farm, praised for its lavender fields, is now hosting its Lavender Nights event for 2024.(Courtesy of 123 Farm)
Lavender Nights at 123 Farm
Cherry Valley’s scenic 123 Farm, praised for its lavender fields, is now hosting its Lavender Nights event for 2024. Running through Oct. 27, visitors can wander through fields and olive groves adorned with glimmering lights while enjoying a variety of food, live music, games, and handmade crafts. While the lavender isn’t in bloom this season, you can still find lavender-themed products, from lavender cheesecake to wood-fired pizzas infused with lavender. Stop by the Organic Galleries to browse seasonal goods or lavender champagne at the bar.
Where: 123 Farm, 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley
When: 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. Every Wednesday through Monday, now until Oct. 27
Admission: General admission starts at $12. 123farm.com/lavendernights
Carved returns to Descanso Gardens this fall with a pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route and even more pumpkin-themed fun.(Photo courtesy of Descanso Gardens)
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Carved returns to Descanso Gardens this fall with a pumpkin wonderland featuring a new route and even more pumpkin-themed fun. Highlights include the specially lit Descanso Railroad and playful wood spirits carved from logs by Chainsaw Jenna. Guests can explore displays of luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins, and the “Rhizome” installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere. Did we mention they serve spiked apple cider? Carved is a rain-or-shine event, and tickets are non-refundable with timed entry slots.
Where: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge
When: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m. Oct. 4-30
Admission: Tickets for children start at $30, adults $45. descansogardens.com.
Kick off the fall season with apple picking at Los Rios Rancho, a charming Oak Glen farm that has started its apple harvest earlier than usual this year.(Photo courtesy of Riley’s at Los Rios Rancho)
Apple Picking at Los Rios Rancho
Kick off the fall season with apple picking at Los Rios Rancho, a charming Oak Glen farm that has started its apple harvest earlier than usual this year. Visitors can pick the first crop of Gravensteins, with apple picking continuing through early November. With 32 varieties available throughout the season, you can enjoy a different apple with every visit—just be sure to check online for which types are ready to pick. After filling your basket, visit the petting zoo, indulge in freshly pressed cider, or explore the gift shop for more seasonal treats.
Where: Los Rios Rancho, 39611 S Oak Glen Rd, Oak Glen
When: 10am–5pm daily
Admission: For more information visit losriosrancho.com.
Prepare for a festive evening as Candlelight Orchestra presents a Halloween Special at the historic Saban Theatre on Oct. 25.(Photo courtesy of Fever)
Candlelight Orchestra Halloween Special
Prepare for a festive evening as Candlelight Orchestra presents a Halloween Special at the historic Saban Theatre. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, you’ll experience a live, multi-sensory musical journey. Whether you’re a fan of spooky classics or simply love immersive music experiences, this concert will be a treat for everyone.
Where: Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd, Beverly Hills
When: 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Oct. 25
Admission: $30-$94 at feverup.com.
Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA will play a special screening of the beloved classic Practical Magic on Oct. 17.(Photo by Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images for GLAAD)
Rooftop Cinema Club Screening of Practical Magic
What could possibly be more cozy than watching a witchy Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock break a family curse in a Massachusetts town? Enjoy a night under the stars at the Rooftop Cinema Club DTLA with a special screening of the beloved classic Practical Magic. Relax with friends or loved ones (or your coven?) in this snuggly outdoor setting, complete with city views.
Where: Rooftop Cinema Club, 888 S Olive St 4th Floor, Los Angeles
When: 6:45 p.m. Oct. 17
Admission: Tickets start at $24 at rooftopcinemaclub.com.
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