October Events in the Marina: Dining Cruises, Drum Circles and More
From whiskey pairing dinners to food truck feasts and the annual Halloween Spooktacular by the sea, October is jam-packed with fun in Marina del Rey.
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1. Annual Halloween Spooktacular
Marina del Rey’s annual Halloween Spooktacular at Burton Chace Park is a two-day festival offering fun for all ages. Presented by the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors, this free event is held on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. Enjoy this family-friendly day featuring creative costume contests, engaging activities like graveyard treasure hunts and mazes, and spooky-themed entertainment along the waterfront. P.S. You can also ride the Marina WaterBus, just $1 per person, one-way, on Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.
2. Whiskey Wednesdays at SALT
SALT, Marina del Rey Hotel's restaurant and bar, invites whiskey enthusiasts to experience Whiskey Wednesdays, every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. throughout October until Nov. 11th. Sip, savor, and craft your perfect cocktail with discounted whiskeys including private label.
3. Reservations Open: Cozy Up Fireside at Sinder Lounge
Gather your crew for a cozy evening at Sinder Lounge at the Marina del Rey Marriott. Small groups of up to five can reserve a private fireplace area and settle in for craft beverages and delicious bites in an intimate, fireside setting. It’s an inviting way to enjoy a fall evening by the waterfront.
4. Dine on the Water with City Cruises
Gather with family and friends and enjoy a memorable meal while cruising the scenic harbor with City Cruises Marina del Rey. Enjoy weekend brunch or dinner cruises featuring delicious dining, refreshing drinks and scenic harbor views from the comfort of a yacht. Planning ahead for Thanksgiving? Special Thanksgiving brunch and dinner cruises offer a memorable way to celebrate the holiday. Reserve your cruise now and make your next meal—or Thanksgiving celebration—one to remember on the water.
5. Get Spooky on the Water
Celebrate Halloween on the water at Mother’s Beach with two festive paddles hosted by Pro SUP Shop. On Oct. 24, join the 4th Annual Witches Paddle Fundraiser, a guided marina tour benefiting Resilience Rising. Then on Oct. 28, dress in your Halloween best for the annual Marina Monster Paddle Parade, featuring a moonlit paddle and costume contest. Grab your crew, pick your paddle and reserve your spot!
6. Taste Your Way through Beach Eats Every Thursday
Foodies will find their happy place at Beach Eats on Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., where a rotating lineup of LA’s best food trucks parks at Mother’s Beach. Grab gourmet bites, enjoy artisan desserts, and watch the sun set behind the yachts. It’s equal parts foodie heaven and classic SoCal evening hangout.
7. Find Your Rhythm at Marina Drum Circles
On Sunday afternoons this fall (continuing through October 18), Burton Chace Park bursts with rhythm as locals and visitors alike gather on the sand for interactive drum circles. Choose from two sessions: 11:30 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. First-time drummers all the way to seasoned percussionists are welcometo join in the fun or just sit back and soak up the contagious energy. Free admission!
8. Live Music at Waterfront Restaurants
Marina del Rey’s waterfront dining scene comes alive with music and entertainment all week long, making it a perfect spot to pair a great meal with even better vibes.
On Fridays, The Warehouse Restaurant keeps the energy high with salsa lessons and dancing, while Brizo's newly branded rooftop bar, Solana, sets the tone with a live DJ on both Friday and Saturday nights. PLANTA Cocina is also another spot for salsa lessons and dancing on Tuesday nights along with Taco Tuesday specials.
Catch live music during happy hours at SALT and Beachside Restaurant & Bar on select evenings. And check out their 'dog-friendly' happy hour events, too! And enjoy live music performances at Killer Yacht Club, rounding out a diverse lineup of sounds by the sea.
9. Special Themed Events on Historic Northwind Yacht
Experience autumn on the water aboard The Northwind, a beautifully restored 1930s luxury yacht docked at 4445 Admiralty Way. Throughout October, you can catch weekly Sunset Dinner Cruises (Thursday–Saturday) featuring a multi-course menu, or soak in the California sun during their Sunday Harbor Brunches. Enjoy three exclusive themed events this month:
-Sunday, Oct. 11 Pumpkins & Prosseco: Savor seasonal bites, sips of prosseco, and pumpkin decorating on deck. Times may vary based upon availability.
-Friday, Oct. 23 Comedy Night by the Water: The lively evening of stand-up comedy will be held at the California Yacht Club Clubhouse, steps from Northwind, from 6:30 to 9 p.m.
-Saturday, Oct. 24 Haunted Northwind Halloween Party: Celebrate Halloween at a festive costume party featuring curated cocktails, a live DJ, and dancing aboard the historic yacht.
10. Saturdays: Marina del Rey Farmers Market
Every Saturday in Marina del Rey from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Farmers Market offers a fresh selection of seasonal fruits and vegetables alongside distinctive artisan goods from local vendors. This inviting market is an ideal spot to spend a crisp fall morning while exploring the Marina’s vibrant local scene. For visitors seeking quality, fresh finds and authentic experiences, the market is a must-visit during your stay.
