Things to Do This October in Santa Ana and Nearby

October gives us plenty of reasons to get out of the house. Whether you want a Halloween outing with the kids, an afternoon at a museum or a trip to pick out a pumpkin, there’s something to enjoy close to Santa Ana.

Dress up for Boo at the Zoo

The Santa Ana Zoo’s Boo at the Zoo brings trick-or-treating, decorations, animal presentations, a scavenger hunt and rides together for a family Halloween evening. The zoo has listed an event for October 17, 2026, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Check the zoo’s event page for admission details and additional dates before you go. 

Spend a Sunday at Bowers Museum

For an outing earlier in the month, Bowers Museum has scheduled its Mehregan Festival for Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum describes its first Sunday family festivals as free events with performances and art activities. It’s a chance to enjoy something different right here in Santa Ana.

Make a pumpkin patch trip to Irvine

A short drive away, Tanaka Farms is welcoming visitors to its 2026 pumpkin patch. Walk the farm, take fall photos and choose a pumpkin to bring home. The farm says reservations are required, so book ahead and check its current hours before leaving. 

You don’t have to fit everything into one weekend. Pick an outing that sounds fun, invite someone along and enjoy a little of the season close to home. Event schedules, availability and admission details can change, so check each organizer’s website before making plans.