The Bucket List • October 2016 • L.A. Edition 

Matt Matasci

October marks the changing of the seasons (yes we have seasons in Los Angeles), and as such the month is packed with a diverse selection of events, everything from huge outdoor concerts and music festivals to Halloween-themed screenings and musical events. From Knott’s Scary Farm and Beach Goth Festival in Orange County to Sia at Hollywood Bowl, October is filled with can’t-miss events across the region.

Creep Los Angeles | Sept. 15 – Oct. 31
Extreme haunted house Creep Los Angeles describes itself as a fully immersive sensory experience. Along with seven others, your group will explore terrifying scenes and situations, taking a deep look into the twisted world of fictional mid-century artist, Erebus Burwyck.

Halloween Horror Nights | Sept. 16 – Nov. 5
When the sun goes down the spooks come out at the famous Universal Studios’ Halloween Horror Nights. This year boasts seven new mazes, including themes from “American Horror Story” and “The Exorcist.” Get dangerously close to Jason, Leatherface, and Freddy, climb aboard the new Terror Tram experience, check out a “Walking Dead” attraction, scare zones, and a live show from Jabbawockeez.

Knott’s Scary Farm | Sept. 22 – Oct. 31
The classic Halloween transformation is back at Knott’s Berry Farm. Once again, the Buena Park amusement park will shift from its family-friendly atmosphere to a chilling world of zombies and ghouls. In addition to the park’s rides, several haunted houses are scattered across the grounds, exploring a variety of creepy themes.

Dolly Parton at Hollywood Bowl | Oct. 1-2
Country music royalty takes on the Hollywood Bowl this month. For two nights, Dolly Parton, who recently released her 43rd album, “Pure & Simple,” will bring her lilting voice and million-selling compositions to the Bowl.

Desert Trip at Empire Polo Club | Oct. 7-9 & 14-16
Gathering some of the biggest names in the music world, Desert Trip is the ultimate music festival. The festival features performances by Rolling Stones, Neil Young, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan, The Who and Roger Waters over the course of three days.

Sia w/ Special Guests Miguel and AlunaGeorge at Hollywood Bowl | Oct. 8
Sia is having a busy 2016. From her album, “This Is Acting,” to jaw-dropping performances at Coachella, few artists are as buzzed-about as the Australian singer. She continues her strong showing at the Hollywood Bowl in October, where she will be joined by R&B sensation, Miguel and indie-electro duo, AlunaGeorge.

David Lynch Foundation presents: David Lynch’s Festival of Disruption | Oct. 8-9
Curated by David Lynch, the Festival of Disruption is a star-studded event with some of the biggest names in music, filmmaking and art. The festival will include performances by Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters, St. Vincent, Rhye, Sky Ferreira and DJ sets by Questlove and KCRW’s Jason Bentley. Also speaking at the festival is architect Frank Gehry, Kyle Maclachlan and Laura Dern, Mel Brooks, Debby Harry and Chris Stein, and John Malkovich and Sandro Miller.

An Evening w/ Bryan Cranston of “Breaking Bad” at Barnum Hall, Santa Monica High School | Oct. 13
There are few actors as versatile as Bryan Cranston. He has won four Emmy Awards during his time on “Breaking Bad” and has been nominated for an Academy Award for his role in the film, “Trumbo.” Cranston will discuss his recent memoir “A Life in Parts,” which follows the actor’s journey from childhood to stardom.

7th Annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic | Oct. 15
The seventh annual Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic of Los Angeles will be at Will Rogers State Historic Park. Head to the Westside for an afternoon filled with exhilarating polo matches and sips of champagne. Food trucks and lawn games will also be featured at this event in one of the city’s most beautiful parks.

Trevor Noah at Dolby Theatre | Oct. 15
Rising comedy star Trevor Noah was recently handed the unenviable job as Jon Stewart’s replacement  on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show,” and the South African comedian has done a stellar job, injecting his outsider’s viewpoints into the wild world of American politics. Catch his acclaimed stand-up routine at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre this month.

Los Angeles Magazine: The Food Event 2016 at Saddlerock Ranch, Malibu | Oct. 16
Los Angeles Magazine hosts their 11th annual party for foodies at Saddlerock Ranch along the Malibu coast. The event features food from some of the region’s top chefs and restaurants, along with wine, beer and spirits.

Screamfest Horror Film Festival | Oct. 18-27
As the largest and longest-running horror film fest in the United States, Screamfest features some of the most exciting films of the genre. In fact, some consider it to be the “Sundance of Horror.” This year’s festival is held in the heart of Hollywood at the TCL Chinese 6 Theatre, and will include categories like Best Feature, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Special Effects and Score.

Art Night in Pasadena at Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena Museum of California Art and more | Oct. 21
Pasadena plays host to an evening of free art and entertainment, when museums in its downtown and environs, including the Norton Simon and Pasadena Museum of History, will open their doors for the evening.  

Beach Goth w/ Bon Iver, The Growlers, Justice, James Blake at Oak Canyon Park | Oct. 22-23
Beach Goth has grown into one of the most prominent music festivals in Southern California. Hosted at Oak Canyon Park in Orange County, this year’s edition includes big names like Bon Iver, Justice and James Blake. As usual, curators and hosts The Growlers will perform in a headlining spot.

Amy Schumer at The Forum | Oct. 23
Amy Schumer is recognized as one of the top young female comedians of her generation. The witty comic brings her tour to The Forum for a night of her sarcastic, no holds barred observational humor.

Evil Dead in Concert / Live to Film at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Oct. 25
What better time to examine the greats of the horror film genre than October? This month go to The Theatre at Ace Hotel for a screening of the 1981 cult favorite, “The Evil Dead.” This screening features a new, live score by composer Joseph LoDuca and Bruce Campbell, the film’s star, will host the evening.

Kanye West’s Saint Pablo Tour at The Forum | Oct. 25-27 & Nov. 1
Kanye West’s work transcends art forms, as he has moved into the worlds of fashion and visual art to go along with his acclaimed music. Fresh off of the release of his latest LP, “Saint Pablo,” West will bring his tour to The Forum for three nights at the end of October, plus a fourth in November.

Unicef Masquerade Ball at Clifton’s Cafeteria | Oct. 27
The signature event for UNICEF Next Generation, this Masquerade Ball will be hosted at the recently renovated Clifton’s Cafeteria. Located on Downtown Los Angeles’ historic Broadway, it is hard to imagine a more appropriate location for the event. Entertainment includes performances by Cold War Kids, Devendra Banhart and more.

Stan Lee’s Los Angeles Comic Con at Los Angeles Convention Center | Oct. 28-30
Rebranded from the Comikaze Expo, Stan Lee’s comic extravaganza in Downtown Los Angeles is underscoring its objective of honoring the city as a mecca of pop-culture. The convention will salute artists in the city involved in television, comics, movies and video games.

Danny Elfman: Halloween at Hollywood Bowl: “Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas” at Hollywood Bowl |Oct. 28-30
Fans of Tim Burton’s  “The Nightmare Before Christmas” must head to the Hollywood Bowl for this amazing musical event. Danny Elfman, the composer of the film’s score, will put on a special performance at the acclaimed amphitheater.

Dia De Los Muertos Festival at the Hollywood Forever Cemetery | Oct. 29
Hollywood Forever Cemetery’s Dia De Los Muertos celebration has become a staple of the city’s holiday festivities. This event includes performances by Julieta Venegas, Buyepongo, Alejandro y Maria Laura, Mitre and Mariachi Flor de Toloache.

Festival Supreme w/ Flight of the Conchords, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Patton Oswalt, Mac DeMarco at the Shrine Expo Hall | Oct. 29
Jack Black and Kyle Gass are back with another iteration of their comedy and music blow-out, Festival Supreme. This year’s lineup includes some of the biggest comedic names like Patton Oswalt and Sarah Silverman, a big-time musical performer in Mac Demarco, and artists like “Weird Al” Yankovic and Flight of the Conchords.

LA Opera Off Grand Presents “Nosferatu”: A Symphony of Horror at The Theatre at Ace Hotel | Oct. 29 + Oct. 31
The Theatre at Ace Hotel is the perfect location for a screening of the eerie silent classic, “Nosferatu,” with the LA Opera’s chamber orchestra performing a new score. Following the film is a dance party with drinks and DJs.