Daily in October

Student Audio Tour at Mission SJC The first California mission to offer this interactive audio tour, the Mission San Juan Capistrano presents <I>Saved By the Mission Bell: A Child’s Journey Through California History.<P> The tour features the story of Acu, a misplaced man from the year 1915, who seeks the help of two modern-day 4th graders, Megan and Tommy. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $9 adults; $8 seniors; $5 children ages 3 to 11. 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949-234-1300. www.missionsjc.com.

Daily through October 11

Project Playhouse Local companies sponsor these amazing playhouses that are auctioned for the charity HomeAid, Orange County’s housing development program. 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. $5 donation lets you look through the windows of the playhouses. Fashion Island, 401 Newport Center Drive, Newport Beach. 949-553-9510. www.projectplayhouse.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 1 through Sunday, Oct. 5

An Italian Straw Hat This fun new musical follows an unfortunate bridegroom around turn-of-the-century New York as he tries to replace a hat. There will be lots of laughs and some great period music. Wednesday (7:30 p.m.); Thursday and Friday (8 p.m.); Saturday (2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.); Sunday (2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). $20-$70. South Coast Repertory Theatre, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-798-5555. www.scr.org.

Thursday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 5

OC Auto Show For all you gear-head dads and kids this is the event of the year: there will be more than 500 new cars on display. See the latest in alternative energy cars and enjoy interactive displays. Thursday and Friday (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.); Saturday (9 a.m. to 10 p.m.); Sunday (9 a.m. to 7 p.m.). $10 adults; FREE for kids 12 and under. Anaheim Convention Center. 800 W. Katella Avenue, Anaheim. 415-380-8390. www.OrangeCountyAutoShow.com.

Friday, Oct. 3 through Oct. 5

Tustin Tiller Days This annual celebration has been hosted by the city of Tustin since 1957 and recognizes Orange County’s agricultural heritage. Saturday morning there will be a pancake breakfast from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and a parade to follow at 10 a.m. All three days there will be carnival rides and games, food and craft vendors and live entertainment. Friday (4 p.m. to 11 p.m.); Saturday (7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.); Sunday (11 a.m. to 8 p.m.). FREE admission. Columbus Tustin Park, corner of Prospect and Tustin Boulevard. 714-573-3326. www.tustinca.org.

Oct. 3, 10, 16, 17, 22-24, 28-31

Mickey’s Trick-or-Treat Party at California Adventure In addition to the regular rides there will be lively music to boogie your bones, trick-or-treating for candy, fun crafts and activities, and a nightly Character cavalcade. Tuesday through Thursday (6:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.); Friday (7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.). $29 per person; $37 per person on Halloween night. 1313 S. Harbor Boulevard, Anaheim. 714-781-4000. Disneyland.disney.go.com.

Fridays, Oct. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31

Shark Lagoon Nights The Aquarium of the Pacific opens its doors to the public for these wonderful events where people have the opportunity to touch more than 150 sharks. This experience is not to be missed as it brings guests closer to these amazing predators than they ever imagined. 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. 562-590-3100. www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Saturday, Oct. 4

Irvine Global Village Festival This annual festival boasts cultural performances on three stages representing more than 50 countries from around the world. Indulge in international cuisine and take your little ones to the Kids Village where they can participate in hands-on art projects, games and activities. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. FREE admission. Bill Barber Park, 4 Civic Center Plaza, Irvine. 714-724-6606. www.cityofirvine.org.

Southeast Asia Day The Aquarium of the Pacific is hosting this one-day festival that highlights the beauty and diversity of Cambodian, Thai, Vietnamese and Laotian cultures. Enjoy live performances, music, dance, and cultural craft demonstrations. Ethnic dishes will be available for purchase and there will be arts and crafts for kids. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. $20.95 adult; $11.95 kids (3-11) includes admission to the aquarium. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aquarium Way, Long Beach. 562-590-3100. www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Fiddle Fireworks Violinist from the Los Angeles Philharmonic Paul Stein plays a family program that is not to be missed. 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. FREE. Newport Beach Public Library, 1000 Avacado Avenue, Newport Beach. 949-717-3800. www.city.newport-beach.ca.us/nbpl/Children/children.htm.

Celebration in the Park To celebrate the wonderful, rich history of La Mirada, this one-day event is held at the historic Neff Estate. The day has a Victorian theme and includes tours of the historic Neff house, live entertainment, educational demonstrations (tanning hides and churning butter are some), family games, food booths, and a craft fair. Guided tours of the Neff House will be available for all to enjoy.10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. Neff Park, 14300 San Cristobal Drive, La Mirada. 562-943-7277. www.cityoflamirada.org.

Pumpkinfest The first Saturday of each month Target presents a free program at the La Habra Children’s Museum. This month the program features pumpkins. Learn the history and life cycle of the pumpkin as well as different varieties of pumpkins and their cousins. Visitors will learn to make their own pumpkin smoothies and other yummy squash recipes from Chef Renie, and also get to decorate a small pumpkin to take home. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. Children’s Museum at La Habra, 301 S. Euclid Street, La Habra. 562-905-9793. www.lhcm.org.

Bi-Annual Community Garage Sale The Saddleback Mothers of Multiples Club will hold its bi-annual garage sale including gently used infant and toddler items like clothing, toys, books, baby equipment, furniture and maternity clothes. 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. Norman P. Murray Community Center, 4932 Veteran’s Way, Mission Viejo. 949-412-3541. www.smomc.org.

Lili Claire Foundation A benefit diner and concert gala to celebrate the Lili Claire Foundation, a non-profit charity which focuses on children with neurogenetic disorders. The evening will include performances by musical guests and appearances by celebrities. Matthew Perry of Friends will host the event. 5:30 p.m. (Red Carpet arrivals and VIP reception), 7 p.m. (dinner), 9 p.m. (concert). $100 per individual (concert only); $500 per individual (concert and dinner). Santa Monica Civic Auditorium, 2800 28th Street Suite 160, Santa Monica. www.liliclairefoundation.org.

Paw Readathon With Husker Join the Mission Viejo Library for reading aloud with Husker, a trained therapy dog. Bring your child’s favorite book to read or grab one from the library. 2 p.m. 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo. 949-830-7100. www.cmvl.org.

Love Your Spiders Come and hear biologist Lenny Vincent’s fascinating stories about spiders. These animals spin many kinds of silk for as many purposes: parachutes, sling shots, fishing nets, and more. 1 to 4 p.m. $3 parking. Nix Nature Center, 18751 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach. 949-923-2235. www.lagunacoast.org.

Saturday, Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25

Brick-or-Treat Also Sunday, Oct. 5, 12, 19 and 26. LEGOLAND® California hosts Brick-or-Treat with safe trick-or-treating on the Brick-or-Treat trail. Saturday nights are “Party Nights” from 5 to 9 p.m. featuring costume contests and live entertainment. $59.95 adults; $49.95 kids 3-12. Tickets for “Party Nights” are available after 5 p.m. for $35 ($5 for members). 1 Lego Drive, Carlsbad. 760-918-LEGO. www.legoland.com.

Saturday, Oct. 4 and Sunday, Oct. 5

Kids Faire: America’s Family Expo Come enjoy a day at America’s Family Expo and experience family entertainment, acres of attractions, interactive pavillions, and miles of fun. Will feature performances by Barney, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Strawberry Shortcake. There will be clowns, a mobile aquarium, rides, crafts and a whole lot more. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. $8 adults; $5 kids. Orange County Fairgrounds, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-708-1500. www.thekidsfaire.com.

Silverado Country Fair and Arts Festival Take a walk out into the wilderness, and join hands for a jamboree. In the little town of Silverado Canyon this fair explores the wonders of music, tasty food, handmade arts and crafts. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday night music festival 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. $3 adults; $1 kids; $5 music festival. Silverado Community Center, 27641 Silverado Canyon Road. 714-649-2411.

Saturday, Oct. 4 through January 4, 2009

"Masters of the Night: The True Story of Bats" The new exhibit at the Discovery Science Center allows visitors to explore a life-like bat cave, search for food with sonar, hang upside down with the bats and more. Special effects, multi-sensory interactive displays and a Gothic castle promise to educate and entertain. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. $12.95 adults; $9.95 kids 3-17. 2500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. 714-542-2823. www.discoverycube.org.

Saturday, Oct. 4 through Sunday, Oct. 26

Peter Pan Broadway on Tour brings you the timeless story of the boy who refused to grow up. Fly off to Neverland, join the Lost Boys, do battle with Captain Hook and the Pirates, and have a pow-wow with the Indians. All the familiar songs and characters from the book are brought to life in the full Broadway musical. Oct. 4, 11, 12, 19, 26 (2 p.m.); Oct. 18 & 25 (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). $12 adults; $10 kids. Ebell Theatre 625 French Street, Santa Ana. 714-542-6939. www.broadwayontour.org.

Sunday, Oct. 5

Children’s Book Festival Come see featured author Jamie Lee Curtis and a host of other children’s writers and illustrators at this one-day book extravaganza. In addition to author readings, book vendors and story-tellers, there will be crafts, face painting, balloons, a petting zoo and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. 714-432-0202. www.kidsbookfestival.com.

47th Annual Sand Castle Contest Whether you want to sign-up and build a castle, or just check out all the castles on display, this annual event is sure to wow the whole family. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FREE admission; $30 entrance fee. Corona Del Mar State Beach (Marguerite and Ocean Boulevard). 949-729-4400. www.newportbeach.com.

Duende Flamenco Duende Flamenco features three flamenco dancers, two guitarists and a percussionist. The hour-long performance on the grounds of the Mission will introduce adults and kids to traditional flamenco dancing. 2 p.m. Performance included in the price of admission to the mission: $6 adults; $4 kids. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949-234-1322. www.missionsjc.com.

San Clemente Sea Fest Enjoy a fall day at the beach. This annual event includes a clam chowder cook-off (tasting open to the public), a surf contest, live entertainment, face painting and balloon artists. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE. The pier in San Clemente. 949-492-1131. www.scchamber.com.

Chinese Festival Bring family and friends for an afternoon of Chinese music and art. There will be Chinese music, art, and activities for the entire family, join us for face-painting, art projects, artisan demonstrations, food sampling and a Chinese Lion Dance. 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. FREE. Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. 714-567-3600.  www.bowers.org.

Seal Beach Kite Festival Is there anything more magical to kids than kite-flying? This one-day event will entertain with kite-flying demonstrations, music and a raffle. 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.  FREE. Eisenhower Park, at the foot of the Seal Beach Pier. 562-596-7661. www.ci.seal-beach.ca.us.

Mighty Rubber Duck Derby The proceeds from the 15th Annual Mighty Rubber Ducky Derby at Wild Rivers benefit the Children's Bureau. Sponsor a rubber ducky and watch him swim down the Safari River Expedition on his way to the finish line. Top finishers earn their owners great prizes.11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; race begins at 1 p.m. $15 per duck; One day admission: $31.98 for individuals over 48 inches tall; $19.98 for individuals under 48 inches; 2 and under $2. Parking $10. Wild Rivers, 8700 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 949-788-0808. www.wildrivers.com.

Under African Skies: Journey of the Past, Present and Future On display through January 11, 2009. An impressive exhibition of 70 images of the rich ethnic, cultural and geographical diversity of Africa’s largest country and are drawn from the recent book Sudan: The Land of the People, written by U.S. Ambassador Timothy Carney with photographs by Michael Freeman. Internationally-acclaimed South African singing group Ladysmith Black Mambazo will inaugurate the exhibit during a special performance at 2 p.m. at the Downtown Anaheim Pavilion (next to MUZEO). $11 adults; $9 children ages 3 to 12; $10 students and seniors. MUZEO, 241 S. Anaheim Boulevard, Anaheim. 714-95-MUZEO. www.muzeo.org.

Free First Sundays at Bowers Museum Visitors to Bowers Museum can enjoy free access to the museum and all activities on the first Sunday of every month, thanks to Target. Includes free admission to all special exhibitions and permanent collection galleries, as well as lectures, cultural festivals and Kidseum. Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5; children under 4 FREE (special exhibits extra). 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. 714-567-3600.  www.bowers.org.

Oct. 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27 and 28

Knott’s Berry Farm Halloween Treasure Hunt at Camp Spooky Follow the trail in your Treasure Hunt Map to uncover tricks and treats for the whole family. Also, watch an all-new Peanuts Pirates show, explore “Captain Jack’s Haunted Hideaway Adventure Maze,” and go wild on Camp Spooky rides. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. $28.95 adults; $18.95 kids 3-11. 8039 Beach Boulevard, Buena Park. 714-220-5200. www.knotts.com.

Thursday, Oct. 9

Preschool Classes at the Orange County Zoo “Wild North America.” Find out what amazing animals live on this continent and make some wild crafts! Class includes hands on learning. Friday, Oct. 17; Thursday, Oct. 30 and Friday, Oct. 31. “Bats, Cats and Spiders.” Halloween is almost here! Come learn about animals associated with this time of year and make spooky crafts. This class fills quickly, so call now to reserve a spot. Reservation Required. 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. $5 per child. $3 parking. Located inside Irvine Regional Park, 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-973-6847. www.ocparks.com/oczoo.

Friday, Oct. 10

Kids Only Creepy Critters Hey kids, do you need a night out made especially for you? Explore with flashlights on the Nature Center trail!  Pig out on pizza, munch on some popcorn, and be entertained by a movie. Top off  the night by creating your own dessert. Ages 5-12. 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. $20 per person. Turtle Rock Nature Center, 1 Sunnyhill Drive, Irvine. 949-724-6610 www.cityofirvine.org.

Friday, Oct. 10 and 17

Lights on Broadway Also Saturday, Oct. 11 and 18. With a cast of nearly 100 children and adult performers, “Lights on Broadway” showcases the talents of local performers. This show is full of song and dance from Broadway’s most memorable musicals. FREE (reserved tickets required). Fridays (7:30 p.m.); Saturdays (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.). The Irvine Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 23 Lake Road, Irvine. 949-294-2146. www.irvineproductions.com.

Friday, Oct. 10 through Sunday, Oct. 12

Giselle The legendary Kirov Ballet of Russia will perform this timeless classic sure to please young and old. Friday (7:30 p.m.); Saturday (2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.); Sunday (2 p.m.). $25-$115. Orange County Performing Arts Center, Segerstrom Hall 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-ARTS. www.ocpac.org.

Saturday, Oct. 11

Crime Survivors 5K Run/Walk Proceeds from the run will support victims of crimes. There will also be a health and safety expo at the event. 9 a.m. race begins. $25 pre-registration; $30 same day registration. Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training base, 4522 Saratoga Avenue, Los Alamitos. www.crimesurvivors.com.

Sunday, Oct. 12

Terra Cotta Warriors Exhibit Closing. This is your last chance to come see this amazing collection of artifacts from the ancient world. Considered one of the greatest archaeological discoveries of the twentieth century, the Emperor Shi Huangdi’s (259-210 BC) tomb contained thousands of well-preserved, life-sized terra cotta warriors representing all aspects of the Emperor’s army. Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekdays: $25 adults; $8 kids with paying adult; kids under 6 FREE. Weekends: $27 adults; $21 students and seniors. Museum admission included. The Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main Street, Santa Ana. 714-567-3600. www.bowers.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

Next Generation Work Flexibility This event aims to help promote an open dialog about flexibility in the workplace for the many professional mothers and fathers who struggle with work-life balance and the employers competing for talent in today’s increasingly demanding work environment. 6 p.m. (pre-conference workshops begin at 4:30 p.m.). $45. UC Irvine, Student Center Crystal Cove Auditorium, Pereira Drive and West Peltason, Irvine. 949-276-9812. www.nextgenerationworkevent.com.

Thursday, Oct. 16

Open Space 101—Oaks & Wildlife Join our naturalist for a walk on the trail as we investigate who lives in, on, and under the oaks at the Nature Center. We’ll discover how valuable these magnificent trees can be, and see how they sustained the Native Americans who once lived here. Ages 7 and up. 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. $2 per person. Turtle Rock Nature Center, 1 Sunnyhill Drive, Irvine. 949-724-6610. www.cityofirvine.org.

Friday, Oct. 17

Family Movie Night The classic kid’s fantasy film “The NeverEnding Story,” is a great choice for this free night of entertainment. There will be complimentary popcorn and drinks as well as a family activity before the movie begins. 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. FREE. Norman P. Murray Community & Senior Center, 24932 Veteran’s Way, Mission Viejo. 949-470-3062. www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Nov. 2

Oklahoma! Enjoy the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys at the turn of the century. This "Granddaddy" of musical theatre is having its 65th birthday and you should bring the new generation to hear songs like “Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin'.” Thursday through Saturday (8 p.m.); Sunday matinee (2 p.m.); Sunday, Oct. 26 (8 p.m.). $25-$52. Fullerton Civic Light Opera, Plummer Auditorium, 218 W. Commonwealth Avenue, Fullerton. 714-879-1732. www.fclo.com.

Friday, Oct. 17 through Sunday, Oct. 19

Long Beach Harvest Festival Come shop for handmade clothing, original art, jewelry, toys, gourmet food items, home décor and more. In addition there will be artist demonstrations, food, and all-day entertainment. Friday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Saturday (10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). $9 adults; $4 youth (13-17); 12 and under FREE. Long Beach Convention Center, 300 E. Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach. 415-447-3205. www.harvestfestival.com.

Saturday, Oct. 18 and Sunday, Oct. 19

Boo at the Zoo Also Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26.  Halloween family festival with trick-or-treating. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Santa Ana Zoo, 1801 E. Chestnut Avenue, Santa Ana 714-835-7484. www.santaanazoo.org.

Saturday, Oct. 18

Halloween Spooktacular Trick or treat! A mysterious phantom plays spooky organ tunes on the new William J. Gillespie Concert Organ, showing how music can set the perfect Halloween mood. Don’t forget to wear your costume for this annual favorite.10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. $18-$35. Pacific Symphony Orchestra, Renee and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-755-5799 www.pacificsymphony.org.

Bug Safari Young people participate in a garden adventure, discovering, exploring and investigating the world of insects, becoming entomologists. Hands-on activities include observation and catch and release for children ages 8 and up. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. $3 per child. Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. 714-278-3579. www.arboretum.fullerton.edu.

Sunday, Oct. 19

James and the Giant Peach Join James and his lovable new insect friends as they journey down the hill, through the countryside, across the sea and into the air! Discover, along with our heroes, how a little magic can take you a long way in this enchanting musical. 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. $8. La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts, 14900 La Mirada Blvd. 562-944-9801. www.lamiradatheatre.com.

Fall Fair Head out to the Environmental Nature Center for their annual Fall Fair. Enjoy live music, food, crafts, games, a silent auction and a drawing. Pick out your favorite pumpkin, buy native plants, and explore the Center on a scavenger hunt. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. FREE. 1601 16th Street, Newport Beach. 949-645-8489. www.encenter.com.

Community Nature Day Inside the Outdoors and REI are hosting this day at Rancho Sonado. There will be hikes, games, nature crafts, and live animals, and live music. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. FREE admission. Food available for purchase. Rancho Sonado, 8755 Santiago Canyon Road, Silverado. 714-708-3885. www.insidetheoutdoors.org.

Tuesday, Oct. 21

Upper Newport Bay Bayside Buddies “That’s A Hoot!” Attention all Junior Naturalist! Discover our amazing natural world at the Bay through hands-on activities, crafts and nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Ages 5-8. 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. $5 per child. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Information: 949-923-2290. Registration: 949-923-2275. unibc@ocparks.com.

Wednesday, Oct. 22

Upper Newport Bay Nature Center Toddler Time “Arachnids Around Us.” Wednesday, Oct. 29. “Nocturnal Nightlife.” Join Preserve staff for a fun-filled parent and child experience that may include arts and crafts, story telling, hands-on activities or outdoor nature walks. Come prepared for an exciting outdoor experience! Ages 2-5. 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. $5 per child. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. Information: 949-923-2290. Registration: 949-923-2275. unibc@ocparks.com.

Friday, Oct. 24

Family Campfire Get the family together and head out to the great outdoors with family and friends. Sing songs, listen to stories and make some smores. 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. $3 per person. Bommer Canyon. 949-724-6610. www.cityofirvine.org.

Friday, Oct. 24 and Saturday, Oct 25

Haunted Garden Bats and bullfrogs, vampires and vermin, ghosts, ghouls and goblins, everything that goes “Bump” in the night are lurking along hidden trails in the Fullerton Arboretum. Count Dracula's vampires will guide visitors down the garden paths into the deciduous forest where you will witness what it is like when the cemeteries come alive. After a spooky trip through a creepy garden paths, visitors are greeted at the Haunter's Ball with a “treat” and Halloween fun. 6:30 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. Advance tickets: $6 kids 12 and under; $10 adults and teens. Day of event: $10 kids; $13 adults if space permits. Fullerton Arboretum, 1900 Associated Road, Fullerton. 714-278-4002. Fullertonarboretum.org.

Friday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Oct. 26

Sippy Cups This group of musicians turned dads offers a family-friendly rock concert complete with puppets, juggling, tons of audience interaction and great rock and roll. The highly original Bay Area band delivers an animated and whimsical performance guaranteed to get the whole family rocking. Friday (7 p.m.); Saturday and Sunday (1 p.m.). $22. Samueli Theatre, Orange County Performing Arts Center, 600 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa. 714-556-ARTS. www.ocpac.org.

Anaheim Fall Festival Celebrate autumn at this three-day festival. There will be carnival rides and games, live bands, and more. Saturday starts with a pancake breakfast (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.), and continues with a costume contest (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Halloween parade (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.), and safe trick or treating. Friday (6 p.m. to 11 p.m.); Saturday (11 a.m. to 11 p.m.); Sunday (12 p.m. to 10 p.m.). FREE admission. Center Street Promenade and Anaheim Boulevard. 714-999-3456. www.anaheim.net.

Scarium of the Pacific Discover the creatures lurking in the depths of the Aquarium of the Pacific—a spooktacular educational Halloween event for the whole family. Special programs include a costume contest, creepy coloring contest, magic shows, crafts and much more. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. $20.95 adult; $11.95 kids. Aquarium of the Pacific, 100 Aqaurium Way, Long Beach. 562-590-3100. www.aquariumofpacific.org.

Saturday, Oct. 25

Halloween at the Orange County Zoo Join us for some Halloween fun at the zoo and come see the zoo animals receive treat-filled pumpkins. The first 100 children in costume (ages 12 & under) will receive a free gift. Activities include kids crafts, face painting and for those ages 12 and under, trick-or-treating and a scavenger hunt! 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free with zoo admission ($2 per person). Parking $5 per vehicle. 1 Irvine Park Road, Orange. 714-973-6847. www.ocparks.com/oczoo.

Boo Bash Come out to the annual Family Halloween Carnival. Activities include craft and game booths, snack bar and more. Dress-up for the costume parade and bring your beach chairs and blankets to stay for the “Lounge Chair Theatre”—an outdoor family movie. 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free admission, activity tickets sold at event. University Community Park, 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine. 949-724-6611. www.cityofirvine.org.

Halloween Hullabaloo Enjoy a spooky, fun-filled adventure with John Abram’s Screamin’ Animal Magic Show, featuring magic, comedy, music and live exotic pets. Children encouraged to come in costume. 11 to 11:45 a.m. Mission Viejo Library, 100 Civic Center, Mission Viejo. 949-830-7100. www.cmvl.org.

Baby Loves Disco Bring your babies and toddlers to this swingin’ scene. Parents rave about this event where they can meet and talk with other parents while little ones boogie, bounce and chase bubbles all to tunes from the 70s and 80s. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. $15 for all non-walkers. Shark Club, 841 Baker Street, Costa Mesa. 714-751-6428. www.babylovesdisco.com.

Boo Bash Come out to the annual Family Halloween Carnival in Irvine. Activities include: craft and game booths, snack bar, and more. Dress-up for the costume parade and bring your beach chairs and blankets to stay for the ‘Lounge Chair Theatre-an outdoor family movie. 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Free admission; activity tickets sold separately. University Community Park, 1 Beech Tree Lane, Irvine. 949-724-6611. www.cityofirvine.org.

Movie Night at the Mission Bring along a blanket and a picnic dinner and enjoy the film “Night at the Museum,” with Ben Stiller under the stars in the Mission Courtyard. Costumes are encouraged! Prizes will be awarded for the best “San Juan Capistrano” costume, best “Historical” costume and “Most Creative” costume. 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. $5 per person. Mission San Juan Capistrano, 26801 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano. 949-234-1322. www.missionsjc.com.

Halloween Hullabaloo John Abrams’ Screamin’ Animal Magic Show is a spooky-fun adventure with a blend of comedy, magic, music and live exotic animals. Best for kids 4 and up—come in costume. 11 a.m. FREE. Mission Viejo City Hall, 200 Civic Center Drive, Mission Viejo. 949-470-3000. www.cityofmissionviejo.org.

Toys For Tots Trick or treaters come in costume and bring an unwrapped gift valued at $10 or more to be donate to Toys for Tots. Light Art Photography will give parents a free 5x7 photo of their child in a special Halloween-themed graveyard set. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Light Art Photography, 22511 Aspan St. Suite D, Lake Forest. 714-389-2634. www.lightart.us.

Sunday, Oct. 26

Family Fun Walk Want nature? Then come join us for some natural R & R on guided walks along various trails located through the bay. Together, we’ll explore the beauty and tranquility of Upper Newport Bay while discussing its rich natural history. Tours begin on the outdoor patio of the interpretive center. 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. FREE. This program may be re-scheduled due to inclement weather. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Please phone (949) 923-2275, or e-mail unbic@ocparks.com to register. Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, Peter & Mary Muth Interpretive Center. 2301 University Drive, Newport Beach. 949-923-2290.

11th Annual Trick or Treat Festival and Hearse Parade The Orange County marketplace hosts this annual event and provides tons of spooky entertainment for the family. The hearse parade begins at 10 a.m. There will also be free face painting, puppet shows, pumpkin carving, and daytime trick or treating. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. $2 adults; kids FREE. Orange County Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. 949-723-6616. www.ocmarketplace.com.

Annual Fall Family Festival This one-day event is presented by 44 Women for Children and PALS and benefits Orangewood Children’s Foundation. There will be games, food, rides, music and entertainment. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $40 per person; $150 per family (up to six); under 3 FREE. Hidden Valley Park, 8800 Irvine Center Drive, Irvine. 714-619-0200. www.orangewoodfoundation.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 29

Spooky Halloween Magic Bring your little ones to the Main Library in Orange for a fabulous free magic show with magician Tony Daniels. 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. FREE. Orange Public Library, 407. E. Chapman Avenue. 714-288-2400. www.cityoforange.org.

Pumpkin Pickin’ and Carving Gather up the family and head down to Bommer Canyon for some pumpkin pickin’ fun! Enjoy tasty snacks and delicious hot chocolate while enjoying quality family time. Create your own masterpiece with helpful patterns and suggestions from staff. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. $16 per family, includes one pumpkin. Bommer Canyon, Irvine. 949-724-6610. www.cityofirvine.org.

Thursday, Oct. 30

Treats in the Streets Autumn Festival This annual event includes games, food booths, live entertainment and trick-or-treating at local businesses. 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.; trick-or-treat from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. FREE. City of Orange, Old Town Orange Plaza Area. 714-744-7267. www.cityoforange.org.