


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 and library wine cellars to lavender flower fields, rooftop film showings and more, there is something for most everyone to enjoy this season.
Here’s a list of the coziest fall events happening throughout Southern California.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 the charm of an Italian gondola ride with three 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 and offers an array of pizzas or Italian antipasti. The Grand Venetian Experience also seats 14, and the boat will have lots of flowers, a custom dining table and two gondoliers.
Where >> 5437 E. Ocean Blvd., Long Beach
When >> Various times and dates
Cost >> $140 and up at gondolagetawayinc.com
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 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
When >> Various times Thursdays-Sundays
Admission >> Tickets start at $64 at experience.theobscure.com
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. The entrance is 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. 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.
Where >> 26 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
When >> 6 p.m.-midnight Thursdays, 6 p.m.-1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 4-9 p.m. Sundays
More information >> lecellar.com
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 offer late-morning and afternoon tea. This British tearoom has seasonal pastries such as the pumpkin scone and tea blend favorites such as the peach apricot, Pamela’s Special and cinnamon-laden Christmas in a Cup. Other menu highlights include sausage rolls, Cornish pasties, bangers and mash, savory pies, soups, traditional tea sandwiches, English trifle, scones (some gluten-free) and English stuffed pancakes topped with a cheese sauce. You can also pick up British groceries, ingredients and trinket gifts.
Where >> 7561 Center Ave., No. 19, Huntington Beach
When >> 10:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesdays-Sundays.
More information >> pamelastearoombritshop.com
Lavender Nights at 123 Farm
Cherry Valley’s scenic 123 Farm, praised for its lavender fields, is hosting Lavender Nights. Visitors can wander through fields and olive groves adorned with glimmering lights, and enjoy a variety of foods, live music, games and handmade crafts. While the lavender isn’t in bloom this season, you can still find lavender-infused products from cheesecake to wood-fired pizzas. Stop by the Organic Galleries to browse seasonal goods or sample lavender Champagne at the bar.
Where >> 123 Farm, 10600 Highland Springs Ave., Cherry Valley
When >> 5-10 p.m. Wednesdays-Mondays through Oct. 27
Admission >> $12 and up at 123farm.com/lavendernights
Carved at Descanso Gardens
Carved returns with a pumpkin display 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 check out displays of luminous jack-o’-lanterns, hand-carved giant pumpkins and the “Rhizome” installation by Tom and Lien Dekyvere. Did we mention spiked apple cider is served? Carved is a rain-or-shine event, and tickets are nonrefundable, with timed entry slots.
Where >> Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Cañada Flintridge
When >> 6-10 p.m. daily through Oct. 30
Admission >> Tickets for children start at $30, adults $45; descansogardens.org
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 quaint Massachusetts town? You can spend a night under the stars with 1998 release “Practical Magic.” Relax with friends or loved ones (or your coven?) in this snuggly outdoor setting complete with city views.
Where >> 888 S. Olive St., fourth floor, Los Angeles
When >> 6:45 p.m. Thursday
Admission >> Tickets start at $24 at rooftopcinemaclub.com.
Apple picking at Los Rios Rancho
Kick off the fall season with apple picking at this charming Oak Glen farm, which has started its harvest earlier than usual this year. Visitors can pick the first crop of Gravensteins, with the harvest 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 >> 39611 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen
When >> 10 a.m.-5 p.m. daily
more information >> losriosrancho.com.
Candlelight Orchestra Halloween concert
Prepare for a festive evening as Candlelight Orchestra presents a Halloween concert at the Saban Theatre. Surrounded by the soft glow of candlelight, you’ll experience a multisensory musical journey.
Where >> 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills
When >> 6:30 and 9 p.m. Oct. 25
Admission >> $30-$94 at feverup.com
Stargazing parties
Daylight increasingly fades earlier as fall settles in, which offers the opportunity to see some stars. The Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles hosts stargazing parties in 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, planets and other objects through various telescopes.
Where >> 2800 E. Observatory Road, Los Angeles
When >> 2-9:45 p.m. Nov. 9 and Dec. 7.
More information >> griffithobservatory.org