By: Robert Spuhler

Fall in Malibu can feel like multiple seasons. Late September and early October often see a summer reprise in temperature, while later in October and through November there’s that familiar crispness in the ocean breeze. 

In terms of things to do in Malibu, though, the fall event calendar is packed. Holiday celebrations, concerts, book events, and other performances are abundant, making it a great time to book a stay at Malibu Beach Inn, event ticket in hand. As the colors change in the Santa Monica Mountains and the waves change along the beach, there are plenty of fall attractions in Malibu worth an overnighter. Here’s a small selection of standouts.

Views of the Pacific Ocean in Malibu with lush vegetation.
Photo by Fabrika Photo via Envato

Racing Through the ‘Bu 

Do you love the “runner’s high”? Or do you simply tolerate going for a run because it gets you out in the fresh air? There are fall races in Malibu for both types of runners (and every type in between). Malibu Moves, taking place on the weekend before Halloween, features length from one mile (the Zuma Dash) up to a half marathon. There’s also a kids run, designed for ages 4 – 10 to get out some extra energy. Three weeks later, the Run Malibu Half Marathon and 5K feels aimed at hobbyists and weekend warriors, with a course designed around the edge of Point Mugu State Park, which will be showcasing its fall colors on its sycamores. Either way, a getaway weekend in Malibu could end with a medal as a memento.

Two kids with jack o' lanterns in front of their faces during things to do in Malibu this fall.
Photo by AnnaStills via Envato

BOO in the ‘Bu

It’s hard to talk about fall without mentioning one of the season’s central holidays. And Malibu does it up for Halloween every year, including two major events in 2025 – one just for kids, and one designed with every guest in mind. The Bu-Bash Halloween Carnival takes place on October 24, for kids ages 2 – 10 years old, and features spooky storytime, bounce houses, and a costume catwalk. It’s a much-anticipated yearly Malibu tradition that always results in picture-perfect moments from proud parents. The next day, Topanga Canyon–which is a fall attraction on its own, thanks to the trees changing from green to yellow–gets into the festivities with the Topanga Halloween Carnival, with a ghost pirate-meets-Grateful Dead theme. There is a haunted house and games for the kids, and local rockers Kummerspeck and on-site bar (ahem, Wharf Rat Cave) for the adults. (We’re petitioning for a bounce house for the adults in 2026). Bring your scary celebrations to the coast for the weekend before the 31st.

Cultural Highlights

There’s always a show, a reading, or an art opening on the agenda of things to do in Malibu during a getaway, and the fall of 2025 includes several interesting events. The Reduced Shakespeare Company turns its eye (and sense of humor) from the Bard to, well, everything else in literature in it’s “All the Great Books (Abridged)” show at Pepperdine University on October 23. Expect rapid-fire jokes as the troupe shoots through the literary canon in about the same amount of time as it takes for the superheroes to win in a comic book adaptation. On November 19, author Amy Tan (The Joy Luck Club, The Bonesetter’s Daughter) will discuss her new novel and everything around it at Malibu City Hall as a part of the Malibu Library Speaker Series. (Claire McEachern, author of Coyotes and Culture: Essays from Old Malibu, will conclude the series on December 10 at Malibu Library on a local-celebratory note.)

Break out the Woodies 

There isn’t a set date yet for the Malibu Woodie Parade, but as previously highlighted, it’s absolutely worth a getaway to check out. Last year, the cars drove down the PCH from the Paradise Cove Beach Café to the Aviator Nation Dreamland, where admirers could get a better look. In its 22nd year, it is now one of the top things to do in Malibu as the calendar approaches transitions from fall to winter.

Carbon Beach Club interior with ocean views of the Malibu pier.

After experiencing all the things to do in Malibu, come back to the Malibu Beach Inn for a night of board games, book reading, or even a nightcap, like the Casa Mani Espresso Martini or Old Fashioned from Carbon Beach Club. It’s the perfect getaway along the ocean to get cozy with your loved ones.

Featured Photo by Zoran Zeremski via Envato