October In Palm Desert: Fall Fun, Festivals & More

Fall is officially here in Palm Desert, and there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of it. From festivals and farmers markets to pumpkin patches, live music and other seasonal fun, October brings plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy what’s happening close to home.

Here are some events and activities happening in and around Palm Desert this October.

Dates, hours and other event details can change. Check with organizers before heading out.

The Street Fair

When: Saturdays & Sundays through October, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: College of the Desert | 43-500 Monterey Avenue, Palm Desert

Spend a weekend morning browsing local finds at The Street Fair at College of the Desert, open Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. during its October-through-May season. The open-air market features artisans, fashion, home décor, furniture, plants, gourmet foods, fresh produce and more, along with live entertainment and food. Proceeds from merchant space rentals help support College of the Desert students.

Trunk Or Treat

When: Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, 5 p.m.
Where: Desert Springs Post Acute | 74350 Country Club Drive, Palm Desert

Families can kick off Halloween festivities at a free Trunk or Treat at Desert Springs Post Acute on Oct. 23, 2026, starting at 5 p.m. Kids can dress in costume and make their way among decorated vehicle trunks to collect candy and treats while spending time with residents, staff and other families from the Palm Desert community.

Spooktacular Halloween Festival 2026

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: Hope Lutheran Church Palm Desert | 45900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert

Hope Palm Desert is filling its campus with candy and family fun during the free Spooktacular Halloween Festival on Oct. 24, 2026, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families can explore a creepy-but-kid-friendly corn maze, bounce houses and carnival games, trick-or-treat from booth to booth and enter the all-ages costume contest. No advance registration is required, and free on-site parking is available.

Howl-O-Ween 2026

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens | 47900 Portola Avenue, Palm Desert

Celebrate Halloween alongside more than 600 animals during Howl-O-Ween at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Oct. 31, 2026, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Costumed visitors can stop at trick-or-treat stations, collect limited-edition animal trading cards, enjoy face painting and fall photo ops and catch special keeper experiences throughout the park. The festivities are included with regular zoo admission or membership.

Palm Desert Boo Bash Craft And Vendor Market

When: Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: The Shops At Palm Desert | 72840 CA-111, Palm Desert

Make some time for Halloween shopping during the Palm Desert Boo Bash Craft and Vendor Market, taking place Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 2026. Local vendors will offer handmade goods, Halloween décor, fall-inspired gifts, apparel, accessories, sweet treats and other seasonal finds in a festive, family-friendly setting. The market runs from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Looking for more things to do in Palm Desert this fall? Check out the Patch events calendar for more local events and activities.

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