Family Friendly Fun Events in El Monte, CA This Fall

Fall is the perfect time to get out and about with the family in El Monte, with average daily highs ranging from the mid-80s to the mid-70s, depending on the month. This Californian city and its neighbors have several great, fun, family-friendly events that can help you make the most of the weather. Here are some of our favorites.

Community Bike Ride

Discover El Monte on two wheels at the city’s community bike ride. While the ride has no age limits, the city recommends them for children aged 10+. The ride is an 8-mile course, so consider your children’s stamina when deciding if the ride is right for your clan. Bring your bikes and helmets to join in the fun.

Location: South El Monte Community Center, 1530 Central Ave., South El Monte.
Date: Sept. 10, 2022.
Time: Meet at 8:30 a.m. for a 9 a.m. departure.
Price: Free.

Music on Main Concerts

Music on Main is predominantly a summer concert series, but it continues until the first month of fall with shows from Ellas, playing a blend of modern and mariachi music and No Duh, a No Doubt tribute act. The early start time makes these events perfect for music-loving families. Bring your chairs and dancing shoes, as there’s plenty of space in front of the painted band shell to bust a move. Nearby eateries and onsite food vendors ensure there are dinner options for even the fussiest eaters.

Location: Tony Arceo Park (on the corner of Tyler and Mildred), El Monte.
Date: Sept. 15 and Sept. 29, 2022.
Time: Show starts at 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free.

Movies at Victory Park

Travel 12 miles to Pasadena’s Victory Park for family-friendly movies under the stars. See “Moana” in September or “Edward Scissorhands” in October. Arrive early to secure a prime viewing position and enjoy music from live bands and MCs. Bring a picnic or enjoy delicious dishes from the onsite food trucks. As the park is dog-friendly, the whole family can enjoy a movie date out.

Location: Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St., Pasadena.
Date: Sept. 24 and Oct. 8, 2022.
Time: Gates open at 5:30 p.m.; the movie starts at 8:30 p.m.
Price: $10 to $30 depending on the tickets; free for children under five. Secure discounted advance tickets via the Street Food Cinema website.

Los Angeles Chocolate Salon

After a three-year hiatus, Pasadena welcomes the LA Chocolate Salon, Southern California’s original gourmet chocolate event, this fall. Now in its 14th year, this fun event features special chef appearances, live demonstrations, and plenty of opportunities to taste the sweet stuff. The admission price includes tastings and samples, so you don’t have to feel guilty about indulging your sweet tooth. Just don’t blame us if your kids experience a serious sugar rush.

Location: The Pasadena Center, Conference Building, 300 Green St., Pasadena.
Date: Sept. 25, 2022.
Time: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Price: $22.75 advance price for adults ($25 at the door); $10 for children ages six to 12; free for children under six (up to two small children per adult).

Carved

La Canada Flintridge is a 25-minute drive from El Monte, but it’s worth the drive to enjoy the fall fun of Carved, the annual harvest festival at Descanso Gardens. Your kids will love admiring the thousands of carved pumpkins lined up for a mile through Camelia Forest and Oak Grove. They will learn how to create their own spooky squash at home with pumpkin-carving demonstrations. They can also test their navigation skills in the hay maze and step inside the awesome pumpkin house made of real pumpkins. Holiday-themed foods and beverages add to the fun.

Location: Descanso Gardens, 1418 Descanso Drive, La Canada Flintridge.
Date: October 7-31, 2022.
Time: Entry times are every half hour from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Price: $20 to $26 for Descanso Gardens members; $32 to $38 for non-members.

Thunderfest Car Show and Music Festival

Take the 10-mile drive to Covina for the 25th year of Thunderfest, the largest car show in Southern California. Admire the hundreds of hot rods and classic cars that line the downtown streets. If autos aren’t your thing, don’t worry. A variety of bands entertain the crowds from two outdoor stages. It’s also a great place to shop up a storm, with many local stores offering special Thunderfest deals.

Location: Citrus Avenue, Covina.
Date: Oct. 8, 2022.
Time: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Price: Free.

Los Angeles Fall Fair

This year marks the 41st annual LA Fall Festival. It’s the largest fall festival in Los Angeles County, with 12 acres of carnival rides and games, concert stages, a food court, and market stalls. Unlimited carnival rides keep the price low for families. You’ll find all your favorites here, including a merry-go-round, a giant Ferris wheel, and the thrills of the Krazy Train, Star Tower, and Zipper.

Location: La Prada Event Plaza, Whittier Narrows Park, 1600 Rosemead Blvd., South El Monte.
Date: Nov. 4-Nov. 6, 2022.
Time: Friday 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday 2 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Sunday 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $5 for adults and children 12+; free for younger children and seniors 65+; free parking.

Annual Fall Festival

South El Monte isn’t the only local city with a fall festival. For more fall fun, travel 20 miles northwest to Glendale for its annual fall festival. Your family can enjoy all their favorite fall activities here, including picking pumpkins and getting creative with arts and crafts. Carnival games, face painting, and a bouncy house provide little ones with plenty of fun. People of all ages love the Glendale Rocks climbing wall, live music, and tasty food options.

Location: Pacific Community Center and Park, 501 S. Pacific Ave., Glendale.
Date: Oct. 22, 2022.
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Price: Free.

The team at Longo Toyota knows what they’ll be doing this fall, but what about you? Are there any great local family events happening in the fall that we missed? We’d love to know how you’ll be enjoying our local area as a family this season.

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