If you need a plan for Saturday, here's an easy one. St. Mark Fall Fest takes over St. Mark Church & School in Venice this Sat, Oct 3, from noon to 10pm. Admission is free and all are welcome, whether or not your kid goes there.
Quick details
When: Sat, Oct 3 | 12pm-10pm
Where: St. Mark Parish, 912 Coeur d'Alene Ave, Venice 90291
Cost: free admission. Ride, game and food pricing isn't posted yet, so bring a card and a little cash
Ages: all ages
Info: stmarkfallfest.com
What's there for kids
Carnival rides and games, a pumpkin patch, kids' crafts and plenty of photo ops. Little ones will probably be happiest in the afternoon. Older kids will want to stick around after dark, when the rides light up and the whole thing turns into more of a night carnival.
What's there for grown-ups
A beer and wine garden, local food vendors, an artisan market and live music plus a DJ. Good excuse to grab a drink while the kids burn off energy on the rides. The school describes it as a community tradition that pulls in families from all over Venice and the Westside, so expect to run into people you know.
Tips for going
Go early with toddlers. 12-3pm is your window before naps fall apart and the crowd builds.
Go late with big kids. Lights, music and dancing are the evening draw.
Walk, bike or scooter if you can. Parking info isn't posted, and street parking around a 10-hour neighborhood festival is going to be tight.
Get a pumpkin while you're there. One less Halloween errand.
St. Mark School is a K-8 Catholic school serving Venice and nearby Westside neighborhoods, and the fest also has a "meet the ministries" area if you're curious about the parish. Questions go to the organizers at [email protected].
See you there!
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