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What is there to do on Catalina Island this fall?

a table topped with plates of food on a plate

In the fall, it’s easy to answer the question: What is there to do on Catalina Island? Here are just a few of the many events you’ll find on the island calendar this autumn.

Buccaneer Days: Things will be getting wild and pirate-y at Two Harbors for the annual Buccaneer Days bacchanal. With plenty of rum, costume contests, grog, live music, a lot of rum and a treasure hunt – did we mention the booze? – this annual event attracts party goers and pirate fans from all over Southern California. Set your course for the 30th annual Buccaneer Days from Oct. 3 to 6.

Prefer your pirate adventures a little more low-key? Check out the Catalina Room Escape.

Looking for some more low-key pirate adventures? Check out the Catalina Room Escape.

Oktoberfest: It’s always a good time to go to the Catalina Island Museum, which has become one of the top attractions on the island. A fascinating, in-depth look at Catalina history, combined with an ever-changing array of temporary exhibits keeps us coming back for more, but we also love all the events the museum hosts, including First Fridays. Held monthly on the, well, first Friday, these evening Catalina events offer a fascinating program along with the chance to enjoy snacks and adult beverages. For October, the museum will be celebrating Oktoberfest, complete with a polka rock band, brats and German beer – don’t miss it on Oct. 4.

JazzTrax: One of the biggest events to go to on Catalina is JazzTrax. Renowned throughout the country, this smooth jazz festival is one of the best places in the country to experience smooth jazz. Spread over two weekends, JazzTrax takes over the Casino Ballroom for a spectacular array of musical talent. Check it out Oct. 10 to 13 or Oct. 17 to 20. Musical lineups are different each weekend.

a room filled with furniture and a table

Jazz Trax will fill the ballroom with the sounds of smooth jazz.

Fallfest: Catalina welcomes fall in Island-style at Fallfest, an annual community event that features games, music, food and a pumpkin patch on the beach. This year, Hot Off the Range, a popular bluegrass band featuring local musicians, will be the headline entertainment, taking Wrigley Stage at 5 p.m.

Halloween: Halloween on Catalina Island offers something for everyone from a costume parade and trick or treating for the little ones to costume contests and late-night carousing for the over-21 revelers.

a group of oranges on a table

Get your pumpkin at Fallfest in anticipation of Halloween on Catalina Island.