Plenty of pumpkins

Costa Mesa

Bring your appetite for ramen, sushi tacos, Wagyu beef and okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancakes) to the OC Japan Fair at the OC Fair & Event Center. There’ll also be sake tastings, tea ceremonies, calligraphy demonstrations and Japanese drumming. The main stage features kimono fashion shows, anime cosplay contests and performances by J-pop singer Misono. When: 5 p.m. Oct. 19, noon Oct. 20, 10 a.m. Oct. 21 Cost, info: $8. Family friendly. No dogs. oc-japanfair.com

Pismo Beach

At the Pismo Beach Clam Festival, you can drink local beers and wines, shop for crafts and, for $15, sample local restaurants’ clam chowders to vote for your favorite. Little ones can enter the game-filled kids’ zone and the clam dig and swap clams for prizes. When: Oct. 19-21 (most clam events Oct. 21). Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs permitted in certain areas. (805) 556-7397, pismoclam festival.com

Los Olivos

Los Olivos’ Day in the Country rounds up a small town for a parade, live music and local crafters and food vendors. The Kiddie Korral offers face painting, yard games and more. When: 7 a.m. Oct. 20 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs permitted. (877) 327-2656, losolivos ca.com/day-in-the -country

Borrego Springs

The 53rd Borrego Days Desert Festival starts with an air parade featuring 30 vintage and military aircraft followed by a parade. Enjoy crafts vendors, food stalls, a beer garden and carnival activities into the night. When: 10 a.m. Oct. 20 and 21 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs OK. (760) 767-5555, borregodays .com

Calabasas

The Calabasas Chamber of Commerce Pumpkin Festival will feature a pumpkin patch, professional carver and pumpkin crafts. You can chill out with pumpkin beers, empanadas and live music. When: 10 a.m. Oct 20 and 21 Cost, info: $5 when purchased by Oct. 15, $10 after. Family friendly. No dogs. (818) 222-5680, calabasaspumpkin festival.com

Ventura

Watch your costumed pet strut around Ventura Harbor Village for the Howl-o-Ween Dog Costume Contest. It’s capped at 100 entrants and gives five awards (for spookiness, seaworthiness, originality, cuteness and best in show). Prizes include a ribbon, dog treats and gift certificates to Ventura Harbor Village businesses. Preregistration recommended. When: 10:30 a.m. for contest participants, 11 a.m. for spectators Oct. 20 Cost, info: Free. Family friendly. Dogs OK. (805) 477-0470, lat.ms /venturahowloween