October 16, 2026 · By Alina Mekk
Some of my favorite October traditions in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica have nothing to do with open houses: they're the fundraisers that bring our neighbors together for a good cause. Over the next two weeks, you can run a 5K for childhood cancer research, taste barbecue from Wolfgang Puck and a lineup of acclaimed chefs, spend a morning at the Santa Monica Pier, or play costume volleyball on the sand.
My partner Brandon Sen and I checked every date and detail below against the organizers' own event pages, so you can plan your weekend (and the rest of the month) with confidence.
This Weekend in Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills Run of the Stars 5K: Sunday, October 18
Not Today Cancer's Beverly Hills Run of the Stars raises money for childhood cancer research, and the organization calls it its biggest fundraiser of the year. The race starts and ends at El Rodeo Elementary School and tours historic Beverly Hills. Last year's run raised more than $50,000 for research.
- 7:00 a.m.: race tent opens for bib and timing chip pickup
- 8:00 a.m.: line up at the start
- 8:30 a.m.: 5K begins
- 9:30 a.m.: kids' "Stars of Tomorrow" 1K and awards
Walkers and strollers are welcome, and there's no minimum age (kids under 12 should be with an adult on the course). Registration includes a bib, timing chip, medal and race T-shirt, and you can skip the morning rush by picking up your bib the day before, Saturday, October 17, at El Rodeo. Can't be in town? The "5k From Anywhere" option lets you run virtually and still fundraise. The Beverly Hills mayor even presents an award to the top fundraiser.
Beverly Hills Autumn BBQ: Sunday, October 18, from 6 p.m.
That evening, the second annual Beverly Hills Autumn BBQ returns to Beverly Cañon Gardens, 241 N. Cañon Drive, right in the Golden Triangle. The Maybourne Beverly Hills, Spago Beverly Hills and the City of Beverly Hills host the evening, with United Card Events from Chase as the new presenting partner.
Expect chef stations from Wolfgang Puck and Byron Puck of Spago, Burt Bakman of SLAB, Alisa Vannah of Chi Spacca, Frank Ostini of the Hitching Post and Eric Werner of Hartwood in Tulum, among others, plus cocktail bars, live music and a live art installation by Marco Gallotta. Hoodline reports that tickets are $350 (tax and gratuity not included) and that the first event raised $50,000 for No Kid Hungry. All silent auction proceeds benefit No Kid Hungry, and tickets can be purchased up until the event starts.
Later This Month in Santa Monica
Party on the Pier: Sunday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
UCLA Health celebrates 26 years of Party on the Pier at Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier. Proceeds support high-priority hospital programs, research and treatments for children's health at UCLA. The day includes carnival games, celebrity appearances, meal vouchers and treats, a crafts play zone and UCLA People-Animal Connection therapy dogs.
Two practical tips: it's a cashless event (cards only), and organizers suggest alternate transportation. If you drive, staff will guide you from Ocean Avenue to Lot 1 North parking.
Volley-Ween: Wednesday, October 28, 3 to 6 p.m.
The fifth annual Volley-Ween, presented by Santa MoniCARES, is a Beach BBQ Mixer with a volleyball tournament and costume contest. It raises money for local Santa Monica nonprofits that provide human services during the holidays; past recipients include Westside Food Bank, Meals on Wheels and The People Concern.
- Where: Perry's Café and Beach Rentals, 2400 Ocean Front Walk
- Entry: $35 per person, with team pricing available; registration required
- Included: food, non-alcoholic drinks and one drink ticket
- Who: all ages and skill levels, plus spectators; family-friendly
- Prizes: a Route 66-themed gift bag, local restaurant gift cards and more
Why Community Matters Where You Live
A home is more than square footage. It's the 5K you run with your kids, the neighbors you see at the pier and the causes you care about. When Brandon and I help clients choose between Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Brentwood, Century City or West Hollywood, we always talk about community life alongside the house itself. Events like these are one of the best ways to get a feel for a neighborhood before you buy.
Explore our Los Angeles neighborhood guides, or browse homes for sale in the areas you love.
Let's Connect
Brandon and I are proud to be part of this community, and we'd love to see you at one of these events. If you're thinking about buying or selling, call me at (415) 509-7871 or reach out online. Curious what your home is worth in today's market? Request a free home valuation, with no pressure, just real numbers from people who know these neighborhoods.
See you around town,
Alina Mekk Real Estate Group
Alina Mekk (CA DRE 02157204) and Brandon Sen
Event details were confirmed with the organizers and sources linked above as of October 16, 2026. Times and prices can change, so please check with each organizer before attending.
Photo credits (Pexels License): Cover photo by cottonbro studio; barbecue grill by HisArt Studios; Santa Monica Pier aerial by RDNE Stock project; beach volleyball net by bole qin. Photos are illustrative and not of the events.
