Best Things to Do in the Bay Area This October
Featured Photo: Alcatraz, by Eric Ward
While October brings us haunted houses and falling leaves, there are still many outdoor activities to do in the Bay Area. That means residents and tourists alike are still spending time at street festivals, food fairs, concerts and cultural events to fill their weekends and evenings.
If you’re planning a trip to the Bay Area in October, or if you’re a local trying to kill some time, here are our picks for activities to fill your days. This month we celebrate Halloween, Italian heritage, music festivals and more.
For even more coverage of the Bay Area, plus where to stay and eat while you’re here, check out our region-specific guides to help you travel like a local. In the meantime, click any of the images below to learn what to do in the Bay Area this October.
Featured photo by Szabo Janos.
San Francisco Events
Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival, Castro Street Fair, Italian Heritage Parade, Fleet Week Air Show and more
As the leaves begin to change colors, San Francisco delivers a new embarrassment of riches for visitors and locals alike. If you and yours like to be scared, you can visit the SF Mint to take in “Hexed,” a haunted-house experience. Or head over to the always-amazing California Academy of Sciences, which is offering a “SuperNatural” evening.
The city’s unparalleled diversity is on full display this month, with beloved cultural events like the Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival and the Castro Street Fair kicking off the month. Fleet Week and the Italian Heritage Parade continue the month with activities for the entire family. Learn more by clicking the button below.
North Bay Events
Renowned film festivals, gourmet farm-to-table events, “grape stomp” wine tastings and more
It’s no wonder that lovers of the North Bay Area find October to be a must-visit time of year. For film buffs who relish the run-up to Oscar season, there are the Mill Valley Film Festival at various venues, plus the Italian Film Festival in San Rafael. Whether you like your automobiles with downtown shopping or pristine views, Marin County also offers classic car events in both Novato and Point Reyes.
Heading north to Sonoma County brings a wealth of seasonal riches, from pumpkin-rich harvest fairs in Santa Rosa and Windsor to the latest gourmet farm-to-table dinner from Snake River Farms. It’s no surprise that Napa County’s wine events abound this month. You and your party can do a grape stomp at Grgich Hills Estate or attend a “cheese alchemy” session at Bouchaine. And to burn off all those delicious bites, participate in St. Helena Harvest Festival’s fun run or Napa’s half or quarter marathons. Learn more by clicking the button below.
East Bay Events
An immersive haunted-house experience, the “Oaktoberfest” with something for everyone, an Autumn Lights art festival and more
The Easy Bay Area has been a singular cultural epicenter for decades, and October provides innovative events that drive this point home for both visitors and locals. Those who count Halloween as a favorite holiday will love the intense, immersive Fear Overload Scream Park in Newark. And the Harvest Festival in Pleasanton promises unique seasonal creations at the largest art & craft show of its kind on the West Coast.
Those who enjoy October’s other kind of spirits should attend First Fridays at Berkeley Wine Block, a series of free celebrations with tastings, music and rotating food pop-ups. And, of course, there’s the annual Oaktoberfest, which turns Oakland’s Dimond District into an unforgettable Bavarian-style celebration. Click the button below for details.
South Bay Events
Happenings for the entire family, from Octoberfest and art & wine fairs to pet-themed Halloween festivals
The South Bay Area is known for Silicon Valley innovators, but October reminds us of the many reasons it’s a great place to visit and live in. Since it’s Halloween month (with Thanksgiving around the corner), stroll among hand-blown glass pumpkins at the Glass Pumpkin Festival and see gigantic, record-breaking pumpkins at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival.
Grown-ups will enjoy a couple days at Campbell’s Oktoberfest, a beloved local institution since 1994, and the essential Art & Wine Faire in San Carlos. Those with children and pets, on the other hand, should attend the Halloween Kid and Pet PAWlooza in Los Gatos, a fundraiser welcoming all family members to Town Plaza Park. Click the button below to learn more.