Want to go on an East Bay adventure? With so many offerings in the region, we’ve curated some of the top events this October so you don’t have to. Here are the best things to do in the East Bay this October. This means less researching and more enjoying your time in the area. Enjoy!
Featured photo: Oaktoberfest, photo by D.Ross Cameron.
September 25-November 7
Newark
2086 Newpark Mall
The East Bay’s premier haunted attraction, featuring multiple world-class haunted houses, terrifyingly immersive sets, and live scare-actors designed to deliver unforgettable thrills, never disappoints. Come to Newark to experience the joys of being frightened, but be advised that the event is not recommended for kids under age 13.
October 2
Berkeley
Donkey & Goat Winery
1340 Fifth Street
The First Friday of each month, Berkeley Wine Block wineries Broc Cellars, Hammerling Wines, Tessier Winery, and Donkey & Goat Winery host a Block Party from 3 – 8pm! Bottles and glasses of delicious natural wines are available, along with music, local artisans and rotating food pop-ups. Best of all? Admission is free, and children and pets are welcome.
October 3-4
Oakland
MacArthur Boulevard & Fruitvale Avenue
Toast to good brews and good times in the Town at Oaktoberfest. This year, the free event returns to Oakland in Bavarian style with live music, traditional German food fare, hundreds of vendors and the best of Bay Area craft beer. The event is free and held in Oakland’s Dimond District.
October 7-11
Oakland
Multiple Locations
Oakland rolls out its runway for a week of fashion, art, music and culture that’s entirely its own. The celebration includes a mixology competition, a collaborative fashion show and a high tea event that invites guests to sip in high style.
October 15-17
Oakland
Lake Merritt
666 Bellevue Avenue
For three evenings, the Gardens at Lake Merritt come alive with backlit, colorful sculptures and creative light displays created by dozens of artists. There’s also an art festival each evening by the same artists who created the light installations. Proceeds from the event go to support the gardens and enable them to stay free all year.
October 23-25
Pleasanton
Alameda County Fairgrounds
2005 Valley Avenue
The Harvest Festival signs up tens of thousands artists and craft makers each year for its mega arts & crafts events, making it arguably the largest event of its kind on the West Coast. It makes a stop at the Alameda Fairgrounds in Pleasanton — and along with all that shopping, it features live music and a dynamic kid zone play area.





