Best Things to Do in the East Bay This October

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. Less researching and more enjoying your time in the area. Enjoy!

Featured Photo: Courtesy of Jed Villejo
oaktoberfest in bay area
Photo: Courtesy of Oaktoberfest Facebook
Dates TBD

Cheers to good brews and good times at Oaktoberfest! This year the 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.

More info: oaktoberfest.org

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Photo: Courtesy of Visit Oakland
Dates TBD

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. 

More info: gardensatlakemerritt.org

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Photo: Courtesy City of Walnut Creek
Dates TBD

At Walnut Creek’s annual two-day Oktoberfest, clink your glasses and lift your spirits with Ein Prosit der Gemütlichkeit — a toast to cheers and good times — at this family-friendly event that recreates the beloved German fall celebration. Oktoberfest includes live entertainment, music, dancing, gourmet food, artisan vendors, arts & crafts, a biergarten with dozens of craft beers and a Kinder Platz Kids Zone. 

More info: walnutcreekdowntown.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Canine Companions
Dates TBD

Jack London Square in Oakland is about to go to the dogs…literally. DogFest is all about canines and their human companions, with a Halloween-themed, family-friendly day packed full of pet-centric activities and entertainment, tricks and treats and a canine costume contest. 

More info: canine.org

pottery at marin arts and crafts fair
Dates TBD

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 lots of shopping, it features live music and a dynamic kid zone play area. 

More info: harvestfestival.com

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Photo: Courtesy of Unity Council
Dates TBD

Each year, the Unity Council’s annual Oakland Día de los Muertos Festival has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors to the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood for a free, outdoor, family-friendly event taking place to commemorate the Mexican traditions around the Día de los Muertos — there’s world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altares created by community members paying homage to los Muertos. 

More info: diaoakland.com

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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