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 by Jed Villejo.
Oaktoberfest
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
Autumn Lights Festival
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
Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
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
DogFest
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
Harvest Festival: Original Art & Craft Show
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
Día de los Muertos Festival
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
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the East Bay? Our comprehensive list of venues below will help you find what you need to know what’s going on.
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!
