Looking for the coolest things to do at the beginning of the fall season? From Labor Day to the autumnal equinox, we’ve got you covered. We’ve done the deep research for you on the best things to do in the East Bay, including museums, cultural events, food tours and more. Speaking of food, we also have an extensive list of the best restaurants in the East Bay, and if you’re planning a weekend, the best places to stay. While there are so many things to do in the East Bay this September, there’s no need to bundle up — average temperatures are in the 70s!
Featured photo courtesy of Dock of the Bay Festival
September 5
Oakland
Telegraph Ave & 27th St
Every month, Oakland turns out for a multi-block community party called First Fridays, and September’s party adds a whole new dimension with Korean Culture Fest. Fan dancing, taekwondo demonstrations, music from traditional instruments and fantastic Korean food will be incorporated into the evening. Make a night out of it, and take a trip to some of downtown Oakland’s hippest bars while you’re out there.
September 6
Vallejo
860 Nimitz Ave
Hip-hop, soul, funk and R&B line Vallejo’s waterfront for this day-long music festival at Mare Island. This year, a slew of local legends will have you grooving in between bites from nearly a dozen artisan food vendors. Vallejo icons E-40, LaRussell and Baby Bash will close out the festival, following acts like a tribute to recently departed local legend Sly Stone. And you can even explore the island’s historic coal sheds — abandoned by the Navy over 100 years ago in favor of diesel — which have been converted into cocktail lounges and VIP areas.
September 7
Berkeley
1757 Action St
Yearning for a plant-based food event? Or maybe you’re a curious eater looking to speed-run the offerings of the Bay Area’s vegan food producers? Either way, this food festival at Berkeley’s Martin Luther King Jr. Civic Center Park promises a packed afternoon of vendors, performances and flavors from South America, Asia, the Caribbean and Southern soul food. Add in a kids zone, vegan designers fashion show and a spicy “hot wings” eating contest, and this afternoon makes for an ideal family-friendly excursion in the East Bay.
Tuesdays and Thursdays
Oakland
505 14th St
Learn about the innovative social community programs pioneered by Oakland’s legendary “Power to the People” party in the 1960s through a downtown walking tour led by Black Panther Party alumni. Currently, the two-hour walking tour is led by original party member Dr. Saturu Ned, who will take attendees through historic locations and recall true stories about the party and its legendary social-service principles. For more info and to sign up, visit this page.
September 20-21
Lafayette
3557-3551 Mount Diablo Blvd
At one of the largest, most beloved annual festivals in Contra Costa County, you and the family can stroll among the booths of art and handmade crafts, then enjoy foods from local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks. Also sip on quality wines and microbrews and pause to enjoy continuous music on four stages. It’s a community event you won’t want to miss.
September 6, 13 and 28
Oakland
10000 Skyline Blvd
Chabot Space and Science Center hosts a number of “sip” events throughout its monthly calendar, and this “Hike and Sip” connects nature, space and libations for one pleasant, late-summer evening. First, a sunset hike takes guests through the surrounding redwoods with an expert naturalist. Then, the party winds up at the space center’s Observation Deck, where you’ll stargaze — by eye and by telescope — while partaking in light bites and drinks.
