Best Things to Do in the North Bay This October

There’s a lot to look forward to this fall season. Whether you want something more family-friendly or are looking for an active event, you can find something here. So, plan ahead and have an eventful October! Here’s our list of the best things to do in the North Bay this October. 

Featured photo courtesy of Marin County Bicycle Coalition. 

People gather outside during the Mill Valley Film Festival, one of the best things to do in North Bay in October. The logo and name of the festival are illuminated on the ground in red light. In the background, there are buildings and cars, with some people walking in the evening atmosphere.
Photo courtesy of MVFF and Tommy Lau Photography.

2025 Dates TBD

Calling all film buffs and cinephiles: Celebrate the very best of independent filmmaking at the internationally acclaimed 47th Mill Valley Film Festival. Films featured at the festival highlight world cinema, U.S. cinema and shorts, to name a few. Come meet some of your favorite Hollywood stars on the red carpet and enjoy the silver screen — this is a special event you don’t want to miss.

Three men are near a luxury yacht docked at a marina. One man is on the yacht holding a phone and waving, while the other two stand on the dock, one carrying a shoulder bag. It's a sunny day with palm trees and hills in the background—a perfect scene for enjoying the best things to do in North Bay this October.
Photo courtesy of Sausalito Boat Show.

2025 Dates TBD

From nautical novices to serious sailors, the Sausalito Boat Show is the place for people to immerse themselves in the boating lifestyle, check out new boats, get on the water, attend educational seminars and more. Beyond boats, there’s a number of local food vendors offering seafood specialties and classic California cuisine, live music and activities for the kids. 

A lively outdoor car show on a sunny day, one of the best things to do in North Bay this October. People are walking and admiring various vintage and classic cars with their hoods open. Trees with lush green foliage line the street, providing some shade. Many attendees are casually dressed and enjoying the event.
Photo courtesy of Downtown Novato Business Association.

2025 Dates TBD

Blast from the past, anyone? The 28th annual Nostalgia Days is one of the best things to do in the North Bay this October, and returns to downtown Novato. On the first day of this event, a parade of classic cars will cruise through downtown, and the second day involves a car show featuring cars from around the state. 

A person with a mustache and beard, wearing a black "Ghost Town Brewing" shirt and hat, smiles and holds up a glass of beer. They stand behind a booth decorated with a skull and "Almanac Beer Co." banner in the background—one of the best things to do in North Bay this October.
Photo courtesy of Marin County Bicycle Coalition.

2025 Dates TBD

Enjoy good brews, bikes, live music and gorgeous North Bay weather at Fairfax’s annual Biketoberfest. Perfect for active folks and bike enthusiasts — this event will feature group rides, bike vendors/organizations and the Marin Museum of Bicycling. This event will also be dog-friendly, so don’t forget to clip your doggy trailer onto your wheels to bring your four-legged friend along. 

Two runners cross the finish line at a race, both smiling and raising their arms in celebration. A man in a black outfit is on the left, and a woman in black and orange gear holds her phone up on the right. Flags and tents are visible in the background, showcasing one of the best things to do North Bay October.
Photo courtesy of Marin Endurance Festival.

2025 Dates TBD

Now in its 16th year, this event for sporty types offers the option of doing a triathlon, half marathon, 10K or 5K. All events begin at McNears Beach with race courses that promise picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay and Marin.

A pumpkin patch filled with numerous bright orange pumpkins of varying sizes. The pumpkins are scattered across the straw-covered ground, with green plants and vines visible in the background under a sunny sky. Visiting such a picturesque patch is one of the best things to do in the Bay Area October.
Photo courtesy of Ana Essentiels.

2025 Dates TBD

Celebrate the fall season with your entire family at the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. You can get lost in a four-acre corn maze at the patch, climb over hay bales or choose your very own pumpkin to carve. It’s the perfect place to take the kiddos if you’re in the North Bay.

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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