There’s a lot to look forward to this fall season. Whether you want something more family-friendly or are looking for a more active event, you can find options here. So plan ahead to 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.
Marin County
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September 26-November 2
Nicasio
Nicasio Valley Pumpkin Patch
5300 Nicasio Valley Road
Don’t miss this classic pumpkin patch with farm animals, hayrides and plenty of round, orange gourds — all in the heart of Marin County.
October 2-12
Mill Valley
Sequoia Cinema
25 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley
Lark Theater
549 Magnolia Ave, Larkspur
Outdoor Art Club
1 West Blithedale Ave, Mill Valley
Smith Rafael Film Center
1118 4th St, San Rafael
Calling all film buffs and cinephiles: Celebrate the very best of independent filmmaking at the internationally acclaimed 48th 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.
October 4
Point Reyes
Toby's Feed Barn
11250 California 1, Point Reyes Station
Benefiting various West Marin non-profits, this car show at Toby’s Feed Barn fills this beach town’s downtown streets with vintage wheels aplenty.
October 4-November 1
San Rafael
Angelico Hall, Dominican University of California
50 Acacia Ave
Now in its 48th year, this beloved local event for cinephiles began as a one-time presentation of Italian movies in a college lecture hall. As a labor of love for longtime director Lido Cantarutti, the fest has featured appearances from Italian film directors and composers, as well as dignitaries of the Italian and Italian-American communities.
October 10-11
Novato
Grant Ave, Downtown Novato
Blast from the past, anyone? The 29th 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.
October 26
Mill Valley
Mill Valley Lumber Yard
129 Miller Ave
Supermutts, Halloweenies and spooky pups of all stripes are invited to Mill Valley Lumber Yard for its third annual doggy costume contest. Owners can come too.
Sonoma
October 5
Santa Rosa
100 Pythian Road at Hwy. 12
707.833.0242
Bless your pets (all species welcome), in a picturesque Sonoma setting, sipping wine at St. Francis Winery’s annual Blessing of the Animals which supports the Humane Society of Sonoma County.
October 11
Santa Rosa
5007 Fulton Road
Using fresh produce from Kendall Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens, the meal will be prepared outdoor over a live fire. Snake River Farms is the pioneer of American Wagyu beef, and has been family-owned and operated since 1968. This comprehensive approach allows Snake River Farms to achieve perfection at every stage of production.
October 11
Santa Rosa
Sonoma County Fairgrounds
1350 Bennett Valley Road
Sip wine from more than 100 wineries, meet winemakers and maybe even stomp grapes. Pair your wine with an assortment of delectable munchables from the Harvest Fair’s Professional Food Competition.
October 12
Windsor
7394 Starr Road
707.857.5700
Join Bricoleur Vineyards for their 7th Annual Harvest Party, offering family-friendly fun for all ages. Munch on artisan pizza as you play some bocce ball and lawn games, and of course do it all with a glass of wine in hand!
October 12
Healdsburg
Healdsburg Plaza, Healdsburg Ave & Matheson St
707.919.0548
Join over 60 wineries at Healdsburg Crush to taste limited production pinot noir and sparkling wines at the Healdsburg Plaza. Take part in the silent auction and win prizes like instant cellars, wine experiences and more. All proceeds from the auction go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin.
Napa
October 5
Napa
Skyline Park on 4th Ave
707.258.6272
Scenic, rustic and winding roads will take you from the start at Skyline Park through the vineyard lined neighborhoods in a charming countryside setting. Finishers of the Half Marathon will be greeted with a bottle of Napa Valley wine and all race finishers will receive a custom medal.
October 18
St. Helena
Adams St (east of Railroad Ave) and Library Ln
Celebrate the fall season at the Hometown Harvest Festival! Enjoy a fun-filled day featuring everything from a 5K & Community Fun Run, a Pet Pawrade and a street fair. Live music, local wines and beers and delicious food will abound, and arts and crafts vendors will share their creations along the street fair. The kids zone makes this the best spot for people of all ages!
October 19
Napa
1075 Buchli Station Road
800.654.9463
Led by sommelier and cheese expert Marija Jovanovic, this “Cheese Alchemy” session explores how milk from goat, sheep, cow, and buffalo transforms into distinct cheeses — each with unique textures and personalities. Discover the secrets behind the alchemy of aging, and enjoy perfectly paired Bouchaine wines that elevate every bite.
Available by Booking
Rutherford
1829 St Helena Hwy
800.427.4124
Hop aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train to Grgich Hills Estate where you’ll learn how to stomp grapes and enjoy a private wine tasting. You can also book separately at the estate.
Event Venues
Looking to see what’s happening right now in the North 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!