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Best Things to Do in the North Bay This October

Best Things to Do in the North Bay This October

Picture of Mimi Pinson

Mimi Pinson

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

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.

Mill Valley Film Festival

October 2-12

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.

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.

Nostalgia Days Classic Car Show & Cruise

October 10-11

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. 

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.

Italian Film Festival

October 4-November 1

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.

Sonoma

An older man in a black suit stands under a canopy, petting a light brown dog. Nearby, a small white dog on a leash waits patiently. In the background, there is a vineyard, mountains, and a van labeled "Muddy Paws Mobile Pet Grooming Salon" — one of the best things to do in Sonoma County this October.
Photo courtesy of St. Francis Winery.

St. Francis Winery’s Annual Blessing of the Animals

October 5

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.

A long, rustic outdoor dining table set for a meal is underneath a wooden pergola with white drapes. The table is adorned with glassware and floral centerpieces. In the background, there is a garden with lush greenery and a weathered wooden gate – one of the best things to do in Sonoma County this October.
Photo courtesy of Kendall Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens.

Farm-To-Table Dinner Series: Snake River Farms

October 11

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. 

People are gathered at a bustling indoor wine festival. Yellow balloons float above various stalls offering wine tastings. In the background, colorful banners and a large, arched window frame the busy scene. Attendees are engaged in conversations and sampling wines—truly one of the Best Things to Do in Sonoma County This October.
Photo courtesy of Sonoma County Tourism.

Sonoma County Harvest Fair

October 11

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. 

A woman and a child stand near a vintage truck at a vineyard's fall harvest display. The truck bed is filled with hay bales, pumpkins, and baskets of produce. Pumpkins, arranged to spell "BRICOLEUR VINEYARDS," decorate the backdrop. A stroller is seen nearby—a perfect snapshot of the Best Things to Do in Sonoma County This October.
Photo courtesy of Bricoleur Vineyards.

7th Annual Harvest Party at Bricoleur Vineyards

October 12

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!

Four smiling adults, two men and two women, stand outdoors in front of a pink backdrop with white text. They hold wine glasses and wear event badges around their necks. The backdrop reads "Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin" and "Healdsburg Crush," one of the best things to do in Sonoma County this October.
Photo courtesy of Healdsburg Crush.

Healdsburg Crush

October 12

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

A large group of runners gather at the starting line under a red inflatable archway that reads "Athletic Feat" at the Napa Half Marathon—one of the Best Things to Do in Napa Valley This October. Volunteers and spectators stand nearby on a cloudy day, with a timing clock visible to the right of the arch.
Photo courtesy of @athleticfeat

Napa Half and Quarter Marathon

October 5

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.

A diverse group of children and adults gather at a starting line beneath an arch made of green, gold, and purple balloons, ready for a race. Some participants wear numbered bibs. The setting is outdoors in Napa Valley with trees, a mountain, and a clear sky—one of the best things to do here this October.
Photo Courtesy of St. Helena Parks and Recreation.

St. Helena Harvest Festival

October 18

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!

A cheese spread and wine selection at Bouchaine winery
Photo courtesy of Bouchaine.

Cheese and Wine Discovery at Bouchaine

October 19

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.

A smiling couple stomping grapes in a wooden barrel at a vineyard—one of the best things to do in Napa Valley this October. The man, sporting a beard, wears a light-colored shirt and maroon pants. The woman holds a glass of wine, wearing an off-shoulder blue top and jeans. Grapevines and a wooden pergola adorn the background.
Photo courtesy of Grgich Hills Estate.

Grape Stomp at Grgich Hills Estate

Available by Booking

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.

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.

Music Venues

Sweetwater Music Hall

Peri’s Tavern 

Mystic Theatre 

Phoenix Theatre

A dimly lit stage at Sweetwater Music Hall features various musical instruments, including a drum set, keyboards, and amplifiers. Microphones stand at the forefront, ready for performers. The background is illuminated in a purple hue, highlighting the venue's name—one of the Best Things to do in the East Bay This March.

Theaters

Marin Theatre Company

Marin Veterans Memorial Auditorium

Cinnabar Theatre

Museums

Marin MOCA

Bay Area Discovery Museum 

Friends of Mt. Tam

Marin History Museum

Children and an adult are sitting and playing on an orange blanket outdoors, with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. The children are engaged in different activities, with one laying down looking at a phone, while the adult is smiling and interacting with them—one of the best things to do in North Bay this March.

Multi Use

Marin Center 

Angelico Hall

Corte Madera Community Center

Comedy

Throckmorton Theatre 

Improv Marin

Movie Theaters

CinéArts Sequoia

Lark Theater

Tiburon Playhouse  

Cinelounge Tiburon

Looking for more things to do in the area?

Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!

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