Looking to fill a couple hours of your day while in the South Bay? With so many offerings in the area, we’ve curated five of the top events this month so you don’t have to. Less researching and more enjoying your time in the area. Enjoy!
Featured Photo: Andrii Ganzevych

All About Bats
Oct 2
Yes, they are considered spooky during the season of ghouls but bats are much more than their caricatures and this interactive learning experience at Palo Alto’s EcoCenter will explain exactly why bats are so lovable (hint: they eat lots of bugs).
More info: evols.org

Henry Cowell Redwoods Lobster Feed
Oct 9
Felton is flush with flavor for the 26th annual dinner that dishes a pound and a half of fresh Maine lobster to all comers with a fleet of sides, beverages and dessert. While live music from the Wild & Blue band floats through the forest and twinkling lights linger overhead, all proceeds benefit the redwood sanctuaries that are Henry Cowell and Big Basin State Parks.Â
More info: mountainparks.org

Santa Cruz Open Farm Tours
Oct 9 - 10
Nine family-owned farms based in and around Santa Cruz welcome the community to learn what is involved in growing nourishing produce in one of the world’s most vibrant working agricultural landscapes. Apple juicing, tastings, U-picks and demos figure in, as does maximum learning about sustainable practices.Â
More info: openfarmtours.com

Renaissance Faire
Oct 9-10
The joust may be a favorite highlight of an event in Hollister dedicated to life in Europe from 1300-1700 A.D., but the theme over the Oct 9-10 weekend is dedicated to German mercenaries and their ilk as they ring in the harvest season with ale and delights from the Alamanni, Teutons and Goth tribes.
More info: norcalrenfaire.com

Hamilton
Oct 12–31
The story of an American Founding Father gets the Lin Manuel-Miranda treatment and became a rap and hip-hop Broadway sensation.
More info: broadwaysanjose.com

The Doobie Brothers
Oct 13
San Jose’s own, harmonizing since 1971’s eponymously named album, make an appearance in not-too-far-away Mountain View alongside Michael McDonald who has joined the band.
More info: shorelineamp.org

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
Oct 24
It’s a virtual screening, but the adrenaline remains real. Viewers get the best from more than 400 entries, which translates to over-the-top action, environmental, and adventure films that stretch the boundaries of geography, believability and human achievement. Extreme would be an understatement.
More info: riotheatre.com

Gipsy Kings
Oct 30
The big-hearted and wildly famous blend of flamenco, rumba, salsa and pop that pours from the Reyes and Baliardo families knows no cultural bounds, with rock harpist Mikaela Davis leading off the fun.
More info: axs.com

Hallowe’en Block Party
Oct 31
Downtown Palo Alto celebrates All Hallows Eve with trick-or-treating, a haunted alley, a costume contest and an after party, accompanied by live music from John Henry’s Farm.
More info: addisonblockparty.com
Looking for more things to do in the area?
Visit our What to Do in Northern California page!