It’s finally fall, y’all! All over the Bay Area, apple orchards and pumpkin patches are bursting with color, and the hills and valleys are loaded with no shortage of fun things to do. It’s a wonderful time of year to head over to local farms and harvest the special fruits of the season. Don’t forget our many spooktacular Halloween events that are available all month long!
Here are some of my favorite pastimes in which you can soak up the season’s sparkling sunshine, crisp cider, and cool air:
Festival Fright Nights | San Jose | Select Nights – Nov. 1
Celebrate the season with terrifying haunted mazes and thrilling live entertainment at San Jose’s very own Winchester Mystery House, including a Masquerade Ball and basement challenge (not for the faint of heart!). Purchase tickets here.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch | Morgan Hill | Daily Through Nov. 3
For over 80 years, Spina Farms has wowed crowds on its 60-acre property with a massive pumpkin patch and animatronic dinosaurs, plus a huge variety of fall activities and attractions. Enjoy hay rides and train rides, a corn maze, the fan-favorite Pumpkin Blasters, and so much more. For more information and tickets, visit spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com.
Nightfall At Filoli | Woodside | Oct. 3 – Nov. 10
Wander moonlit woods where Trolls lurk as twilight descends and Filoli transforms into a mysterious world of roaming slugs, glowing mushrooms, shifting shadows, and spooky scarecrows. Step into the hauntingly beautiful House and immerse yourself in the pumpkin-filled Meadow where unexpected wonders await. Visit filoli.org for more info.
Fleet Week Air Show | San Francisco | Oct. 5-13
Held annually between Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, this waterfront event headlined by the US Navy Blue Angels attracts thousands from over the globe. The air show, the parade of ships, ship tours, neighborhood concerts, and many other community events celebrate and honor the contributions of the US Armed Forces. Visit fleetweeksf.org for more info.
53rd Annual Art & Pumpkin Festival | Half Moon Bay | Oct. 18 & 19
This World Pumpkin Festival celebrates all things about the Great Gourd, including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Oct. 13. Enjoy live music, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving, and The Great Pumpkin Parade—plus food, beer and wine. Find out more at pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com.
Oktoberfest | Campbell | Oct. 18 & 19
Get your lederhosen on! This 30th annual beloved German-themed event boasts an entire weekend of live music, arts and entertainment, stein-holding and costume contests, and of course, authentic German food and beer! Free admission. Visit campbelloktoberfest.com.
43rd Annual Leap Sandcastle Classic | San Francisco | Oct. 25
NorCal’s biggest sandcastle competition is a team event that pairs architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and corporations with local elementary school students who work together to build giant sand sculptures. Learn more at leapsandcastleclassic.org.
Creepy Crawly Halloween | Campbell | Oct. 26
Who could pass up a two-hour community-wide costume party in the streets? Bring your two- and four-legged little ghouls, goblins, and superheroes to Downtown Campbell’s haunted district for some scary good fun and trick-or-treating. Visit downtowncampbell.com.
