Ahhh, fall! While we’re still enjoying those glorious warm, sunny days the Bay Area does so well, there’s a new chill in the morning air signaling that autumn has arrived. Apple orchards are ripe for picking, pumpkin fields are bursting with color, and it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the season. Visit a local farm, head to the coast for a fall festival, or embrace spooky season at one of the Bay Area’s spectacular Halloween events.
Here are a few of my favorites for soaking up the sparkling sunshine, crisp autumn air, and all the fun that October brings!
Nightfall at Filoli | Woodside| Through Nov. 1
Discover a completely different side of Filoli as Nightfall returns this fall, transforming the estate with glowing gardens, unexpected encounters, and playful Halloween fun for the whole family. Start with a lively Harvest Party in the Meadow with thousands of pumpkins, games, live music, and seasonal food and drinks, then take an illuminated walk under towering redwoods as darkness falls and things get delightfully spooky! Get tickets here.
Fleet Week Air Show | San Francisco | Oct. 4 – 12
Head to SF’s northern waterfront to celebrate the 45th Annual San Franciso Fleet Week, headlined by the US Navy Blue Angels. This big aerial spectacle includes the air show, Parade of Ships, ship tours, live concerts, and many other community events to celebrate and honor men and women serving the US Armed Forces. Visit fleetweeksf.org for more info.
Indulge | Los Gatos | Oct. 12-18
Celebrate the flavors of Los Gatos’ diverse food scene at this inaugural Restaurant Week featuring special prix-fixe menus, treats and experiences for lunch, dinner and more. For more information and to see the list of participating restaurants, click here.
Diwali Festival Of Lights & Fireworks | Pleasanton | Oct. 17
As the largest Diwali celebration in the country, this magnificent traditional festival at the Alameda County Fairgrounds creates quite the spectacle. From noon until 11PM, the fairgrounds transform into a dazzling world of color and sound, complete with an extensive selection of delicious Indian fare, a traditional effigy burning, multiple dance events, and a stunning firework show. Check here for more details.
54th Annual Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival | Half Moon Bay | Oct. 17 – 18
Travel to the picturesque coast surrounding the World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay and celebrate all things about the Great Gourd at the spectacular Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival. The Safeway World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off kicks things off on Monday, Oct. 12. Enjoy live music, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving, and The Great Pumpkin Parade, plus food, beer and wine ,and so much more. More info here.
31st Annual Oktoberfest | Downtown Campbell | Oct. 17 – 18
Enjoy some great fall Oktoberfest fun for the whole family at this beloved Bavarian-themed event in historic Downtown Campbell. This two-day event features over 150 artisan booths, five stages of live music, stein-holding and costume contests, and of course, authentic German food, beer, and ales. Click here for more details.
44th Annual Leap Sandcastle Classic | San Francisco | Oct. 24
Watch as teams of local students, architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and corporate teams work together to transform Ocean Beach into a sprawling showcase of giant sand sculptures. Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and spend the day at the beach watching the sculptures take shape. The event is free to attend, and the competition culminates with judging and an awards ceremony. Learn more at leapsandcastleclassic.org.
Creepy Crawly Halloween | Downtown Campbell | Oct. 26
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. This is a don’t-miss, two-hour community-wide costume party in the streets! Visit downtowncampbell.com.
Festival Fright Nights at Winchester Mystery House | San Jose | Select Nights – Nov. 1
Kick off spooky season at Fright Nights, which transforms San Jose’s historic estate with haunted attractions and interactive experiences throughout the property, along with games and seasonal food and drink. This year’s festival includes three haunted attractions, including the new House of Spirits experience. Purchase tickets here.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch | Morgan Hill | Through Nov. 2
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 much more. For more information and tickets, visit spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com.
