Ahhh, fall! Apple orchards and pumpkin patches all around the Bay Area are bursting with color and packed with no shortage of fun things to do. It’s a wonderful time of year to explore local farms and enjoy the special fruits of the season. Plus, enjoy spooktacular Halloween events all month long!
Here are some of my favorite fall events and locales where you can enjoy sparkling sunshine, crisp cider, and cool autumn air:
Fleet Week | San Francisco | Oct. 7-14
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.
Nightfall At Filoli | Woodside | Oct. 16-Nov. 3
New this year at Filoli is an interactive Halloween experience, including a themed bar and spooky decorations, as history and mystery intertwine under the cover of darkness. Prepare to be enchanted as evening reveals its secrets amidst Filoli’s spellbinding beauty. Visit filoli.org for more info.
29th Annual Oktoberfest | Campbell | Oct. 19
Voted Best South Bay Festival, this occasion spans an entire weekend of live music, 100+ arts and crafts booths, a costume contest, and of course, great German food and beer! Free admission. Visit campbelloktoberfestcom.
52nd Annual Art & Pumpkin Festival | Half Moon Bay | Oct. 19 & 20
This World Pumpkin Festival celebrates all things about the Great Gourd, including the World Champion Pumpkin Weigh-Off on Monday, Oct. 14. Enjoy live music, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, pie-eating contests, pumpkin carving, and a parade—plus food, beer, and wine! Visit pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com.
42nd Annual Leap Sandcastle Classic | San Francisco | Oct. 26
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. This year’s theme “Out of this World!” features celebrity judges, live entertainment, and community castles so everyone can join in on the fun and get their hands dirty! Learn more at leapsandcastleclassic.org.
Fall Wine Walk | Los Gatos | Oct. 26
Sip and stroll through beautiful Downtown Los Gatos to taste wines from over 30 local wineries and enjoy Los Gatos’ unique shops and restaurants. Reserve your tickets here.
Symphonic Spooktacular | San Jose | Oct. 26 & 27
Just in time for Halloween, Symphony San Jose and Symphony San Jose Chorale conjure up some of classical music’s scariest hits in Downtown San Jose. This thrilling and bone-chilling concert experience is perfect for the entire family. Come in costume for a chance to win spooktacular prizes! Visit symphonysanjose.org.
Creepy Crawly Halloween | Campbell | Oct. 27
Don’t miss this street party slash costume extravaganza! 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.
Arata’s Pumpkin Farm & Hay Maze | Half Moon Bay | Now-Oct. 31
Visit the oldest working pumpkin farm in San Mateo County and test your wits in the world-famous, two-acre “Minotaur’s Labyrinth,” newly constructed each year with thousands of hay bales. Other fun attractions for children of all ages include a haunted barn, hay rides, train rides, petting zoo, and of course, pumpkins! Check out their VIP packages here.
Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch | Morgan Hill | Now-Nov. 2
This location has been voted the Favorite Patch in the Bay Area! Explore and enjoy the farm with a ride on the Express Train or hay ride, a corn maze, Pumpkin Blasters, and so much more. This fall-time community tradition has stayed strong for over 80 years! For more information and tickets, visit spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com.
Winchester Mystery House | San Jose | Select Nights-Nov. 2
Winchester Mystery House presents “Unhinged: Hotel,” an immersive seasonal experience revealed throughout all three floors of the mansion. Also enjoy The Mist (the thrilling outside scare zone), interactive activities, themed food and drink, and photo opportunities! Purchase tickets in advance here.
