October is a wonderful time to get out and enjoy the East Bay. From longtime local traditions and family-friendly fall festivities to an evening that gives back to an important community organization, there’s plenty happening throughout the month.
We’ve rounded up a few events to add to your October calendar.
Clayton Oktoberfest
Saturday, October 3, 11 AM–8 PM; Sunday, October 4, 11 AM–6 PM
Downtown Clayton
One of Clayton’s favorite annual traditions returns for a weekend of Bavarian-inspired fun in the heart of downtown. Enjoy live German music, traditional dancing, food, shopping, a biergarten and activities throughout the weekend.
And if you happen to stop by, be sure to look out for Wendy helping at the Schnapps booth!
Learn more: Clayton Oktoberfest
Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival
Saturday, October 10, 11 AM–9 PM
Downtown Pleasant Hill
Celebrate the season in Downtown Pleasant Hill with a full day of fall festivities. The Harvest Festival brings together live entertainment, food and drinks, local vendors and activities for the whole family.
It’s an easy way to spend a fall Saturday close to home while supporting local businesses and enjoying the community.
Learn more: Pleasant Hill Harvest Festival
Floating Pumpkin Patch
Saturday, October 10, 1:30–3:30 PM
Concord Community Pool
Make a splash this fall at Concord's Floating Pumpkin Patch! Families can head into the pool to choose a pumpkin, then enjoy pumpkin decorating, music, arts and crafts, and games on the lawn.
Advance registration is required for participants, and admission includes a pumpkin.
Learn more: Concord Floating Pumpkin Patch
Trick or Treat Trail
Friday, October 16, 4:30–6:30 PM
Baldwin Park, Concord
For families with younger ghosts and goblins, Concord’s Trick or Treat Trail offers an early start to the Halloween fun.
The free event includes trick-or-treating, crafts, a Halloween scavenger hunt and other activities at Baldwin Park. Advance registration is required, with registration opening October 1.
Learn more: Trick or Treat Trail
Once Upon A Street: Broadway Plaza Turns 75
Saturday, October 17, 11 AM-2 PM
Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek
Celebrate 75 years of Broadway Plaza with a family-friendly afternoon of live entertainment, performances, children's activities, a 360° photo booth, pet adoptions and more. A special Royal Parade will take place at 12:30 PM.
Learn more: Once Upon A Street
Trunk Or Treat
Friday, October 23, 3-6 PM
Civic Park, Walnut Creek
Bring the family for an afternoon of Halloween fun with trick-or-treating, games, activities, giveaways and a scavenger hunt. A special low-sensory hour from 3–4 PM offers a calmer experience with no music or jump scares, along with allergy-friendly and non-food treats.
Learn more: Walnut Creek Trunk or Treat
Diwali Celebration
Friday, October 23 & Saturday, October 24
Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek celebrates Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with two days of festivities in and around the downtown arts district.
The celebration begins Friday evening with a Diwali Drone Light Show, illuminating the night sky as part of the weekend festivities.
On Saturday from 12–5 PM, the celebration continues with a free community street fair featuring live music, cultural performances, food, art and family-friendly activities. Bedford Gallery will also host free all-ages mandala art activities during the afternoon.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the color, creativity and traditions of Diwali while enjoying a weekend in Downtown Walnut Creek.
Learn more: Street Fair & Drone Show
Sip, Shop & Sparkle for Youth Homes
Thursday, October 29, 5–8 PM
Wish Walnut Creek
Round out the month with an evening of shopping that also supports an important local cause.
Wish Walnut Creek is hosting Sip, Shop & Sparkle, featuring boutique shopping, bubbly, light bites, music, a raffle and special give-back activities.
Tickets are $10, and 20% of proceeds will be donated to Youth Homes, helping support local youth in our community.
Tickets & information: Sip, Shop & Sparkle
Clayton Ghost Tour
Friday, October 30, 5:30 PM Family Friendly; 7:30 PM Fully Haunted
Clayton Historical Society Museum
A beloved Clayton tradition returns! A spooky-but-fun journey through Clayton's history and folklore for ghosts and ghouls of all ages. As darkness falls, experience the spookier side of Clayton's stories, legends, and unexplained happenings.
Learn more & reserve tickets: Clayton Ghost Tour
Enjoy October in the East Bay
One of the things we love about living and working in the East Bay is the strong sense of community found throughout our local towns and neighborhoods. October gives us plenty of opportunities to get outside, connect with neighbors, support local organizations and enjoy everything the season has to offer.
We hope to see you out and about this month!
Event information is subject to change. We recommend checking with event organizers for the latest details before attending.
