Bay Area Fall Bucket List 2025

Fall in the Bay Area is festival season: farms and nurseries switch into harvest mode, zoos and parks add Halloween programming, and community centers host trunk-or-treats and sensory-friendly hours. Whether you want a quiet weekday pumpkin-patch visit, a full-family farm day, or a hair-raising haunted-night experience, there’s something nearby.

San Francisco

Credit: Leap Sandcastle Classic

Festivals and pumpkin patches

Leap Sandcastle Classic — Ocean Beach
https://leapsandcastleclassic.org/
Tip: free to attend, big crowds; arrive early and bring a blanket.

Credit: Treasure Island

• Treasure Island Harvest Festival & Pumpkin Patch is a family-friendly fall festival at Cityside Park featuring a pumpkin patch, local vendors, food, and kid-focused activities (see details and ticketing). https://tisf.com/events/

  The event usually includes crafts, live music, and hands-on offerings, though some attractions or special activities may require advance registration or paid tickets.

  Plan for limited parking and transit—allow extra time for ferry or bridge access and check the official Treasure Island events page for exact dates and ticketing. https://tisf.com/events/

Credit: AURA

Museums, immersive experiences, and family programs

• AURA: An Immersive Odyssey (Grace Cathedral)
  https://auragracecathedral.com/ · https://gracecathedral.org/series/aura-grace-cathedral/
  Tip: buy tickets in advance and arrive early.

• California Academy of Sciences
  https://www.calacademy.org/
  Tip: family-friendly daytime programs and occasional themed evenings.

• Exploratorium
  https://www.exploratorium.edu/
  Tip: After Dark is adults-only; daytime visits are best for kids.

• Ghirardelli Square seasonal events
  https://www.ghirardellisq.com/events/
  Tip: easy, walkable family fun and great photo spots.

Credit: Candlelight Experience

Candlelight and concert events

• Candlelight Halloween concerts
  https://candlelightexperience.com/ · https://feverup.com/
  Tip: tickets sell out fast; book early.

• Free concerts at Golden Gate Park Bandshell
  https://sfrecpark.org/1570/Golden-Gate-Bandshell-Concerts · https://goldengateparkband.org/concerts/
  Tip: bring a blanket and picnic; arrive early for best spots.
  

Zoos and animal-themed fall activities

• San Francisco Zoo — Boo at the Zoo and ZOOtoberfest
  https://www.sfzoo.org/calendar/boo-at-the-zoo/
  Tip: timed tickets recommended for weekend Halloween programs.

After-dark and spooky experiences

• Alcatraz night tours and guided ghost/haunted walking tours
  (Book through official Alcatraz and licensed tour operators)
  Tip: best for older kids and adults; book early.

Community, cultural events, and parks

• Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead community events
  https://dayofthedeadsf.org/
  Tip: altar displays are beautiful at twilight.

• San Francisco Fleet Week
  https://fleetweeksf.org/
  Tip: expect crowds and road closures around the waterfront.

• See fall foliage at the Japanese Tea Garden — Golden Gate Park
  https://japaneseteagardensf.org/ · https://sfrecpark.org/ (Japanese Tea Garden page)
  Tip: the garden’s maples and ginkgoes glow in mid to late fall; visit early morning for quiet photos and to avoid tour groups.

Best Halloween houses and displays to visit

Presidio Terrace// Credit: Instagram @kdworkin

Here are addresses where locals go to see standout Halloween-house displays:

• Presidio Terrace

• 45 Upper Terrace

• 3001 Pacific Street

• 3368 Jackson Street

• 3925 Washington Street

Tip: go early evening on a weekday or shortly after dinner on a weekend, park a block away and walk, and respect private property.

East Bay

Credit: Three Nunns Farm

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and family farms

• Three Nunns Farm (Brentwood) — Pumpkin patch, corn maze, tractor rides and family activities. Check hours and ticketing before you go.
  https://threenunns.com/ (Three Nunns Farm)

• G & M Farms Pumpkin Patch (Livermore) — Hayrides, cow train, pedal carts and a large pumpkin selection; many attractions run weekends only.
  https://gmfarms.com/ (G & M Farms)

• Joan’s Farm & Pumpkin Patch (Livermore) — Small, nostalgic family patch; cash/ATM details and local hours posted on their site.
  https://joansfarm.com/ (Joan's Farm and Pumpkin Patch)

• Shadelands Pumpkin Patch (Walnut Creek / Shadelands Ranch Museum) — Community-oriented patch with a petting zoo and kid rides.
  https://shadelandspumpkinpatch.com/ (Shadelands Pumpkin Patch)

• Westbrae Nursery Pumpkin Patch (North Berkeley) — Neighborhood patch and school fundraiser run out of Westbrae Nursery; great for quick, stroller-friendly visits.
  https://westbrae-nursery.com/ (Westbrae Nursery)

• Ardenwood Historic Farm / Dig Deep Pumpkin Patch (Fremont area) — Historic-farm programming with hay pyramids, crafts and weekend pumpkin events.
  Ardenwood: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood. Dig Deep coverage: https://www.510families.com/pumpkin-patch-at-ardenwood/ (East Bay Parks)

Harvest days and U-pick

• Smith Family Farm — Tomato Day (Brentwood) — Annual Tomato Day festival with live music, vendors, farm animals and family activities (check date and times).
  https://www.smithfamilyfarm.com/ — see event listings. (Smith Family Farm)

• Brentwood / Tri-Valley U-pick map (Harvest Time / HarvestForYou) — Local farm-trail listings and weekly updates on what’s in season for u-pick.
  https://harvestforyou.com/ (Harvest Time in Brentwood)

Credit: Oakland Zoo

Zoos, shows, and family programs

• Boo at the Zoo — Oakland Zoo — Family Halloween programming and costume contests in October; advanced reservations are typically required for non-members.
  https://www.oaklandzoo.org/programs-and-events/boo-at-the-zoo. (Oakland Zoo)

• Disney on Ice — Oakland Arena (Frozen & Encanto tour stop) — Touring family show with multiple performances and optional character experiences in mid-October.
  Official Disney On Ice info and Oakland Arena listing: https://www.disneyonice.com/en-us/frozen-encanto-oakland-san-jose/ and https://www.theoaklandarena.com/. (The Official Site of Disney On Ice)

Credit: Six Flags

Spooky nights and larger attractions (teens & adults)

• Six Flags Discovery Kingdom — Fright Fest (Vallejo) — Nighttime scare zones and haunted mazes on select nights (best for older kids and adults).
  https://www.sixflags.com/discoverykingdom/events/fright-fest-2025 (Six Flags)
  

Community trick-or-treat and trunk-or-treat

• Walnut Creek — Civic Park Trunk or Treat (Walnut Creek Arts & Rec) — Large community trunk-or-treat with low-sensory hour and general public hour; check the city calendar for exact dates and times.
  Walnut Creek Arts & Rec listing: https://members.walnut-creek.com/calendar/Details/walnut-creek-arts-rec-trunk-or-treat-1456327?sourceTypeId=Website. (Walnut Creek Chamber)

• Broadway Plaza / downtown trick-or-treating — Shopping-center trick-or-treat events are stroller-friendly and usually listed on plaza or downtown event pages. Example listing for Broadway Plaza events: https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/. (Walnut Creek Downtown)
  

South Bay

Credit: Spina Farms

Pumpkin patches and family farms

• Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch - Morgan Hill
  Opens mid-September. Hay rides, corn maze, pumpkin blasters, and family activities. Check hours and ticketing: https://spinafarmspumpkinpatch.com/.

• Cosentino Family Farm - San Jose
  Historic family farm with a pumpkin corral and farm stand; typically opens in mid-September: https://cosentinofamilyfarm.com/.

• Queen’s Pumpkin Patch - Saratoga
  Neighborhood patch with a late-September opening; check site or social pages for exact dates: https://queenspumpkinpatch.com/.

• LJB Farms - San Martin
  Pumpkin patch opens late September and runs through October with family-friendly hours: https://www.ljbfarms.com/.

• Moreland Education Foundation Pumpkin Patch (MEF) - San Jose
  Volunteer-run patch and fundraiser; usually opens in October: https://www.mefhome.org/patch.

  
  Apple picking and U-pick

Credit: Gizdich Ranch

• Gizdich Ranch - Watsonville
  U-pick apples, seasonal produce, and don’t leave without trying the pie: https://www.gizdich-ranch.com/.

• Clearview Orchards - Watsonville
  Organic orchard offering pick-your-own apples; check the orchard site or social pages for opening dates.

Zoos, shows, and family programs

• Happy Hollow Park & Zoo - seasonal fall events
  Fall programming through October with daytime Boo-style trick-or-treating, themed animal encounters and enrichment activities, hands-on crafts, kid-friendly shows, and other low-scare attractions (some included with general admission, others on a timed-ticket basis); check dates and tickets at https://happyhollow.org/booatthezoo/.

• Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose- Play Your Way (sensory-friendly evening) — Early-evening Halloween event designed for children with autism and sensory needs (limited attendance, quieter lights/sounds). Tickets/registration required for the special session. Children's Discovery Museum of San Jose

Credit: Winchester Mystery House

Spooky nights and larger attractions (teens & adults)

• Winchester Mystery House - Festival Fright Nights / haunted offerings
  Winchester Mystery House presents Festival Fright Nights on select fall evenings, a ticketed after-dark experience featuring multiple haunted attractions and immersive mazes, themed food and VIP packages, and age-restricted elements on some offerings; nights can sell out and parking is limited, so confirm dates and buy tickets at https://winchestermysteryhouse.com/ and https://festivalfrightnights.com/.
  

Guided nature walks and local wildlife

• Tarantula Trek - Open Space Authority (Morgan Hill)
  Docent-led Tarantula Trek events are scheduled in late September; the Open Space Authority also posts a self-guided Tarantula Trek guide if you prefer to explore on your own at dawn or dusk: https://www.openspaceauthority.org/.

Hiking and leaf peeping

• Almaden Quicksilver County Park
  Historic mining lands with miles of trails and fall views; park info: https://parks.santaclaracounty.gov/locations/almaden-quicksilver-county-park.

• Uvas Canyon County Park
  Waterfall hikes and shaded trails; vehicle or day-use reservations may be required: https://parks.santaclaracounty.gov/locations/uvas-canyon-county-park.

Quick planning tips

• Reserve tickets and time slots in advance for popular, ticketed events (Oakland Zoo Boo, Disney on Ice, some farm time slots). (Oakland Zoo)

• Visit weekday mornings to avoid lines and traffic at the larger farms. (Three Nunns Farm)

• Bring layers—the Bay Area cools quickly after sunset.

• Confirm payment methods and parking arrangements; some small farms are cash-preferred or have parking fees. (Joan's Farm and Pumpkin Patch)

Peninsula

Credit: Lemos Farms

Pumpkin patches, family farms, and harvest experiences

• Lemos Farm — Half Moon Bay
  Classic family pumpkin patch with pony and train rides, hay play areas, a seasonal haunted house, and weekend programming. Timed tickets recommended.
  https://www.lemosfarm.com/

• Arata’s Pumpkin Farm — Pescadero / Half Moon Bay area
  Home of the Minotaur’s Labyrinth hay maze, a haunted barn, hay rides, train rides, and kid attractions. Some attractions require reservations.
  https://www.aratapumpkinfarm.com/

• Farmer John’s Pumpkin Farm — Half Moon Bay
  Daily October hours with classic hay rides, photo ops, sunflowers, and family-friendly attractions.
  https://farmerjohnspumpkinfarm.com/

• Pastorino Farms — Half Moon Bay
  Seasonal pumpkin farm with hay rides, train rides, pony rides, petting area, face painting, and bounce houses on weekends.
  https://www.pastorinofarms.com/

• Andreotti Family Farms — Half Moon Bay
  Sunflower fields, corn maze, pumpkin patch, and seasonal photo ops. Daily fall hours and reservation info are posted on the site.
  https://andreottifamilyfarm.com/
  Practical note: sunflower and photo-session bookings can sell out; call ahead for activity reservations.

• Webb Ranch — Portola Valley
  Family farm with an organic pumpkin patch, U-pick produce, seasonal activities, and occasional holiday events. Check U-pick windows and payment details before you go.
  https://www.webbranchinc.com/

Credit: Hiller Aviation Museum

Museums and kid-friendly fall nights

• Hiller Aviation Museum — Haunted Hangar, Pumpkin Drop, and Kids’ Carnival
  Family Haunted Hangar exhibits in October, a helicopter Pumpkin Drop, and weekend festival programming. Some evening elements are ticketed.
  https://www.hiller.org/

• CuriOdyssey (Coyote Point, San Mateo) — Autumn Nights and fall programming
  Autumn-themed science exhibits, animal encounters, and occasional family evening events; check the events calendar for ticketed nights.
  https://curiodyssey.org/

• Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo — seasonal fall events and family Halloween nights
  Decorated exhibits, themed activities, animal encounters, and occasional ticketed family evenings or fundraising events.
  https://www.paloaltozoo.org/

Credit: Filoli

Peninsula community festivals and street events

• Oktoberfest — Downtown Redwood City (Courthouse Square)
  Multi-day Oktoberfest with beer gardens, live music, and festival food; advance tickets recommended.
  https://www.redwoodcity.org/residents/redwood-city-events/oktoberfest

• Pacific Coast FogFest — Pacifica (Palmetto Avenue)
  Weekend street festival with live music, food, arts and crafts, and family activities.
  https://pacificcoastfogfest.com/

• Arts & Culture Fest — Downtown San Mateo
  One-day street festival with music, cultural performances, artists, a poetry corner, and a live mural competition.
  Check San Mateo event listings.

• Burlingame Live
  Multi-night free music series and family-friendly street entertainment in downtown Burlingame.
  https://www.burlingamedowntown.org/events

• Food Truck Marketplace — Foster City (Leo J. Ryan Park), Wednesdays through October
  Weekly food-truck nights with live entertainment and rotating vendors. Check the city calendar for weekly lineups.
  https://www.fostercity.org/community/page/wednesday-night-food-truck-marketplace-hosted-grid

• Art & Wine Faire — San Carlos (Laurel Street, Oct 11 & 12)
  Two-day street fair with 200+ artists, vendors, and a family fun zone.
  https://www.cityofsancarlos.org/city_hall/departments_and_divisions/parks_and_recreation/art___wine_faire.php

• Fostoberfest — Foster City (Leo J. Ryan Park, Oct 18)
  Fall festival with live music, food vendors, kids zone, and a beer garden. Check Foster City Chamber for details and tickets.
  https://www.fostercitychamber.com/Fostoberfest

• Taste of Fall — Filoli Gardens, Woodside (Oct 18 & 19)
  Filoli’s seasonal festival with cider tastings, caramel apples, pies, seasonal foods, and workshops. Buy tickets early.
  https://filoli.org/taste-of-fall/

• Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival — Main Street (Oct 18 & 19)
  Signature coastal festival with the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, parade, costume contest, carving, and family activities; free admission on festival days.
  https://hmbpumpkinfest.com/

North Bay

Credit: Bay Area Discovery Museum

Museums and family fall events

• Bay Area Discovery Museum — Goblin Jamboree, Big Art Weekend, and seasonal family events
  Goblin Jamboree (Halloween-themed activities and kid-friendly spooky play), Big Art Weekend and other seasonal drop-in events; check the events calendar and plan-your-visit page for hours, member hours, and special ticketing notes. https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/events/ and https://bayareadiscoverymuseum.org/plan-your-visit/. Bay Area Discovery Museum+1

  Practical note: outdoor play areas and free parking make this an easy half-day trip for families with toddlers and preschoolers. Bay Area Discovery Museum

• Children’s Museum of Sonoma County — Halloween FUNtazmagoria and weekly family programs
  The museum posts a detailed calendar of weekly programs (storytimes, creation stations, nature explorers) and runs seasonal Halloween programming such as FUNtazmagoria (hands-on slime, pumpkin painting, themed STEM activities) on select weekend dates in October. Check the calendar before you go. https://www.cmosc.org/calendar/ and event listings (FUNtazmagoria). Children's Museum of Sonoma County+1

  Practical note: many programs are included with admission but special family-night events may require timed tickets or different hours; member mornings are a quieter option. Children's Museum of Sonoma County

Credit: Petaluma Pumpkin Patch

Classic North Bay fall picks

• Petaluma Pumpkin Patch & Amazing Corn Maze — Large corn maze, kid rides, and an extensive pumpkin selection; opens mid/September and runs through October. https://petalumapumpkinpatch.com/. Petaluma Pumpkin Patch+1

• Sonoma County Harvest Fair (Santa Rosa) — Regional harvest celebration with wine tastings, agricultural exhibits, contests, and family programming in October; ticketed events sell out for popular days. https://harvestfair.org/. San Francisco Chronicle

• Napa & Solano area pumpkin and harvest listings — Multiple family harvest programs, farmers markets, and small-patch options across Napa Valley and northern Solano County; check local tourism pages for openings and dates.

• Día de los Muertos / Day of the Dead events — Community altars, museum exhibits, and parades across Sonoma County cities in late October into early November. Check local calendars for altar locations and processions.