November Events and Activities for North Bay Families

Fall is is in full swing! Check out these family fun activities and events happening around the North Bay.

Marin County

• Día de los Muertos - Sunday, November 7, 2026

  Celebrate Día de los Muertos in Downtown San Rafael with colorful altar displays honoring the traditions of Day of the Dead. Local businesses throughout downtown host altars that bring the community together in celebration, remembrance, and appreciation of this rich cultural tradition. This is a free event that offers free parking.

  Location: Albert J. Boro Community Center, 50 Canal St, San Rafael, CA 94901

  Time: 3:00 - 9:00pm

• Marin Turkey Trot - Thursday, November 26, 2026

  Make some room for Thanksgiving dinner with this annual run for the whole family, held on Thanksgiving Day itself. Participants can choose among a 5K, 10K and a youth one-mile course.

  Location: 1800 Ignacio Blvd., Novato, CA 94949

  Time: 8:00am Youth Mile, 8:25am 10k, 8:30am 5k

• Guided Horseback Ride at Five Brooks Ranch  - November, 2026

  Five Brooks is a full service riding stable for the whole family. There are activities for all ages and kinds of Buckaroos and Buckarettes who wish to enjoy the magnificent Point Reyes National Seashore in the company of their equine pals. Advance reservations are required. For more information, please visit the website linked above.

  Location: 8001 Highway One, Olema, CA 94950

  Phone: (415) 462-0207

San Francisco

• Planetarium Shows - Saturdays, November 7, 14, 21, 2026

  Learn about the stars through stories, music and light shows! These planetarium showings bring a fun edge to night sky, and will have you star gazing long after you leave.

  Location: Fujitsu Planetarium at De Anza, 21250 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014

  Time: Run from 2:30 - 0:15pm and vary from show to show.

• The Great Dickens Christmas Fair - November 21-December 20, 2026

  Over 4 acres of the historic Cow Palace exhibition halls are magically transformed into the winding lanes and bustling play houses of Victorian London! Immerse yourself in a world of theatres, pubs, dance parties, and charming shops. Discover holiday revelry in this lamp-lit city brimming with hundreds of lively and colorful characters from the imagination of Charles Dickens and the often saucy world of the Victorian stage. View their website to see all ticket options.

  Location: The Historic Cow Palace Exhibition Halls, 2600 Geneva Ave, Daly City, CA 94014

  Time: 10:00am - 6:00pm

• Holiday Ice Rink Union Square  - Daily November 4 - January 18, 2026

  Gather your family and friends for a beloved holiday tradition! The Safeway Holiday Ice Rink in Union Square presented by Kaiser Permanente is back for another magical season of outdoor skating and holiday festivities in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Hour-long sessions start every 90 minutes. General admission is $22 or $17 for kids 8 and under; prices include skate rental.

  Location: 333 Post Street, San Francisco, CA 94102

  Time: 10:00am - 11:00pm

Sonoma county

• Santa Rosa Harvest Festival Original Art & Craft Show -

  Friday-Saturday, October 6-7, 2026

  Shop an exciting collection of talented artists and makers and discover an amazing variety of handcrafted treasures you simply can’t find anywhere else! From stunning art, jewelry and home décor to clothing, ceramics, glass, metalwork, specialty foods, holiday finds and so much more. Come for the shopping. Stay for the fun. Leave with something you love!

  Admission:

  • $9 Adults

  • $7 Seniors & Military

  • $4 Youth (13+)

  • Free ages 12 & under

  Location: Sonoma County Event Center, 1350 Bennet Valley Road, Santa Rosa, CA 95404

  Time: Friday 10:00am - 8:00pm, Saturday 10:00am - 5:00pm

• Redwood Writers Holiday Book & Craft Fair - Saturday, November 21, 2026

  This lively, event brings together local authors and crafters, offering books and handmade treasures that make perfect holiday gifts for yourself or your loved ones. Admission is FREE so that you can find the perfect local gift for your loved ones. The afternoon will be a celebration among friends, delicious food, and creative gifts made by local artisans and authors.

  Location: Finley Community Center & Aquatic Complex, 2060 W. College Ave., Santa Rosa, CA 95401

  Time: 11:00am - 1:30pm

• Healdsburg Turkey Trot - Thursday, November 26, 2026

  This event invites everyone, from competitive runners to families with strollers, to join in the 5K fun. Expect a lively crowd of 3,500 runners and walkers, decked out in costumes, festive hats, and even turkey feathers.

  Bib & Shirt Pickup: Tuesday, November 24 & Wednesday, November 25 from Noon–7 pm, and race day morning 6 am–7:30 am at Healdsburg Running Company.

  Cost: $25 Adults ($5 off with no shirt) $20 Kids Under 12 ($5 off with no shirt)

  Location: Healdsburg Running Company, 333 Center St., Healdsburg, CA 95448

  Time: 8:00 - 10:00am