October Events and Activities for North Bay Families

Fall is here and Halloween is coming! Check out these family fun activities and events happening around the North Bay.

Marin County

• Western Railway Museum Pumpkin Patch Festival

  Saturday-Sunday , October 10–11, 17–18 & 24–25, 2026

  Celebrate the fall season at the Western Railway Museum's annual Pumpkin Patch Festival! Your admission includes unlimited train rides to and from the Pumpkin Patch and access to most festival activities (pumpkin chucking sold separately). Member tickets are $18.70, seniors and children’s tickets are $20.94, and adult tickets are $28.09.

  Location: Western Railway Museum, 5848 State Highway 12, Suisun City, CA 94585

  Time: First train departs the museum at 10:00am. Last train departs from the pumpkin patch to the museum at 4:30pm. (Trains depart approximately every 30 minutes throughout the day.)

  Phone: (707) 374-2978

• Goblin Jamboree: Sunset Spooktacular - Friday, October 16th, 2026

  A special after-hours Goblin Jamboree experience featuring festive food and drinks, Halloween experiences, entertainment, and playful family fun. This one-night only event includes: dinner and dessert, live DJ and dance party, pumpkin patch photo booth, adult beverages for adults 21+, and surprise magical moments. Children’s tickets are $95, adult tickets are $165, and a family pass is $600.

  Location: 557 McReynolds Rd, Sausalito, CA 94965

  Time: 4:00pm - 7:00pm

• Food Truck Thursdays at the Village in Corte Madera - Every Thursday Throughout October, 2026

  Food Truck Thursdays bring together fresh flavors, casual outdoor dining, and a fun, community atmosphere in one of Marin’s favorite open-air shopping destinations. Each week features a variety of food trucks serving everything from savory bites to sweet treats, making it an easy and delicious way to mix up your lunch or afternoon plans. You can find parking in the East Parking Lot in front of Gap.

  Location: 1618 Redwood Hwy, Corte Madera, CA 94925

  Time: 11:00am - 4:00pm

San Francisco

• Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden State Park - Friday-Sunday, October 2-4, 2026

  With more than 80 artists performing at this celebration, you can hear country, soul, folk, and indie blues in a beautiful outdoor setting. And it's free to attend! Collapsable wagons and chairs are allowed, and be sure to bring only clear plastic bags or backpacks. Bring your own picnic or try some of the 35 food and beverage options available for purchase. Parking can be difficult, so public transportation is recommended. A free Golden Gate Park shuttle will be operating during the festival weekend and will run from 9:00am - 6:00pm. Your most convenient shuttle stops for the music festival are either JFK/Transverse Drive or Marx Meadow. You can find more shuttle information here.

  Location: Hellman Hollow and Marx and Lindley meadows in Golden Gate Park

  1199 9th Avenue, San Francisco, California 94122

  Time: Gates open at 9:00am

• The Bay’s Huge “626 Night Market” - Saturday-Sunday, October 9-11, 2026

  This iconic Californian festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music, and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Tickets are $8 (children 5 and under are free) and available online only. You can pre-purchase parking for $15, but utilizing public transportation and carpooling is highly recommended.

  Location: Alameda County Fairgrounds, 2005 Valley Ave, Pleasanton, CA

  • (Gate 8)

  Time: 3:00pm - 11:00pm

• 44th Annual Sandcastle Classic Contest at Ocean Beach - Saturday, October 24, 2026

  Bring a blanket, grab a bite, and spend the day at the beach watching the sculptures take shape. Teams of local students, architects, engineers, designers, contractors, and corporate teams will work together to transform the beach into a sprawling showcase of giant sand sculptures. The event is free to attend, and the competition culminates with judging and an awards ceremony.

  Location: Ocean Beach, 1000 Great Highway, San Francisco, CA

  Time: 11:00am - 3:30pm

Sonoma county

• Oktoberfest at Brewsters Beer Garden | Saturday-Sunday, October 3-4, 10-11, 2026

  Celebrate Bavarian tradition in downtown Petaluma! There will be live polkas, Bavarian bites, German-style brews, and fun games for the whole family. Bring the whole family to test your strength and skills with friendly competitions, including stein holding contests for men, women, and kids, alongside a kids yodeling contest.

  Location: Brewsters Beer Garden, 229 Water St., Petaluma, CA 94952

  Time: 11:00am - 10:00pm

• Pumpkin Patch & Fall Festival at Beltane Ranch - Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, October 4-31, 2026

  Ranch grown pumpkins, farm animals to visit, hay maze, estate wine, beer, farm fresh food, lounges and more! Food options vary by day, always something fun and delicious to look forward to. With multiple ticket options, check out their website to find the best for you and your family. They offer free on-site parking for guests.

  Location: Beltane Ranch, 11775 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA 95442

  Time: 11:00am - 6:00pm

• Trunk or Treat - Sunday, October 31, 2026

  Get ready for an afternoon of Halloween fun for the whole family! Come dressed in your favorite costume or just come as you are. There will be Over 20 decorated trunks and vendors, tons of candy and treats, and 5 delicious food trucks. This free, pet-friendly event has fun for the whole family.

  Location: Parking Lot, 1410 Neotomas Ave, Suite 110, Santa Rosa, CA 95405

  Time: 2:00pm - 5:00pm