Your Complete Guide To October Fun In Northern CA

October typically hits a weather sweet spot — not too hot and not too cold — making it the perfect time to squeeze in some can’t-miss events in Northern California.

October is known for Halloween, but it’s also a great time for festivals, comedy shows, Oktoberfest celebrations and haunted train rides.

Before you know it, the winter holidays will overtake your calendar. Be sure to schedule date night, family day or even “you” time before October slips away.

To help you fill out your calendar, we’ve rounded up 10 can’t-miss events from around Northern California.

About Last Night: The Show Where People Share Their Worst Hookup & Dating Stories!
Where: Make-Out Room, 3225 22nd St, SF, CA, 94110
When: 7:45 p.m. Oct. 3
Details: Got a great date? Text back! Got a bad date? Share it! Join the Make Out Room as brave individuals recount their most cringeworthy and unhinged true dating and hookup stories, accompanied by the musical stylings of our illustrious house pianist and singer, Ben Visini!

SF Richmond Autumn Moon Festival – Free Community Street Fair
Where: Clement Street & 8th-11th Ave., SF
When: 11 a.m. Oct. 4
Details: The 9th Annual SF Richmond Autumn Moon Festival will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on Clement Street. This free, family-friendly event will transform the Richmond District into a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition. Highlights of the festival include live cultural and contemporary performances, local vendors, delicious food (including mooncakes), and interactive activities for all ages. Attendees can also connect with community organizations and enjoy prize giveaways throughout the day.

Oktoberfest Celebration for Single Professionals
Where: Ounces Outdoors, 5800 Northgate Dr, San Rafael, CA, 94903
When: 3 p.m. Oct. 4
Details: Celebrate Oktoberfest and meet other single professionals in their 30s and 40s! Enjoy a fantastic outdoor venue offering a wide selection of beers, hard ciders, wines, other refreshments, and food. The event will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 3-5 PM. Purchase discount tickets here: Early Bird tickets are $30, Advance tickets are $45, and At the Door tickets are $55. Your ticket includes a FUN Mixer Game to easily connect with others, plus enjoyable lawn games.

16th Annual Greek and Middle Eastern Festival
Where: 7311 College View Dr, Rohnert Park, CA, 94928
When: Noon, Oct. 4
Details: Celebrate Greek and Middle Eastern culture at the 16th annual festival on October 4th & 5th, 2025, from Noon - 8 pm at 7311 College View Dr., Rohnert Park, CA 94928. Enjoy authentic Mediterranean food, live music, dance, art, local vendors, and more. Free admission and parking. Visit festival.stgeorgerp.org or @stgeorgefestival on social media for details.

Many Moons Festival
Where: Ives Park, 7400 Willow St, Sebastopol, CA, 95472
When: 11 a.m. Oct. 4
Details: The Many Moons Festival, a new, family-friendly cultural event in Northern California, celebrates the rich diversity of Asian American, South and Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. The festival offers diverse food, crafts, live entertainment including Lion Dancers and Taiko Drummers, classes, kids' activities, a fashion show, and a lantern-lighting ceremony. Presented by the Asian American Pacific Islander Coalition of the North Bay (AAPIC) and supported by the Creative Sonoma 2025 Arts Impact Grant, the festival aims to unite the community in a celebration of heritage.

2025 Haunted Train at Ardenwood Historic Farm
Where: Ardenwood Historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont, CA, 94555
When: 7 p.m. Oct. 17
Details: Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont presents the "Haunted Train," a spooky, family-friendly ride for kids under 12. Enjoy live actors, including the Witch of Ardenwood, and colorful Halloween displays. The train runs October 17-19 and October 24-26. Friday/Saturday: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm; Sunday: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm, every 30 minutes. All children need an adult; ages 6 and under sit on a lap. Tickets: $19.50 (ages 3+), under 2 free. Call 510-544-2797.

The Dinner Detective True Crime Murder Mystery Dinner Show
Where: The Marker Union Square San Francisco, 501 Geary St, SF, CA, 94102
When: 6 p.m. Oct. 18
Details: The Dinner Detective offers an award-winning, interactive murder mystery dinner show in San Francisco. Actors blend with the audience, making guests part of the mystery. Enjoy unexpected twists, comedy, and a thrilling mystery with a full-plated dinner—no costumes or stage needed. Each show is unique and engaging.

Howl-O-Ween at NewBark Dog Park
Where: 35501 Cedar Blvd, Newark, CA, 94560
When: 10 a.m. Oct. 18
Details: Howl-O-Ween at NewBark Dog Park on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM! Enjoy a FREE event featuring a vendor fair, costume contest (for you and your pup!), photo booth, giveaways, and a Día de los Muertos Pet Altar. Don't miss this spook-tacular dog event at 35501 Cedar Blvd., Newark!

Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th Anniversary with Nell Campbell
Where: Bankhead Theater, 2400 First St, Livermore, CA, 94551
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 24
Details: Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show with a spectacular tour featuring Nell Campbell, the original Columbia! Enjoy an unedited screening of the film with a live shadow cast and audience participation. Don't forget to enter the costume contest! For an exclusive experience, purchase V.I.P. Meet & Greet tickets to meet Nell Campbell, get a personal photo, and an autograph.

To Bubbles and Beyond! Sparkling Class
Where: Wood Family Vineyards, 2407 Research Dr, Livermore, CA, 94550
When: Noon Oct. 26
Details: Explore the art of sparkling wine in our 120-minute "To Bubbles and Beyond! Sparkling Class." Learn traditional production methods, taste curated selections from Italy, France, and our "Hot Lips" Sparkling Brut. Enjoy a food-pairing experience to enhance your dining. This hands-on class is $60 for Club Members and $70 for Non-Members, taking place Sunday, October 26th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Seating is limited.

Are you planning an event this fall? Feature it, so nearby readers see it all across Patch — including in roundups like this!