October boasts oodles of family-friendly fun. Some of my favorite festivals are coming up starting this weekend with Mill Valley Film Festival, Oktoberfests, Fleet Week and so much more! Check out this weekends recap below for all the fun happening this weekend.

Friday, October 11, 2019, International Day of the Girl

Fleet Week

San Francisco (map)

Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of our Nation’s armed forces.

Sing And Dance With Miss Kitty!

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
San Rafael Library (map)

We are pleased to announce the return of Miss Kitty to the San Rafael Public Library! Miss Kitty is back for a series of fun family concerts that are just right for kids birth to 8 years old.

Day Of The Horse

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (map)

The noble horse not only enriches the lives of all of us who ride and care for them, they have made the town of Woodside a unique community. The Day of the Horse, held yearly on the second Saturday of October, is the brainchild of two Woodside horse lovers who wanted to bring the community together in support of the horse. It is a chance to pay tribute to our equine friends with a day of fun and festivities.

XR Super Girls: Fall Welcome: XR Intro & Virtual Reality Painting

4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
XR Marin, Novato (map)

XR is in its infancy, and this development platform is so new that it has really opened opportunities for women to emerge as leaders in this industry. XR Marin is seizing this unique opportunity to be the catalyst in innovative education that will leverage this open landscape to cultivate and catapult our female students to become the next generation of young leaders in XR.

Day Of The Girl

4:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Mill Valley Community Center (map)

In honor of Day of the Girl, we will have a presentation and interactive activity by Girl Force Leadership, then we will be showing two documentaries, Brave Girl Rising and He Named Me Malala.

Halloween Harvest Festival

5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Marinwood Community Center (map)

Join us for our annual Halloween Harvest Festival for children 12 & under.

Pumpkin Nights

5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sonoma County Fairground (map)

Rekindle the enchantment and wonder of Halloween at Pumpkin Nights! This outdoor festival immerses you in a half-mile walking path of over 3,000 hand-carved synthetic and 1,000 fresh pumpkins, larger-than-life displays and multi-sensory experiences. In addition to pumpkins, Pumpkin Nights offers food and activities for the whole family!

Concord Oktoberfest

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Todos Santos Plaza, Concord (map)

For one weekend in October, Todos Santos Plaza will turn into a mini-Munich, hosting an authentic German Oktoberfest with a beer tent, live music, singing and dancing, strongman contests, food truck fare, a kid’s area, and more.

Mill Valley: Movies In The Park - Coraline

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Old Mill Park, Mill Valley (map)

These movies are held on the first Friday night in July, August, September, and October and are family friendly. Please bring your blankets, low beach chairs, flashlights and picnics.

Grand National Rodeo | Livestock Exposition, Horse Show And Rodeo

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cow Palace (map)

The Wild West is once again coming to the Bay Area with the annual Grand National Rodeo. Now in its 73rd year, the Grand National Rodeo will celebrate the time-honored tradition of America's West by presenting the best of the best in the competitive sport of rodeo.

Saturday, October 12, 2019

Fleet Week

San Francisco (map)

Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of our Nation’s armed forces.

Weekend Along The Farm Trails

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sonoma County, CA (map)

Sonoma County farmers will open their gates and barn doors to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at life on the farm this fall.

San Domenico School Garden Faire

9:30 AM - 10:30 AM
San Domenico School (map)

Enjoy live music, a petting zoo, carriage rides, face painting, garden crafts, homemade pizza and a farmers market with lots of goodies.

Guided Hiking Programs

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM
China Camp State Park (map)

Explore China Camp with a Naturalist!

Bon Air Invitational Car Show

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Bon Air Center (map)

Visit this annual showcase of more than 100 vintage American cars and see classic coupes, roadsters, trucks, family and muscle cars from the past 100 years.

Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show (map)

The Downtown Alameda Classic Car Show will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019. More than 400 classic vehicles will be on display in Alameda’s historic downtown district. The free event runs from 10:00am to 4:00pm and is fun for the whole family.

Sturgeons Mill Open House

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sturgeons Mill, Sebastopol (map)

Our working museum will conduct four weekend demonstration runs during the 2019 year. These free public demonstration runs are held on the Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–3pm.

Indigenous Peoples Day PowWow

10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MLK Civic Center Park, Berkeley (map)

Enjoy Native American foods and crafts, share a wonderful and powerful experience.

Harvest Open House

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Twin Cities Community Preschool (map)

Bouncy house, Entertainment, Face Painting, Family Photos, Arts & Crafts, Games and Snacks!

Halloween Cookie Party

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Williams-Sonoma (map)

Calling all ghosts and goblins! Let’s have a Halloween party and bake some frightfully fun and delicious cookies. They’re a snap to prepare using our cookie stamps.

Day Of The Horse

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (map)

The noble horse not only enriches the lives of all of us who ride and care for them, they have made the town of Woodside a unique community. The Day of the Horse, held yearly on the second Saturday of October, is the brainchild of two Woodside horse lovers who wanted to bring the community together in support of the horse. It is a chance to pay tribute to our equine friends with a day of fun and festivities.

HeadsUp Carnival

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
San Rafael High School(map)

HeadsUp Carnival brings together every school in San Rafael for an event celebrating all that’s great about our schools and our town. From dancing mascots to marching bands, from face-painting to pupusas, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our annual party of the year.

Concert For Kids/Tot Art In The Park

10:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Robin Sweeny Park, Sausalito (map)

A free outdoor music series for kids and their families on the 2nd Saturday from July to October, 10:30am-12pm at Robin Sweeny Park.

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
BACT Berkeley Center (map)

Inspired by Grace Lin’s Newbery Honor Book of the same name, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” relates the adventures of Minli, a spunky young girl in an ancient mythical China, who sets out on a quest to bring good fortune to her weary, hard-working family by seeking help from the Old Man of the Moon. Along the way, she rescues a friendly dragon who becomes her faithful companion.

MarinMOCA Open Studios

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
MarinMOCA, Novato (map)

Art lovers are invited to step “behind the scenes” at MarinMOCA’s Open Studios event. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet over 35 artists and learn about their passion for making art.

Tolay Fall Festival

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tolay Lake Regional Park (map)

More than just a pumpkin patch, the Tolay Fall Festival is a seasonal celebration of the beauty and history of this special park.

Biketoberfest

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
FairAnselm Plaza, Fairfax (map)

Savor delicious brews, see amazing bikes, hear incredible live music featuring The Pulsators, enjoy family activities and connect with over 60 bike exhibitors all while taking in the gorgeous Marin October weather. There is something for everyone at Biketoberfest Marin!

HeadsUp Carnival

10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
San Rafael High School (map)

HeadsUp Carnival brings together every school in San Rafael for an event celebrating all that’s great about our schools and our town. From dancing mascots to marching bands, from face-painting to pupusas, there is something for everyone to enjoy at our annual party of the year.

The Columbus Day Bazaar Cent' Anni Celebration

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saints Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco (map)

Join us to celebrate our 100th anniversary of this favorite North Beach Tradition! This monumental year will combine new and old traditions that will delight all ages.

MVFF: Fresh & Fearless

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael (map)

They may be small. They may be young. But that doesn’t keep any of these inspiring girls from dreaming big, standing strong, or taking chances.

MVFF: As The World Toons

11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
CineArts Sequoia, Mill Valley (map)

This enchanting collection of shorts for all ages is a showcase of international imagination with a colorful cast of characters including robots, raccoons, dragons, and ducks.

MVFF: Team Marco

11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
CineArts Sequoia, Mill Valley (map)

It’s old world versus new world, and video games versus the world’s oldest game in this charming coming-of-age story that celebrates friendship, family, and above all, the squabbling, gregarious, loving Italian American culture of Staten Island’s South Beach.

Corte Madera Oktoberfest

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Menke Park, Corte Madera (map)

Bringing together community and friends for another robust round of cheery tastings, local restaurant gourmet eats, delectable treats and fun kid activities to the heartbeat of oompah, big band, jazz and blues live music.

MVFF: Chuskit

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Smith Rafael Film Center (map)

Chuskit tells the triumphant story of a physically disabled girl in rural India whose circumstances derail her dream of going to school. Nevertheless, she persists!

Harvest Fest @ Terrapin Crossroads

2:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Terrapin Crossroads (map)

Free event featuring live music and activities for the kids.

MVFF: Short Film Development For Teens

2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Outdoor Art Club, Mill Valley (map)

Participants will work in small groups to create a short film concept with limited resources and time.

Pumpkin Nights

5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sonoma County Fairground (map)

Rekindle the enchantment and wonder of Halloween at Pumpkin Nights! This outdoor festival immerses you in a half-mile walking path of over 3,000 hand-carved synthetic and 1,000 fresh pumpkins, larger-than-life displays and multi-sensory experiences. In addition to pumpkins, Pumpkin Nights offers food and activities for the whole family!

Peninsula Oktoberfest

6:00 PM - 11:00 PM
Hiller Aviation Museum (map)

Over two hundred years after Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen wed, the Hiller Aviation Museum joins the celebration with a special Oktoberfest beer, music and dining.

Creek Park: Close Encounters Of The Third Kind

6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Creek Park, San Anselmo (map)

Science fiction adventure about a group of people who attempt to contact alien intelligence. Roy Neary (Richard Dreyfuss) witnesses an unidentified flying object, and even has a "sunburn" from its bright lights to prove it. Roy refuses to accept an explanation for what he saw and is prepared to give up his life to pursue the truth about UFOs.

Movie At The Pocket Park! Coco

6:45 PM - 8:45 PM
Pocket Park, Novato (map)

Gather your friends and family, low-back lawn chairs and comfy blankets to enjoy a FREE outdoor movie showing!

Grand National Rodeo | Livestock Exposition, Horse Show And Rodeo

7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Cow Palace (map)

The Wild West is once again coming to the Bay Area with the annual Grand National Rodeo. Now in its 73rd year, the Grand National Rodeo will celebrate the time-honored tradition of America's West by presenting the best of the best in the competitive sport of rodeo.

North Bay Mobile Drive-In: Abbot & Costello: Abbot & Costello Meet Frankenstein

8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Old Hamilton Theater Building, Novato (map)

Join us for this horror comedy classic full of Halloween fun! Bud Abbot and Lou Costello play two hapless freight handlers who find themselves encountering Dracula, the Frankenstein Monster and the Wolf Man.

Sunday, October 13, 2019

Fleet Week

San Francisco (map)

Fleet Week is the Bay Area’s opportunity to pay tribute to the men and women of our Nation’s armed forces.

Pancake Breakfast @ West Point Inn

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
West Point Inn (map)

Please join us up at the Inn for these wonderful events.

Weekend Along The Farm Trails

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sonoma County, CA (map)

Sonoma County farmers will open their gates and barn doors to offer a behind-the-scenes peek at life on the farm this fall.

Fairfax Streets For People

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Downtown Fairfax (map)

Streets for People is a unique Fairfaxian celebration!

FREE ART DAY!

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Studio 4 Art, Novato (map)

We are celebrating signing another 5 year lease in downtown Novato! Welcoming our 13th year, October 13th will be full of free art activities and a chance to throw on our pottery wheels.

Nature For Kids: Blackstone Canyon

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Blackstone Canyon, San Rafael (map)

This secluded valley below the rugged east end of Big Rock Ridge is a great place to look for animals that are attracted to the creek. We’ll take a slow walk to the wet places in the canyon to see who’s hiding there. Remember to bring lunch.

Sturgeons Mill Open House

10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Sturgeons Mill, Sebastopol (map)

Our working museum will conduct four weekend demonstration runs during the 2019 year. These free public demonstration runs are held on the Saturdays and Sundays from 10am–3pm.

Marine Science Sundays For 2019

10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
The Marine Mammal Center (map)

Join us on the 2nd and 4th Sundays of each month for Marine Science Sunday - a FREE engaging ocean-inspired classroom series from our education experts. These interactive classroom programs are great for all ages!

Day Of The Horse

10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Woodside-area Horse Owners Association (map)

The noble horse not only enriches the lives of all of us who ride and care for them, they have made the town of Woodside a unique community. The Day of the Horse, held yearly on the second Saturday of October, is the brainchild of two Woodside horse lovers who wanted to bring the community together in support of the horse. It is a chance to pay tribute to our equine friends with a day of fun and festivities.

Italian Heritage Parade

10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
San Francisco (map)

The oldest civic event and the nation's oldest Italian-American parade and community celebration winds its way from Fisherman's Wharf to North Beach.

Where The Mountain Meets The Moon

10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
BACT Berkeley Center (map)

Inspired by Grace Lin’s Newbery Honor Book of the same name, “Where the Mountain Meets the Moon” relates the adventures of Minli, a spunky young girl in an ancient mythical China, who sets out on a quest to bring good fortune to her weary, hard-working family by seeking help from the Old Man of the Moon. Along the way, she rescues a friendly dragon who becomes her faithful companion.

MarinMOCA Open Studios

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
MarinMOCA, Novato (map)

Art lovers are invited to step “behind the scenes” at MarinMOCA’s Open Studios event. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet over 35 artists and learn about their passion for making art.

Presidio Picnic

11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Main Parade Ground, San Francisco (map)

Multi-cultural community celebration unveils new mobile food creators and cultural dance groups at San Francisco’s Presidio National Park.

The Columbus Day Bazaar Cent' Anni Celebration

11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saints Peter and Paul Church, San Francisco (map)

Join us to celebrate our 100th anniversary of this favorite North Beach Tradition! This monumental year will combine new and old traditions that will delight all ages.

Tolay Fall Festival

11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tolay Lake Regional Park (map)

More than just a pumpkin patch, the Tolay Fall Festival is a seasonal celebration of the beauty and history of this special park.

Grateful Day Fest

12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Telegraph Berkeley (map)

Join us on Telegraph Avenue between Bancroft and Dwight for the third annual Grateful Day Festival! Featuring artists and vendors, BIG FUN Circus with a kid's zone and stilt walkers, and live music all day long-celebrating the legacy of the Grateful Dead!

San Francisco Started Here

1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Presidio Visitor Center (map)

In 1776, Juan Bautista de Anza led a diverse group of families to establish the Presidio, Spain's northernmost colony in Alta California. Thus began San Francisco!

MVFF: ¡Viva Los Niños!

1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
Smith Rafael Film Center, San Rafael (map)

A celebration of Spanish-language and Latin American films and stories, MVFF’s ¡Viva el Cine! initiative is also a family affair, as illustrated by this special collection of kid-centric short films from Mexico, Spain, Guatemala, and Colombia.

MVFF: Rémi, Nobody’s Boy

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
CineArts Sequoia (map)

Adapted from the classic 1878 French novel Sans famille by Hector Malot, Rémi, Nobody’s Boy transports audiences to an idealized 19th century world of impossibly golden sunsets, verdant hills, and medieval stone villages for the heartwarming hero’s journey of an orphaned, 10-year-old boy, Rémi (Maleaume Paquin), and the aging traveling performer, Vitalis (Daniel Auteuil), who takes him under his wing.

Harvest Festival

2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Trek Wine, Novato (map)

A full day of live bands, wine, craft beer, a grape stomp and great food vendors!

Timbalooloo

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Ashkenaz Music & Dance Community Center (map)

CD Release Concert for "Finding Friends Far From Home: A Journey With Clara Net"

Pumpkin Nights

5:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Sonoma County Fairground (map)

Rekindle the enchantment and wonder of Halloween at Pumpkin Nights! This outdoor festival immerses you in a half-mile walking path of over 3,000 hand-carved synthetic and 1,000 fresh pumpkins, larger-than-life displays and multi-sensory experiences. In addition to pumpkins, Pumpkin Nights offers food and activities for the whole family!

Full Moon Tai Chi

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM
China Camp State Park, San Rafael (map)

Join Friends of China Camp for an exclusive Full Moon Tai Chi class in China Camp State Park. Instructor David MacLam will lead us through a gentle moving meditation as the full moon rises and casts glittering light across the bay.

EVENT LISTINGS ARE CHECKED AT THE TIME OF POSTING BUT SCHEDULES MAY CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. LINKS ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL VENUES FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE. PLEASE CONFIRM INFORMATION WITH THE WEBSITE.

*MVFF - Mill Valley Film Festival