Events in Contra Costa County within the month of October. From Oktoberfest to fall festivals, to Halloween, there is something for everyone. For fun, threw in a few other events outside of the county.
This is a “live” list and more events will be added throughout the month as they are made know. Also accepting events in November and December — please email [email protected]
Also, be sure to check out our local pumpkin patches at G&S Farms, Smith Family Farms and Three Nunn Farms — more info on hours and happenings.
October Events
Oct 6 – Concord Police Coffee With the Cops
Come join the Concord Police Department on Friday, October 6th, 2023, for ‘Coffee with a Cop’ at Gratitude Coffee Bar located at 1655 Willow Pass Rd. from 8:30 am – 10:00 am. Come ask questions, voice your concerns, and get to know members of the Concord Police Department. We can’t wait to see you there!
Oct 6 – Oakley Friday Night Bites & Music in the Park
Join the Foodie Crew and City of Oakley for Friday Night Bites and music. Live Music, Food Trucks and more at the Civic Center Park In downtown Oakley. Bring the family and tell your friends & neighbors. Live music at Civic Center Plaza with Maya Latin Roots. Guests may bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy their meal and concert in the park. No outside alcohol is permitted.
Oct. 7 – Oakley Out of the Darkness Community Walk
The Out of the Darkness Community Walk is a journey of remembrance, hope, and support. It unites our communities and provides an opportunity to acknowledge the ways in which suicide and mental health conditions have affected our lives and the lives of those we love and care about. Event begins at 8:00 am at Civic Center Park. More Info
Oct. 7 – Antioch Fall BBQ Cook-off
Join the Celebrate Antioch Foundation on Oct 7th 10am-6pm for its 6th Annual Fall Fest and BBQ Cook-Off. Join the Party at Downtown Antioch’s Rivertown District with Great Live Music performed by Lando Davidson, Blind to Reason, & The Blues Healers Band! Kids Zone, Craft Vendors, Great Local Wine & Beer and of course Great BBQ! This is a Fun, Family Friendly Event with Free Entry and Parking. The Kids Zone wristbands are $20 each to play all day. There will be BBQ and Other Food Vendors There Selling Food. Come Join the Fun! More Info
Oct 7 – Brentwood 75th Anniversary Gala
Celebrate the City of Brentwood’s 75th Anniversary. Located at the charming East Contra Costa Historical Society Museum, the evening will include a cocktail hour with a no host bar benefitting the ECCHS, dinner, DJ, dancing, and access to the museum including the Byer-Nail House, Eden Plain School House, Homer’s Shed, and the Kathy Leighton Resource Center, as well as outdoor exhibits that will bring Brentwood’s rich history to life. Cocktail attire is encouraged. This event will take place outdoors. Guests will need to walk on grass, dirt, and gravel, so please be mindful when choosing footwear. Tickets – Click Here
Oct 7 – 8: Fall Contra Costa Crystal Fair in Walnut Creek
Get Ready For The Fall Contra Costa Crystal Fair on October 7-8, 2023 at Civic Park Community Center at 1371 Civic Drive (at Broadway) in Walnut Creek
- Sat, October 7 from 10-6
- Sun, October 8 from 10-4
- Admission $14 (12 and under free)
Northern California’s Premier Festival for Wholesale and Retail Crystals & Minerals, Collectors Specimens, Psychics Readers, Healers, Jewelry, Candle, Crystal Elixir, Vibrational Tool Makers, Master Teachers, Holistic Trainers & Workshop Facilitators – find what you need and take the next step in your journey at The Crystal Fair. For more information, Click here
Oct. 8 – Kiwanis Club of Concord’s 16th Annual Taste of Concord
Oct. 8 – Chalk Festival in Downtown Pleasant Hill
Join downtown Pleasant Hill for a FREE fun-filled Chalk Festival! October 8, 2023. 12pm-3pm Come see talented local artist create chalk murals! Family Friendly activities includes a Kids Chalk Zone where children will be invited to create their own chalk masterpieces as well as talented balloon twisters and arm painters. Located at 60 Crescent Dr. Pleasant Hill, CA in the Plaza near Jack’s Restaurant & Bar. More info: click here
Oct. 13-14: Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
Walnut Creek’s Annual Oktoberfest is back once again and this time we’re taking over downtown’s Civic Park for 2 days of family (and doggie) friendly fun. The Bavarian spirit will be in full display with a biergarten with dozens of craft beers, wine, gourmet food (including German delicacies), dozens of artisan vendors, Kid Zone, live music, and so much more! This 2-day-long, family-friendly event recreates the beloved German fall celebration. Oktoberfest will include live entertainment, music, dancing, gourmet food and dozens of artisan vendors, arts & crafts, biergarten with dozens of craft beers, wine, international music, Kinder Platz Kids Zone. Tickets & Information: Click Here
Oct 13-15: Rio Vista Bass Derby Festival
A busy three days for families and anglers during the 75th Rio Vista Bass Derby & Festival, with a full roster of activities. Friday the fun starts with entertainment, arts and crafts, food, beverages and Kid Zone Bouncer houses. On Saturday enjoy the Lions Club and Rio Vista Fire Department Hot Shots pancake breakfast, before visiting the Lions Club Car Show, the Bake Sale and the Rummage Sale. If you and the kids aren’t too exhausted, there is an afternoon and evening of food, beverages, live music, a petting zoo, Bouncer houses, and even fireworks! Sunday is when our hometown pride is seen in the old-fashioned parade. The theme this year is “Through The Years”. Then it’s on to the afternoon of music, arts and crafts, kid activities, and food before the Bass Derby awards ceremony at 4:00pm.
Fishing Derby: It’s a fisherman’s dream come true. The oldest Bass Derby on the West Coast will once again be highlighted at the Rio Vista Bass Festival. Anglers can choose from several fishing contests on the same ticket: Striped Bass, Sturgeon. Target lengths will be drawn at the start of the Derby early Friday morning for both Striped Bass and Sturgeon. More info
Oct. 14 – Downtown Brentwood Oktoberfest
The Downtown Brentwood Coalition is happy to announce the return of Oktoberfest on October 14 from 1:00-7:00 pm. Oktoberfest is FREE to attend!
The event includes Carnival Games with prizes. One ride on the Giant Slide! Kids 42″ inches and taller can ride solo, for smaller kiddos accompanying adult is free of charge. Complimentary Activities for all guests : Glitter Tattoos, Balloon Twisting
- 1pm – Event Begins – General Admission is Free
- 1:30 – Alpine Sound on the Main Stage
- 2:00 pm-5:00 pm – The Great Richie Bee performs (roaming entertainment)
- 3:00 pm –Weiner Dog Costume Parade
- 3:30 – Beer Stein Holding Contest
- 3:45 – Beer Stein Obstacle Race
- 4:30 – The FloorShakers
- 6:00 – Raffle Winner Announced
- 6:15 – Last Token Sold
- 6:30 – Last Call
- 7:00 – Event Concludes
For more information, VIP and drink tickets, click here
Oct 14 – Zombie Brew Crawl (Martinez)
The 2023 Zombie Brew Crawl Returns to Downtown Martinez! The un-dead are coming to downtown Martinez and they’re thirsty for Craft Beer! Zombies will be walking around the downtown corridor of Martinez, sampling 30+ craft beers from various breweries stationed at participating small businesses. The event is from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Starting 9/1/23: $45 through midnight until 10/13/23 midnight $50 at the door IF NOT SOLD OUT (this event sells out, get your tickets early!) — tickets + info.
Oct. 14 – 10th Annual Art of Mixology (Orinda)
The 10th Annual Art of Mixology event at Orinda Theatre Square, Lamorinda Arts Council’s largest fundraiser of the year! With an anticipated sell-out crowd, the event will host up to 20 bartenders creating luscious craft cocktails competing for the Mixologist of the Year, Top Amateur, Audience Favorite, and the Art of Staging Award. Tickets are $75, with limited tickets available for purchase at the door. We are also offering a Patron level ticket for $125, which includes a $50 tax deductible donation to the Lamorinda Arts Council. For more information & tickets, click here
Oct 14 – Benicia Art Walk
Benicia’s annual Second Saturdays Art Walk, sponsored by the City of Benicia, is returning! The annual event is held on the second Saturday of June, July, September, and October, and includes live entertainment and demonstrations while exploring eight exceptional art galleries (all within easy walking distance of each other).
Come for lunch and stay for dinner! You’ll find great shopping and dining, amazing historical sites and our beautiful waterfront. Event is from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on First Street in Benicia.
Oct 14-15 – Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival
The World Pumpkin Capital of Half Moon Bay celebrates its bountiful fall harvest and autumn splendor at the Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival and this year marks our spectacular 51st Anniversary Celebration!
One of America’s most iconic festival brands, the all-star lineup includes keepsake photos with the gargantuan grand champion mega-gourd, a spectacular display of Godzilla-like heavyweight champion pumpkins, smashing entertainment with four stages of stellar live music, the fantastically fun home-spun Great Pumpkin Parade, stunning harvest-inspired art and fine crafts, delectable homestyle foods, premium wines, seasonal craft beer, pumpkin-infused ales, pumpkin-flavored artisan cocktails, expert pumpkin carver Farmer Mike (“the Picasso of pumpkin carvers”) sculpting monster pumpkins into amazing one-of-a-kind masterpieces, pie-eating and costume contests, pumpkin carving for fun, the Xfinity Take 5 Lounge with giant screen TV, selfies and fun with the delightfully rotund, playful and mischievious Pumpkin Festival mascot “Gourdy”, the Sunday-only “Made on the Coast” local artists block with art and live music, the Sunday-only Great Pumpkin Run – 10k, 5k, Half Marathon and Kids’ Fun Run, Cornhole tossing game area, plus sponsor product sampling and swag giveaways.
- WHEN: Oct. 14-15. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days.
- WHERE: On Main Street between Mill and Spruce Streets in Half Moon Bay, CA.
- WEBSITE: http://pumpkinfest.miramarevents.com
Oct. 14-15: 2nd Annual Sugar Mill Barrell Tasting Weekend
Join Old Sugar Mill for its 2nd annual Barrels of Fun, barrel tasting weekend from 11:00 am – 5:00 am on Saturday, October 14-15th. They will have multiple food trucks on-site, live music each day, and will be giving a complimentary souvenir wine glass upon check-in/registration. Wine glass registration will be available till 3:30 pm each day of the event. Tickets + Info – click here
Oct. 17 – Taste of Walnut Creek
A Taste of Walnut Creek Restaurant Walk is back! Join us for this fun evening for a taste of a variety of local restaurants, walking with family and friends, and running into many more friends on the street. This is a lovely opportunity to discover new restaurants, enjoy a bite from restaurants you love, and support local community organizations, including our beloved CBT.
Restaurant walk “passports” are $36 each. Simply present your passport at each participating restaurant (listed here) during the Walk and enjoy a delicious sample of their cuisine. – Tickets & info
Oct 19-22 – Taste: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience
Livermore Valley’s premier food and wine affair spans four delectable days. Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22, 2023. Thursday evening at the Bella Rosa Event Center at Garré Vineyard and Winery is Taste Our Terroir, a Food and Wine pairing competition with a dessert bar with additional wineries. Weekend events include intimate wine-tasting events at our local wineries with our award-winning wines and winemakers. — more information
Oct 21 – Oaktober Festival
The City of Oakley is excited to celebrate our 15th Oaktober Harvest Festival happening on Saturday, October 21st from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM in Civic Center Plaza. This year’s fall festival to include beer and wine, a family-friendly costume parade, our iconic canine parade, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more! Over 30+ vendors, food trucks, and more Oaktober Harvest Festival entertainment. More info, click here
Oct. 21 – Four Legs Brewing Halloween Pop-Up and Trick or Treat
It’s that time again! Our annual Halloween pop-up and vendor trick or treat event! Come trick or treat over 35 vendors for FREE, first 250 will receive a FREE Halloween bag to use (good size) PLUS every single purchase at the event will earn you a raffle ticket to win amazing prizes… like a $200 Disney Gift Card! More kids activities and surprises being added! Four Legs brewing is located at 2010 Elkins Way, Brentwood.
Oct. 21 – Fall DB Kustoms and Klassics Car Show
In leu of our final Cars and Coffee on Oct 21st, we will have a Fall Kustoms and Klassics Car show. Join us for this finally before we close our doors for the season. We will have music, food, trophies (which you as a participant will be a judge) and our special guest will be Leonard Lopez “The Dominator” who will be on hand. We are limited to the first 170 cars so please go to www.dbcf.info for all the details and to register your special vehicle.
Oct. 21 – CAN Holiday Arts & Craft Festival (Clyde)
It’s an Art and Crafts festival…with a Holiday twist from those in and around the Weirdest Little Town in CoCo County, Clyde, CA!!! The Clyde Artist Network, aka C.A.N., is a growing collection of creators from Clyde and surrounding communities like Concord, Antioch, Pittsburg, Martinez, Brentwood and even little ol’ San Francisco. This is our third annual event. It is an outdoor festival, so rain or shine…come out and support local artisans, creators & crafters. Oh, and bring CASH…while many vendors are able to accept various payment options, many of us create as a hobby for this makers market. For more information: https://clydeartistnetwork.com/
Oct. 21 – Family Fishing Day (San Pablo)
Join the East Bay Municipal Utility District for its San Pablo Family Fishing day on October 21. This is free admission, fishing, lunch and prizes. The event is from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm which allows kids to fish from a netted area, each attendee will receive a raffle ticket just for showing up. For $10, you can get a BBQ lunch. Kids will also be able to decorate a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. Free admission, however, parking is $5. Located at 7301 San Pablo Dam in El Sobrante. More information
Oct. 21 – Witching Wine Walk (Benicia)
Oct. 21 – Boots and Spurs Country Music Festival (Byron)
Campos Family Vineyards announced its Boots and Spurs Country Music Festival this October! A portion of the proceeds of this event will be donated to the ALS Cure Project! Doors open for this event at 2pm, music will begin at 3pm and end at 10pm. Children ages 6 and up are welcome, with a general admission ticket. VIP attendees are limited to 21+.
Performers for this event are:
- Whiskey Hill Billies
- Toree McGee
- Carousel Cowboys
- Josh Melton
- Jason Blaine
Food trucks will be available for purchase and they will have country music themed vendors here for your shopping enjoyment. For tickets & info, click here
Larry Fraser and Nick Fraser took top prize
Oct 22 – Hook, Line & Sinker Tournament
Hook, Line & Sinker has announced their 2023-204 Tournament schedule which includes 6 dates plus a Tournament of Champions. All events will be held at Russo’s Marina on Bethel Island and begin at first light. Hook, Line & Sinker is located at 3100 Main Street, Ste 260 in Oakley CA. (925) 625-2441.
For more information or updated information, visit them on Facebook.
Oct. 22 – McCauley Estate Wine & Dine
Oct 22 – Meals on Wheels Oktoberfest Fundraiser
Oct. 25 – Bubbles and Broomsticks (Brentwood)
Downtown Brentwood Coalition’s Bubbles and Broomsticks returns! This bewitching night out will be held in Downtown Brentwood. This occasion is intended for guest 21 and up. Haunt Passes are limited and will sell out in advance. We will send you check-in instructions closer to the date! We ride at 6pm on Wednesday, October 25th in Downtown Brentwood…muuuhaaahhhaaaaaa!
- Shopping – The delightful shops of downtown will be offering exclusive deals, discounts and BOGO offers to participants and spoiling you with treats, sips and giveaways too!
- Dining – Some fantastic dining options and themed menus will make sure that no witch leaves with an empty belly!
- Sipping – Hand crafted, themed sips await you at our participating cauldron keepers and brewing stations
- Tricks & Treats – This night-out will feature the sights and sounds of Halloween including music and and Photo Ops!
- Contests- Awards will be given for Best Costume and for Best Witches Hat! Get your “Haunt Pass” stamped by a qualifying number of Shops and Stops, and you’ll be eligible for a Shopping Spree Downtown!
Visit our website at www.brentwooddowntown.com .
Oct. 26 – Hops for Hospice
Please join us for a fun-filled evening of BBQ, Brews, Music, Auctions and Community. Let’s celebrate the many programs and services that make Hospice East Bay so unique as we raise a glass while raising funds to support compassionate, community-based end-of-life care. Cheers!
- Thursday, October 26, 2023, 5:30-9:00 pm
- Location: Side Gate Brewery & Beer Garden, 1822 Grant Street, Concord
- Tickets: $95: Your general admission ticket includes event entry, dinner, and drinks. Event features a silent auction, live music, photo booth, and indoor and outdoor seating.
- VIP Tickets: $125: With your VIP pass, you’ll have access to an exclusive VIP loft with reserved tables. Each ticket includes event entrance and access to the live music, photo booth, silent auction, and unlimited BBQ and brews. Please note the VIP loft is only accessible via stairs (limited tickets available).
- To purchase tickets please visit our event site.
Oct. 27 – Treats at the Streets of Brentwood
Join the Streets of Brentwood on Friday Oct. 27 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm for a free trick-or-treat event. Fun for all ages.
- A FREE Pumpkin with a $10 receipt from any Streets of Brentwood retailer*
- FREE Treat Bag**
- Trick-or-Treat at our stores***
For more information: Click Here
Oct. 27 – Walnut Creek Boo Bash
Join us for TWO ghoulish extravaganzas as we celebrate Halloween in Downtown Walnut Creek on Friday, October 27, 2023
Get into the spooky spirit on Friday, October 27, 2023 during Walnut Creek’s Boo Bash. We invite you and your little ones to trick-or-treat through downtown at participating businesses during a Spooktacular Stroll from 12pm to 3pm, hosted by Walnut Creek Downtown Association.Afterward, head over to Civic Park from 3pm to 6pm where the fun continues with a Trunk Or Treat brought to you by Walnut Creek Arts + Rec. Be sure to mark your calendar to wear your best costume and head downtown to enjoy these ADMISSION FREE events.
For more information or questions, please contact: Donna Labriola [email protected]
More info: https://walnutcreekdowntown.com/marquee-events/boo-bash
Oct 27 – Pleasant Hill Rec Haunted Trail
Spine-tingling sights and sounds await you on the Haunted Trail in Pleasant Hill Park! This Halloween-themed stroll is a frightfully fun trick-or-treating park-in-the-dark adventure that you and your family will not soon forget. All ages are welcome. Costumes are strongly encouraged. Not too scary! The event will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Pleasant Hill Park.
Oct 28 – C.A.S.T. For Kids (Los Vaqueros)
This is a C.A.S.T. for Kids event designed to provide children with disabilities, ages 7 – 17, the opportunity to enjoy a quality outdoor recreational experience through the sport of fishing. Take to the water with C.A.S.T. for an unforgettable morning of fishing and boating.
Our C.A.S.T. for Kids events include lots of fun and celebration! You can expect 2-3 hours of fishing, a delicious lunch and an awards celebration where your child will receive a personalized plaque. The event will start at 9:00am and will end at 2:00pm. Please note a parent or guardian must be present with your child for the entirety of the event.
If you are volunteering for this event, you should expect about 5-6 hours of time at event, arriving before participants, and staying after to help wrap things up. This is a day of fishing the children, families, and volunteers will never forget!
For more information: https://castforkids.org/event/losvaquerosreservoir/
Oct. 28 – Brentwood Hometown Halloween
Join the Brentwood Chamber of Commerce in downtown Brentwood on Saturday, October 28 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm for Hometown Halloween. The community is invited for trick-or-treating and visit local businesses.
For more information: https://www.brentwoodchamber.com/events/details/2023-hometown-halloween-12593
Oct. 28 – Hot Rods 4 Paws Car & Bike Show
Join Furry Friends Pet Relief for its Hot Rods 4 Paws Benefit Car & Bike Show in downtown Antioch from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Check back as more information will be provided. For more information on Furry Friends Pet Relief, click here
Oct. 28 – Pawstoberfest (Brentwood)
This fall, the Delta’s hottest new nonprofit, Ruff Day Rescue (“RDR”), is pleased to introduce a new dog- and family-friendly event for the entire community!
“Pawstoberfest” will offer various dog-related activities and festivities on Saturday, October 28th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Veteran’s Park in Brentwood, CA. Admission is FREE, and all donations and proceeds will directly support RDR’s ongoing rescue operations for homeless, abused, and/or abandoned dogs in the East Bay Area. Last year alone, RDR saved over 250 dogs, and that number is growing exponentially as more and more people are returning to offices post-pandemic and finding they can no longer care for the animals they adopted while working from home.
This inaugural year’s Pawstoberfest attractions will include food and beverage vendors; craft beers and local wines; local artisan, business, and nonprofit tables/booths; puppy pen; doggie costume contest and parade; live music, lawn games (for both dogs and humans!); raffle prizes, and much more. People can attend Pawstoberfest whether registered or not, although the first 250 people to register online will receive a free commemorate beer mug or wine glass, which can be picked up at the RDR check-in booth on the day of the event.
Please contact us [email protected] for more vendor or sponsorship information or visit https://pawstoberfest.eventbrite.com/
Oct. 28 – Pittsburg Halloween Bash
Oct. 28 – Antioch Rivertown Trunk or Treat
Join downtown Antioch for halloween trick or treating. More info to be released.
Oct. 28 – Serendipity Cellars Fall Fun Day
Join Serendipity Cellers for its Fall Fun Day from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Enjoy the tasting room to try our delicious wine! Check out all the different tasting experiences that we offer Here. This will include an array of vendors, entertainment, food truck, activities for kids and let’s not forget everyone leaves with a PUMPKIN! Click here
October 29 – Concord Police Trunk or Treat Event
- We’ve got several fantastic food vendors serving up delicious treats.
- Games, face painting, and goodie bags galore! It’s going to be a blast for kids of all ages.
- Meet our incredible police K9s and witness their incredible skills.
- Get revved up as we showcase our awesome police motorcycles!
- And the best part? It’s all FREE!
Oct. 28 – Antioch Trunk or Treat (Council of Teens)
The Antioch Council of Teens is gearing up for their Trunk or Treat event held on Saturday, October 28th, from 4PM – 7PM at Delta Bowl. We’re calling all ghouls, ghosts, and generous hearts to volunteer and dress their trunks. Ready to join the fun? For more information and sign up, click here
Oct. 29 – Pride of the Delta Antioch Kiwanis Restaurant Tour
Please come out and support the Kiwanis Club of the Delta-Antioch while enjoying our local restaurants.
Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Our Motto is “Serving the Children of the World”. Kiwanis donates $1000 Scholarships to each local high school, sent $5000 for Ukraine refugee relief, supports The Elderly Wish Foundation, Veterans, The Snug as a Bug program and annually sends $1000 to the Kiwanis Family House to help families impacted by medical emergencies. Tickets: click here
Oct. 29 – Dia de los Muertos (Brentwood)
A fun filled afternoon celebrating our traditions of Día de Los Muertos where we honor and remember our passed loved ones. We will have food trucks, merch vendors from all over, parade, car show, live music, art expo, kids activities, Aztec dancers, folklorico ballet, DOTD Altar contest and Catrina contest. Join us at 786 Brentwood Blvd, Brentwood.
If you would like an event to be considered for this list, email [email protected]. Or, visit our events calendar. You may also add an event directly by clicking her.e
