Fun Fall Festivals

Favorite fall festivals have begun to return to the Bay Area, and a couple of county fairs will take place as well. While some events are still on hold until next year, there are plenty of fun ways for your family to spend your weekends in September and beyond. As conditions may change due to COVID-19, make sure to check event websites before heading out.
Alameda County Fair. Oct. 22-31. The annual fair has been rescheduled from June to October, when guests will be able to attend in person with advanced tickets and limited capacity. 4501 Pleasanton Ave., Pleasanton.
Autumn Moon Festival. Sept. 11-12. Presented by the Chinatown Merchants Association, this festival includes lion dancing and other entertainment, mooncakes and food vendors, activities for kids and more. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Chinatown, Grant Avenue between California and Broadway, San Francisco. 
Bay Area Chuseok (Korean Harvest) Festival. Sept. 18. The third annual festival will take place live at the Presidio – showcasing Korean traditions, music, art, cuisine and community – with virtual events continuing through Sept. 26. 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Free. The Presidio, Main Lawn, San Francisco.  
Hayward Mariachi Festival. Sept. 24. Mariachi bands and folklorico dances perform at this annual event. 5 p.m. Free. City Hall Plaza, 777 B St. 
Mexican Independence Day. Sept. 12, 16 and 19. Celebrate Mexican Independence Day in San Jose with a week’s worth of events including the Chile Mole Pozole Festival from 12-4 p.m. on Sept. 12, Grita de Poesía – a bilingual poetry anthology book launch at 6 p.m. on Sept. 16 and the La Plaza Activity Hub at VivaCalleSJ – a free recreational program that closes miles of San Jose streets – from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Sept. 19. School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San Jose. 
Mill Valley Fall Arts Festival. Sept. 18-19. Arts and crafts, storytellers and puppeteers, face painters, main stage acts and more gather under the redwoods. $15 adults in advance, $20 at gate; teachers and students free. Old Mill Park. 
Monterey County Fair. Sept. 3-6. The 85th annual fair will be scaled down this year but still include a carnival with rides and games, food, exhibits, live music and other entertainment. Concerts will take place Fri.-Sun. at 7:30 p.m. and Mon. at 2 p.m. Tickets will be sold in advance. $10, $5 children 6-11, 5 and under free. 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey. 
Mountain View Art & Wine Festival. Sept. 11. Live music, arts and crafts, a kids’ zone, food, drink and more will be on tap. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Space is limited; register for a free ticket on Eventbrite. In the big Caltrain lot on W. Evelyn Avenue, just off Castro Street.
Oakland Pride. Sept. 11-12. Billed as the most diverse Pride celebration, this event will be back this fall, with details to come. 
Oktoberfest Downtown Redwood City. Sept. 16-26. Head to Courthouse Square for live music, dancing, contests, cold beer and other beverages, food and more, with 1,100 square feet of family-style bench seating. $17-27 entrance fee includes a commemorative stein and drink ticket. Courthouse Square, Redwood City. 
Peninsula Oktoberfest. Oct. 2. This annual celebration of beer, bands and brats is expected to sell out. Get tickets online starting Sept. 1. 6-10 p.m. Hiller Aviation Museum, 601 Skyway Road, San Carlos.
San Ramon Culture in the Community Celebration. Oct. 17. This event features multicultural performances, music, art, activities, and food from around the world. Attendees are encouraged to wear attire representative of the country of origin/heritage or clothing from any country of interest. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. San Ramon Community Center, 12501 Alcosta Blvd. 
Santa Cruz Mountain SOL Festival. Sept. 18-19. Michael Franti & Spearhead and Ben Harper are among the performers at this two-day music festival at Roaring Camp Meadows in Felton. Train transportation is available from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. $90 for one-day pass, $170 for both; youth half price; 9 and under free with parent. 
Walnut Festival. Sept. 23-26. Celebrating 85 years, the four-day festival offers family-friendly entertainment, live music, a large carnival with more than 15 rides, Kid Zone, a showcase of local and regional talent including artists, craftsmen, designers, jewelers, builders, food specialties, a craft beer garden and more. 5-10 p.m. Thu., 5-11 p.m. Fri., 12-11 p.m. Sat., 12-8 p.m. Sun. Heather Farm Park, N. San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek. $11, 5 and under and 65 and older free; $5 parking.