California will host a wide range of events in October 2025, offering activities for residents and visitors across the state. The autumn season brings opportunities to experience everything from Halloween celebrations at theme parks and zoos to harvest festivals focused on pumpkins, apples, and wine grapes.
Pumpkin patches are prominent throughout California in October. In the Bay Area, San Mateo County is known for its many u-pick pumpkin farms, such as Andreotti Family Farm. Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch in Morgan Hill features attractions like a Pumpkin Cup ride and hayrides. Fresno County’s Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch offers steam train rides alongside traditional pumpkin picking. On the Central Coast, Avila Valley Barn hosts a hay maze and apple-picking.
Southern California’s Temecula region is home to Big Horse Corn Maze, one of the largest corn mazes in the area, with additional activities including inflatable slides and paintball. Peltzer Pumpkin Farm nearby provides a petting zoo and pig races.
In Northern California, Sacramento will hold the Vegan Chef Challenge all month long, encouraging diners to try vegan menu items at various restaurants. “Expand your palate during this monthlong celebration of vegan cuisine, a national campaign that has arrived in the California state capital,” organizers said.
The Inn Town Campground in Nevada City will celebrate Halloween throughout October with themed decorations and outdoor movies. Discovery Park in Sacramento will host the Aftershock Festival from October 2–5, featuring headliners such as blink-182 and Korn.
Eureka’s Redwood Coast Music Festival (October 2–5) will showcase American roots music at multiple venues around town. Sebastopol’s Many Moons Festival on October 4 highlights Asian American and Pacific Islander culture through food, music, and a lantern-lighting ceremony.
Marathons and farm-to-table dinners are also planned: Humboldt Redwoods Marathon takes place on October 12 under redwood canopies; Chico’s Sierra Oro Farm Trail Farm-to-Fork Dinner features local ingredients with charcuterie and multicourse meals.
Wine lovers can attend The Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival (October 4–5) across Amador County or Taste: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience (October 16–19), which includes tastings at over 50 wineries east of San Francisco.
San Francisco’s Fleet Week runs from October 5–13 with ship parades and air shows along the waterfront. Other notable events include McCloud Apple Harvest Festival (October 11), Sonoma County Harvest Fair (October 11), Corning Olive Festival & Car Show (October 11), Columbia State Historic Park’s Harvest Festival (October 11–12), A Toast to Sausalito (October 18), Mountain Harvest Beer Festival in Quincy (October 18), Santa Cruz Band Review & Chili Cook-Offs (October 18 & 25), Truckee River Day for environmental volunteering (October 19), among others.
Central California events include Cambria’s Scarecrow Festival running all month, Los Olivos’ Scarecrow Fest & Contest paired with Day in the Country festival on October 11, International PAL Boxing Championships in Oxnard from September 29–October 4 followed by Oxnard Multicultural Festival on October 4.
Nature enthusiasts can join Wild Tarantula Trails guided hikes near Gaviota starting October 1 or attend Coarsegold’s Annual Tarantula Awareness Festival on October 25 for arachnid education mixed with contests.
Other regional highlights include Carpinteria’s California Avocado Festival (October 3–5), June Lake’s Leaves in the Loop foliage event (October 10–11), Oakhurst Fall Festival near Yosemite (October10–12), Solvang’s Viking Classic Car Show (October11), Monterey Wharf Birthday Party (October12), Paso Robles’ Harvest Dinner & Grape Stomp(October17–18), Atascadero Colony Days(October18), Santa Barbara Vintners Weekend(October18).
Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival takes place October18–19 featuring large pumpkins and seasonal contests; Pismo Beach Clam Festival happens simultaneously; Carmel-by-the-Sea marks its city birthday with a Halloween parade on October31.
In Southern California, Kids Free San Diego offers discounts for children at major attractions throughout October including San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California. Huntington Beach hosts Pacific Air Show from October3–5 with international aviators performing above Surf City USA.
Other Southern California events include Carved at Descanso Gardens(Pasadena) throughout most of the month; Joshua Tree Music Festival(Oct9–12); JazzTrax Festival(Catalina Island) spanning two weekends; Silverado Days(Buena Park) Oct17–19; Borrego Days Desert Festival(Borrego Springs) Oct18–19; Fall Modernism Week(Greater Palm Springs) Oct16–19; Night Sky Festival(Twentynine Palms) Oct24–25; Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade(Oct26); Breeders’ Cup horse racing event returns to Del Mar Racetrack Oct31-Nov1 awarding one of North America’s richest purses.
