Mill Valley Film Festival

October 5-15

Since 1977, this festival has an impressive track record of launching new films and filmmakers. It’s earned a reputation as a filmmakers’ festival by celebrating the best in American independent and foreign films, alongside high-profile and prestigious award contenders. Each year the festival welcomes more than 200 filmmakers, representing more than 50 countries. The relaxed and noncompetitive atmosphere gives filmmakers and audiences the opportunity to share and experience new work in a collaborative and convivial setting.

La Jolla Art & Wine Festival

October 7-8

Featuring more than 160 artists from across the U.S. and Mexico, this San Diego-area festival features exquisite creations in variety of mediums, including painting, sculpture, jewelry design, art glass, ceramics, woodwork, mixed media, and photography. And it’s not just for the art connoisseur! The La Jolla Art & Wine Festival is also a destination where vino enthusiasts and craft beer lovers unite. The iconic wine and beer garden highlights more than 35 international wineries, local craft breweries, and craft distilleries. A two-day silent auction, 15 pet adoption stations, and an all-star line-up of live entertainment and music mean there is something for everyone.

San Francisco Blue Angels Air Show

October 7-8

Held each year between the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz, the San Francisco Fleet Week Air Show Presented by United is headlined by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The waterfront event is the only air show in the United States during which a commercial airliner, the United 777, performs a fully choreographed act.

Half Moon Bay Pumpkin Festival

October 14-15

Celebrating 51 years, this popular festival features rustic pumpkin patches, harvest-inspired arts and crafts, homestyle foods, blockbuster entertainment on three stages, a haunted house, giant champion pumpkins, world-class pumpkin carvers, children’s contests, and pumpkin parade. Admission is free.

Pismo Beach Clam Festival

October 21-22

A community tradition since 1946, the 77^th annual Pismo Beach Clam Festival attracts generations of families and visitors who look forward to spending three days overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Pismo Beach. This family-friendly event features the Clam Festival parade on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. This free event includes live music, local vendors, and food trucks, and a huge kids zone with bounce houses and inflatables. 

Huntington Beach Oktoberfest

Through November 5

One of the oldest running Oktoberfest events in California is held in a real Bavarian village in Huntington Beach. Throughout the year you can enjoy the creature comforts of German culture and sometimes hear the language spoken by employees around the village. There are several beer halls and a German restaurant, home to authentic Bavarian menus and foods year-round and host to Oktoberfest and other special events.