October in San Mateo County is full of exciting events for all ages! Here are some of the highlights:
1. Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (October 19-20, 2024)
A local favorite, this iconic festival celebrates the fall harvest with massive pumpkins, live music, pumpkin carving, art, and delicious food. Perfect for families and pumpkin lovers!
2. Boo at the Zoo – Oakland Zoo (October 25-27, 2024)
Calling all ghosts, goblins, and witches - join us for Boo at the Zoo! Follow the clues on the self-guided scavenger hunt to trick-or-treat for special edition animal Trading Cards throughout the Zoo. Remember to dress in costume (no inflatable costumes - they can scare the Zoo animals) when you visit!
3. San Mateo Harvest Festival (October 25-27, 2024)
Taking place at the San Mateo Event Center, this festival features hundreds of artisans showcasing handmade goods, along with live entertainment, food, and family-friendly activities.
4. Boos on B Street & Trick or Treating (Downtown San Mateo, October 26, 2024 3:00-5:00pm)
Downtown San Mateo transforms into a festive trick-or-treating destination for families, with local businesses handing out candy and hosting fun activities for the kids.
5. Dia De Los Muertos (Downtown San Mateo, October 12 12:00-3:00pm)
Join us for Día de los Muertos on Saturday, October 12, 2024 from 12:00-3:00pm in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park!
6. Halloween at Filoli ( Wednesday - Sunday, October 16 - November 3, 2024)
A bewitching Halloween experience where history and mystery intertwine under the cover of darkness. Whether you're exploring with family, on a date, or among friends, prepare to be enchanted as evening reveals its secrets amidst Filoli’s spellbinding beauty.
7. Haunted Hangar at Hiller Aviation Museum (October 19 - 31)
Come in costume and see the Gallery decked out in its spooky Halloween decorations and the "Great Pumpkin" Scavenger Hunt.
8. SuperNatural Halloween at the California Academy of Sciences (October 26: 6:30 - 9:00pm)
Shake your bones at a silent disco in Steinhart Aquarium. Satisfy your sweet tooth at trick-or-treat stations, marvel at mystical magic shows and create crafts to “DIY” for. Transform into living (or undead) art with face painting, and immortalize your spirit at a photo booth.
9. SF Fleet Week (October 7th - 14th)
San Francisco Fleet Week is an annual event that honors the United States Armed Forces, particularly the Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard. It takes place in early October and includes a series of public events, such as ship tours, military demonstrations, and the famous air shows featuring the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy's elite flight demonstration squadron.
These events are great opportunities to enjoy fall and Halloween festivities while getting involved in the community!