October 29 – November 1, 2026
Friday, October 30
The garden is free to all daily from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Free for one hour first thing on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. NOTE the garden switches to winter hours on Nov 1, closing at 4:45 instead of 5:45.
Timed online tickets; prices not published on the farm's own pages. The season runs to Nov 15, moving to weekends only in November.
Daytime garden and house visiting.
An honor-system patch running Oct 1-31. Pay at the box by pumpkin size.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
One of three sittings, in the Garden House with Chase Cellars wines.
SOMArts' annual Día de los Muertos exhibition, running to Nov 20. NOTE: the organiser's page states both '$15 general admission, free for youth 16 and under, NOTAFLOF' and 'entry during gallery hours is always free' — it does not reconcile the two.
One of three sittings, in the Garden House with Chase Cellars wines.
One of three sittings, in the Garden House with Chase Cellars wines.
Weekday: hayride, pedal carts and cow train closed; jump pillows open. The farm publishes admission as free.
For TK through 5th grade. The parade starts at the basketball court and circles San Pablo Park. Registration required.
The family-friendly early show, including a free Halloween headwear workshop by SCRAP.
Season finale. Live cumbia, salsa and reggaeton on the Garden Stage plus DJ mare.e.fresh. Gallery chats 5:30-7:30 included with admission.
Free outdoor block party with Off the Grid food trucks (gallery admission separate).
Experience the darker side of the Peninsula's most breathtaking grand estate. Nightfall at Filoli invites visitors to step into an enchanting, beautifully eerie autumn world where history, nature, and theatrical storytelling collide under the moonlight. Designed to be delightfully atmospheric and charmingly spooky without the terror of traditional haunted houses, this immersive nighttime walkthrough offers a sophisticated yet family-friendly celebration of the harvest season. The expansive self-guided trail leads guests through a series of stunningly transformed outdoor zones. Wander down winding paths beneath majestic redwoods to discover a bustling meadow harvest festival complete with crackling fire pits, seasonal lawn games, and lively music. Inside the historic 56-room mansion, the grand spaces are dramatically staged to appear frozen in time and beautifully reclaimed by overgrown forest elements. The journey culminates along the Redwood Trail, where over a thousand hand-carved, glowing jack-o'-lanterns light the way alongside a massive 20-foot smoking cauldron in the Witches' Village and an intricate, 1,000-foot miniature haunted railway looping through the woods.
Livermore Valley winery event.
A first-grade class showcase from the theatre's education programme.
Hourly tours at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30. Ages 12 and up. Registration required.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Plunge into the deepest depths of terror this Halloween season aboard a real-life, infamously haunted historic landmark. The USS Haunted Hornet returns for 2026 with an all-new, high-intensity scare production: "The Devil's Sea." This premium East Bay attraction transforms the claustrophobic steel underbelly of a legendary World War II aircraft carrier into an extreme walkthrough maze. Guests will navigate pitch-black corridors, steep naval ladders, and restricted areas of the ship while encountering a crew driven mad by the secrets of the ocean depths. For those looking to steady their nerves before embarking or celebrate surviving the descent, the venue features the specialty Devil’s Sea Bar serving eerie cocktails and seasonal concoctions. Because the attraction takes place inside an authentic naval vessel, loose clothing and trailing costumes are discouraged, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strictly required to climb the ship's steep stairs safely.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Make your way to Pleasanton for the regional debut of Pumpkins After Dark, an immersive outdoor Halloween light trail taking over the Alameda County Fairgrounds. This family-friendly, walk-through attraction features thousands of glowing, larger-than-life jack-o'-lantern displays and meticulously detailed pumpkin sculptures. Designed entirely without jump scares, it provides a safe, enchanting autumn experience perfect for couples, friends, and families with young children. As you stroll along the lit pathway, you can watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations by master carvers—including Food Network Halloween Wars champions—and meet the roaming "Pumpkin Twins". The event pathways are accompanied by a synchronized music and SFX track that elevates the spooky atmosphere. Local vendors are on hand serving fall-themed sweets, treats, and hot drinks to keep you warm while you explore the displays and interactive photo spots.
Tarell Alvin McCraney's play. Closing weekend, with an unusual 3 p.m. weekend curtain.
A teen company production, not included in season subscriptions. The company's own page still uses the placeholder title. It publishes no opening or closing date — only named Saturdays and a Friday/Sunday pattern.
Haunted attraction at Newpark Mall. Free on-site parking. The season continues past this weekend to Nov 7, with 'Lights Out Fright Nights' on Nov 6 and 7.
A haunted theme park at the fairgrounds, with LIVE THE DAY billed. Gates close an hour before the park. Two-for-You $38, Speed Pass $73, VIP $108, plus a $3.50 per ticket fee and $15 parking. The operator says prices are $10 higher on premium nights but does not identify which nights, so the Halloween price is unknown. Final night Nov 1.
On the Observatory Deck, weather permitting. Both nights fall before the clock change.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Livermore Valley winery event.
A Día de los Muertos production. Doors 6:30 p.m. $50 of each ticket is a donation to educational programmes; an $80 Encore Celebration add-on is available.
Massenet's Manon, an evening performance. The run ends with a Nov 1 matinee.
Second of three performances.
Opening night falls on Halloween, with costume contests. The Oct 29 and Oct 30 performances are previews; Friday's carries a pre-performance director chat. The two pay-what-you-can previews on Oct 25 and Oct 28 are sold out. Runs to Nov 15.
Closing weekend of a run that opened Oct 7. Note the Sunday closing performance is 1 p.m., not 2.
Friday is a pick-your-price preview; Saturday is opening night, followed by a gala and Halloween bash. Runs to Nov 15. The company publishes a grid rather than a per-date calendar, and does not enumerate which Saturdays add a 2 p.m. matinee.
Pinter's play, told backwards. Note the Sunday Nov 1 curtain is 2 p.m. — the 4 p.m. listed beside it is a post-show talkback, not a performance. Runs to Nov 15.
Runs to Nov 22. The company flags a new start time: Friday and Saturday curtains moved from 8 p.m. to 7:30. No Thursday performances.
Run Oct 24 to Nov 8. The grid gives 7:30 Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and select Saturdays — the company does not enumerate which Saturdays, so an Oct 31 matinee is possible and unconfirmed.
Doors 7 p.m. First of two nights.
Run Sept 26 to Nov 28. The company publishes a weekly grid and warns showtimes may vary.
Evening show, recommended 13 and up.
New Order, Joy Division and Flaming Lips tributes. Doors 8 p.m. 21+.
Lebo, Holly Bowling, Wally Ingram, Elliott Peck, Danny Luehring and Steve Adams. Doors 7:30 p.m.
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Saturday, October 31
The garden is free to all daily from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets
The museum's Halloween day across its seven-acre site below the Golden Gate Bridge. Doors open for all at 9 a.m. Final date of the series. Military families $5 off. General admission discounts do not apply.
Costume contest at noon in the Wildlife Theater. NOTE: the admission window closes at 2 p.m. and the last ticket is sold at 1:30. The zoo has posted that online ticket and membership sales are temporarily unavailable, so tickets must be bought onsite on the day.
Timed online tickets; prices not published on the farm's own pages. The season runs to Nov 15, moving to weekends only in November.
Free general admission to residents of the nine Bay Area counties, on Halloween. Permanent collection only; special exhibitions still full price. Reserve online; bring a driver's licence or postmarked envelope as proof.
Free general admission to residents of the nine Bay Area counties. Permanent collection only. Includes the free Highlights audio tour — bring your own phone and headphones.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Daytime garden and house visiting.
A single-day festival at the San Francisco Zoo — a different event from Oakland Zoo's. Costume parade 11 a.m., costume contest noon with family, animal, individual and toddler categories. No full-face masks: they startle the animals.
All attractions open; corn maze runs to 9 p.m.. The farm publishes admission as free.
An honor-system patch running Oct 1-31. Pay at the box by pumpkin size.
A free family morning at The Freight, sponsored by the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library.
Advance registration required. NOTE: this one is not free.
Sessions at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM.
A free family morning at the historic farm.
Costume contest at 11 a.m. in the Courtyard.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Livermore Valley winery event.
SOMArts' annual Día de los Muertos exhibition, running to Nov 20. NOTE: the organiser's page states both '$15 general admission, free for youth 16 and under, NOTAFLOF' and 'entry during gallery hours is always free' — it does not reconcile the two.
Trick-or-treating, performances, DJs, food trucks, candy stations, games and a Mad Science Fairy Fun House.
Circus Bella with the All-Star Trio, a costume parade to close, a pumpkin patch, and crafts from SCRAP, the Children's Creativity Museum and the Mexican Museum. Palm reading by Madam Z.
Honey and jam tasting, a Chase Wines tasting and a sweet treat.
English and Spanish, building a community ofrenda.
Los Tiburones night, with a Mini Sharks Sugar Skull giveaway. NOTE the 1 p.m. afternoon start — this is not an evening game.
Sixty minutes, five wines from barrel. Advance reservations required.
Sessions at 1:00 PM, 6:00 PM.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Six wines, each paired with Halloween candy. Witches' Brew sangria $10 a glass, 21+. Costumes welcome; walk-ins welcome, reservations recommended.
Closing weekend of a run that opened Oct 7. Note the Sunday closing performance is 1 p.m., not 2.
Pinter's play, told backwards. Note the Sunday Nov 1 curtain is 2 p.m. — the 4 p.m. listed beside it is a post-show talkback, not a performance. Runs to Nov 15.
Closing weekend. NOTE: Hillbarn's per-date calendar lists one final-week evening show as 'Thursday October 30' — Oct 30 is a Friday, and there is no Oct 29 entry, so which night that show falls on is unresolved. Call 650-349-6411 ext. 2.
Run Sept 26 to Nov 28. The company publishes a weekly grid and warns showtimes may vary.
A teen company production, not included in season subscriptions. The company's own page still uses the placeholder title. It publishes no opening or closing date — only named Saturdays and a Friday/Sunday pattern.
Livermore Valley winery event.
The 1931 film on the big screen.
Tarell Alvin McCraney's play. Closing weekend, with an unusual 3 p.m. weekend curtain.
NOTE this runs after the museum's published 4:30 p.m. Saturday close.
Experience the darker side of the Peninsula's most breathtaking grand estate. Nightfall at Filoli invites visitors to step into an enchanting, beautifully eerie autumn world where history, nature, and theatrical storytelling collide under the moonlight. Designed to be delightfully atmospheric and charmingly spooky without the terror of traditional haunted houses, this immersive nighttime walkthrough offers a sophisticated yet family-friendly celebration of the harvest season. The expansive self-guided trail leads guests through a series of stunningly transformed outdoor zones. Wander down winding paths beneath majestic redwoods to discover a bustling meadow harvest festival complete with crackling fire pits, seasonal lawn games, and lively music. Inside the historic 56-room mansion, the grand spaces are dramatically staged to appear frozen in time and beautifully reclaimed by overgrown forest elements. The journey culminates along the Redwood Trail, where over a thousand hand-carved, glowing jack-o'-lanterns light the way alongside a massive 20-foot smoking cauldron in the Witches' Village and an intricate, 1,000-foot miniature haunted railway looping through the woods.
Community altars, live entertainment and local vendors for the tenth year. The organiser's words: 'This free, family-friendly event welcomes all ages.'
Haunted attraction at Newpark Mall. Free on-site parking. The season continues past this weekend to Nov 7, with 'Lights Out Fright Nights' on Nov 6 and 7.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Plunge into the deepest depths of terror this Halloween season aboard a real-life, infamously haunted historic landmark. The USS Haunted Hornet returns for 2026 with an all-new, high-intensity scare production: "The Devil's Sea." This premium East Bay attraction transforms the claustrophobic steel underbelly of a legendary World War II aircraft carrier into an extreme walkthrough maze. Guests will navigate pitch-black corridors, steep naval ladders, and restricted areas of the ship while encountering a crew driven mad by the secrets of the ocean depths. For those looking to steady their nerves before embarking or celebrate surviving the descent, the venue features the specialty Devil’s Sea Bar serving eerie cocktails and seasonal concoctions. Because the attraction takes place inside an authentic naval vessel, loose clothing and trailing costumes are discouraged, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strictly required to climb the ship's steep stairs safely.
Make your way to Pleasanton for the regional debut of Pumpkins After Dark, an immersive outdoor Halloween light trail taking over the Alameda County Fairgrounds. This family-friendly, walk-through attraction features thousands of glowing, larger-than-life jack-o'-lantern displays and meticulously detailed pumpkin sculptures. Designed entirely without jump scares, it provides a safe, enchanting autumn experience perfect for couples, friends, and families with young children. As you stroll along the lit pathway, you can watch live pumpkin carving demonstrations by master carvers—including Food Network Halloween Wars champions—and meet the roaming "Pumpkin Twins". The event pathways are accompanied by a synchronized music and SFX track that elevates the spooky atmosphere. Local vendors are on hand serving fall-themed sweets, treats, and hot drinks to keep you warm while you explore the displays and interactive photo spots.
Short-form improv built entirely from audience suggestions — the Whose Line Is It Anyway? format, with nothing scripted and nothing planned. Every Saturday, and no two shows the same. Participation is voluntary; the performers don't single people out.
Livermore Valley winery event.
mayday mae!, Jaded Justice, Shy Lobby and DJ GRLBOI, hosted by Lady Xinistra. Costume contest, runway and lip sync. Doors 6 p.m.
A haunted theme park at the fairgrounds, with LIVE THE DAY billed. Gates close an hour before the park. Two-for-You $38, Speed Pass $73, VIP $108, plus a $3.50 per ticket fee and $15 parking. The operator says prices are $10 higher on premium nights but does not identify which nights, so the Halloween price is unknown. Final night Nov 1.
On the Observatory Deck, weather permitting. Both nights fall before the clock change.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Third and final performance.
Presented by JuJu's Productions. 18+.
Opening night falls on Halloween, with costume contests. The Oct 29 and Oct 30 performances are previews; Friday's carries a pre-performance director chat. The two pay-what-you-can previews on Oct 25 and Oct 28 are sold out. Runs to Nov 15.
Closing weekend of a run that opened Oct 7. Note the Sunday closing performance is 1 p.m., not 2.
Friday is a pick-your-price preview; Saturday is opening night, followed by a gala and Halloween bash. Runs to Nov 15. The company publishes a grid rather than a per-date calendar, and does not enumerate which Saturdays add a 2 p.m. matinee.
Pinter's play, told backwards. Note the Sunday Nov 1 curtain is 2 p.m. — the 4 p.m. listed beside it is a post-show talkback, not a performance. Runs to Nov 15.
Runs to Nov 22. The company flags a new start time: Friday and Saturday curtains moved from 8 p.m. to 7:30. No Thursday performances.
Run Oct 24 to Nov 8. The grid gives 7:30 Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and select Saturdays — the company does not enumerate which Saturdays, so an Oct 31 matinee is possible and unconfirmed.
Doors 7 p.m. All ages. Second of two nights, with visuals by Jonathan Singer and Glass Crane.
Reed Mathis, Lebo, Holly Bowling and Scott Rager. Doors 7 p.m.
Celtic and Grateful Dead. Doors 7 p.m. A livestream is $25.
Closing weekend. NOTE: Hillbarn's per-date calendar lists one final-week evening show as 'Thursday October 30' — Oct 30 is a Friday, and there is no Oct 29 entry, so which night that show falls on is unresolved. Call 650-349-6411 ext. 2.
Run Sept 26 to Nov 28. The company publishes a weekly grid and warns showtimes may vary.
Halloween night, late show only. Recommended 13 and up; no unaccompanied minors.
Long-form improv: one original world of characters and connections, built across the hour from a single audience prompt. Where Laugh Track City is games, this is a story. Their own offer is the reason to make a night of it — if you're at the 7:00 show, you stay for this one free.
Edu Bega Band, Marshall House Project and Kayatta & Company. Doors 7:30 p.m.
Doors 8:30 p.m. 21+.
Step into the splendid silliness of a modern, home-grown carnival ring with Circus Bella: Circus in the Parks. Transforming open lawns into a circle of wonder, this fast-paced spectacle drops the walls of traditional venues to celebrate community connection through raw human artistry. Audiences are treated to gravity-defying feats of balance, contortion, high-flying trapeze routines, and comedic slapstick routines. The entire show is driven by a roaring, original live jazz and klezmer soundtrack played on the spot by the Circus Bella All-Star Band. It offers a perfect, screen-free summer afternoon out for local families.
Tuesday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features roughly 20 regional farm stands along the front plaza).Thursday Shift: 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM (Features 10 to 15 vendors with a heavy emphasis on artisan street food and midday lunch options).Saturday Shift: 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM (The flagship market hosting over 100 vendors wrapping completely around the front, south side, and rear plaza overlooking the bay).
Immerse yourself in a premier culinary gathering at the Marin Civic Center Farmers Market. Set against the rolling hills of San Rafael and the striking blue-and-pink architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s landmark civic masterpiece, this grand open-air market hosts an un-matched selection of fresh agricultural goods. Visitors travel from across the region to stock up on organic fruits, coastal cheeses, grass-fed meats, raw honey, and fresh-cut flowers. The market doubles as an exceptional outdoor brunch spot where families can grab ready-to-eat artisanal treats—like steamed dim sum, hot pastries, and specialty coffee—to enjoy picnic-style along the nearby lagoon overlooking Mount Tamalpais.
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.
Sunday, November 1
The garden is free to all daily from 7:30 to 9 a.m.
Step back in time and explore America's most legendary federal penitentiary with the official Alcatraz Island Tour. Your journey begins with a scenic scenic ferry ride across San Francisco Bay, offering sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and city skyline before landing on the rocky shores of "The Rock." Once ashore, you will receive the award-winning "Doing Time" Cellhouse Audio Tour, which brings history to life through the actual voices of former inmates and correctional officers who lived and worked on the island. Walk through the narrow cell blocks, peer inside solitary confinement, and hear firsthand accounts of infamous escape attempts. Beyond the prison walls, you can explore historic military fortifications, the West Coast's oldest operating lighthouse, and vibrant bird colonies and tide pools maintained by the National Park Service.Tour VarietiesAlcatraz Day Tour: The classic experience, offering open exploration of the island's gardens and ruins at your own pace.Alcatraz Night Tour: A limited-capacity evening excursion featuring guided ferry narration, stunning sunset views, and access to areas of the prison normally closed during the day.Behind the Scenes Tour: An intimate, small-group trek that explores hidden tunnels, underground cells, and secret gardens not accessible to standard ticket holders.
Final day of the run. No costume contest on Sundays. Admission window closes at 2 p.m.; online ticket sales are temporarily unavailable.
Experience San Francisco from its best vantage point with a classic San Francisco Bay Cruise. Departing daily from the historic waters of Fisherman's Wharf and PIER 39, these fully narrated boat excursions take you on an unforgettable journey across the bay. Sail past the historic waterfront, get an up-close look at the nesting seabirds on Alcatraz Island, and cruise directly underneath the monumental span of the Golden Gate Bridge. Along the way, you will learn about the city’s rich maritime history, iconic architecture, and natural geology through multi-language audio narration. With both spacious outdoor observation decks for capturing panoramic photographs and heated indoor cabins featuring full-service snack bars, these cruises offer a comfortable, scenic voyage regardless of the coastal weather.
Daytime garden and house visiting. FINAL DAY of the season.
The Unity Council's annual free outdoor festival at Fruitvale Village, the largest Day of the Dead celebration in the region. 2026 theme: 'La Lucha Continúa: Aquí estamos y no nos vamos.' A 34-foot Monumental Catrina handcrafted by master artisans in Mexico City joins this year's celebration. Parking is limited; BART and AC Transit recommended.
A TK-5 student art exhibit in the chapel plus live performances. A second date follows Nov 7.
All attractions open. The farm publishes admission as free.
Timed online tickets; prices not published on the farm's own pages. The season runs to Nov 15, moving to weekends only in November.
General admission is free on the first Sunday of the month; special exhibition tickets are discounted to $15. Reservations not required but recommended; same-day walk-up stock is limited.
Sessions at 10:00 AM, 2:00 PM.
Soak up the coastal morning breeze and enjoy the vibrant community culture at the Jack London Square Farmers Market. Set against a historic background of docked boats and towering palm trees along the Oakland estuary, this quaint open-air marketplace features a tight-knit collective of Northern California fruit and vegetable growers, fishmongers, and specialty bakers. Beyond raw ingredients, it acts as a popular Sunday lunch destination where visitors can grab hot, freshly made food craft items—ranging from local tamales to Himalayan street snacks—and enjoy them picnic-style on the open grass while listening to live local jazz bands.
Ninety minutes from attic to basement, through areas usually closed.
Free general admission on the first Sunday of the month. OMCA's page and its October press release both say the free day now includes all special exhibitions, but a stale line elsewhere on the same page still states a $6 Great Hall fee. Reservations encouraged, not required; walk-up tickets first-come at the admissions desk.
Experience the cultural heart of Oakland at the multi-sensory Grand Lake Farmers Market. Hosting over 40 distinct regional multi-generational farms, 30 specialty food purveyors, and a rotating circle of local craft artisans, this lively market wraps the park grounds in a tapestry of sights and smells. Patrons flock here to buy organic California stone fruits, fresh-cut flowers, coastal seafood, and baked artisan breads. More than just a grocery run, it serves as a massive weekend lunch bazaar. Shoppers can load their baskets, pick up gourmet prepared treats like hot dim sum, Eritrean pour-overs, or local rotisserie items, and layout picnic blankets across the palm tree lawns to enjoy live acoustic music sets.
Omote-senke School, in the Cultural Exchange Center. Ages 5 and up. A second seating follows at 1 p.m. NOTE the garden switched to winter hours on Oct 31: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., last admission 3 p.m.
SOMArts' annual Día de los Muertos exhibition, running to Nov 20. NOTE: the organiser's page states both '$15 general admission, free for youth 16 and under, NOTAFLOF' and 'entry during gallery hours is always free' — it does not reconcile the two.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Sixty minutes, five wines from barrel. Advance reservations required.
Closing weekend of a run that opened Oct 7. Note the Sunday closing performance is 1 p.m., not 2.
Presented with the United Lowrider Council of San Jose and Local Color SJ. The organiser calls it a free festival and a free family-friendly afternoon.
About an hour. No reservation needed.
Tagged by the museum as part of Free First Sunday.
The Fan Appreciation match and Bay FC's regular-season home finale — the club's last match of 2026.
The final performance of the run, a matinee. Note clocks go back overnight.
Members of the San Francisco Symphony.
A simultaneous second chamber concert in the Gunn Theater.
Friday is a pick-your-price preview; Saturday is opening night, followed by a gala and Halloween bash. Runs to Nov 15. The company publishes a grid rather than a per-date calendar, and does not enumerate which Saturdays add a 2 p.m. matinee.
Pinter's play, told backwards. Note the Sunday Nov 1 curtain is 2 p.m. — the 4 p.m. listed beside it is a post-show talkback, not a performance. Runs to Nov 15.
Closing weekend. NOTE: Hillbarn's per-date calendar lists one final-week evening show as 'Thursday October 30' — Oct 30 is a Friday, and there is no Oct 29 entry, so which night that show falls on is unresolved. Call 650-349-6411 ext. 2.
Run Sept 26 to Nov 28. The company publishes a weekly grid and warns showtimes may vary.
Runs to Nov 22. The company flags a new start time: Friday and Saturday curtains moved from 8 p.m. to 7:30. No Thursday performances.
Run Oct 24 to Nov 8. The grid gives 7:30 Thursday to Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and select Saturdays — the company does not enumerate which Saturdays, so an Oct 31 matinee is possible and unconfirmed.
A teen company production, not included in season subscriptions. The company's own page still uses the placeholder title. It publishes no opening or closing date — only named Saturdays and a Friday/Sunday pattern.
Live music, dance, ceremony and storytelling on the mainstage.
A first-grade class showcase from the theatre's education programme.
A Día de los Muertos matinee. Note clocks go back overnight.
Opening night falls on Halloween, with costume contests. The Oct 29 and Oct 30 performances are previews; Friday's carries a pre-performance director chat. The two pay-what-you-can previews on Oct 25 and Oct 28 are sold out. Runs to Nov 15.
Livermore Valley winery event.
Cal Performances. The hall is not stated on the season calendar.
Tarell Alvin McCraney's play. Closing weekend, with an unusual 3 p.m. weekend curtain.
A matinee. Doors 3:30 p.m. 21+.
Plunge into the deepest depths of terror this Halloween season aboard a real-life, infamously haunted historic landmark. The USS Haunted Hornet returns for 2026 with an all-new, high-intensity scare production: "The Devil's Sea." This premium East Bay attraction transforms the claustrophobic steel underbelly of a legendary World War II aircraft carrier into an extreme walkthrough maze. Guests will navigate pitch-black corridors, steep naval ladders, and restricted areas of the ship while encountering a crew driven mad by the secrets of the ocean depths. For those looking to steady their nerves before embarking or celebrate surviving the descent, the venue features the specialty Devil’s Sea Bar serving eerie cocktails and seasonal concoctions. Because the attraction takes place inside an authentic naval vessel, loose clothing and trailing costumes are discouraged, and flat, closed-toe walking shoes are strictly required to climb the ship's steep stairs safely.
Experience the darker side of the Peninsula's most breathtaking grand estate. Nightfall at Filoli invites visitors to step into an enchanting, beautifully eerie autumn world where history, nature, and theatrical storytelling collide under the moonlight. Designed to be delightfully atmospheric and charmingly spooky without the terror of traditional haunted houses, this immersive nighttime walkthrough offers a sophisticated yet family-friendly celebration of the harvest season. The expansive self-guided trail leads guests through a series of stunningly transformed outdoor zones. Wander down winding paths beneath majestic redwoods to discover a bustling meadow harvest festival complete with crackling fire pits, seasonal lawn games, and lively music. Inside the historic 56-room mansion, the grand spaces are dramatically staged to appear frozen in time and beautifully reclaimed by overgrown forest elements. The journey culminates along the Redwood Trail, where over a thousand hand-carved, glowing jack-o'-lanterns light the way alongside a massive 20-foot smoking cauldron in the Witches' Village and an intricate, 1,000-foot miniature haunted railway looping through the woods.
Final night. Sessions at 5:30, 7:00 and 8:30.
Note clocks went back overnight; this is a PST tip-off.
Immersive light & sound experience by Moment Factory. All ages, ADA compliant. Ticketed via Fever.
Haunted attraction at Newpark Mall. Free on-site parking. The season continues past this weekend to Nov 7, with 'Lights Out Fright Nights' on Nov 6 and 7.
Doors 6 p.m. A livestream is $35. Premium seating and the all-day pass are sold out.
A haunted theme park at the fairgrounds, with LIVE THE DAY billed. Gates close an hour before the park. Two-for-You $38, Speed Pass $73, VIP $108, plus a $3.50 per ticket fee and $15 parking. The operator says prices are $10 higher on premium nights but does not identify which nights, so the Halloween price is unknown. Final night Nov 1.
Step into the splendid silliness of a modern, home-grown carnival ring with Circus Bella: Circus in the Parks. Transforming open lawns into a circle of wonder, this fast-paced spectacle drops the walls of traditional venues to celebrate community connection through raw human artistry. Audiences are treated to gravity-defying feats of balance, contortion, high-flying trapeze routines, and comedic slapstick routines. The entire show is driven by a roaring, original live jazz and klezmer soundtrack played on the spot by the Circus Bella All-Star Band. It offers a perfect, screen-free summer afternoon out for local families.
Step inside one of the world’s most eccentric and baffling architectural marvels at the world-famous Winchester Mystery House. Built continuously over a span of 38 years by Sarah Winchester—the grieving heiress to the Winchester repeating arms fortune—this sprawling 160-room Victorian mansion is a beautiful yet bizarre maze of anomalies. Driven by a desire to appease or outsmart the spirits of rifle victims, Sarah designed a home with no master blueprint. As you walk through the dizzying corridors, you will discover staircases leading straight into ceilings, doors that open into two-story drops, secret passageways, and intricate stained-glass windows featuring cryptic spiderweb designs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a lover of paranormal mysteries, a journey through this majestic estate offers an unforgettable glimpse into a brilliant mind gripped by obsession.Tour VarietiesMansion Guided Tour: The classic 65-minute historical journey that takes you through 110 of the house's most prominent rooms, including Sarah's bedroom and the famous Seance Room.Walk with Spirits Tour: An atmospheric, evening flashlight tour through the shadowy mansion halls, highlighting the eerie local folklore and ghostly encounters reported on the property.Behind-the-Scenes Basement & Attic Experience: A specialized, rugged trek through narrow, low-clearance areas that lets you peek into the deep brick cellars and the unfinished third-floor corridors left frozen in time since the 1922 earthquake.Unhinged (Seasonal Halloween Event): A premium, theatrical horror haunt that turns the historic estate and its outdoor courtyards into a multi-sensory nightmare with live actors, suspenseful storylines, and custom special effects.