California will host a variety of events in October 2025, appealing to residents and visitors interested in seasonal activities, food festivals, music events, and family-friendly attractions across the state.
Pumpkin patches will be open throughout California. Farms in San Mateo County, such as Andreotti Family Farm, and Spina Farms Pumpkin Patch in Santa Clara County’s Morgan Hill, will offer hayrides and themed rides. In Fresno County’s Central Valley, Hillcrest Pumpkin Patch features steam train rides. Avila Valley Barn in San Luis Obispo County provides apple-picking and tractor rides. Temecula’s Big Horse Corn Maze boasts one of Southern California’s largest corn mazes.
Northern California has several notable events. Sacramento hosts the Vegan Chef Challenge all month, with local restaurants offering special vegan dishes for diners to try and vote on their favorites. The Aftershock Festival returns to Discovery Park from October 2–5 with headliners including blink-182 and Korn. Eureka presents the Redwood Coast Music Festival featuring over 50 acts at seven venues from October 2–5.
Film enthusiasts can attend the Mill Valley Film Festival in Marin County from October 2–12. Redding Rancheria’s Annual Stillwater Pow Wow takes place October 3–5 at Redding’s Rodeo Grounds with traditional singing and dancing competitions.
Harvest season brings wine-related festivities such as The Big Crush Harvest Wine Festival in Amador County on October 4–5 and Taste: The Livermore Valley Wine Experience from October 16–19. Sonoma County Harvest Fair occurs on October 11 in Santa Rosa.
San Francisco’s Fleet Week runs from October 5–13 along the waterfront with ship parades and air shows. Other regional celebrations include Johnny Appleseed Days (Paradise), McCloud Apple Harvest Festival (Siskiyou County), Corning Olive Festival & Car Show (Corning), Truckee River Day (Truckee), Mountain Harvest Beer Festival (Quincy), Santa Cruz Band Review & Chili Cook-Off (Santa Cruz), and Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival (Half Moon Bay).
Central California highlights include Cambria’s Scarecrow Festival running all month, Los Olivos’ Scarecrow Fest & Contest, International PAL Boxing Championships in Oxnard from September 29–October 4, Wild Tarantula Trails guided hikes near Santa Barbara starting October 1, California Avocado Festival in Carpinteria from October 3–5, Leaves in the Loop foliage event at June Lake on October 10–11, Oakhurst Fall Festival (Madera County) on October 10–12, Viking Classic Car Show (Solvang) on October 11, Monterey’s Old Fisherman’s Wharf birthday party on October 12, Paso Robles’ Harvest Festival Dinner & Grape Stomp on October 17–18, Atascadero Colony Days festival on October 18, Santa Barbara Vintners Weekend also on October 18 at Vega Vineyard & Farm, Pismo Beach Clam Festival (Pismo Beach) on October 18–19; Coarsegold holds its Annual Tarantula Awareness Festival on October 25; Carmel-by-the-Sea celebrates its city birthday with a Halloween Parade on October 31.
In Southern California during all of October families visiting San Diego can benefit from “Kids Free San Diego,” where children under age twelve receive complimentary admission or perks at many attractions including theme parks like San Diego Zoo and LEGOLAND California as well as discounts at hotels and museums.
The Pacific Air Show happens over Huntington Beach from Oct. 3-5 featuring international aviation teams such as the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Descanso Gardens’ Carved event runs Oct. 3-30 in Pasadena showcasing illuminated pumpkin displays along a mile-long walk.
Other key events include Joshua Tree Music Festival (Oct. 9-12), JazzTrax Festival on Catalina Island across two weekends (Oct. 9-12; Oct. 16-19), Silverado Days fair in Buena Park (Oct. 17-19), Borrego Days Desert Festival in Borrego Springs (Oct. 18-19), Fall Modernism Week around Greater Palm Springs beginning Oct. 16; Night Sky Festival supporting nonprofits near Joshua Tree National Park runs Oct. 24-25; Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade is set for Oct. 26; while Del Mar hosts thoroughbred racing during Breeders’ Cup from Oct. 31-November 1.
According to Visit California’s official tourism site https://www.visitcalifornia.com/things-to-do/fall-events/, these autumn events highlight diverse offerings throughout Northern, Central, and Southern regions of the state.
