Fall is a wonderful time to be in San Francisco: the weather is amazing, the leaves are changing color, and there is no shortage of fun things to do. Below is a list of just a few of the exciting events you can take part in this time of year. While you’re reading up on these and deciding which ones are your favorites, don’t forget to brag to your friends in other parts of the country that fall is really the Bay Area’s summer. You have to - it’s in the rules! :-)
Halloween Haunt/The Great Pumpkin Fest at California’s Great America
Halloween Haunt includes 9 mazes & attractions, 3 scare zones, 4 live shows, and over 20 rides! Keep in mind that this event is quite scary and is not appropriate for young children.
If you’re traveling with little ones, consider a visit to the Great Pumpkin Fest. Planet Snoopy becomes “Planet Spooky”, and kids 12 & under can show off their costumes as they trick-or-treat along with Snoopy, Charlie Brown, and the rest of the PEANUTS gang. Other activities include a hay maze, pumpkin decorating and carving, and a pumpkin patch.
Hiking and Biking
Fall weather in San Francisco is ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking or biking. If you don’t have a bike, rent one and follow a self-guided tour (or tag along on a guided tour) of the city. Popular routes include waterfront pathways and Golden Gate Park trails. If your legs can handle it, you could always bike up those iconic hills!
See the Fall Foliage
We’re not quite on par with New England, but there are a few great spots to see the leaves having their last glorious moment on earth. Check out California Fall Color to find the best locations.
Shop at a Farmer’s Market
There’s nothing quite like the fall produce at the Ferry Building Farmer’s Market. Get it before it’s gone!
Pumpkin Patch Forest in Salesforce Park
This is not your typical pumpkin patch. San Francisco fiber artist Kristen McDonnell will cover Salesforce Park in her hand-knitted public art installation on Oct. 19-31. Trees will be wrapped in three-dimensional pumpkins, vines and flowers, available for everyone to see during park hours.
La Cocina’s San Francisco Street Food Festival
Celebrating their 10th year, this festival is an essential element of the thriving Bay Area food scene. The festival will be held on Oct. 12, 2019 at The Power Station (420 23rd St.). Celebrate the diversity of American food with Mexican huaraches, Vietnamese pho, Southern fried chicken, Nepalese dumplings and more, all while supporting for women-, immigrant-, and POC-owned businesses.
Wharf Fest 2019
The annual event is on Saturday, October 19 this year, with the street fair running from 11am to 5pm. Additional local events continue until 9pm. Sample a variety of chowders and cheer on your favorite one during the Chowder Tasting Competition, or discover your new favorite band while listening to live music all day long.
Now that you have some ideas for how to spend your fall, get out there and do it! Unfortunately, San Francisco summers don’t last forever, and winter will be here before you know it.
