Below are fun upcoming events for kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area. This list is updated frequently, so check back often.
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Featured Events
Off the Grid Treasure Island Fall Edition ~ San Francisco, October 17
Off the Grid returns to Treasure Island this fall, every Saturday from September 12 through October 17, from 11 AM to 4 PM. Enjoy 180-degree Bay views from Cityside Park, live music, kites for kids, and food trucks serving Asian, Latin, European, and classic American favorites. Admission is free, and the event is rain or shine and pet-friendly. Best of all, the eight-minute ferry ride from downtown San Francisco is free, too, for all attendees!
Music for Families ~ San Francisco, October 24
Spark your family’s musical curiosity with the San Francisco Symphony! Music for Families brings the excitement of live classical music to kids and grown ups with an engaging concert designed for young listeners. It’s a fun, welcoming way to discover music together and make lasting family memories along the way. Recommended for ages 5–12. Even better? Kids’ tickets are half off! Make music part of your family’s day out.
The Rock and Roll Playhouse ~ Oakland, October 25
The Rock and Roll Playhouse brings the music of The Beatles to life in a high-energy family concert created especially for kids ages 10 and under. Little rockers can dance, sing, move and play along as live musicians perform beloved Beatles songs, with games, storytelling and plenty of chances to join the fun. It’s a joyful introduction to live music and a chance for the whole family to rock out together!
Dia de los Muertos ~ San Francisco, November 7
Celebrate Día de los Muertos with the San Francisco Symphony! Experience the rich sounds and traditions of Latin America through a dynamic concert conducted by José Luis Gómez, plus vibrant lobby installations by local artists. This colorful celebration brings music, art, and community together to honor the heritage of this beloved holiday. Gather your family and friends for an unforgettable cultural celebration.
Diwali with Non Stop Bhangra ~ Alameda, November 21
Experience the magic of Diwali in this family-friendly celebration! Let your senses come alive with colorful lights, energetic rhythms, and uplifting vibes in an immersive community experience. Enjoy a lively Bhangra dance lesson, dynamic performances, open floor dancing, and festive arts & crafts. Henna, food, & drinks available for purchase. All ages welcome!
Spooky Times at Deer Hollow Farm ~ Cupertino, October 17
Meet the farm animals, enjoy spooky crafts and activities, and explore the haunted barnyard at this family-friendly Halloween event. Admission is $10 ($7 in costume; free for kids 12 months and under) with all net admissions directly funding field trip scholarships for local schoolchildren. 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Bay Area Science Festival (Free) ~ San Francisco, October 17
Discover science fun and excitement together at the Bay Area Science Festival — Northern California’s largest free all-ages science event. Experience 125+ mind-blowing hands-on experiments, games, demonstrations, stage performances, film screenings and science talks. Bring the whole family to race robots, see your own brainwaves, participate in a science podcast, marvel at science magic shows, meet reptiles and amphibians face-to-face and much more. Organized by UCSF, the festival is Saturday, October 17, 11AM-4PM at UCSF’s Mission Bay Campus — one block from Chase Center.
Fall Family Festival ~ San Francisco, October 17
Taking place under the twinkling Spectra lights at Fulton Plaza, the Fall Family Festival on October 17th, from 4 to 7pm; features fun carnival games, free pumpkin decorating, face painting, the San Francisco Public Library Bookmobile, and entertainment such as stilt walkers and bubble magic with Sterling Bubble. The selfie station with the autumn-themed Petalz Flower Truck is a must-stop photo op with City Hall as the backdrop, as are the carnival treats: cotton candy, candy apples and local food trucks featuring fall fair favorites.
Animal Day 2026 ~ Berkeley, October 25
Animal Day is back for more fauna, fun, and festivities. Join UC Botanical Garden’s annual celebration of all things fauna with drop-in experiences, music, educational displays, crafts, community partners, live animals to see and touch, and more!
Word for WordPLAY’s Spooky Fam Jam (Free) ~ San Francisco, October 31
Join Word for WordPLAY at Z Space for a spine-tingling, fun-filled adventure where imaginations run wild! Gather the family for spooky storytelling with Word for WordPLAY’s Director, Gendell Hing-Hernández, who will delight kids and adults alike. Come for the stories, stay for the fun, and try out your costume before heading out for trick-or-treating! Experience our spooky storytelling and don’t miss this chance to step into a world where suspense meets creativity.
October 2026 – also see Halloween Fun
The Great Big Boo at Gilroy Gardens – Gilroy, September 24-November 1
Nightfall at Filoli – Woodside, September 26-November 1
Thomas and Percy’s Halloween Party – Felton, October 10-25
Boo at the Zoo – Oakland, October 17-November 1
Family Fun Night – Santa Rosa, October 22, 23
Disney on Ice: Find Your Hero – San Jose, October 22-25
Family Farm Campout – Muir Beach, October 23-24
Sunset Cinema: Coco (Free) – Santa Clara, October 23
Trunk or Treat – Walnut Creek, October 23
Haunted Hangar – San Carlos, October 23-November 1
Sandcastle Classic – San Francisco, October 24
SF Jazz Family Matinees – San Francisco, October 24
Fall Festival (Free) – Richmond, October 24
Diwali Celebration Street Fair – Walnut Creek, October 24
Halloween Magic at Gamble Garden – Palo Alto, October 24
Teen Halloween Roller Derby (Free) – Palo Alto, October 24
Free Community Day at San Jose Museum of Art (Free) – San Jose, October 24
Tarantula Trek – San Jose, October 24
Día de los Muertos Celebration (Free) – Santa Cruz, October 24
Tricycle Music Fest (Free) – San Francisco, October 24
Planetarium Shows – Cupertino, October 24
Carquinez Model Railroad Society Open House – Crockett, October 24 & 25
Cereal Cinema – Oakland, October 24, 31
Big Bounce – Antioch, October 24, 25
Fall Fest at Children’s Fairyland – Oakland, October 24, 25
The Golden Gate Reading Club – San Francisco, October 25
Storytime at the Foster Museum – Palo Alto, October 25
Alice in Wonderland – Sunnyvale, October 24 – November 8
Marine Science Sunday – Sausalito, October 25
360 All Stars – Santa Rosa, October 25
The Rock and Roll Playhouse – Oakland, October 25
Sundays at Hagemann Ranch (Free) – Livermore, October 25
Family Day at the Garden – Fremont, October 25
Creepy Crawly Trick or Treat (Free) – Campbell, October 25
Math Festival (Free) – San Jose, October 25
Museum Mondays for Little Ones – Santa Rosa, October 26
Toddler Rave – Oakland, October 27
City Hall-o-ween (Free) – San Pablo, October 29
Yappy Hour – Santa Cruz, October 29
Spectacular Science Homeschool Day at Seymour Marine Discovery Center – Santa Cruz, October 30
26th Annual Halloween Hoopla (Free) – San Francisco, October 31
Halloween at the Boardwalk – Santa Cruz, October 31
Winnie the Pooh by Playful People – San Jose, October 30-November 1
Bluey’s Big Play – San Jose, October 30-November 1
Spooky Science at Chabot Space & Science Center – Oakland, October 31
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