The City of Oakland offers great live music, events, dining and outdoor fun all year round, and the fall season brings unique festivities that you can only find here. From discovering new beers at Oaktoberfest in the Diamond to immersing yourself at the Dia de los Muertos Festival in Fruitvale, Oakland has got you covered. Whatever your interests, visitors of all ages will make exciting discoveries and great memories while spending the day on the Sunny Side of the Bay.
Here is our list of outdoor street fairs, cultural festivals and other specially curated experiences to put on your calendar this fall. This list may not include every fall event in Oakland so make sure to check out our full calendar of events!
- Dia de los Muertos | October 30
- Life is Living Festival | October 8
- Oaktoberfest in the Diamond | October 1-2
- Autumn Lights | October 13-15
- Boo at the Zoo | October 22-30
- More Fall Events
Dia de los Muertos Festival | October 30
The Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival is a free, outdoor festival that celebrates the vibrant, culturally-rich Fruitvale neighborhood for a free, outdoor, family-friendly event taking place to commemorate the Mexican traditions around the Día de los Muertos. Festival attendees will enjoy world-class live music, family-friendly games, rides and activities, traditional Latin American artisans, and the stunning altars created by community members paying homage to los Muertos.
The 2022 Oakland Dia de los Muertos will take place on Sunday, October 30 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on International Blvd between Fruitvale Avenue and 42nd Avenue.
Life is Living Festival | October 8
The 2022 Life is Living Festival presented by Youth Speaks is Saturday, October 8, 2022 in person at Lil Bobby Hutton Park in West Oakland. Come by and experience activations from The Peoples Kitchen Collective, Town Park, Oakhella, ArtEsteem, the City of Oakland Arts Commission, Dark Star Universe, BAOBOB, Edutainment for Equity and more of your favorite local CBOs.
This multi-generational, multi-disciplinary festival celebrates and highlights everything that is beautiful about Oakland – the joy, diversity, adversity, and revolutionary spirit that vibrates through the streets of the city. Join us as we continue the legacy and tradition of celebrating The Town. Click here to see the full schedule.
Oaktoberfest in the Diamond | October 1-2
Oaktoberfest in the Diamond is one of the Bay Area’s premiere craft beer festivals boasting over 200 craft beers to choose from, but it’s not only about the brews. The event has four stages jam packed with amazing artists like Andre Thiery, Midtown Social, and Bayonics and Soji and the AfroBeat Band to name a few. There is an entire street dedicated to kids and family attractions with a root beer garden where root beer floats abound. There will also be hundreds of vendors with clothes, crafts and of course plenty of great food options.
Autumn Lights | October 13-15
The festive evenings blend live music, illuminated art, fire dancers, food and libations to make one unforgettable experience. This year, the annual tradition is in-person over three spectacular nights! The open-air Gardens at Lake Merritt are a beautiful place to enjoy a wonderful night out. With over 60 locally-made illuminated art displays sparkling throughout Oakland's seven-acre gardens, this is a can't miss event. Join the fun!
The Autumn Lights Festival is a fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt. The Gardens at Lake Merritt were established more than a half-century ago. They are a collection of themed gardens requiring varying levels of upkeep. The gardens are a tranquil oasis in the heart of Oakland and provide enriching public programs.
Boo at the Zoo | October 22-30
Calling all ghosts, goblins, and witches - Boo at the Zoo will take place every day from October 22-31, 2022, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Come to the Oakland Zoo and enjoy this family-friendly Halloween event with a spooky animal-themed scavenger hunt.
Grab a program as you enter the Zoo and follow the clues on our self-guided scavenger hunt to trick-or-treat for animal trading cards throughout the Zoo. Upon completing your scavenger hunt, collect a limited release trading card and a candy bar from our presenting sponsor OCHO Candy. Tickets must be reserved in advance through the zoo's online ticketing system. Attendance is currently limited so hurry!
Other Fun Events to Check Out This Fall:
- Oakland First Fridays | Monthly
- Explore the Oakland Vegan Trail | All Year
- Experience the Oakland Cannabis Trail | All Year
- Fall Waterfront Flicks at Jack London Square | Thursday Nights until October 6
- Friday Nights at OMCA | Every Friday