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!
- Oaktoberfest in the Diamond | September 30-October 1
- Life is Living Festival | October 14
- Autumn Lights | October 12-14
- Oakland Style | October 18-22
- Dia de los Muertos Festival | October 29
- Boo at the Zoo | October 1-29
- More Fall Events
Oaktoberfest in the Diamond | September 30-October 1
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.
Life is Living Festival | October 14
The 2023 Life is Living Festival presented by Youth Speaks is Saturday, October 14, 2023 Lil Bobby Hutton Park in West Oakland. 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.
Autumn Lights | October 12-14
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.
Oakland Style | October 18-22
Oakland Style is a celebration of art, fashion, music, cuisine and culture. This new annual five-day series of events takes place Wednesday, October 18, 2023, and runs through Sunday, October 22, 2023.
Oakland Style will feature culinary experiences, cultural conversations, art walks, fashion shows, musical performances, Haute Couture moments, vintage shopping, and so much more. Looking to experience multiple events? Make it a getaway and take advantage of these great hotel deals!
Dia de los Muertos Festival | October 29
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 2023 Oakland Dia de los Muertos will take place on Sunday, October 29 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on International Blvd between Fruitvale Avenue and 42nd Avenue.
Boo at the Zoo | October 1-29
Calling all ghosts, goblins, and witches - join us for Boo at the Zoo every day, 10:00am to 4:00pm, October 1-29, 2023. Enjoy this family-friendly Halloween event with all new experiences!
New this year - navigate through a 500-bale hay maze, encounter larger-than-life Halloween decorations, and follow the clues on our self-guided scavenger hunt to find the animal x-rays throughout the Zoo! Make sure to grab your event guide and OCHO candy bar* as you enter the Zoo to participate in all the fun activities!
Remember to dress in costume (no inflatable costumes - they can scare the Zoo animals) when you visit and tag Oakland Zoo on social media to be entered in our Halloween costume contest. Winners will receive 4 tickets to our nighttime lantern festival this year, GLOWFARI, from November 10 - January 28! Come and safely celebrate Halloween at Oakland Zoo this year!
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