cooler evenings, longer shadows, and the unmistakable buzz of festival season. The East Bay is stepping into fall with music, beer, barbecue, and a sense of togetherness that feels just right.

From the lively streets of Alameda to the Bavarian beats in Walnut Creek, this week is all about gathering around good food, good tunes, and good people. Whether you’re in the mood for craft beer, salsa dancing, or big-name concerts, the East Bay is making sure no one stays home bored.

Fall festivals have a special way of bringing people together. There’s something timeless about clinking a pint glass, swaying to live music, and bumping into neighbors you didn’t know you’d see. This week, that spirit is alive at two major gatherings:

Walnut Creek Oktoberfest
🕒Friday, Sept 26, from 5:00pm to 10:00pm; Saturday, Sept 27, from 12:00pm to 9:00pm
📍Civic Park East (1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek)

Expect two full days of Bavarian fun in downtown Walnut Creek, complete with oompah bands, dancing, and the delicious aroma of bratwurst, schnitzel, and giant pretzels filling the air. Local food trucks and vendors will be serving up German specialties alongside craft beers, radlers, hard ciders, and wine in the lively biergarten. Families can head to the Kinder Karneval, where kids can enjoy inflatables, carnival games, and activities, while adults browse the artisan market for crafts and unique finds. Multiple stages will host live entertainment all weekend, and for those who want a more relaxed vibe, the “Chill Zone” offers a laid-back lounge atmosphere. With free admission, a central location near BART, and plenty of community energy, Oktoberfest is one of Walnut Creek’s biggest celebrations of the year.

Alameda Blues, Brews & BBQ Fest 🎶
🕒Sunday, Sept 21, 2025, from 12:00pm to 6:00pm
📍Washington Park, 740 Central Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501

Washington Park in Alameda transforms into a soulful celebration of music and food, with a stellar lineup of performers ranging from Jinx Jones’ guitar mastery to Lavay Smith’s jazzy vocals, HowellDevine’s down-home blues, and the second-line energy of MJ’s Brass Boppers. Local pitmasters fire up smoky barbecue favorites, from ribs to brisket, while nearby breweries pour seasonal craft beers to pair perfectly with the music. Families can relax on the grass with blankets or chairs, kids can get creative in the Family Zone hosted by Ozzy’s Music Academy, and visitors can browse artisan vendors between sets. With free admission, great food, and world-class music, this festival has become one of Alameda’s most anticipated end-of-summer traditions.

📅 Sun Sep 21, 1pm
📍 Solano County Fairgrounds, Vallejo
💵 Tickets ~$30

A huge celebration of regional Mexican music featuring Los Nuevos Miravalle, Banda Traviezos, and more. Expect lively performances, dancing, and a colorful crowd.

📅 Sat Sep 20, 12–7pm
📍 Bay Street, Emeryville
💵 Free

Celebrate love, diversity, and community with an outdoor street fair full of LGBTQ+ vendors, music, games, and family-friendly fun.

📅 Sat Sep 20, 7–10pm
📍 NewPark Mall, Newark
💵 $23.99

One of the Bay’s most terrifying haunted attractions kicks off the season early. Two haunted houses, floor-to-ceiling scares, and not for the faint of heart.

🗓️Sat Sep 20, 10am–7pm & Sun Sep 21, 10am–6pm
📍 Downtown Lafayette
💵 Free

One of Contra Costa’s largest street fairs with 200+ art booths, live music on multiple stages, wine and beer tastings, and plenty of family-friendly fun.

🗓️Sat Sep 20, 11am–5pm
📍 Macdonald Ave, Downtown Richmond
💵 Free

A lively block party with live music, food, art vendors, and family activities. A true celebration of Richmond’s community and culture.

🗓️Sat Sep 20, 10am–4pm
📍 Harbor Plaza, Suisun City
💵 Free

Pacific Island culture comes to Solano’s waterfront with Polynesian dance, live music, Hawaiian and Samoan food, and artisan vendors.

🗓️Sat–Sun Sep 20–21, 8am–5pm
📍 Museum of History Benicia (Camel Barn)
💵 Free

The annual “trash-to-treasure” sale with antiques, books, furniture, and collectibles. Hunt for hidden gems while supporting the local museum.

📍Oakland’s waterfront biergarten
🕒
Mon-Thurs 11a-9p
Friday 11a-9:30p
Saturday 10:30a-9:30p
Sunday 10:30a-9p

When Oktoberfest rolls into town, nothing hits the spot like a Bavarian beer garden. Brotzeit Lokal in Oakland delivers exactly that: long communal tables, waterfront views, and hearty German eats like schnitzel, currywurst, and giant pretzels. With an impressive selection of German and local craft beers on tap, it’s the perfect warm-up (or after-party) to Walnut Creek’s festival.

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As this weekend winds down, remember the East Bay always has another adventure waiting — from Benicia’s White Camel Sale to Richmond’s Spirit & Soul Festival, from soulful blues in Alameda to art and wine in Lafayette. With news of community cleanups, new housing policies, and fresh listings, this week showed how our region blends celebration, resilience, and growth. Carry the music, flavors, stories, and neighborhood spirit we’ve shared into the one ahead.

Stay local & stay inspired,

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]