Fall Is Calling... But Bring Water 🥵

Sweating through September? We get it—it definitely doesn't feel like sweater weather yet! But even if the thermostat hasn't gotten the memo, the fall events are here. Grab an iced PSL, stay hydrated, and check out what’s happening nearby this weekend.

Scroll for full details 👇

One of the East Bay’s largest and longest-running autumn street fairs! Celebrate the 54th Castro Valley Fall festival by strolling over 150+ artisan, craft, and local business booths, enjoy live music across multiple stages, sample local wines and craft beers, and grab bites from gourmet food trucks.

💡Insider Tip: Park at the Castro Valley BART Station for free and take the short 5-minute walk right onto Castro Valley Blvd to skip the street traffic!

Prost! Downtown Concord’s ultimate fall party is serving up four fresh German-style brews tapped specifically for Oktoberfest—Dark Bark Black Lager, ValHelles Munich Helles, Oktoberfence Festbier, and Actively Chillen' Kolsch (plus Planter Box Pilsner, hard seltzers, and non-alcoholic Italian sodas for non-beer drinkers!).

Feast on authentic bites from La Kura food truck (bratwurst, schnitzel sandwiches, chicken döner, and warm pretzels) and hit up the dedicated dessert vendor for sweet treats. The energy stays high all day with live music, face painting for the kids, and a crowd-favorite stein-holding contest!

$25 Presale Ticket Package: Includes a custom glass stein, your first full stein fill, and a can of Oktoberfence to take home.

💡 Insider Tip: Steins usually sell out before the weekend hit—snag your presale ticket online ahead of time so you're guaranteed a souvenir glass when you walk through the gate!🍺

Equal parts sweat and suds! Whether you're tackling the Half Marathon, 10K, 5K, 1-mile Beer Stroll, or just hanging out, the post-race "Shindig" features live music, food trucks, and unlimited pours from local East Bay favorites like Fieldwork Brewing.

Tasting & Race passes:

$35-$38 for a "Lazy Friend" Beer Tasting Pass or 1-Mile Beer Stroll

$55+ for competitive race entries (includes finisher medal, shirt, and custom tasting glass).

💡 Insider Tip: Not a runner? Grab a $5 Beer City Trolley pass on-site—it loops every 45 minutes between Fieldwork, Canyon Club, and Danville Brewing so you can hop around without worrying about driving!

A classic local hangout! Gearheads and families gather to check out vintage rides, muscle cars, and custom builds filling up Solano Square right as the sun sets over the bay.

💡Insider Tip: Swing by Char's Hot Dogs (131 First St) near the waterfront if you're looking for something quick, or grab a sit-down meal and drinks on the patio at Lucca Bar & Grill (439 First St) before heading over to Solano Square around 6:30 PM!

A paradise for young cyclists (especially ages 2–11) and their families! Kids can ride pump tracks, tackle obstacle courses, get free bike tune-ups, try demo bikes, and catch an action-packed BMX stunt show by the Stunt Masters in the final hour.

💡Insider Tip: Bring your kids' helmets! Street Smarts Contra Costa has a dedicated station doing free helmet fit checks, and local mechanics with Bike Mobile will be on-site offering free safety tune-ups on a first-come, first-served basis.

Salt, lime, and serious competition! Local mixologists are going head-to-head to see who shakes up the best margarita in town. Expect live DJs, food trucks, Drake's massive open-air beer garden, and plenty of craft cocktail samples.

💡 Insider Tip: Grab your tickets in advance online—this one usually sells out before Sunday, and prices bump up at the door!

Classic cars, cold drinks, and a little friendly neighborhood heat! Local teams are bringing their secret chili and salsa recipes to the waterfront, and you get to be the judge. Grab a bite, check out some gorgeous vintage rides, and soak up the bay breeze with live music playing all afternoon.

-You can vote for your favorite Chili & Salsa 11:30am - 2:00pm

-The Flashback Band will be playing 12:00pm-3:00pm

💡Insider Tip: Show up early (around 11:30 AM) to grab a tasting kit. The crowd-favorite chili pots tend to scrape bottom fast, and you’ll want a vote in the People's Choice crown before the trophies go out!

🍻Mark your calendars!🍻

Next weekend (Sept 19), Benicia Oktoberfest is taking over First Street Green! The Twin Oaks team will be running the beer tent, so come grab a cold pour from your favorite local agents and enjoy the festival!

The legendary SF Japantown tonkotsu spot recently opened its doors on Cypress Street—and while a steamy bowl of ramen might feel counterintuitive in 100° weather, hear us out!

It may not officially be soup season just yet, but it’s definitely upon us. Beat the heatwave inside their blast-chilled dining room with a rich, 20-hour boiled tonkotsu broth, an ice-cold Japanese draft beer, and crispy chicken karaage.✨🍴😋

934 Norman Dr. Manteca, CA 95336
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,420 SQFT
This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home offers 1,420 square feet of comfortable living space with a functional floor plan designed for everyday living and entertaining. Built in 2000, the home features inviting living spaces, generously sized bedrooms, and plenty of opportunity to make it your own. Step outside to a backyard made for enjoying those warm Manteca days. The sparkling swimming pool features a waterfall and creates the perfect setting for summer get-togethers, relaxing weekends at home, or cooling off with family and friends. Conveniently located near local schools, parks, shopping, dining, and everyday essentials, this home makes it easy to enjoy everything Manteca has to offer. Grocery stores and shopping are just minutes away, while convenient access to major highways makes this an ideal location for those commuting throughout the Central Valley, to Sacramento, or toward the Bay Area. With three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a private pool with a waterfall, and a location that offers both everyday convenience and accessibility for commuters, 934 Norman Dr brings together comfortable living, outdoor entertaining, and a location that keeps you connected.

619 Shaddick Dr. Antioch, CA 94509
6 BEDS | 6 BATHS | 3,950 SQFT
Beautiful and expansive 3,950 sq. ft. residence on a 10,368 sq. ft. lot, offering exceptional space, versatility, and investment potential. This unique property features 6 rooms, 6 bathrooms, and 5 fireplaces, creating multiple living and entertaining zones throughout the home. A 2-car garage, 4 additional parking spaces, and convenient street parking provide ample flexibility for residents and guests. Currently operated as an strong investment property, 619 Shaddick Dr offers a rare combination of size, layout, and functionality. With multiple living areas and generous square footage, this home is ideal for multi-generational living, rental opportunities, or a spacious primary residence.

1182 Hartford Pl. Fairfield, CA 94554
2 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,221 SQFT
Welcome to 1182 Hartford Pl, a spacious and beautifully cared-for home in Fairfield offering 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1,591 square feet of comfortable living space. The open and inviting floor plan includes a versatile loft area, perfect for a home office, additional living space, or creative retreat. The home has been very well maintained and features a newer roof for added peace of mind. Conveniently located near shopping, dining, and easy freeway access, this home offers a great combination of space, comfort, and everyday convenience. Move-in ready and ready to welcome its next owner!

Start your personalized home search with just one click.

Curious about your home’s value? Get a quick estimate right here.

Enjoying The East Bay Insider? Forward this issue to a friend or neighbor looking for weekend plans. ✨

That’s a wrap for this weekend! Hydrate, hit up a local food truck or patio, and make the most of these sunny days before the cooler fall weather officially settles in. See you next week!

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]