Fall is officially here! 🎃

This is the first week of autumn, and the local event calendar is packed to prove it. Whether you’re looking to stomp grapes in wine country, sip craft German lagers, listen to live outdoor music, or take the family out to hunt for the perfect pumpkin, we’ve got you covered. Here are the top events happening around the Bay this weekend to jump-start your autumn season!

Scroll for full details 👇

Walnut Creek’s favorite fall event is back! 🍻

Civic Park is transforming into a bustling Bavarian village for the city's signature autumn celebration. Grab a fresh, warm soft pretzel and head straight to the central biergarten to sample authentic German brews and local craft favorites while live oompah bands and folk dancers bring the festive energy to life.🥨

Between the legendary stein-holding competitions, local artisan market stalls, and a massive kid-friendly play area, it’s the ultimate East Bay tradition for all ages.

💡Insider Tip: Skip the $10 park parking lot and headache altogether—take BART to the Walnut Creek station or ride down the Iron Horse Trail. The festival offers a Free Bike Valet, and Civic Park is less than a 10-minute walk from BART!

Throw on your boldest sequined jacket, fluff up the big hair, and head to historic Crockett for a high-energy, rhinestoned homage to the queen of country herself! ✨

Downtown is transforming its monthly street fair into a full-blown Dolly Parton celebration complete with live country covers, costume contests, local artisan pop-ups, and unmatched small-town energy. Whether you're competing in the look-alike contest or just soaking in the festive atmosphere, it's easily the most fun, eccentric block party of the season.

💡 Insider Tip: Parking in historic Crockett gets tight quickly during street festivals. Aim to arrive 20–30 minutes before the official start to grab street parking nearby, or carpool with your fellow Dolly fans!

The iconic celebration of invention, DIY creativity, and sheer curiosity returns to Mare Island for a massive 20th-anniversary bash! Wander through historic naval hangars, outdoor plazas, and waterfront lawns packed with giant fire-breathing kinetic art, combat robot arenas, hands-on 3D printing and soldering workshops, kinetic vehicles, and mind-bending tech demos. It’s part science expo, part art festival, and 100% pure inspiration for curious minds of all ages.

💡Insider Tip: Skip the driving traffic and take the San Francisco Bay Ferry straight to the Mare Island terminal. If you're driving in from Contra Costa, buy your parking pass online in advance—it saves money and guarantees a spot close to the shipyard entrance.

Celebrate Moraga’s rich agricultural roots at this relaxing, shaded park festival. Spend a crisp fall afternoon lounging under the trees listening to live music, browsing handmade crafts from local makers, and sampling wines poured by regional vineyards.🍷

Kids will love the jump houses and lawn games, but the real star of the show is the orchard-fresh pear treats—from freshly baked pear pies to tarts and pear-infused snacks.

💡Insider Tip: The community-baked pear pies are famous across the East Bay and sell out fast! Make a straight line to the dessert booth as soon as you arrive to secure your slices before they’re gone for the year.

Unwind by the bay with a vibrant afternoon highlighting northern Contra Costa's creative community. Lefty Gomez Field will be packed with 30+ artisan booths offering handmade jewelry, ceramics, prints, and local goods, backed by a continuous lineup of live sets from Bay Area musicians and DJs. Add in a row of top-tier food trucks and family activities, and you've got the ideal low-key Sunday hangout.

💡Insider Tip: Bring a pair of lawn chairs or a picnic blanket! While there are tables near the food trucks, setting up camp on the grassy outfield gives you the best view of the stage to eat, relax, and listen to the music all afternoon.

Consider this your ultimate "last call for summer" waterfront block party! Celebrate Antioch Foundation is closing out the warm weather with a high-energy, country-style hoedown right along the San Joaquin River.

Grab a cold draft in the shade, watch local pitmasters compete in a smokin' amateur BBQ cook-off, and catch live sets from Houston Ave. and Burke. Between line-dancing lessons by Country Kru, a Rotary cornhole tournament, a dedicated Kids Zone, and 40+ artisan booths, it’s the perfect way to soak up that lingering summer sunshine before autumn fully takes over.

💡 Insider Tip: Beat the lunch rush by arriving right around 11:00 AM! You can hit the first round of line-dancing lessons to warm up, then snag prime seats near the stage before the peak afternoon barbecue lines form.

Kick off autumn on the farm with a double feature: the opening day of the iconic pumpkin patch paired with Tomato Day! Explore fields of fresh produce, taste over 30 varieties of farm-grown heirloom tomatoes, enjoy live bluegrass music, take hayrides through the orchards, and pick your own pumpkin right off the vine.

💡Insider Tip: Admission includes a pumpkin with your ticket, but bring a sturdy tote or wagon if you plan to stock up on bulk heirloom tomatoes at the farm stand—they go fast, and carrying pounds of fresh tomatoes alongside a pumpkin gets heavy quick!

If your ideal Sunday involves high-energy cheering, cold drafts, and wall-to-wall sports, Stadium Pub is the go-to spot in downtown Walnut Creek. A local staple for Sunday football, it’s packed with HD screens, solid pub food (loaded nachos, wings, burgers), and an energetic crowd. Whether you're tracking your fantasy team or locking in for kickoff, you won't miss a single snap.

This Sunday:

The San Francisco 49ers host division rivals the Arizona Cardinals this Sunday, September 27 at 1:05 PM PT. Stadium Pub will definitely have the game on with sound, so head over 30–45 minutes before kickoff to grab a spot at the bar or a table!

💡Insider Tip: Skip the main seating area inside and head straight for the back patio. It’s covered, heated, has plenty of TV screens, and gives you a bit more breathing room to actually hear the game and grab a beer without fighting the main bar crowd.

Thank You for Joining Us at Benicia Oktoberfest!

Here is a quick shot of a few of us enjoying the day! 🍺🥨

Huge thanks to everyone who stopped by to say hi, grab a drink, or hang out with our team at the First Street Green on Saturday! We had such a blast catching up with clients, neighbors, and friends while soaking up the live music and waterfront views.

2713 Finlandia Ave. Modesto, VA 95358
3 BEDS | 2 BATHS | 1,511 SQFT
Beautiful single-story home situated on a spacious 8,000 sq. ft. corner lot in a desirable and quiet neighborhood! This well-maintained home features 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, a 2-car garage, separate family room, and a large living room with a cozy fireplace. The kitchen offers gorgeous cabinetry, while double-pane windows and central heating and air conditioning provide year-round comfort. Enjoy the huge backyard with cemented areas, completed approximately 2 years ago, perfect for entertaining, relaxing, or outdoor activities. Additional major updates include a roof replaced approximately 5 years ago and a water heater replaced approximately 1 year ago. Conveniently located with easy access to Highway 132, shopping, parks, and schools. With its spacious lot, functional layout, and valuable recent updates, this home is a great opportunity for homeowners and investors alike. Don't miss the opportunity to make this beautiful house your new home! Make an offer today!

479 Diller St., Alameda, CA 94501
3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,072 SQFT
Welcome to this premier end-unit property, built in 2016 and thoughtfully designed for modern living. Offering 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, and 2,072 square feet of beautifully updated living space, this residence combines an open, airy floor plan with stylish upgrades and abundant natural light. Soaring ceilings and an open-concept layout create an inviting sense of space, while the south- and east-facing orientation fills the home with natural light throughout the day. The heart of the home is the chef’s kitchen, designed for both everyday living and entertaining along with the AC. The spacious primary suite provides a relaxing retreat, complete with a generous walk-in closet. Throughout the home, recent improvements include fresh new paint, luxury vinyl plank flooring, and new carpet. Remote-controlled blinds add an extra layer of convenience and modern comfort. As a sought-after end unit, this home offers an appealing combination of privacy, light, and functionality. Its convenient location puts you close to The Landing Shopping Center, the ferry terminal, Alameda Water Taxi, and AC Transit with service to 12th Street BART. Commuters will appreciate easy access to the tunnel and major transportation routes, making trips throughout the Bay Area more convenient. With its modern finishes, generous proportions, abundant natural light, and commuter-friendly location, this exceptional home is ready to welcome its next owner.

3910 Mead St. Antioch, CA 94551
3 BEDS | 3 BATHS | 2,226 SQFT
Welcome to your own hilltop oasis! Beautifully maintained and thoughtfully cared for, 3910 Mead Street offers an inviting blend of comfort, space and indoor-outdoor living. Step inside to a light-filled interior with a comfortable, flowing floor plan designed for both everyday living and entertaining. The heart of the home opens effortlessly to the outdoor spaces, creating the perfect setting for morning coffee, weekend gatherings or simply unwinding at the end of the day. Outside, the backyard feels like a private retreat, with plenty of room to relax, entertain and enjoy the California sunshine. Set in an established Antioch neighborhood with convenient access to shopping, dining, schools, parks and commuter routes, this home offers the opportunity to settle in and enjoy from day one. Pride of ownership is evident throughout come experience this beautifully maintained hilltop oasis for yourself!

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. ✨

Thanks for tuning in this week! We love staying connected with our neighbors and keeping you in the loop on all things local. Wishing you a fun and relaxing weekend ahead!

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

[email protected]