We are diving headfirst into San Francisco’s fall season, and it’s sure to be a good one! Now that summer has come to an end, we’re arriving at the time of year that promises pumpkin carving, seasonal menu items, bountiful county fairs, Halloween treats, and amazing house decorations. Not sure what you’ll get up to? Start planning with our list of fall activities in the Bay Area.
What’s fall weather like in San Francisco?
Fall in San Francisco brings temperatures between 52-72°F. September and October are considered the warmest and sunniest months in San Francisco, with minimal fog and rain. Learn more in our article about the best time to visit San Francisco.
1. Fleet Week
Fleet Week is a major SF tradition that fills the city with plenty of excitement every October. You can expect a parade of ships, ship tours, and the ear-splitting Blue Angels Air Show over the weekend. People often gather on the waterfront and hilltops throughout the city to watch the airshows, and you can expect the city to be plenty busy during the week.
đź“… Dates: Fleet Week is Oct. 5-13, 2025. The Air Show is scheduled for Oct. 10-12, 2025.
2. Get lost in a corn maze
Nothing screams fall like a corn maze. Check out these ones in the Bay Area:
- Three Nunns Farm: This farm has two different corn mazes, as well as tractor rides, a pumpkin patch, a farm stand, and more.
- Cool Patch Pumpkins:Â Cool Patch is worth the drive for its enormous world record-holding corn maze! The maze is unique every year, and this year, the design honors farmers’ hard work.
3. Take a ghost tour of the most haunted places in San Francisco
Do you know about the spirits that haunt our historic city? Consider taking a tour this month to get in touch with SF’s spooky side:
- SF Ghost Haunt Walking Tour: Learn about the haunted Victorian homes of Pacific Heights, the haunted trees of abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant, the Chambers Mansion poltergeists, and more.
- More haunted places in SF: See our breakdown of the most haunted spots in the city, including Alcatraz, Stow Lake, the Queen Anne Hotel, and more.
4. Free screening of The BirdsÂ
Union Square is hosting a series of free movie screenings, and the iconic Hitchcock film The Birds is scheduled for October 4th. The screenings all feature movies set in San Francisco and the Bay Area, and The Birds is perfect for getting in the spooky mood for Halloween.
5. Pick the perfect pumpkin at a local patch
Did you know that Half Moon Bay is considered the pumpkin capital of the world? Whether you’re looking for family activities with kids or getting ahead of your Halloween decorating, these excellent Bay Area farms and pumpkin patches have got you covered.
- Lemos Farm (Half Moon Bay)
- Arata’s Pumpkin Farm (Half Moon Bay)
- Clancy’s Pumpkin Patch (San Francisco)
- Alameda Point Pumpkin Patch (Alameda)
- See our full list of Bay Area pumpkin patches.
6. A Nightmare on Strip Street
A burlesque parody, A Nightmare on Strip Street, will feature parodies of classic horror tropes. The show is from the same producers of the popular Empire Strips Back and will debut on October 2nd at the Great Star Theater in SF. You can learn more and get your tickets here.
7. Test your bravery at a terrifying haunted house
We’ve rounded up some of the best haunted houses in the Bay Area, plus some ghost tours for those wanting a tamer experience. Here are a few popular haunted attractions from last year that we expect to return this autumn.
- Nightmare: House on Franklin St.
- Pirates of Emerson
- Festival Fright Nights at the Winchester Mystery House
- See our full list of Bay Area haunted houses
8.Go apple picking at these lovely Bay Area orchards
Apple season peaks in the Bay Area in September and October, so many local orchards will open their doors for “U Pick,” when people can visit and pick their own apples.
- Apple-A-Day Ratzlaff Ranch (Sebastopol)
- Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville)
- Chileno Valley Ranch (Petaluma)
- See our full list of Bay Area apple orchards
9. Be transported to Munich at these local Oktoberfest celebrations
Party like a German at these epic Oktoberfest celebrations in and around San Francisco, where you’ll sip from ice-cold beer steins, watch traditional Oktoberfest performances and music, play lively beer-fueled games, and ring in the fall season. This year, the Front Street entertainment zone is hosting a free block party for Oktoberfest, featuring food, live music, games, and more.
10. Go on a cozy fall date at these romantic spots recommended by San Franciscans
Whether you decide to take another crack at Tinder or just want a lovely evening in the city, we’re here to help! Lucky for you, our followers know plenty of beautiful outdoor spots to check out. Here are their responses to our Instagram poll asking for the most romantic places in the city. Learn more about each spot here.
11. Celebrate DĂa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) around the city
DĂa de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is traditionally celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and local organizations will honor the holiday with some wonderful cultural events. Look for the Festival of Altars at Potrero Del Sol Park, the 44th annual Day of the Dead Ritual Procession in the Mission District, and a special performance by the San Francisco Symphony. Get details in our full DĂa de los Muertos guide.
12. Enjoy Halloween-themed concerts by candlelight
This fall, Candlelight will host some gorgeous Halloween-themed concerts in an intimate environment surrounded by hundreds of luminous candles. You can expect to hear songs from some of your favorite artists and movies. The concerts are held in some of SF’s most beautiful venues, including St. Ignatius Church and the Four Seasons San Francisco.
13. Check out free concerts at the Golden Gate Park Bandshell
Did you know dozens of amazing free concerts happen multiple days a week at the Bandshell? The Bandshell, which is 120 years old, added new lighting, a state-of-the-art sound system, and a new stage during the pandemic. The lineup is seriously impressive, with everything from singer/songwriters to R&B.
14. Explore the “Golden Mile” on JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park
The Golden Mile in Golden Gate Park has been a summer favorite, especially the new beer garden turned cocktail bar. The Whale’s Tail will stay open in the fall, with musical events scheduled throughout September. The street is perfect for enjoying a sunny fall day or going for a weekend walk.
15. Make the rounds at SF Open Studios
SF Open Studios allows the public to visit over 400 local artists in their personal studios. The annual event started in 1975 as a way for local artists to increase the accessibility of their work by collectively opening their studios to the public.
đź“… Dates: Sept. 19 – Oct. 19, 2025
16. Spot some colorful fall foliage
Fall foliage is truly a sight to behold. Familiar shades of green give way to red, orange, yellow, and brown during an incredible seasonal display. We might not have the vast color-changing forests that the East Coast loves to brag about, but here are a few excellent local spots to enjoy this seasonal show.
17. Check out the seasonal events at Filoli
This Woodside estate features picturesque gardens and a beautiful historic home, making for a unique setting to enjoy their rotating seasonal events. Fall is a good time to stroll through the spacious 100-year-old orchard and sample autumnal fruits like apples, pears, plums, and walnuts. This year, Filoli presents a spellbinding Halloween experience with softly glowing candles and stacks of bright orange pumpkins throughout the grounds.
18. San Francisco Restaurant Week
Restaurant Week happens twice a year, and we always look forward to the fall season. Enjoy great deals and special menus at various San Francisco restaurants, perfect for trying new food or a great date night. Prices for dinners for past Restaurant Weeks were capped at $90 and brunch or lunch at $40.
đź“… Dates: Nov 1- 9, 2025