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. 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. Prepare for classical versions of horror movie soundtracks like Beetlejuice and Sleepy Hollow, as well as the theme from Stranger Things and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”
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: 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. 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.
5. 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.
- Fear Overload (Newark)
- “Unhinged: Hotel” at Winchester Mystery House (San Jose)
- “Tricks and Treats” at Great America (Santa Clara)
- See our full list of Bay Area haunted houses
6. Watch an exciting air show at Fleet Week
Fleet Week is a major SF tradition that fills the city with plenty of excitement every October. Fleet Week features a parade of ships, ship tours, and the ear-splitting Blue Angels Air Show over the weekend.
📅 Dates: Fleet Week is Oct. 7-14, 2024. The Air Show is scheduled for Oct. 11-13, 2024.
7. 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 (Sebastapol)
- Gizdich Ranch (Watsonville)
- Chileno Valley Ranch (Petaluma)
- See our full list of Bay Area apple orchards
8. 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.
9. Enjoy a movie under the stars at Sundown Cinema
Our favorite free outdoor cinema has one screening left for the fall season. Catch a sing-along version of The Nightmare Before Christmas at Jerry Garcia Amphitheater on October 18th.
10. Enjoy a pint at a lively beer garden
The Bay Area is home to some of the best craft beer in the country, meaning that it’s cultivated an entire generation of beer lovers and aficionados. When it comes to breweries, we’re hard to beat, but SF’s beer gardens are also excellent places to kick back and try out a flight or sip on your favorite pils and watch the game.
11. 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.
12. Celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) around the city
Día 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 43rd 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 Día de los Muertos guide.
13. Plan the most memorable Thanksgiving yet
From Black Friday shopping to ice skating, you’ll find some fantastic activities and events during Thanksgiving weekend from Nov. 28 – Dec. 1. Read our Thanksgiving guide for plenty of ideas, whether you want to plan the ultimate at-home Friendsgiving or you’re already rolling right into Christmas season.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
📅 Dates: Sept. 19 – Oct. 13, 2024
17. Stuff your face at the best SF bakeries
Who’s hungry? San Franciscans with a sweet tooth have it easy in this glorious city because SF bakeries absolutely do not mess around. We’re talking enormous flaky croissants, meticulously decorated cakes, buttery danishes, sweet and simple tarts, savory empanadas, SF-style sourdough bread, and basically anything else you can imagine.
18. Enjoy a mug of decadent hot chocolate
You don’t have to be a kid to know that hot chocolate is one of the most underrated drinks on any cafe’s menu. As we head into the fall and winter seasons, it’s a great time to compile some spots to visit next time you’re craving this delicious drink. Discover everything from indulgent dark chocolate drinks to spiked adult beverages, to your classic on-the-go treat. Stay warm and enjoy!
19. Warm up with the best ramen in the city
A steaming bowl of ramen is perhaps the most comforting and filling food we can think of! San Francisco, with its plethora of delicious and authentic Asian food, is one of the best places to enjoy this amazing dish. We decided to see where San Franciscans get their ramen fix, so we polled our Instagram followers for recommendations.
20. Sip on these specialty fall-inspired coffee drinks
Cafes and cocktail bars across SF are drawing inspiration from the season to craft truly delicious drinks. These caffeinated creations are perfect for this season of cool weather and cozy vibes.
21. Discover your hidden artistic talents at a fluorescent art class
Avoid the rainy streets while expressing your creative side! At Neon Brush in San Francisco, you can sip on a refreshing drink, paint with neon colors and have fun in a relaxing atmosphere. Set in a blacklit space, these vibrant art workshops will be led by a professional artist, who will show attendees a few techniques and help them along the way. But besides that, it’s all up to the guest to create fantastical landscapes, abstract portraits, swirly shapes—whatever they desire!
22. 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.
23. 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.
📅 Dates:
- Sept. 21 – Oct. 27, 2024: Orchard Days
- Sept. 28 – Oct. 26, 2024: A Taste of Fall
- Oct. 16 – Nov. 3, 2024: Nightfall Halloween event
24. Sample delicacies from SF’s best eateries during 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 are capped at $90 and brunch or lunch at $40.
📅 Dates: Nov 8- 17, 2024
25. Look out for the coolest new temporary exhibitions at SF museums
This fall, look out for some exciting new exhibitions turning over at San Francisco museums. Here are a few we have on our radar:
- Get in the Game – opening Oct. 18th at SFMOMA
- Art and War in the Renaissance – opening Oct. 19th at the de Young Museum
- Hallyu! The Korean Wave – open now at the Asian Art Museum
- Mary Cassat at Work – open now at the Legion of Honor
- And more – see the full list here.