With autumn on the horizon, California’s Tri-Valley is gearing up for one of its spookiest seasons yet. We’re calling all fall fanatics to pull out their calendars and gear up for all the eerie and exciting events coming to our region this October. From harvest festivals to ghost walks, we have put together a list of 10 activities you won’t want to miss. So whether you’re in the area for a special occasion or hosting your family from out of town, the Tri-Valley has all your Halloween happenings.
Photography: Merridith Robertson Photography
1. Pirates of Emerson
Located at the Alameda County Fairgrounds in Pleasanton, Pirates of Emerson is Northern California’s premier haunted attraction! This terrifying themed park is celebrating its 34th anniversary with 14 years at the Pleasanton fairgrounds. With a variety of activities to choose from, Pirates of Emerson offers four uniquely designed haunted houses, a thrilling virtual reality ride, live bands, interactive games, food options, and a spooky gift shop!
Tickets are available online for various dates between September 27th, 2024, and November 2nd, 2024. Anyone under 16 must be accompanied by an adult 21 years or older.
2. Alden Lane Fall Fest
If you’re looking for a fun activity for all ages, Livermore’s Alden Lane is preparing for their annual Fall Fest! On October 12th and 13th, from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Alden Lane transforms into more than just a nursery! Look out for kids crafts, fall photo opportunities, pumpkins, cookies, coffee, and more!
The highlight of this weekend is their Scarecrow-Building Contest! They mention that both individual and family entries are encouraged, or just come to watch the fun! Your scarecrow can follow one of three categories: A Pirate’s Life For Me, To Halloween & Beyond, or Traditional. The public judges the contest, and your scarecrow will stay up at Alden Lane through October 31st for all to see.
3. Pleasanton Ghost Walk
Want a night that’s a bit more paranormal? Pleasanton’s Ghost Walk is a truly unique and spooky experience hosted by the Museum on Main. This Ghost Walk is a two-hour walking tour of all the haunted sites along downtown Pleasanton’s Main Street. Expect a history of the region’s paranormal activity and perhaps some spirits along the way! This family-friendly tour has continued to be a popular Halloween event for the past sixteen years, so be sure to book your tickets early!
Their Ghost Hosts leave for tours every 30 minutes between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm, and they take place rain or shine. They encourage dressing appropriately and wearing a costume!
Block out your calendar for October 11th, 12th, 18th, or 19th, and experience this family-friendly tour that has continued to be a popular Halloween event for the past sixteen years! Tickets for these in-person tours are kept at the Museum on Main Will Call and sell out quickly!
4. Hall-O-Wine Trolley Tour
The Livermore Wine Trolley invites you to join them for an adults-only Hall-O-Wine Party Tour! For one night only, come aboard the trolley to experience wine tasting and special bites at three local wineries. This spooky ride stops at Murrieta’s Well, McGrail Vineyards, and Wood Family Vineyards. Each winery will offer a full-tasting flight and a Halloween treat.
Reserve your spot and come in costume on Saturday, October 26th, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm!
5. TVTC’s Spooktacular Broadway
For their next act, the Tri-Valley Theatre Company presents the enchanting world of Spooktacular Broadway, where ghosts come alive and boogie to the tunes of timeless Broadway classics. This one-night cabaret show will tingle your spine with spooky tales and bewitching performances.
Located at the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton on Friday, October 18th at 8:00 pm, the TVTC will surely leave you wanting more. Tickets are available now!
6. City of Dublin Harvest Fair
The City of Dublin is getting ready for its annual autumn Harvest Fair! Join them on Saturday, October 12th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm for some old-fashioned fall fun. Another great event in the Tri-Valley is that fun for the whole family. Don’t miss out on the Petting Zoo, Hay Bale Maze, Wagon Rides, Face Painting, Apple Crate Toss, Pumpkin Ring Toss, Gold Panning, Washboard Laundry, Butter Churning, Line Dancing, and more!
Admission is free, but certain activities may require a ticket. Various vendors will also be in attendance, selling crafts and food. The City of Dublin additionally has a vendor application on its website if your business wants to join the fall fun!
7. Ghosts of Dublin
If you want a City of Dublin event that is a bit more on the spooky side, look no further than the Ghosts of Dublin. See Dublin in a way you never have before, with a flashlight tour through Dublin’s Historic Cemetery. Where Dublin’s buried past comes alive, you will hear chilling ghost stories of ghosts who are still hiding in Dublin and stories of recent experiences.
This tour will take you through Old St. Raymond’s Church and the Kolb House, where ghostly images of long-dead pioneers are sure to surface. Registration is available now and is recommended for ages 8 and up. Tours start at 7:30 pm and run every 30 minutes until 10:30 pm. This annual event fills up quickly, so make sure to snag your tickets!
8. Halloween Brew Crawl
On Saturday, October 26th, make your way downtown with your fellow beer enthusiasts to Pleasanton’s Halloween Brew Crawl! This in-person event offers a night of chilling fun while exploring a variety of 25+ bewitching beers from local breweries. Enjoy live music and Halloween-themed activities, along with your commemorative glass for all beer tastings. With over 30 locations participating, you will be served the best festive atmosphere.
Get your tickets soon, and don’t forget to wear your favorite Halloween costume. Check in at the Museum on Main to receive your glass, wristband, and map!
9. Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day
Need another Saturday activity with the kids? Downtown Livermore is back with Kidz Town Halloween Hay Day! For families with children in 5th grade and under, celebrate the fall season with Costume Contests, Music, Trick-or-Treating at the Downtown Shops, Games, and more!
Check out Downtown Livermore’s website for more information regarding their Trick or Treat Trail flyer, participating shops, sponsors, and activities. Livermore’s Favorite Family Tradition is on Saturday, October 26th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Get ready for some trick-or-treating fun!
10. Harvest Festival: Original Art & Craft Show
Last but certainly not least, hosted at the Alameda County Fairgrounds, the Harvest Festival: Original Art & Craft Show is known as one of the premier shows on the West Coast. If you’re a fan of handicrafts, handmade gifts, and decoratives, this is the show for you. On October 25th to 27th, come to Pleasanton to see a variety of wall art, sculptures, glasswork, metalwork, jewelry, clothing, specialty foods, photography, hand-turned wood, ceramics, unique home decor and much moreIt’s a
It’s a great way to get a head start on your holiday shopping while admiring the nation’s most talented artisans. Shop admission and parking passes are available on the official website.
Enjoy The Best Of Fall + Halloween In The Tri-Valley
As the leaves begin to change and the cool autumn breeze settles in, the Tri-Valley transforms into the perfect destination for all fall festivities. Whether you’re a couple tying the knot at a local winery or a family looking for a fun weekend activity, the region offers an abundance of Halloween happenings to keep you entertained this spooky season. So mark your calendars, explore all that the Tri-Valley has to offer this October, and make the most of your 2024!
