"Fall is many people’s favorite season, and OSA students have been celebrating it in many different ways. Here you can find some fan favorite fall events you can go to in the Bay Area." --Calliope Dean, 8th Grade
Fall is many people’s favorite season, and OSA students have been celebrating it in many different ways. Here you can find some fan favorite fall events you can go to in the Bay Area.
Leslie Harvey in her article 15 Fun Fall Activities For Kids Near San Francisco recommends Boo at the Zoo. “There’s a costume contest at noon, a hay maze, and treat bags for kids at the exit. The event is part of the Zoo’s ZootoberFest that features a German beer garden with Oktoberfest style treats and eats as well as live music,” says Harvey.
Boo at the Zoo has a scavenger hunt and costume contest. “Remember to dress in costume (no inflatable costumes - they can scare the Zoo animals) when you visit and tag Oakland Zoo on social media to be entered in our Halloween costume contest. Winners will receive 4 tickets to our nighttime lantern festival this year,” says the Oakland Zoo.
“San Francisco Zoo is getting back in the spooky spirit as well! Its own annual Boo at the Zoo event is where guests can stroll zoo grounds and see their favorite animal get pumpkin shaped treats.” Harvey explains. “The event takes place on the final Saturday and Sunday of the month, October 29-30 from 11am-4pm. Advance reservations are required.” Boo at the Zoo is a good event for families with young children who would enjoy a fun day at the zoo.
Boo at the Zoo has a scavenger hunt and costume contest. “Remember to dress in costume (no inflatable costumes - they can scare the Zoo animals) when you visit and tag Oakland Zoo on social media to be entered in our Halloween costume contest. Winners will receive 4 tickets to our nighttime lantern festival this year,” says the Oakland Zoo.
“San Francisco Zoo is getting back in the spooky spirit as well! Its own annual Boo at the Zoo event is where guests can stroll zoo grounds and see their favorite animal get pumpkin shaped treats.” Harvey explains. “The event takes place on the final Saturday and Sunday of the month, October 29-30 from 11am-4pm. Advance reservations are required.” Boo at the Zoo is a good event for families with young children who would enjoy a fun day at the zoo.
Talise Murray, 8th grade student at OSA recommends the Petaluma Pumpkin Patch. “The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch is a fun fall event, where you can go with your family and friends. They have a corn maze, animals, and fun bouncy houses.”
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch has been around for almost 30 seasons. They’re open every year around fall time. This year, the opening day was September 23rd.
“I recommend this event because it’s really fun to do with your family and friends in the fall time. You can get pumpkins to carve, they have a lot of options of size and color,” says Murray.
“People that love fall time, pumpkins, animals, and challenging your brain with a corn maze would love this event. And don’t worry, they have a map of the corn maze for those who need it.” Murray continues.
Murray says her favorite part of the event was the corn maze because it was challenging but she was still able to do it. “You can choose if you want a map or not,” she explained. “My friend and I chose not to get a map and were still able to make our way out.”
The Petaluma Pumpkin Patch has been around for almost 30 seasons. They’re open every year around fall time. This year, the opening day was September 23rd.
“I recommend this event because it’s really fun to do with your family and friends in the fall time. You can get pumpkins to carve, they have a lot of options of size and color,” says Murray.
“People that love fall time, pumpkins, animals, and challenging your brain with a corn maze would love this event. And don’t worry, they have a map of the corn maze for those who need it.” Murray continues.
Murray says her favorite part of the event was the corn maze because it was challenging but she was still able to do it. “You can choose if you want a map or not,” she explained. “My friend and I chose not to get a map and were still able to make our way out.”
Lily Ellis, 8th grade student at OSA recommended the Autumn Lights Festival. “I really recommend Autumn Lights. It’s at Lake Merritt. I have an exhibit there that I’ve had for four years. It’s really colorful, they have food trucks that are good,” she said.
The Autumn Lights Festival is an annual event which this year took place from October 13th-15th. The festival is a fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt which were established more than 50 years ago.
Ellis recommends the event because she loves the social aspect of it. “You'll always see someone you know there. It’s also easy for little kids to get around, even though it’s dark. There’s places they can play, it’s just a nice evening event,” she said.“Families, most people would enjoy it, I think. But definitely families especially with younger children, even though older kids can enjoy it as well.”
Autumn Lights is a very popular evening event due to the social aspect, and being able to see the lights and displays. Ellis goes to the Autumn Lights every year with her family, they’ve had this tradition for, “about four years,” because of the display she has there. “I like seeing people I know. Even when I don’t make plans with them, I’ll still see people I know there, like there’s no way you won’t see anyone you know.”
The Autumn Lights Festival is an annual event which this year took place from October 13th-15th. The festival is a fundraiser for the Gardens at Lake Merritt which were established more than 50 years ago.
Ellis recommends the event because she loves the social aspect of it. “You'll always see someone you know there. It’s also easy for little kids to get around, even though it’s dark. There’s places they can play, it’s just a nice evening event,” she said.“Families, most people would enjoy it, I think. But definitely families especially with younger children, even though older kids can enjoy it as well.”
Autumn Lights is a very popular evening event due to the social aspect, and being able to see the lights and displays. Ellis goes to the Autumn Lights every year with her family, they’ve had this tradition for, “about four years,” because of the display she has there. “I like seeing people I know. Even when I don’t make plans with them, I’ll still see people I know there, like there’s no way you won’t see anyone you know.”
Halia Pratt, 6th grader at OSA recommends the Piedmont Avenue Parade. “Piedmont Avenue is a lively collection of shops, restaurants, and services in the heart of beautiful Oakland, California. The Merchants' Association is made up of local business owners and volunteers - you see us every day on the avenue,” states piedmontavenue.org.
Pratt recommends the event because, “...it’s really fun and there are a lot of good costumes. Some of the stores do haunted houses, which is fun.”
There are costumes, candy, pumpkins and much more, “If you go all the way to the end, at the park there’s a bouncy house and pumpkin patch,” Pratt mentions.
This year the parade was October 29th from 11AM-2PM. “PAMA is a volunteer group run by the same folks you see running the businesses on Piedmont Avenue.” They plan and run it in addition to running their businesses.
Pratt's favorite part is the costumes. “I really like the costumes, the best costumes ride on the back of a car and you can see them.” It’s a tradition in her family to go every year, because it’s right by her house.
Pratt recommends the event because, “...it’s really fun and there are a lot of good costumes. Some of the stores do haunted houses, which is fun.”
There are costumes, candy, pumpkins and much more, “If you go all the way to the end, at the park there’s a bouncy house and pumpkin patch,” Pratt mentions.
This year the parade was October 29th from 11AM-2PM. “PAMA is a volunteer group run by the same folks you see running the businesses on Piedmont Avenue.” They plan and run it in addition to running their businesses.
Pratt's favorite part is the costumes. “I really like the costumes, the best costumes ride on the back of a car and you can see them.” It’s a tradition in her family to go every year, because it’s right by her house.
Fall is always a good season for events, and great for spending time with your family. Why not celebrate by planning things to do? Enjoy the rest of your fall!