October is arriving with plenty of reasons to get out and enjoy Santa Clara County. From a countryside celebration near Almaden Valley to an Italian street festival, colorful glass pumpkins, and downtown Oktoberfest festivities, the coming weekends offer something for families, couples, and friends.
If you’re planning your next outing, here are eight events worth putting on your calendar for October 2–4, 2026, and the weeks ahead.
1. Enjoy a countryside afternoon near Almaden Valley
The Santa Clara County Horsemen’s Association’s fourth annual Fall Festival Open House offers a chance to experience the equestrian side of Almaden.
The planned activities include synchronized riding, jumping and barrel demonstrations, a horse breed exhibit, live music, and opportunities to spend time with horses at grooming and photo stations. Crafts, hot dogs, snacks, and root beer floats round out the afternoon.
For Almaden residents, this is a lovely opportunity to explore a local organization that reflects the area’s rural heritage and foothill lifestyle.
When: Saturday, October 3, 3–6 p.m.
Where: 20350 McKean Road, San Jose, CA 95120
Admission: Free entry; food and activities have separate costs. The organizer provides registration and waiver information online.
Plan your visit.
2. Celebrate community at Santa Clara’s Parade of Champions
For a weekend outing filled with community spirit, head to the 57th Santa Clara Parade of Champions and Festival.
The celebration brings together the parade, live music, performances, community booths, a street food market, and a Sports Fan Zone. Organizers also list mascot and player appearances, interactive activities, and a children’s area with a bounce house and slide.
Make a day of it: enjoy the parade, browse the festival, and stay for food and entertainment.
When: Saturday, October 3; festival hours are 8 a.m.–5 p.m. Check the program for parade timing.
Where: Historic downtown Santa Clara, around Franklin Square and Benton Street
Admission: Free general attendance; select experiences and purchases cost extra.
See the event program.
3. Find a little fall sparkle at Santana Row
Santana Row’s Glass Pumpkin Festival offers a beautiful way to welcome the season.
Thousands of hand-blown glass pumpkins will be on display, featuring work by Bay Area Glass Institute artists and other glass artisans. Visitors can browse the colorful pieces, watch live glassblowing demonstrations, and purchase a pumpkin to bring home.
Pair the visit with lunch or dinner for an easy fall outing—or simply enjoy watching artists turn molten glass into something special.
When: Friday, October 2, 3–9 p.m.; Saturday, October 3, 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Sunday, October 4, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Santana Row, 377 Santana Row, San Jose
Admission: Free; artwork is available for purchase.
Explore festival details.
4. Spend Sunday enjoying Little Italy
Come hungry to the Little Italy San Jose Italian Festival, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.
The festival combines Italian food, live entertainment, cultural exhibits, arts and crafts, wine tasting, and an Italian supercar display. Children’s activities and the Little Italy Train add options for younger visitors.
It’s a great pick for a group with different interests: some can browse the cars, others can explore the cultural activities, and everyone can meet up over something delicious.
When: Sunday, October 4, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.
Where: Little Italy district, at Little Italy Way and Sharks Way, San Jose
Admission: Free entry; food, drinks, and some experiences cost extra.
See festival details.
5. Rediscover childhood favorites at the Super Toy Show
The San Jose Super Toy, Comic & Collectible Show brings more than 250 tables of collectibles to the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
Expect a browsing adventure through toys, comics, and pop culture memorabilia. It’s an appealing outing for collectors—and for anyone who enjoys spotting a favorite character or toy from childhood.
When: October 3–4. Saturday general admission runs 11 a.m.–4:30 p.m., with early-bird entry beginning at 9 a.m.; Sunday hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Expo Hall, Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, 344 Tully Road, San Jose
Admission: General admission is listed at $15, early-bird admission at $20, and admission for children under 12 at $5. Parking is listed at $20, payable by credit card.
Check show information.
6. Save the date for Pumpkins in the Park
Looking ahead to the following weekend, Pumpkins in the Park brings a family fall celebration to Discovery Meadow.
Hosted by the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, the annual harvest festival celebrates autumn while helping visitors connect with the Guadalupe River Park. It’s a natural choice for families looking for a seasonal outing in downtown San Jose.
When: Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Discovery Meadow, 180 Woz Way, San Jose
Planning tip: Check the organizer’s page for the activity schedule and day-of information as the event approaches.
Plan your fall outing.
7. Shop local at Santana Row’s Makers Market
Also on October 10, Santana Row’s Local Artist Street Fair offers another reason to spend an afternoon outdoors.
The market features more than 60 makers, with items such as handmade jewelry, ceramics, candles, artwork, leather goods, plants, and local honey. Live music adds to the atmosphere, and organizers welcome children and dogs.
Go to browse, find a thoughtful gift, or pick up something handmade for your home.
When: Saturday, October 10, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Where: Santana Row, San Jose
Admission: Free; purchases are separate.
View Santana Row’s event calendar.
8. Make plans for Campbell Oktoberfest
Downtown Campbell’s Oktoberfest returns October 17–18, bringing a lively fall festival to the heart of the city.
The event includes live entertainment, food, a beer garden, costume and stein-holding contests, and a KinderPlatz children’s area. With free admission, it’s easy to stop by for a few hours or spend the afternoon enjoying the festivities.
When: Saturday, October 17, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, October 18, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: Downtown Campbell
Admission: Free entry; food, drinks, and certain activities cost extra.
Explore Oktoberfest.
A season to enjoy your community
These outings offer different ways to enjoy fall close to home: meet neighbors in Almaden, celebrate in Santa Clara, explore San Jose’s cultural traditions, or spend an afternoon in downtown Campbell.
They’re also a reminder that choosing where to live means choosing the experiences around you. Community gatherings, local organizations, and neighborhood traditions help make a place feel like home.
Pick an event, invite someone along, and leave a little room in the weekend for something fun.
Event details were checked October 1, 2026. Visit the linked organizer pages before heading out for current schedules, registration requirements, and admission information.