Fall is such a fun time. The school year promises field trips, football games and fundraisers. The trees change color, adorning communities in bright new shades of scarlet, gold and copper. The harvest gets going with the wine crush, and apples, pumpkins and gourds are set out along country roads. Many communities host fun fall activities to celebrate the last long rays of summer and plan the holiday revels of winter. California’s Central Valley is filled with fun this time of year. 

October Events:

Octoberfest – October 1: 5:30 – 9:30 PM

$35 Advance tickets, $40 at the door. Vossler Farms Pumpkin Patch – 26773 S Mooney Blvd.

Live entertainment includes the Patrick Contreras Band, Richfield, Ryan Dean and the Bricktop and last year’s favorite, DAS POLKA DOTS. Local restaurants plate up their specialties, and there are beers and wines to sample as well.

Taste of Downtown Visalia – October 6: 5 – 8:30 PM; $35 until 9/20, $40 after that.

Your ticket gets you into more than 30 participating downtown restaurants as well as the wine and beer tasting offerings. Musicians will be performing at various streetside locations and the Visalia trolley will whisk you to the restaurant of your choice.

Relay For Life of Tulare October 10: 9 am: Bob Mathias Stadium – 755 E. Tulare Ave.

At this event, volunteer teams will take turns walking around the track to raise money and awareness to help the American Cancer Society in the world’s largest movement to end cancer. All cancer survivors are guests of honor at their community Relay For Life events and may participate in the “Survivor’s Lap” to celebrate their victory over cancer. Next is the Caregivers Lap, in which anyone who ever cared for someone with cancer walks a lap so they can be honored for their support.

Springville Apple Festival – October 17 & 18, Springville CA (17 Miles east of Porterville).

This fun family festival includes over 200 craft booths, food booths, carnival rides, clowns and entertainment. There are also fun runs of 5K, 10K and a kids run. The Annual Fat Tire Classic Mountain Bike Race is on Sunday morning. All racers must register online.

Taste The Arts – October 17: 12 – 6 PM, Garden Street between Main Street and School Avenue, downtown Tulare.

Hosted by the arts council of Tulare County, this free downtown street fair celebrates the rich culture and artistic heritage of the community. More than 70 artists will display their work.

Fall Wine Cornucopia – October 24: 1 – 5 PM, Friant and Fort Washington streets, Fresno; $45 in advance, $50 at the door, $15 Designated Driver Tickets available.

In its 10th year, this event celebrates the abundance and deliciousness of the valley’s wine and produce. Exhibitors from Stockton to Bakersfield bring their annual best for visitors to taste and savor. Arts, music and other regional heritage specialties are also on display.

HallowWILD – October 23 & 24: 5 – 8PM, Micke Grove Zoo, Lodi.

Miniature ghosts, goblins and cartoon characters will be running wild at the zoo for this Halloween family event. Halloween and animal themed games, crafts and trick-or-treat stations make this unique valley treat a lifetime memory adventure for all ages.

Dead of Night Zombie Run – October 30: 6:00 PM, Valley Oaks Golf Course, Visalia; $35 per runner before 10/15, $45 after that.

The inaugural running of this 2.5-mile race through the woods pits runners against the zombies hiding in the trees. The zombies are interested in only one thing – the flags on the runners (not their brains). Survivors (with and without flags) get a medal and entrance to the food, refreshments and festivities at the post-race party.

November Events:

Candy Cane Parade – November 30: 7 PM, downtown Visalia

This fabulous family event celebrates its 70th year this year. The 1.5-mile route offers great seating and viewing opportunities all along its path. There will be prizes for the best floats. Bring your neighbors and friends – it’ll be a wonderful start to the Christmas season.

To find a home close to these and other great San Joaquin Valley events, contact us today.

Lisa Walker

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