5 Things to Do in Castro Valley This October: Fall Events, Local Favorites & Weekend Fun
October is a great time to slow down and enjoy Castro Valley with the family. The weather is usually comfortable enough for an afternoon outdoors, local parks make an easy weekend escape, and fall brings plenty of pumpkins, Halloween activities, and community events to the area.
If you’re looking for simple ways to enjoy the season without planning a big trip, here are five family-friendly activities to add to your October calendar.
1. Catch a Free Movie at Movie in the Park
Event: Movie in the Park: The Goonies
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: Games begin at 6:00 p.m.; movie begins at 7:00 p.m.
Location: Adobe Park
Address: 20395 San Miguel Avenue, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Area: Central Castro Valley
Cost: Free
Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and the family for an outdoor movie night under the stars. The Castro Valley Rotary's Movie in the Park event will feature The Goonies, along with family games and snacks before the movie begins.
It's an easy way to enjoy a Saturday evening close to home without spending much.
Family tip: Arrive early so the kids can enjoy the games and your family can find a comfortable spot on the lawn.
2. Celebrate Halloween at Pumpkins, Ghosts & Giggles
Event: Pre-K: Pumpkins, Ghosts & Giggles
Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Kenneth C. Aitken Senior & Community Center
Address: 17800 Redwood Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Area: Castro Valley
Cost: $10
For families with younger children, this is a fun way to celebrate Halloween without going too spooky. The event includes pumpkins, friendly ghosts, crafts, hands-on activities, and silly games designed specifically for preschool-aged children.
Pre-registration is required, and the event is limited to potty-trained children.
Family tip: This is a good choice for little ones who love Halloween but may not be ready for scarier haunted attractions.
3. Spend an Afternoon at Lake Chabot
Activity: Lake Chabot Regional Park
Address: 17600 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Area: Lake Chabot
Best for: Walking, scenery, family time, and an easy outdoor afternoon
You don't need a special event to enjoy fall in Castro Valley. Lake Chabot Regional Park is an easy local destination for a relaxing afternoon outdoors.
Take a walk around the lake, enjoy the scenery, bring snacks, or let the kids enjoy some time outside. The area has trails and recreational activities for families, making it a simple option when you want to get out of the house without committing to a full-day adventure.
The nearby Lake Chabot Marina & Café also gives families an option to grab something to eat or drink after spending time outdoors. The marina is located at 17936 Lake Chabot Road, Castro Valley, CA 94546.
Family tip: Plan your visit for the afternoon and stay for the changing light around the lake.
4. Make a Day Trip to the Dublin Harvest Fair
Event: Dublin Harvest Fair
Date: Saturday, October 10, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Location: Dublin Heritage Park and Museums
Address: 6600 Donlon Way, Dublin, CA 94568
Area: Downtown Dublin / Heritage Park
Cost: Free admission
If you're willing to take a short drive outside Castro Valley, the Dublin Harvest Fair is a great family-friendly fall outing.
This year's event includes a new pumpkin patch, petting zoo, interactive games, face painting, apple crate toss, pumpkin ring toss, gold panning, butter churning, and other old-fashioned fall activities.
Admission is free, while activity wristbands and pumpkins are available for purchase.
Family tip: Make a morning of it and explore the historic Kolb House while you're there.
5. Try Something New at One's Cafe & Bakery
Café: Ones Cafe & Bakery
Address: 3483 Castro Valley Boulevard, Castro Valley, CA 94546
Area: Castro Valley Boulevard
Best for: Coffee, pastries, breakfast, and a casual family stop
Not every fall activity needs to be a big event. Sometimes the best weekend plans are simply grabbing a coffee, trying a new pastry, and spending some time together.
One's Cafe & Bakery is a local Castro Valley café and a fun option to add to a weekend outing. Stop in for coffee and something sweet or savory, then continue exploring Castro Valley Boulevard.
Family tip: Make it a simple family tradition: choose one new local café or restaurant to try each month.
Enjoying Fall Close to Home
One of the best things about living in Castro Valley is that you don't have to travel far to find something to do. From a free movie night at Adobe Park to an afternoon around Lake Chabot, there are plenty of ways to make the most of the season.
The best part? These are the kinds of activities that make a community feel like home.
Thinking About Making Castro Valley Home?
If you're considering a move to Castro Valley or another East Bay community, knowing the neighborhoods is just as important as knowing the homes.
I'm always happy to be a resource for local recommendations, neighborhood questions, and real estate plans.
Thinking about making a move in the East Bay? Let's talk about what you're looking for and find the right next step for you.
