October, for most San Franciscans means two things: Halloween and Dia de Los Muertos. As you would expect there are a ton of those events happening this month in San Francisco. However, not everybody wants to do a Halloween themed event, and even if they do they probably want some other things too, so I’ve included a range of activities and experiences in this list of the best things to do in SF in October. From street fairs, to concerts, via true crime tours and Oktoberfest events, this month has it all.

Events & Activities in San Francisco This Month

1. PORTOLA (SEPTEMBER 30-OCTOBER 1)

Portola is back, ripped and really rocking. The line-up this year for the two-day festival includes Nelly Furtado, Carl Cox, Basement Jaxx and Jaz Paul. The event itself is located South of the Mission, on the bay, at Pier 80. 

More information here.

2. OKTOBERFEST (VARIOUS DATES)

That other thing that October is known for – the Barvarian Beer Festival. Why October? Well it’s named after it, right? San Francisco has several different venues for partaking in this ancient Germanic ritual.

The Oktoberfest in Oakland (September 30-October 1): more info here.

The Radhaus in the Fort Mason Center (open daily): more info here.

Oktoberfest by the Beach (September 30): more info here.

3. VISIT A MUSEUM FOR FREE (ALL MONTH)

For several days of the month (and for some special people on every day of the month) many SF museums are free. We have great museums (partly because of all the rich people that have lived here) – you should make the most of these opportunities.

Exploratorium: free admission for EBT cardholders and San Francisco Medi-Cal or CalFresh recipients. Also free for California public school teachers.

SF Botanical Gardens: free admission second Tuesday of every month.

Japanese Tea Gardens: free Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 am.

De Young Museum: free first Tuesday of every month, also free every Saturday for Bay Area residents.

SFMOMA: free first Thursday of the month for Bay Area residents.

Legion of Honor: free Saturday’s for Bay Area residents and free Tuesday’s for all.

Cable Car Museum: free everyday and one of the most interesting museums in San Francisco.

4. FLEET WEEK (OCTOBER 2-10)

Fleet Week is an annual event in San Francisco. It basically means that for about a week you’re going to be startled by sudden, ear-splitting, screams as US Navy jets and Second World War era fighter planes fly overhead. Even if you didn’t want to experience this event, if you’re anywhere near downtown SF and the waterfront, you will anyway. Having said that it is pretty damn cool that there is a constant aerial event going on in the skies above you. There are also naval ships that you can board and look around (under close supervision of course), which is also pretty interesting.

More info here.

5. NOTORIOUS SF: SCANDAL & CRIME TOUR (EVERY SATURDAY NIGHT)

What better month than October to do our true crime tour? San Francisco has a fascinating criminal history, that goes back to the Gold Rush era, when Vigilance Committee’s took over the “policing” of the city (which is where the term ‘vigilante’ originated). There were several red light districts in the downtown area during the nineteenth and early twentieth century, opium dens were tucked into the basements of many alleys in Chinatown, and sailors had to be wary lest they woke up on a strange ship, having been shanghaied in the infamous Barbary Coast neighborhood (which is where that term was invented). And we haven’t even mentioned the Fatty Arbuckle Scandal yet…

Join us on Union Square as we go on a cold-case true crime investigation into San Francisco’s dark past – and get cocktails in a couple of historic bars. Every Saturday night, at 6pm. It’s definitely one of the best things to do in SF in October.

More info here.

6. WATCH A SCARY MOVIE (October 20)

October is also the month for watching scary movies, Sundown Cinema are showing Ghostbusters (1984).

More info here.

7. CASTRO STREET FAIR (OCTOBER 1)

The Castro Street Fair is back! This is the 49th edition in the series and it involves live music, DJ’s, market stalls and much more. Donations of $10-20 are encouraged (proceeds go to various non-profits and over $1.5 million has been raised in this way). Always one of the best things to do in SF in October.

More info here.

8. VISIT THE INSTITUTE OF CONTEMPORARY ART (ALL MONTH)

The ICA SF opened nearly a year ago. It’s a contemporary art space in the Mission Bay area, that’s dedicated to presenting work by lesser-known and up-and-coming artists. It’s completely free too. Wish them well for their anniversary.

More info here.

9. HAVE A GOOD LAUGH (VARIOUS DATES)

It’s called “good” for a reason. It’s healthy to have one every now and then. There are several big name comedians in town in October, such as Jim Jefferies, George Lopez and Nick Swardson.

There’s also Cobb’s Comedy Club and Secret Improv Society.

10. GO TO A CONCERT BY CANDLELIGHT (VARIOUS DATES)

These concerts are held in various locations around San Francisco, including St Ignatius Church, Grace Cathedral and the Hibernia. There’s nothing nicer than listening to great music, played by a live orchestra, in a beautiful setting. And if you add candlelight too…

More info here.

If you have any feedback on the 10 Best Things to Do in SF in October please email us or reach out on social media, we’d love to hear from you.

– By Damien Blackshaw (Twitter)