The first leaves are falling, and East Bay towns are welcoming the season with open arms (and beer mugs) 🍻

The first leaves are falling, and East Bay towns are welcoming the season with open arms (and beer mugs). As the air turns crisper, neighbors and families are flocking to street fairs, pumpkin patches, and Oktoberfest celebrations to enjoy the warmth of community. From golden afternoons strolling in town squares to lively music echoing under cozy tents, this week’s events remind us how much fun it is to get outside together. We’ve rounded up the best local happenings to keep your calendar packed with that friendly, hometown vibe.

Spotlight
Community Spirit in Tradition

🍺 Clayton Oktoberfest (Clayton, Oct 4–5)

🕒 Hours:
Sat, Oct 4: 11am–8pm (Carnival rides until 10pm)
Sun, Oct 5: 11am–6pm
📍 Location:
Main Street, Downtown Clayton
💵 Cost:
Free entry

Downtown Clayton transforms into a Bavarian playground at the annual Clayton Oktoberfest, a beloved tradition at the base of Mt. Diablo. Picture rows of communal tables, steins clinking, and the air filled with polka and laughter. The biergarten sets the stage with authentic German seating straight out of Munich, while two live music stages keep the energy high with oompah bands and folk tunes. Families will love the full-scale carnival — rides, Ferris wheel, games — and shoppers can browse artisan crafts and delicious food vendors. The best part? Admission and parking are free, making it one of the most accessible big fall festivals in the Bay.

🎶 80s Dance Night at The Warehouse Cafe (Port Costa, Sept 27)

🕒 Hours:
Sat, Sept 27 – 6pm to midnight
📍 Location:
The Warehouse Cafe, 5 Canyon Lake Dr, Port Costa
💵 Cost:
Free entry (cash bar)

Pull on your neon and cue the synths — 80’s Night DJ at The Warehouse is pure retro escapism. Expect wall-to-wall nostalgia as DJs Phil & Phramer Kramer unleash the biggest anthems of the decade. Think pulsing synth-pop, hair-metal choruses, and guilty-pleasure dance tracks that keep the crowd moving all night. With a lively mix of locals and costumed ’80s diehards, the energy is electric — a throwback party where big hair, neon colors, and carefree vibes take over the dance floor.

🎨 EVENTS THIS WEEK

🎡 Maker Faire Bay Area – Vallejo
📅 Sept 26–28, various times
📍 Mare Island, Vallejo
💵 Tickets start ~$25

A massive playground for creators and families with hundreds of exhibits in robotics, drones, 3D printing, food, and live music. Build, tinker, and discover at one of the most exciting maker fests in the country.

🎷 Jazz Mafia @ The Sound Room – Oakland
📅 Sun Sept 28, 7pm
📍 The Sound Room, Oakland
💵 Tickets ~$20

Bay Area’s own Jazz Mafia pays tribute to Cannonball Adderley with explosive energy and soulful arrangements. Expect an intimate night of top-notch musicianship and irresistible grooves.

🎤 Haley Reinhart at Yoshi’s – Oakland
📅 Sun Sept 28, 7pm (doors 6:30pm)
📍 Yoshi’s, Oakland
💵 Tickets ~$35

The vintage‑soul powerhouse and American Idol alum takes the stage at Yoshi’s, delivering soaring vocals and jazz‑infused pop that will captivate from the first note.

🌊 Family Nature Fun Hour – Alameda
📅 Sat & Sun, 1:30pm
📍 Crab Cove Visitor Center, Alameda
💵 Free

Kids and families can dive into shoreline exploration with crafts, outdoor activities, and guided fun at Crab Cove. Perfect weekend bonding with nature.

🌿 Guided Tours – Sunol Regional Parks Botanic Garden
📅 Sat 2pm, Sun 11am & 2pm
📍 Sunol, CA
💵 Free

Docents lead fascinating tours of native plant gardens, highlighting California’s rich biodiversity in an inspiring natural setting.

🦎 Reptile Rendezvous – Sunol
📅 Sat & Sun afternoons
📍 Sunol Wilderness Preserve
💵 Free

Meet snakes, lizards, and turtles up close with animal ambassadors that spark curiosity for kids and adults alike.

🍽️ LOCAL FLAVOR

Nestled right next to Clayton Oktoberfest is Skylar Bistro (downtown Clayton), a bright eatery where “American comfort meets Thai authenticity” (skylarbistro.com). In the fall they spotlight cozy flavors – for example, try their seasonal Pumpkin Curry special (skylarbistro.com). The menu blends brunch favorites (bacon and coffee) with Thai-style dinners, so everyone in the family can find something warm and delicious (skylarbistro.com). It’s the perfect pre-fest spot to fuel up with a latte and pumpkin treat or to cap off an Oktoberfest day with a full Thai feast in this friendly neighborhood you can walk to after the beer tent.

💌 Heartfelt Stories

Heartfelt, uplifting, and community-driven — here are a couple of stories that remind us why the East Bay is such a special place to call home.

Bay Area P.E. teacher being honored for his kindness and 30 years of helping kids

A longtime Berkeley P.E. teacher, Donald “Coach Don” Arreola-Burl, was just named this month’s Chris Kindness Award winner after 30+ years of uplifting kids (ktvu.com). Hundreds of community votes poured in for the kind-hearted educator known for going the extra mile, showing how one person’s care can inspire an entire city.

Contra Costa High School Students Win Global Media Award

Contra Costa Youth Journalism (CCYJ), a local program training high-school reporters, won a global “Gold” News Media Prize (localnewsmatters.org). These student reporters – from underserved districts – earned international acclaim for producing real community news, a touching reminder of how empowering kids with skills can help their hometowns thrive.

📰East Bay News Highlights

Announcing successful launch of Community Hub at Hayward Public Library

The City of Hayward just launched a new Community Hub at the downtown library (hayward-ca.gov). It’s a one-stop-drop-in with health clinics, food aid, legal help, childcare support and more, staffed by partner nonprofits and city programs to serve families conveniently in one place.

🏠 Just Listed: East Bay Homes You’ll Love

15 Long Creek Cir, Clayton, CA 94517

A detached villa with no shared walls, wood floors, and natural stone accents. Includes a 2‑car garage with EV-ready outlets, attic storage, and front-load washer/dryer. The community offers private streets, green spaces, pool, cabana, RV storage, and sweeping Mt. Diablo views. Close to trails, parks, dog runs, golf, library, downtown dining, and top-rated schools.

2154 35th Ave, Oakland, CA 94601

Freshly updated with new paint, modern flooring, and upgraded appliances. Comes with an attached garage and is just a short walk to BART. Quick access to 880 and 580 freeways makes commuting easy. Bonus: ADU potential adds exciting flexibility for buyers.

900 Cambridge Drive 104, Benicia, CA 94510

This upstairs unit offers a private patio overlooking mature trees, complete with storage shed. Features in-unit laundry and a convenient layout. The community has a pool and playground, all minutes from downtown Benicia, freeways, and schools. Perfect for a first-time buyer or someone seeking easy, low-maintenance living.

Looking to make a move? Whether you’re buying or selling, we’ve got you covered:

Start your personalized home search with just one click.

Curious about your home’s value? Get a quick estimate right here.

🌟 Catch You Next Week…

From Oktoberfest steins clinking in Clayton to neon nights in Port Costa, this week showed just how colorful and connected our East Bay can be. We’ve cheered on local talent, explored new flavors, celebrated community wins, and highlighted homes worth falling for. As you head into the week ahead, carry that same spirit of joy, nostalgia, and togetherness — because the East Bay always has more magic around the corner.

Stay local & stay inspired,

Ryan DeAmaral

Co-Writer, Twin Oaks Insider

ryan@twinoaksre.com