It seems that when the weather starts to shift, people are motivated to get out and explore what the world has to offer. As we leave the hot days of summer, the cooler fall temperatures mean we can get back outside to enjoy the local backroads of Contra Costa County.  Today, we are excited to share three fall events that allow us to celebrate the Fall season.

FALL HARVEST

Fall Harvest is a celebration of pumpkins, hayrides, tractors rides and the chance to get lost in a giant corn maze.  This year, the farms of Harvest Time are coming together to celebrate their first Fall Harvest. Families, young and old, are invited out to explore our local farms.  

Three Nunns Farm – Harvest Time Brentwood

To welcome the fall, families can spend a day finding the perfect pumpkin at one of several U-pick pumpkin farms. You can treat your kids to a tractor ride, or enjoy a tour around a farm on a good old fashioned hayride.  Before you leave the farms for the day, make sure you enjoy the adrenaline rush of making your way through an enormous corn maze. 

U-Pick Pumpkins at G&S farms

Several other ways you can enjoy Fall Harvest is by enjoying the tomato Harvest, enjoying locally grown fall veggies, or visit one of the farm stores to bring home local honey, treats or a beautifully prepared gift basket.  Schools that are interested in introducing their students to Fall Harvest can schedule a day at one of several farms. 

When you are looking for a way to spend the day with your family, visit HarvestForYou.com and learn which farms are participating to schedule your visit. 

Contra Costa Winegrowers Vintner’s Dinner

Another way to welcome Fall into East County is by attending the annual Contra Costa Winegrowers Vintner’s Dinner.  This is a perfect event for all of you looking for a special night out. For families with young kids at home, book a babysitter and get ready for a night centered on enjoying award-winning wines from Contra Costa wine growers paired with a specially designed menu at one of East County’s only waterfront fine dining restaurants.

Photo by Ron Essex

When it comes to one-of-a-kind experiences, Vintner’s dinners are at the top of the list.  You will enjoy a marvelous evening as our local winemakers share the stories and flavors of their wines.  In an intimate setting, you will be treated to special wines that flow as freely as the conversation, outstanding culinary flavors, and spectacular waterfront setting.  Each Vintner’s Dinner has its own unique experience, carefully crafted by your hosts. After spending a stunning evening at this annual Contra Costa winegrowers event, you will be ready to purchase tickets for next year. 

Smith’s Landing Antioch

If you are interested in learning more about the Vitner’s Dinner, visit the Contra Costa Winegrower’s event page. 

Oktoberfest 

Oktoberfest is an agricultural celebration that has its roots planted over 200 years ago in Munich Germany.  Brentwood’s Oktoberfest is a free, family-friendly event that is held in the downtown City Park. At this event, you can expect many of the traditional Oktoberfest activities, such as live German music and dancing, a stein-hoisting race, lederhosen, German brats, pretzels and a large sampling of beer and wine for you to enjoy while exploring the different vendors and activities set up throughout the downtown Brentwood corridor.  

Oktoberfest Brentwood CA

While looking for ways to welcome in the Fall, Oktoberfest allows you to spend the day with your family downtown.  While children play at City Park, parents can sit back and enjoy live music and traditional drinks under the shade of the trees.  A VIP experience is also offered, which includes drink tokens, beer or wine mug, access to private restrooms, a T-shirt and a VIP lanyard. To learn more about the event and purchase your VIP experience, visit the Downtown Brentwood Coalititions event page. 

Enjoy Local Fall Events

There are so many ways to welcome the spirit of fall in with the variety of fall events we have in East Contra Costa County.  You can choose from family-friendly events, with options for picture-perfect Fall memories to exquisite evenings out to celebrate you and a loved one…and everything in between.  Fall is a wonderful time to be in Contra Costa County.  Make sure you follow our events calendar to never miss a way to welcome the spirit of Fall.