OCTOBER 19–25, 2026
Early Halloween fun, good stories and small discoveries close to home.
Hi friends,
Halloween is arriving early around the Peninsula, with costume-friendly celebrations in Mountain View, Los Altos, Redwood City and San Mateo. There’s also time for a downtown wine stroll, a good story and a practical stop at the Repair Café.
Here are 12 event picks for October 19–25, followed by community notes and farmers markets to keep handy.
Choose a favorite, bring a neighbor, and enjoy the week ahead.
—Lisa
01 · YOUR WEEK, CLOSE TO HOME
Sessions begin 4pm and 6:40pm
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road
Begin the week with documentaries including Saving Etting Street and Hanging by a Wire. Choose a session and check tickets on the festival website; individual film times may shift with Q&As.
1–2pm
Main Library, Laurel Room, 55 West Third Avenue
A practical talk on making your healthcare wishes known and understanding who can make decisions on your behalf. Presented by Stephanie Peters of enABLE Care Management. Registration required.
6–7pm
Main Library, Oak Room, 55 West Third Avenue
Lindsay Marie Morris explores the experiences of Italian Americans on the West Coast during World War II through the history behind her novel. Register through the library.
10am–12:30pm
Stanford Bookstore, 519 Lasuen Mall
Hear emerging novelists share short excerpts from their completed manuscripts. Free and open to all; settle in for a literary morning with a café nearby.
6–9pm; check-in opens 5pm
Downtown Los Altos; check in at Veterans Community Plaza, Main and State Streets
Make an evening of downtown wine tasting and live music. Tickets and ID are required; check the organizer’s page for current availability and pricing.
10am–1pm
Los Altos Community Center, 97 Hillview Avenue
A free family morning of crafts, games and seasonal activities. No registration is required; supplies are available while they last.
10am–2pm
Rengstorff Park, 201 South Rengstorff Avenue
A free costume-friendly celebration with a treat trail, games and entertainment. Parking is limited; walking or biking is encouraged.
Noon–3pm
Red Morton Community Center, 1120 Roosevelt Avenue
Try carnival games, crafts, a monster maze and a mini pumpkin patch. Designed for children up to age 10; $10 per child, with parents and guardians admitted free. Advance registration closes October 23 at 4pm; drop-ins are permitted.
3–5pm
B Street pedestrian mall, between 1st and 3rd Avenues
Bring the family downtown for trick-or-treating, crafts, music and photo opportunities. Admission is free, with food and drinks available.
8–9pm
Curio Bar, 775 Valencia Street
Novel-writing graduates share stories at this free reading during the Mission District’s Lit Crawl. Make it one stop on a literary evening around the neighborhood.
11am–3pm; check-in closes 2:30pm or earlier if full
Senior Center, 266 Escuela Avenue
Give a broken household item another chance with help from volunteer fixers. Bring up to two items per household and arrive early; repairs depend on the item and available expertise.
1–4pm
Elks Lodge, 4249 El Camino Real
Open to local families as well as members and guests. A $20 ticket plus tax includes one pumpkin and carving kit; advance purchase is encouraged.
02 · LOCAL NOTES
Through October 25
Participating downtown restaurants
Try a new local spot and collect qualifying visits in the downtown dining passport for a chance at prizes. Check participating businesses and the program rules before heading out.
03 · LOCAL NOTES
Sunday, October 25 · Films from 1pm; awards and reception at 8:30pm
Mitchell Park Community Center, 3700 Middlefield Road
The festival’s final day includes One in a Million and an evening session beginning at 5:20pm. Check the full schedule and ticket options before choosing your visit.
04 · LOCAL NOTES
Wednesday, October 21 · Appointments between 11am and noon
Hillsdale Library
Book a 30-minute appointment for help with email, software or library eBooks. Bring your device and, for eBook help, your library card. Hardware repairs are not offered.
Make a market stop part of your week. Mountain View is at its regular Caltrain location on October 25.
3–7pm · 194 West 25th Avenue
3–7pm · Park Road, between Burlingame and Howard avenues
8am–1pm · Broadway, 200–300 blocks
8am–1pm · Arguello Street, between Broadway and Brewster
9am–1pm · 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
9am–1pm · 1010 Metro Center Boulevard
8am–noon · Gilman Street, between Forest and Hamilton
9am–1pm · El Camino Real at O’Neill Avenue
9am–1pm · Park Road
9am–1pm · Chestnut Street at Crane Street
9am–2pm · 222 East 4th Avenue
9am–1pm · California Avenue
9am–1pm · Caltrain station, 600 West Evelyn Avenue