OCTOBER 26-NOVEMBER 1, 2026
Costumes, garden conversations and a Sunday celebration of life.
Hi friends,
October’s last week has plenty of ways to get out and enjoy the neighborhood: a garden gathering, Halloween on California Avenue and a Sunday ballet inspired by Día de los Muertos. There are quieter options, too, including book clubs and a chance to try 3D printing.
Here are 11 picks for October 26-November 1, plus two useful reminders and the weekly markets. Choose a favorite, invite a neighbor, and enjoy the week ahead.
- Lisa
01 · YOUR WEEK, CLOSE TO HOME
3:30-4:30pm appointment window
Hillsdale Branch Library
Bring an idea and try a one-to-one 3D printing session. Equipment is provided; some designs may need to be collected later. Book through the library’s appointment link.
Details & registration →
5:30-6:30pm
Hillsdale Branch Library
October’s Romance Book Club selection is I Think I Am in Love With an Alien by Ann Aguirre. Join fellow readers for a discussion of this month’s pick.
Details & registration →
6-7pm · Waitlist currently available
Main Library, Oak Room, 55 West Third Avenue
Watch a seasonal cooking demonstration from the Pacific Coast Farmers’ Market Association. The program includes recipes, market shopping tips and a take-home recipe card. Registration is required; join the waitlist and attend only if your place is confirmed.
Details & registration →
6-8pm
Main Library, Laurel Room, 55 West Third Avenue
Bring whatever you are reading. Meet other readers at 6pm, settle into quiet reading from 6:30-7:30pm, then stay to chat or keep turning pages.
Details & registration →
4-6pm · Free; RSVP requested
1431 Waverley Street
Wander the garden, meet neighbors and enjoy light bites at this relaxed gathering. You can also learn about volunteering and the Horticulture Hub. RSVP to help the hosts plan.
Details & registration →
5-7pm · Grades 8-12
Main Library, Oak Room, 55 West Third Avenue
An afternoon of pumpkin carving and seasonal snacks, with The Nightmare Before Christmas playing in the background. Reserve a place through the library.
Details & registration →
Friday 8pm; also Saturday, October 31 at 2pm and 7pm
Mountain View Center for the Performing Arts, SecondStage, 500 Castro Street
HaoExpression Dance Company brings a dramatic dance interpretation of Dracula to the stage. Tickets are $40 or $60 depending on seating. The 90-minute program includes two intermissions; parental guidance is suggested for mature themes.
Details & registration →
10am-1pm · Free
California Avenue, between El Camino Real and Birch Street
The Thursday Live series moves to Saturday for this Halloween celebration. Enjoy live music, games, face painting and balloons on the car-free street, with Andy Z performing at 11am.
Details & registration →
Noon-3pm · Free RSVP
Children’s Garden, Yerba Buena Gardens, 799 Howard Street
Circus Bella performers, live music, crafts and a costume parade make this a festive outing for children under 10 and their adults. Costumes are welcome; reserve through the festival’s free RSVP link.
Details & registration →
5-9pm · Free; RSVP available
Museum of American Heritage, 351 Homer Avenue
Put on a costume for an evening of candy, a flashlight ghost hunt, curious artifacts and a mad-scientist demonstration. A different way to spend Halloween close to home.
Details & registration →
Performances at 1pm and 4pm · Tickets required
College of San Mateo Theatre, 1700 West Hillsdale Boulevard
Oceánica Ballet celebrates life and the resilience of love in a story inspired by Día de los Muertos. The program also includes excerpts from P1N0CCH10 and Carmilla. Choose a performance and seating option on the company’s ticket page.
Details & registration →02 · GOOD TO KNOW
Sunday, November 1: clocks move back at 2am
Daylight saving time ends
Turn manual clocks back one hour before bed on Saturday. Phones generally update automatically, but check your car and kitchen clocks before heading to a Sunday event.
Details & registration →
Sunday, November 1, 9am-1pm
California Avenue at El Camino Real
The market lists mobile knife sharpening on the first Sunday of each month. Check the operator’s details before bringing your kitchen knives, and combine the errand with your weekly produce stop.
Details & registration →03 · FRESH LOCAL FINDS
The 25th Avenue market has ended its 2026 season. Thursday’s Burlingame market is listed through October; check seasonal schedules before a special trip.
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
8am-noon
Gilman Street, between Forest and Hamilton
9am-1pm
El Camino Real at O’Neill Avenue
9am-1pm
Chestnut Street at Crane Street
9am-1pm
California Avenue
9am-1pm
Caltrain station, 600 West Evelyn Avenue
Event details and availability checked October 23, 2026. Follow organizer links for updates before you go. Cover and home/market visuals are editorial illustrations; event thumbnails are organizer-supplied artwork.