The first day of fall is Sept. 22, a time of year when Richmond organizations are busy hosting annual events and seasonal fun things to do.
If you’re wondering when your favorite fall festival or pumpkin pool activity is happening, Richmondside has you covered with a roundup of fall activities in Richmond and nearby.
- Spirit and Soul Festival returns to downtown
- YES nature nonprofit hosts day of fun to kick off fundraiser
- Richmond parks and recreation fall outdoor adventures
- Fall youth activities at RYSE Center
- Indigenous People’s Day, fall art classes at Richmond Art Center
- Fall festival to be held at Nicholl Park
- Point Richmond theater’s fall repertoire is underway
- Richmond police host haunted house
- It’s a floating pumpkin patch
- Now this is getting ghosted: Historic hike returns to Point Richmond
- Costume contest goes to the dogs
- Harvest festival at House Rabbit Society
- Costume contest and candy on Solano Avenue
- WCCUSD fall schedule
- Fall wine tasting benefits youth program
- Related stories
Spirit and Soul Festival returns to downtown
You can check out classic cars, listen to live music and browse through artisan crafts at a soulful celebration this weekend in downtown Richmond.
The Spirit and Soul 2025 Festival, which wasn’t held last year, will also feature a youth sports zone as well as a health and resources hub.
Organizers expect more than a dozen food vendors to be on hand as well as 70 artisans displaying their wares. The free event will also include a Car Hop Competition for vintage vehicles on hydraulics and three live bands.
The festival is organized by the Richmond Main Street Initiative. It takes place along Macdonald Avenue between Harbour Way and 16th Street.
Spirit and Soul 2025, Sat., Sept. 20, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Macdonald Avenue between Harbour Way and 16th Street. Free.
YES nature nonprofit hosts day of fun to kick off fundraiser
Join YES Nature to Neighborhoods, a Richmond nature-focused nonprofit, for an action-pack activity day at Nicholl Park to celebrate its effort to build a new center that aims to connect more local youths with the environment.
The YES Fest will feature a rock wall, arts and crafts, archery, live music and local food trucks.
The group said it’s 75% of the way to its $7 million goal, and this event will kick off the next phrase of fundraising.
YES Fest, Sat., Sept. 27, Nicholl Park, 3230 Macdonald Ave., 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., registration required. Free.
Richmond parks and recreation fall outdoor adventures
The city of Richmond’s Fall Outdoor Adventures program for families and teens launched in early September.
Each activity is just $10 per person and includes bus transportation and meals — all that’s needed is your sense of adventure.
Events include:
• Camping FUNdamentals, Sept. 25
• Teen Paint Balling, Sept. 27
• Family Farm Pumpkin Picking, Oct. 4
• Teen Tree Obstacle Course, Oct. 11
• Family Rail Bikes, Oct. 18
Reservations are required. For more information, call 510-620-6793 or visit the Richmond Recreation Complex, 3230 Macdonald Ave.
Fall youth activities at RYSE Center
The fall schedule of activities and classes is underway at the RYSE Center for teens and young adults.
The programs began Aug. 25 and continue until Dec. 17 on weekdays. Activities are free for RYSE members between the ages of 13 and 21.
The classes and activities include open studios, jam sessions, cooking, arts, exercise and mental health services. There are also paid internships and field trips.
The RYSE Center was founded in 2008 to provide services and a gathering place for the young people of Richmond.
Indigenous People’s Day, fall art classes at Richmond Art Center
You can unleash your creativity in a variety of ways at the Richmond Art Center, where fall classes and workshops are taking place through Nov. 20.
The courses range from painting to jewelry to weaving to metal fabrication to pottery. Classes cost $150 to $360.
The center is hosting a free Fall Family Day on Sat., Oct. 11, from noon to 3 p.m., to celebrate Indigenous People’s Day, (formerly Columbus Day), which is observed by cities including Richmond on Oct. 13.
Attendees can enjoy a performance by Danza Azteca Teokalli, an Aztec dance group, hear from artist Luis Garcia, and get creative with art-making activities.
The Richmond Art Center began in the 1930s as a way to maintain and advance local artistic endeavors. The center moved into its current facility at Civic Center Plaza in 1951.
Fall Family Day, Sat., Oct. 11, from noon to 3 p.m., Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. Free.
Fall festival to be held at Nicholl Park
The city’s community services and recreation department is hosting a free Fall Festival at Nicholl Park that will feature a petting zoo, hay rides and other activities.
The city says the festival will be a way for community members to learn more about its programs for everyone from youths to seniors.
Fall Festival, Sat., Oct. 25, 2025, noon to 2 p.m., 3230 Macdonald Ave.
Point Richmond theater’s fall repertoire is underway
The Masquers Playhouse, which was founded 70 years ago, has two upcoming plays to entertain you this fall.
“Prelude to a Kiss,” a romantic fantasy that centers on a wedding where an older man and the bride switch bodies after a kiss, will debut Oct. 10 and run through Oct. 19.
“Catch Me if You Can,” the adventures of a con man that is based on a 1980 semi-autobiographical book that became a popular movie, will be performed Nov. 14 to Dec. 7.
Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Richmond. Tickets are $35 for general admission and $30 for seniors and students.
Richmond police host haunted house
The Richmond Police Department is organizing some frightful fun for the Halloween season.
The Richmond Cops and Goblins haunted house includes lunch, snacks and drinks and, of course, a trip through a haunted house.
In addition, there will be games, activities and community resource information.
Cops and Goblins Haunted House, Sat., Oct. 25, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the police substation, 1701 Regatta Blvd.
It’s a floating pumpkin patch
Pumpkins will once again populate a popular Richmond swimming pool.
The Floating Pumpkin Patch for children will bob in the waters of The Plunge the Saturday before Halloween.
There are two sessions available — one at 1:15 p.m. and another at 2:45 p.m., according to a flier for the event.
The preregistration fee of $10 allows entrance for one child and one adult. There is a limit of one pumpkin per child.
Floating Pumpkin Patch, Sat., Oct. 25, 1:15 p.m. and 2:45 p.m., The Plunge, 1 East Richmond Ave. The online registration link isn’t live yet but email richmond_plunge@ci.richmond.ca.us for more information.
Now this is getting ghosted: Historic hike returns to Point Richmond
past. Courtesy of Karen Buchanan Credit: Courtesy Karen Buchanan
An evening of spooky stories will be part of an historic tour a few days before Halloween.
The 9th Annual Point Richmond Haunted Halloween History Hike will feature performances by local actors portraying some of Point Richmond’s famous residents.
Local comedian/actress Karen Buchanan will lead the tour of the historic downtown area. The walk ends at the Biancoverde Restaurant at the Hotel Mac, where participants can learn about the Ghost of the Bathing Lady and enjoy some special cocktails.
Tickets are $20 plus fees for adults and teens. Children 12 years and younger can attend for free. Costumes are encouraged.
Point Richmond Haunted Halloween History Hike, Sat., Oct. 25, 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Indian Statue Park, 198 Park Place. Free.
Costume contest goes to the dogs
The Point Isabel Dog Owners and Friends (PIDO) group is hosting its annual Halloween costume contest.
Barktoberfest 2025 will feature a short parade, followed by a costume contest with prizes for the winners.
The dog costume contest is free for PIDO members and friends. The contest categories are divided into categories for small, medium and large dogs plus one grand prize (“Judges’ Choice”).
Barktoberfest 2025, Sun., Oct. 26, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m., Point Isabel Regional Shoreline. Free for PIDO members.
Harvest festival at House Rabbit Society
The House Rabbit Society’s fall event has a Halloween theme.
The HRS Harvest Festival will include Halloween-based activities along with snacks, drinks and music. There will also be a trick-or-treat stroll amid the society’s rescue rabbits.
The event is free, although donations are requested.
The HRS Harvest Festival, Sun., Oct. 26, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., House Rabbit Society, 148 Broadway. Free.
Costume contest and candy on Solano Avenue
Kick off Halloween evening with trick-or-treating and a costume contest on Solano Avenue in Albany and Berkeley.
The Halloween on Solano Avenue event features a contest for best Halloween costumes, beginning at 5 p.m. at Solano-Peralta Park, 1559 Solano Ave.
No advance registration is required. Cash prizes will be awarded for the best costumes.
Most stores and offices on Solano Avenue will be giving out candy from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. that afternoon.
To find more things to do on Halloween, the NextDoor app offers a trick-or-treat map of to find the fun in your neighborhood.
Halloween on Solano Avenue, Fri., Oct. 31, 5 p.m. costume contest, Solano-Peralta Park, 1559 Solano Ave., Berkeley.
WCCUSD fall schedule
Mark your calendar for school holidays observed by the West Contra Costa Unified School District.
There will be no classes on Mon., Oct. 13, as the district celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Schools will also be closed on Tue., Nov. 11, in honor of Veterans Day.
In addition, schools will not be in session during the week of Nov. 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday.
The West Contra Costa Unified School District serves more than 28,000 students in 56 schools in five cities, including Richmond, as well as some unincorporated areas.
Fall wine tasting benefits youth program
You can sample some wine while helping a youth program at a benefit gathering.
The 2025 Fall Wine Tasting Cocktail Party will feature wines, cocktails, beer and hors d’oeuvres as well as a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.
Tickets are $50 per person. Proceeds from the event go to the West County Salesian Youth Club, a nonprofit organization based in Richmond that provides programs and opportunities for young people.
The 2025 Fall Wine Tasting Cocktail Party, Sat., Nov. 1, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., West County Salesian Youth Club, 2801 Moran Ave. $50.
For more, see our events page, where you can add your own events to our calendar. We also have a list of ongoing things to do in Richmond (many of which are free). Visit Richmondside on Thursdays for a weekly things to do list and Fridays to find upcoming live music shows.
